How would you recommend a modern size 16 (or ballpark) shop secondhand or vintage for summer? Fall and winter are easier seasons to buy secondhand or vintage for mid- and plus-sized bodies, but summer is harder. I tried so hard to find a realization par- inspired silk dress, but nothing has really caught my eye. I think I'll just purchase a new Rixo silk dress instead to catch the vibe. Even purchasing more contemporary niche brands on the secondhand market is difficult. I'm feeling discouraged but don't want to give up. Love your sense of style and intelligent, witty writing!
hi Rachel! I definitely want to validate the difficulty you experience with the lack of size inclusivity across fashion brands and with secondhand - I wish contemporary brands across the board would listen to its customer base and prioritize size inclusivity. the best tip I’ve come across and heard from others is to use the Gem app (also on browser) bc you can search for secondhand across multiple platforms, all the big ones like eBay TRR Poshmark, AND filter for size. I use Gem for its mainly for its time-saving aggregation benefits, but the size filter makes things a lot simpler as well. ❣️
Thanks, Viv! I have noticed you always try to include recommendations for those of us who inhabit mid- and plus-sized bodies. I really appreciate the acknowledgement and effort on your part. It makes me feel seen. 💜
hi Sarah! I’ve “missed out” on items that sold out before because I was waiting on a sale but thinking back on it, I can’t say there’s truly an article of clothing I’m still that sad about not getting. For me it is helpful to reframe as accepting that disappointment is a natural part of any endeavor and trying to move through it, vs avoiding disappointment by buying more things. But that said, if I really like something and it’s within my budget (knowing your financial boundaries is key), I will buy it.
hi bianca! my writing routine changes a lot depending on what else i have going that month/travel/energy levels...in a typical week, i will spend at least some time every day brainstorming. which can look like actively writing down ideas, or jotting down a random phrase in my notes app, or just going on a walk and letting myself go into a reflective mode and seeing what knocks loose. i probably write 3-4 days out of the week in ~1-2 hour spurts. i'm not good at sitting down for hours at a time banging out pieces!
ah i got these at a uniqlo in japan! (pants there tend to have shorter inseams). US uniqlo probably has similar styles...i would call them a "cropped track pant" if you're searching from scratch
hmmmm. Right now: relaxed, playful, personal (as in I want the clothes to look very personal to me, like I’ve worn them a long time but taken good care of them)
I have this cotton robin egg blue vintage sundress and I like wearing them with biker boots or my cropped courreges jacket. I would avoid ladylike cardigans or sweet ballet flats, if you do not want to look too cutesy
so during the pandemic when I got really into the Tibi videos I did narrow down my three words to playful, whimsical and eclectic! I used to think about that framework a lot and it was helpful when I was sort of figuring out how I wanted to dress after not working in an office anymore. Now I don’t think about adjectives anymore - nothing against them, it just doesn’t cross my mind
i try to! being “perfectly” sustainable I think is a bit of a myth bc there are so many factors and larger systemic issues at play (labor, raw materials, chemical processing, price points, etc) so I would not feel right saying my approach is the *most* sustainable at all. My closet is 90% secondhand but I know secondhand does not always equal sustainable! my advice I guess is to be a lifelong learner of the clothing manufacturing industry/engage with the sustainability issues within fashion, while purchasing items in a way that feels accessible and sustainable for your own budget and needs.
How would you recommend a modern size 16 (or ballpark) shop secondhand or vintage for summer? Fall and winter are easier seasons to buy secondhand or vintage for mid- and plus-sized bodies, but summer is harder. I tried so hard to find a realization par- inspired silk dress, but nothing has really caught my eye. I think I'll just purchase a new Rixo silk dress instead to catch the vibe. Even purchasing more contemporary niche brands on the secondhand market is difficult. I'm feeling discouraged but don't want to give up. Love your sense of style and intelligent, witty writing!
hi Rachel! I definitely want to validate the difficulty you experience with the lack of size inclusivity across fashion brands and with secondhand - I wish contemporary brands across the board would listen to its customer base and prioritize size inclusivity. the best tip I’ve come across and heard from others is to use the Gem app (also on browser) bc you can search for secondhand across multiple platforms, all the big ones like eBay TRR Poshmark, AND filter for size. I use Gem for its mainly for its time-saving aggregation benefits, but the size filter makes things a lot simpler as well. ❣️
Thanks, Viv! I have noticed you always try to include recommendations for those of us who inhabit mid- and plus-sized bodies. I really appreciate the acknowledgement and effort on your part. It makes me feel seen. 💜
How do you take a considered approach to shopping without things you want selling out before you get your hands on them?
hi Sarah! I’ve “missed out” on items that sold out before because I was waiting on a sale but thinking back on it, I can’t say there’s truly an article of clothing I’m still that sad about not getting. For me it is helpful to reframe as accepting that disappointment is a natural part of any endeavor and trying to move through it, vs avoiding disappointment by buying more things. But that said, if I really like something and it’s within my budget (knowing your financial boundaries is key), I will buy it.
Hi Viv!
What’s your writing routine like? Eg do you wake up and slam out writing for 3 hours etc? I’d love any tips or advice for an avid procrastinator🥹
hi bianca! my writing routine changes a lot depending on what else i have going that month/travel/energy levels...in a typical week, i will spend at least some time every day brainstorming. which can look like actively writing down ideas, or jotting down a random phrase in my notes app, or just going on a walk and letting myself go into a reflective mode and seeing what knocks loose. i probably write 3-4 days out of the week in ~1-2 hour spurts. i'm not good at sitting down for hours at a time banging out pieces!
I would love to know more about these navy pants in the photo! I’m in the market for some and am intrigued by what I can see :)
ah i got these at a uniqlo in japan! (pants there tend to have shorter inseams). US uniqlo probably has similar styles...i would call them a "cropped track pant" if you're searching from scratch
thanks so much! I have my eye on a pair of pants from Beams in a similar silhouette :)
If you could describe your style using only 3 words, what would they be ? Xx, Kate
hmmmm. Right now: relaxed, playful, personal (as in I want the clothes to look very personal to me, like I’ve worn them a long time but taken good care of them)
Another question if this isn’t too greedy 😆 what are your favorite styling tips for wearing vintage sundresses without the look skewing too cutesy?
I have this cotton robin egg blue vintage sundress and I like wearing them with biker boots or my cropped courreges jacket. I would avoid ladylike cardigans or sweet ballet flats, if you do not want to look too cutesy
What’s your take on the 3 word method for defining your style? Do you think it’s limiting? Helpful? If so, what are your 3 words?
so during the pandemic when I got really into the Tibi videos I did narrow down my three words to playful, whimsical and eclectic! I used to think about that framework a lot and it was helpful when I was sort of figuring out how I wanted to dress after not working in an office anymore. Now I don’t think about adjectives anymore - nothing against them, it just doesn’t cross my mind
do u have a sustainable approach to buying clothes?
i try to! being “perfectly” sustainable I think is a bit of a myth bc there are so many factors and larger systemic issues at play (labor, raw materials, chemical processing, price points, etc) so I would not feel right saying my approach is the *most* sustainable at all. My closet is 90% secondhand but I know secondhand does not always equal sustainable! my advice I guess is to be a lifelong learner of the clothing manufacturing industry/engage with the sustainability issues within fashion, while purchasing items in a way that feels accessible and sustainable for your own budget and needs.
summer pieces, outfits, or vibes you're excited to wear or try?
hmmm I’m excited about relaxed high quality jeans in interesting cuts….printed 2000s cotton/silk camis and always a cocoon-y dress lol
Cute!