Window shop with me

Today's pick: vintage. No purchase necessary.

Aug 02, 2024

A friend once told me she uses a simple trick to help scratch her online shopping itch. She clicks “add to cart” as often as she pleases, then closes out the window before hitting “purchase”. In theory I like this idea—I too am a consummate collector of favorites and creator of wish lists—but in practice, it's tapping that little “x” that’s been the challenge. Maybe I won’t ever buy whatever the thing is, but I also can’t just look away and forget it. (My browser tab hygiene is an actual embarrassment.)

If you’re anything like me, your relationship with stuff is, well, complicated. A beautiful design catches my eye and just like that … I inexplicably have the urge to own it? I suppose there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel something about the objects you surround yourself with—to be passionate about their story, craftsmanship, and purpose. But not having an income has invited me to slow down and interrogate the real motivations behind my desire to acquire things, period.

But that’s an essay for another day. For now, suffice it to say that I’m making a concerted effort to consume less, and only invest in quality pieces that add to my life in a meaningful way.

So, taking a cue from my clever friend, here’s my new trick: rather than adding more items to my cart, I’m going to share them here on Substack. The win-win? I get an outlet for my obsessive web browser window-shopping habit, and if you’re in the market for thoughtfully curated clothes, homewares, jewelry, and gifts, you get to poke through some of my picks.

And here’s my greater promise: I’ll be doubling down on my commitment to seeking out sustainable brands with fair labor practices, buying from small businesses, and choosing vintage—so stay tuned for collections of items that, at the very least, do a little bit of good if you happen to buy them.

To get us started, I’ve compiled an end-of-summer clothing roundup, retro style. Recently I’ve caught myself smiling at a number of comeback trends, and sourcing the vintage versions (mostly from Etsy, let’s face it) has brought me a lot of satisfaction. Maybe there’s a outfit in the mix with your name on it?

Like this lineup? Let me know! If there’s interest, I’ll share part two with vintage clogs, vests, and more. Have an ethical brand you love? Name drop ‘em in the comments!

Paper bag shorts

As a gal who has long felt self-conscious about her cellulite (my internalized misogyny is showing, but hey, we’re all a work in progress), there’s something refreshing about sporting a short that doesn’t offer peeks of the ol’ cheeks. I dig these roomy field shorts from Micaela Greg but nope, can’t afford them, so below are a few vintage finds that also fit the brief.

The inspo:

Vintage picks:

Flouncy tap shorts from Allen Company (PA) | XS, $65
Yellow linen shorts from Annapurna Vintage (NY) | M, $115
Green ‘90s Dockers from Poppycock Vintage (NC) | L, $38
‘90s olive GAP shorts from Barnaby Jack (CA) | 24W, $68
Pleated preppy shorts from Midnight Flight (Canada) | XS, $65
Baggy red shorts from Shop Exile (AZ) | S, $45
‘90s denim shorts from Shop Exile (AZ) | S, $24
‘90s high-waist shorts from Lola Joon Vintage (ID) | XL, $26

Beaded bracelets

Thanks to style tycoon T-Swift, these days you can hardly escape the ubiquitous beaded bracelet, from gemstone-studded designer options to elastic multi-packs at Target. I recently got to DIY my own with my number-one Swiftie (my niece), but if you’re not in a “making” mood, here are a few vintage options to try on instead.

The inspo:

Seed bead stretch bracelet set from Roxanne Assoulin, $90

Vintage picks:

Sterling ball bracelet from Box of Hollyhocks (IL) | $74
Beaded charm bracelet from Pink Lila Shop (Canada) | $35
Multi-colored beaded bracelets from ode{vintage} (OH) | $14 each
Aventurine bead bracelet from Vintage Bejeweled (NY) | $40
Clear beaded bracelet from Varteni and Co. (NY) | $25
Silver crystal bracelet from Gilded Lily Finds (MA) | $95
14K gold fire opal bracelet from Nova Lita Vintage (CO) | $275
Beaded rice pearl bracelet from Pink Lila Shop (Canada) | $50

Crochet bags

Okay, so obviously a classic woven bag is a no-brainer for beachy boardwalks and farmers markets, but crochet specifically is—apparently—having a moment. There are *so* many gorgeous handmade options on Etsy (Plexida being one of my favorites), but you can also find tons of crochet boho bags from the ‘60s and ‘70s if you search for vintage.

The inspo:

Vintage picks:

Ivory crochet handbag from Boom Babies Vintage (NY) | $47
Crochet cherry shoulder bag from Smize Vintage (Belgium) | $54
Chunky crochet bag from Inherit Shop Vintage (OR) | $58
Rust shoulder bag from Box of Hollyhocks (IL) | $36
Jute market bag from Matron Patron (Lithuania) | $25
Crochet bucket bag from Barnaby Jack (CA) | $60
Navy macrame handbag from The Vintage Magpie UK (United Kingdom) | $87
Cream crochet handbag from Morning Glorious (VT) | $22

Striped sets

Maybe (probably, definitely) I’ve been suckered by Big Brand, but lately bold stripes are making me swoon. (Have you seen these sheets from Piglet in Bed?) I really wanted to bring this coordinated cover-up set from Left on Friday to the OBX last month, but couldn’t justify the price tag. So, in the spirit of showing my stripes (heh), here are some vibey vintage alternatives.