The In-Betweeners
A mix of sweaters, sundresses, and lots of silk for transitional dressing
Hi all and welcome to week two of RGV!
Whilst explaining my styling choices and sharing my general excitement about vintage, I got really verbose for this newsletter, so I’m going to keep the intro short. The weather in NYC right now is mercurial at best so below is a nice smattering of summer, spring, and winter looks for whatever weather is outside your window.
As usual, below you’ll find three fully stylized looks, three 2-piece outfits for style on the fly, and the usual smorgasbord of stuff I just liked and wanted to share. Under each collage are the links to shop the good stuff, so get to gettin!
And don’t forget any Ebay links below aren’t the real prices! Create an account, add stuff to your watchlist, and see the discounts roll in.
Ok this is a more expensive outfit than I usually share, but vintage kismet brought these pieces together and who am I to deny it?! This ruched tube top is chic enough on its own but then - miracle of miracles - I stumbled upon this ruched skirt, too! I love how wearing these together looks like an entirely intentional dress, but they’re actually separates so you can rewear them a million different ways! Here I’ve shared a casual and a fancy take on the outfit just to show a little of its versatility.
I would wear the brass and wicker bag with either outfit and I can’t get enough of it: the handle is so cool (it looks like a puffed metal balloon!) and the way it opens is so fun. To go casual, for an evening movie or walk around the Botanical Gardens, I’d pair the set with some cool oblong sunglasses and flat pony hair sandals that are understated but impactful. For a night out, I would add a shock of green at your ears with these oversized dangle earrings and some witchy pointed boots (which would tuck under the skirt)/(look at those flared heels!).
This is one of those outfits that is deceptively stylish: jeans, a tee, and flats sounds so boring but again, the devil is in the details. These black jeans are so friggin fabulous I can’t stand it. Just a couple gold embellishments and these become a little rock and roll but also baroque-y. Since I lean more minimalist, I like the pants to do the talking and the rest of the outfit acting as support. So I’d add a flimsy grey vintage tee (a forever staple) and a simple necklace. The BELT, however, can stand on its own and is amazing and something you don’t realize works with every outfit. To keep a downtown vibe I went with these secondhand flats by Miista. I’m starting to dip my toes back into flats, and the high vamp cut of these is chic and special.
Tonal dressing is a favorite trick of mine to look put together without overthinking. The sweatshirt tunic (WITH shoulder pads which are never a bad idea) is so unique! The cut, the drape, the length - very cool. These leather pants are the most gorgeous color and the boots round out the look. I also realized how hard it is to find affordable camel leather boots (?!) so I’m going to keep hunting for even less pricey options for you.
Because there are already three shades of brown, throwing in a fourth felt forced. So I added this black classic double breasted overcoat that is the ideal length. I have a herringbone one of these and it’s my sole winter coat. Seriously, I wear it every day. Finally, I love the Greek key design, and this little ring is just a *chef’s kiss* way to combine the warm tones and the stark black of the outfit.
// It’s unfair that this Hussein Chalayan top doesn’t fit me. Note the shoulder pads! And that neckline? It’s sublime. Pair with easy navy linen trousers and done! // Steve Fabrikant is an excellent vintage knitwear brand - deeply gorgeous quality and weight. Skip the tights and just wear thigh-high sock boots! // The best color combo in a cozy, chunky sweater. All you need is this deceptive skirt! Slinky & knee-length but that surprise left thigh-high left!? Unreal. //
From top left to right:
Angora checkered sweater, $46. Is everyone over checker print? I’ve somewhat cooled on it but then I find a piece like this and it’s hook, line, and sinker! What makes this so special to me is the puffed, space-age-y shoulder detail and the soft textile mix of Angora and wool. Yum.
Cut-out midriff dress, $50. The best summer party dress and these are hard to come by for under $100! I love that this is black (of course) and I would probably hem this one a couple inches for a stronger 60s vibe rather than 90s.
Taupe car wash hem skirt, $62. This is my favorite skirt detail! The movement of this “car wash” hem is so dynamic and very “chic person crossing the street nonchalantly and seemingly carefree but they totally know how good they look.” Honestly surprised Carrie Bradshaw never got on this bandwagon since bounding across streets insouciantly is her M.O.
Pinstripe short suit, $50. I love a pinstripe because it’s such a fun print to subvert. It seems all business but throw on some strappy sandals and a bandeau and this set means business (right? right??).
Satin-y animal print blouse, $29. I’m not really one for animal print on myself (love it on others) but something about this one is so coolly minimal; it’s subtle but playful.
Silk necklace halter top, $17. This is what I thought was hot in the early 00s. It’s a silk halter top! Connected to a choker necklace! And it’s backless! Would be fun to pair with the above pinstripe suit so once work is over you take off the jacket and POW! You’re ready to hit the town.
Micro pinstripe tank dress, $21. Like I said I love a pinstripe, and please note the cute teeny pocket! Such a good everyday summer look! Honestly you could add the pinstripe jacket from above, too, and have another work-to-play look.
Talbots khaki trench, $36. Okay, I know this doesn’t look like much but one of my friends has this exact coat and it is CHIC. Those padded rounded shoulders means the jacket drapes beautifully and has a trapeze effect when you walk.
Donna Karan sheer black tights, $15. I’m so glad super sheer tights are coming back around because these are my favorite ones! They make every leg look absolutely scrumptious.
White smocked 70s sundress, $29. What is there to say? This is the ultimate sundress for city, beach, country. I’ve had two dresses of this ilk for over a decade and I still reach for them regularly.
Black utility jumpsuit, $43. I can’t help myself around a jumpsuit. I know this one doesn’t look that exciting but the whole point of this newsletter is to help you find stuff you’ll love forever! This will never go out of style. Ever! Mark my words!
Abstract squiggle skirt set, $55. Vintage is so cool. Look at the gathered detail on the top, and the button-front detail on the skirt, and the art-y squiggle print. It’s just so modern but made so long ago. That’s so cool!
Tan silk skirt set, $25. If the squiggle print was too much for you, allow me to introduce this minimal tan silk skirt set! I’m imagining a sunset walk in a big garden with lots of cicadas humming. Know a place like that? Here’s your romantic set for wandering contemplatively!
Best strap black slip, $55. You can tell what my favorite part of this slip dress is. I don’t know why the tapered strap speaks to me but it just does. So sexy to sleep in or to toss on with the above checkered sweater and sheer tights! Everything in this list can be mixed and matched beautifully apparently!
1930s lucite ID bracelet, $32. Ok hear me out. This is so bizarre but in a totally accessible way? Normal ID bracelets are utilitarian and generally medical but this one is purely for fashion which is so brazen for the 30s. I would def wear this with some gold - a bracelet, a good watch - something to sparkle alongside this nearly-there bracelet.
That’s all for this week! Hope you found a little something you loved and if not…how?? I kid, of course, but please leave a comment if there's a piece you’re seeking or you have the dream piece but are stalled as to how to style it. I’m here to help!
Until next week xx
really great eye and love the idea! - some like us vintage