I’ve talked about it before but this all stems from my love for Carol Burnett as a slightly disheveled Miss Hannigan in the 1982 adaptation of Annie and a seemingly never-ending quest to find easy, lightweight pieces that would get me through those really unbearably hot days in NYC, which started a few years ago. I began, slowly trading in my denim cutoffs for silk tap shorts, and sundresses for see-through slips, underpinned with Huha underwear—which is pretty much all I wear these days.

This hyper-fixation spiraled into a full-on obsession and a growing collection of Christian Dior intimates, pre and post 1960, as well as Oscar de La Renta, Calvin Klein, Victoria’s Secret, and more.

~*{Click Here to Shop 50+ Vintage Lingerie Finds*}

I’m specifically looking for pieces that can be tastefully worn as outerwear beyond the bedroom because, in the world of fashion, it is perfectly acceptable to step out with your unmentionables exposed. In fact, it’s something I do, often. As do a lot of your stylish faves.

The thing is, as someone who likes to delve deep into the psychology of a trend, I can’t help but notice the parallels between the great depression era and fashion’s current boom in top drawer dressing.

By 1915, there was a noticeable shift happening in “underclothing” shapes and silhouettes, specifically for bras—evolving from a tube-like, corset tops to the functional, less fussy look we’re used to today. Silk pieces with structure were few and far between, often reserved for the rich and famous, due to the price of such materials during wartime. But as everyday women entered the work force and started gaining more financial independence, they began investing in more aspirational purchases, which included emulating the glamorous movie stars and upper class women they saw wearing such pretty pieces. It’s also worth mentioning that women, often owned and consumed a lot less clothing during this time, which meant their collection of underwear did a lot of heavy lifting.

So how is this relevant to the trend in 2026? We’re at a time in our country, where conservatism is at an all time high, and women’s bodily autonomy is at risk. While, undergarments aren’t inherently sexual there are certain connotations that make leaving the house with your body exposed, in that way, an act of rebellion against a system that’s pushing women towards the “cottage core” and “tradwife” aesthetics. Similar to the post-WWII era, I see it as a way for women to say they won’t be confined to certain societal standards. Politics aside, there are also slew of high-profile names embracing this idea of undergarments as outerwear which offers an air of luxury and aspiration that was missing from the height of Calvin Klein’s more “relatable” exposed brief era.

In The Zeitgeist…

Underwear has always been a major touchstone of inspiration for designers. Betsey John’s Spring 1999 collection included a sheer, lace capri and negligee look, which was seen on K-Pop star Jennie a few weeks ago. Just yesterday, I found myself swiping through Galliano’s Spring 2004 collection for Dior and was gobsmacked by the sheer amount of top drawer influence that had been injected into the lineup. Tom Ford famously drew inspiration from the top drawer for his collections for Gucci. This is only scratches the surface but the point is, while it’s nothing new, there has been a noticeable uptick in exposed unmentionables.

Last season, my personal fave out of Shanghai, Mark Gong showed a collection of lace-y midi skirts with exposed bras and bustiers (as seen on Joey King for the Practical Magic 2 press tour). More recently, Alexa Chung starred in Chloé’s Resort 2027 campaign, in which she wears a range of vintage-inspired slip dresses and lace-detailed nightgowns that look like something in my shopping cart on Etsy. This is creative director, Chemana Kamali’s approach to make lingerie fit for everyday, while turning these distinctly Chloé pieces into collectible items.

Off the runway, Hailey Bieber did a pap walk wearing a Christian Dior slip that dates back to the ‘90s. As did Alexa Demie, only her’s was couture Chanel that was sent down the runway, earlier in the season. Bella Hadid spent most of the summer on a yacht in airy sets by the LA-based brand Somebodée and Dôen. Zendaya channeled Athena in a custom lace gown by Louis Vuitton that looks a lot like a negligee, thanks to the strategic cutouts, during the Odyssey press tour. While Dua Lipa has opted for a poplin bloomer set and a bunch of of slinky camisole tops (and slip dresses) from the likes of Gucci, 16Arlington, and Chloé, respectively. The list really does go on.

What Your Lingerie Preference Says About You:

My more than 100 hours of market research has led me to believe that most vintage and modern lingerie falls under at least one of the four categories, below, with a considerable amount of overlap. For example, a sheer slip mini dress like the monogrammed Gucci style, above totes the line between edgy “sexpot” (good) and stylish, whereas cotton bloomers, satin bed jackets and full-length night gowns scream, precious Madonna.

