why did nobody tell me about this vintage brand for trench coats?
my top 5 secondhand purchases of the year so far + 30 new listings in the secondhand sonar doc
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Hi! It’s been a while since I’ve covered my personal secondhand finds, so today’s letter covers my top 5 scores of the year so far. Paid readers get the full list and access to the secondhand sonar doc, where I’ve dropped 30 links to similar pieces you can shop.
1). Gaultier Tiger Print Coat
This one takes the cake, no question. I was searching for animal print outerwear last month on jp ebay and froze when this fur-trimmed fabulosity appeared on page 8 out of god knows how many. It was during one of those listless glum winter nights where you’re zombie-clicking “next page, next page” on ebay with a TV show playing the background, just frying your dopamine receptors to a crisp but then AHA! You see something a listing that jumps off the screen, and you know you’ve struck gold.
It’s a vintage piece from Gaultier’s Jeans, a diffusion line from Jean Paul Gaultier. If it looks familiar, it’s because you might have seen it on FKA Twigs.
The exterior is a glossy velour fabric, and the print is a cheeky combination of tiger stripes and camouflage. The inside is lined with quilted padding, so it has a nice weight to it and keeps you warm. The only thing I would dock points for is that the front closures are just three little hook-and-eye clasps, and they aren’t very secure.
It arrived in time for my New York trip, and was my most worn coat that week! It was also a hit among the faux-hemian characters in the Bowery lobby.
2). Apple Green Martiniano Heels
Honestly, I got these because they were well-priced on TRR ($75, rare for Martiniano shoes) and the color spoke to me. The pointed-toe and nub heel were a departure from the glove flats I know and love, but the supple leather is distinctly Martiniano. Because the leather is super soft, you might see a slight anatomical outline of your toes (which I think is cool and avant-garde lol).
I wore them out for dinner at Rose Pizzeria last night with vintage Levi’s straight leg jeans.
3). Romeo Gigli Tinted Sunglasses
These are a find from Rite of Passage in Brooklyn. I wasn’t planning on shopping sunglasses, but they caught my eye because of the jello red tint. Once I tried them on, I couldn’t stop grinning. They were equal parts groovy and cunty. The nose pads are comfy, and the frames don’t slide off my low nose bridge.
Tinted sunglasses like these have actually been such a winter accessory MVP for adding color and visual interest above the neck.
4). The Perfectly Drapey Slouchy Trench of my Dreams!!!
Trench coats have always been tricky for me. I am 5’2”, so the excess length on trenches usually make me look like a child detective, when what I want to channel is Harper Stern. Also, I spent years thinking Burberry was the gold standard of trench coats, but they always felt too stiff and preppy for my taste!
I have never found a trench coat that drapes and slouches perfectly, without drowning me in fabric—until I slipped into this one at Ebreo, a new-ish Italian menswear vintage shop in Brooklyn. Not my usual haunt, but I went in thinking “maybe I’ll fit some pieces from some short kings!”
And I’m glad I did, because from the moment I saw THIS trench hanging from the wall, I knew I had to try it on. The fabric just looked so nice—soft but not limp. The shoulders (which are usually a stiff and boxy pain point for me) looked gently sloped and relaxed. The shop guy took it down off the wall for me.
My hands pawed over the fabric. It was, without a doubt, the nicest cotton I’d ever felt on a trench coat. Medium weight, double-lined in certain areas, but soooooooo soft—the results of years of washing and wear, I imagine.
I put it on. I really did feel like Harper Stern.
I had to know who made this trench, because the quality and craftsmanship was undeniable. I’m proud to report that I was committed to buying the trench before checking the inside tag, which is how I know that I genuinely love it and not just because it’s from an iconic designer!
This trench is by