Comfort - As the name suggests, this is for those who prioritize being cozy rather than cunt-y. I think about all-natural cotton-jersey materials and soft silhouettes such as bralettes and mini nighties á la brands like My Mum Made It and Hill House Home, that won’t restrict body movement.

Style - Fashion forward with trend-driven silhouettes, these pieces are typically meant to be seen, beyond the constraints of your home. This includes camisoles and negligees trimmed in Chantilly or Leavers lace, full-length catsuits, and step-in slips with a butterfly hem.

“Sexpot” - Despite all of the connotations, the term lingerie, isn’t inherently a dirty word. And while there are a slew of scantily-clad styles that aren’t typically meant to be seen by the outside world, when done correctly, it can be an easy alternative to the basic girl’s “jeans and a cute top combo” for a night out. One of my favorite street-style pictures of Victoria’s Secret model, Barbara Sprouse (formerly Palvin) in a mid-length trench coat, which she had styled with garters, shin-high stockings, and pumps (only) is a prime example of how to embrace the risqué vibe without being overexposed.

*Side note, I interviewed Palvin (and Chiara Ferragni) back in 2019 while in Verona, Italy on a press trip with Intimissimi, my first ever, actually, and she was so kind and sweet—read the story, here)

Gabbriette’s sheer lace dress slipped over lingerie also comes to mind. The newlywed was just seen sporting a full-length slip to celebrate her birthday a few weeks ago.

“Madonna” - Sigmund Freud’s psychological ideology from the earlt 1900s—
”The Madonna Whore Complex”—suggests that some tend to put women in one of two categories, as a result of their own inability to have a sexual desire for a partner that they love and respect. Those that they deem pure and chaste are Madonnas, where as the Whores, seems pretty self explanatory. There’s a Sex And The City episode where Charlotte (Kristin Davis) is struggling to consummate her marriage to Trey (Kyle MacLachlan), in which she realizes she’s been seared with the "Madonna” brand, rather than being seen as the multifaceted woman she is.

In lingerie terms, I found that at the other end of the sexpot spectrum is the ultra-feminine, almost angelic-like pieces with pretty bows, ruffles, lace overlays, doilies etc. Less see-through mesh, more lustrous satin. I tend to associate this with bridal negligees, bed jackets, and airy night gowns á la the “Park Avenue Pollyanna”, herself.

Different Styles Of Lace

If you’ve ever wondered why certain lingerie pieces are more expensive than others, despite having very similar fabric content breakdowns, it’s likely because of the type of lace that was used. One of my favorite fashion historians Cora Harrington (formerly The Lingerie Addict) who has since stopped posting, wrote a really great explainer guide about the different types of lace and how they’re created.

~*{Click Here to Shop 50+ Vintage Lingerie Finds*}

And If You Liked This, You’ll Love…

The last time she was in Brooklyn, I was at the Atlantic Terminal Target across the street having a hard day and saw gaggles of ponytail-clad girls in massive t-shirts with boots outside the venue and new immediately what was going on. I remember thinking to myself that despite not being much of a concert goer, I would love to see her one day.

Side note: I feel like this shouldn’t have to be said about picking a problematic fave but this does not apply to misogynists, racists, abusers, homophobes, and other generally bad people who you want to give a pass simply because you like their work.

Having said that, I can acknowledge (and agree) that licking multiple donuts while at a bakery is in fact a public safety hazard, she should not have given “SpongeBob” (or any other taken man, for that matter) the time of day, especially knowing he, in particular, had a newborn at home, AND that my girl has been battling something we aren’t privy to, resulting in a drastic change in her appearance.

But the girl can blow, produces her own harmonies, keeps the dolls booked and busy, calls for a free Palestine, and let’s face it, I have so much empathy for a fellow millennial, water sign who *unapologetically* falls hard, often, and typically for the wrong people. (Because, same.) I can’t help but Stan.

Vocals and insurmountable talent aside, though, I respect the hell out of someone who comes off a little cocky and is passionate about their craft, while also understanding the power of the tongue. (The song “Just Like Magic” is a manifestation mantra, and I can’t be convinced otherwise.)

The Power Of Manifestation

To say that I manifested my way into the concert, after losing the Ticketmaster war last year, while simultaneously checking in on resale prices for the next six months, would be an absolute understatement.

Upon seeing videos of the tour’s opening night in Oakland, I posted on my close friends, that I would be in attendance (despite not yet having a ticket).

About a month before she was scheduled to be in Brooklyn, I posted, yet again, that I would welcome any invites to go see her (and was willing to beg—something I never do), only this time on main. BIG shout out to my R29 editor, Victoria, for swiping up on my Instagram story with a lead. The next day, I sent and email to the necessary parties and by the following week I was confirmed for her show, making a strong case for my belief that closed mouths never get fed and, most importantly, maintaining professional connections will go a long way.

I also feel like it needs to be said that Ariana Grande’s career is somewhat of a masterclass in manifestation and landing the role of Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked is a prime example.

The concert, itself, felt like one big manifestation ritual, as the really diverse crowd belted her songs, word for word, while absorbing all the positive energy in the room. It was like nothing else I’ve experienced in my life.

For the occasion, I opted for an all-black ensemble featuring wide-leg satin pants, Danielle Guizio’s fan-favorite ‘Ara’ top, styled with these kitten-heel sandals from DSW, which are extremely comfortable. To abide by Miss Grande’s clear bag policy, I brought my beloved PVC Chanel ‘Coco Splash’ bag, out to play.

Every Custom Tour Look (ft. Stylist Law Roach)…

Ludovic de Saint Sernin - Custom made by hand in the brand’s atelier in Paris using delicate black lace, this tutu-style mini dress is adorned with the brand’s signature eyelets and lacing at the back.

“I have been dreaming this day would finally come for years, it’s finally here and I can hardly believe it,” the designer said on Instagram about creating a piece for the artist. “Her music has helped me through some of the darkest days and resonates with me so much, I can’t even explain it.”

McQueen - This corseted, ballet-inspired dress cut from a blush pink silk creponne material is defined by its skillfully shredded skirt.

Givenchy by Sarah Burton - Cut from Duchesse satin, this custom corset drape bow dress is carefully decorated with silver, Wisteria embroidery.

Wiederhoeft - Featuring a sheer corset with exposed steel boning with an eroded effect, this custom dress is decorated with hand-appliquéd paisley lace that’s overlaid with carefully-embroidered motifs made from blush raffia and wooden beads. The cascading veil tulle skirt is made from is finished with a glass-bead embroidered edge that was done entirely by hand.

Vivienne Westwood - Designed with the brand’s signature, draped corset bodice, this custom dress is made in dark purple chiffon with a black lace overly and a velvet choker to match.

Givenchy By Sarah Burton - The custom empire off-white (despite the concert lighting making it appear purple in the photos) dress is made with puff sleeves. The organza material has been carefully embroidered with four-leaf clover satin stitching.

Tanner Fletcher - The design duo created a custom silk charmeuse drop waist strapless gown with their signature bow details at the bust—similar to the dress from the Eternal Sunshine visuals. It’s topped off with a silk-chiffon peignor that comes complete with a ruffle hem train and puff sleeves.

The Higher The Heels The Closer To…

Standing at 5’2”, Ariana Grande is a tiny queen, which is why she’s notorious for wearing ankle-breaking platforms, especially while on stage or the red carpet. With the assistance of her stylist Law Roach, she wore an assortment of custom designer heels for the occasion. Christian Louboutin created a pair of lace-up, ballerina pumps and chunky leather square-toe boots (in two different colors) for the singer, while Givenchy put a sparkly touch on their haute couture Shark pinch boot.

Healing Through Music

Although Positions is my favorite album in her discography, Eternal Sunshine, specifically the Brighter Days Ahead deluxe, holds a special place in my heart. Mainly because it came at a time when I needed it the most. (I watched the full thing in the airport lounge on a layover in Dublin, on my way to Italy and wept.)

The thing about grief, is that everyone in your inner circle, no matter how much they love you, gets over what happened a lot quicker than you do. They see you smiling, traveling, dating, and what looks a lot like, moving on entirely, not realizing that the aftermath can be just as insidious as the storm itself. Ending a toxic, longterm relationship, no matter how necessary and beneficial it was, is sad and course correcting after so much of your worlds are intertwined takes time. While everyone around me, was just happy that it was finally over, I was still standing in the wreckage of the home I had built, trying to grapple with the fact that I was starting from, what felt like, square one.

When the album’s single, ‘we cant be friends’, made its debut I had never felt so seen by a song. (Down to being left with the dog, in the end.) But as the storyline continued to unfold, I realized it was less about the dissolution of the marriage, itself, and more so how draining it can be to oscillate between all the conflicting emotions that come a long with it. And instead that it feels almost easier to wipe the mind completely, so you “feel less insane”.

The third track of the album, titled ‘don’t wanna break up again’ opens with the lyrics:

“I fall asleep crying. You turn up the TV. You don’t want to hear me, one more sleepless night. Big day in the morning, so I take my time to self soothe.”

It went over a lot of fan’s heads but unfortunately for me its something I knew all too well. No one talks about how hard it is to pick yourself up after being beaten down mentally and emotionally—while your partner has become somewhat apathetic to your emotions—especially when you’re on the cusp of your dreams coming true. For Ariana, I presume, it was Wicked auditions or rehearsals. For me, it was a Harper Bazaar interview, my first day at Net-A-Porter, important meetings at Moda Operandi, the list of monumental, career-defining moments that were overshadowed by a little boy’s fragile ego.

I say all this to say, when you’ve been conditioned to doubt your own instincts and feelings, you’ll start thinking you’re going crazy. And this album was extremely validating.

It also gave us a lot of insight into her own journey, which included mending her relationship with her dad. As depicted in her song ‘Hampstead’, it’s clear he also played an integral part in putting the pieces back together, and I can absolutely relate. I’d say the tour brought the entire era full circle. Through various interludes and visuals, it’s clear that Ariana was no longer looking to erase her memory and understands that doing so, doesn’t only get rid of the pain or heartache. But it can cost you a lot of good memories, in the process.

There was something so therapeutic about belting out songs I’ve listened to every day for the last two years at the top of my lungs, while surrounded by people who also connect to her music for one reason our another. And I can imagine that in a lot of ways, this is all very healing for her, as well. I hope so.

For labels like Melissa, the flexible material has *obviously* been a central part of its DNA since 1979, hence the brand-specific materials, jelly-related collections and collabs we’ve seen pop up over the last decade—I’m looking at you Diesel, Collina Strada, Marc Jacobs, and more. Luxury brands you’d never expect are also joining in on the fun.

Amidst a well-timed resurgence, Chloé introduced a kitten-heel Jelly thong sandal last summer, paving the way for the princess-inspired mule that’s been all over your timeline in 2026. Jimmy Choo and Alaïa, also put their (very expensive) spin on the retro style with a pool-slide inspired heel, strap-detailed sandals for every day as well as a jelly take on the ‘Le Teckel’ bag, respectively. Gentle Monster even did a gummy eyewear collab that’s nearly impossible to get your hands on. And then, even more recently, Saint Laurent is suggesting men embrace the look with a pair of see-through Oxford shoes for spring 2027 that, in my opinion, should absolutely be underpinned by some sort of sock.

Luxury, contemporary, and mall brands, alike, are throwing their hats into the proverbial jelly ring, most of which is just the PVC trend of yesteryear (2016) repackaged. But we don’t have to talk about that right now.

However, long before the foggy footwear had Kimye connotations, it was a fixture in Black and Brown communities during the summer.

For Context…

Although we often associate jelly shoes, in particular, with the ‘80s, as well as the early 2000s, they’ve been around for much longer. Some of the earliest styles date back to the late ‘40s early ‘50s, when PVC was created, as a solution to the post-WWII leather shortages happening in France. The caged silhouette we all know and love (or hate) became especially popular among fisherman, so aptly being dubbed the Méduse, which translates to “jelly fish”in French. But it wasn’t until the early ‘80s, when Brazilian brands like Melissa put a more fashionable spin on what started as functional footwear. Though, former financier Preston Haag Sr. was the one that brought the jellies stateside.

There’s also a cultural component that’s impossible to ignore, especially as someone who grew up with a closet full of different color jellies, presumably a pair for every outfit. But I wasn’t the only one. The waterproof style was a mainstay in a lot of Black (and brown) households, due mainly in part to their versatility and ease of wear, finding its ways into 99-cent stores and bargain bins around the country. By the 2000s, the shoes had expanded beyond discount and corner stores, making its way to the runways of Chanel, Dior, and Jean Paul Gaultier, to name a few. However, throughout the multi-decade run, they remained a polarizing style for a good portion of shoppers.

Now, as everyone else in the industry slowly comes to terms with these candy-colored accessories making a comeback, I’m fighting off the very millennial urge to buy everything in “jelly form”. It started with my affinity for those Melissa x Y/Project Glass slipper ‘Court’ mules from a few years back. After months of searching, I eventually scored a pair (NWT and the box) in my size and preferred color-way for $200. Over the next few summers I would go on to pick up a pair of wear-with-anything sandals, or two, while simultaneously ruminating over newer, luxury styles. But earlier this year, I was left gobsmacked by a photo of an iridescent, jelly top-handle tote while scrolling.

And then, I realized that, all roads lead back to the Jelly Firkin.

Long Live The ‘Jelly Firkin’

If you’ve been on the internet as long as I have, you probably remember jellybags.net (please tell me I’m not alone). The now-defunct, soon-to-return (?) website was a one-stop shop during the early 2000s for all things, you guessed it, jelly bags. From what I remember, the site was rather simplistic by design (as most PDPs were, back then) and featured more than a dozen different shapes, including one that looked a lot like a “fake Birkin” bag—hence the unofficial name, the “Firkin”. I’m talking buckets, totes and crossbody bags, as well as carryall duffles, too.

I want to say there were more than like 20 colors to choose from, both with iridescent and matte finishes. (I, at the ripe age of, like, 10 opted for the slime-green, big boy Firkin which I still have somewhere in the attic or basement (?) of my childhood home.) I took this bag with me everywhere, including my family’s annual, trip to Chicago at the beginning of the summer—pictured, below.

Fast forward two decades later and the bag is pretty much all over the K-Fashion scene. Kya from K-Pop group KiiKii was seen sporting the apple green TPU bag, while the style set follows suit. As the West catches up,

Navigating the ‘Jelly’ Market…

As much as I’m into the jelly look, like with anything else, I’m not a fan of paying more than it’s worth, simply because there’s a designer name slapped on it. If you’re questioning whether or not their worth the $$$, I’d advise asking yourself the following:

1. Could I find this design elsewhere? Is it a design with details or a silhouette specific to this brand or is it a common flip-flop?

2. Would I like it if there wasn’t a brand name attached?

3. Realistically, how often do I see myself wearing it/them?

Depending on your answers to the above, you may feel justified in buying $700 jelly mules and that would be your prerogative. However, this is the one time that I’d suggest exploring the dupes, as an alternative. (Jeffery Campbell has a handful of jelly options, similar to the Chloé styles and I can confirm they are just as good). A plastic shoe, is a plastic shoe and unless it’s absolutely revolutionary, there’s not a real reason to spend more than you have to. Which brings me to my next point...

PVC vs. TPU

No matter how these brands dress it up, most modern day “Jelly” items are made from one of three materials—TPU, PVC, or Silicone…

I wont’t be getting into the impact these materials have on the environment. But after reading a rather in depth report from Vogue Business the details are in fact a bit darker and detrimental than the playfulness of jelly items suggests. My advice would be to read the piece in its entirety to get a full grasp on the situation at hand, especially before adding those sandals to cart.

And if you still need help determining which (if any) are the best fit for your closet, save this cheat sheet for later…

Shop the Jelly Edit:

1. Melissa x Telfar Large Jelly Shopper

2. Casio Unisex Digital Jelly Strap Watch

3. Melissa x Diesel Jelly Platform Sandals

4. Los Angeles Apparel Jelly Flats

5. Coach Jelly Kitten Heel

6. Tory Burch Mini Romy Clear Bucket Bag

7. Jimmy Choo Jelly Drop 50 Jelly Sandals

8. Thirty Years Jelly Clear Tote

9. Stoney Clover Lane Large Jelly Pouch

10. Chloé Knotted Jelly Mules

11. Jeffery Campbell Gummy Ankle Strap Sandal

12. Vidakush Pink Jelly Ring

13. Gap Jelly Flip Flops

14. Vivienne Westwood X-Ray Tote

15. Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Jelly PVC Flip Flops

This all stems from my struggles with shorts, as well as, a longtime obsession with legendary Carol Burnett’s interpretation of Miss “Agatha” Hannigan in the 1982 rendition of Annie. Albeit cruel and a little off-kilter, her character was dripped in colorful kimonos, skimpy negligees, and lace-trimmed tap short camisole sets, of which she paired with feather boas and strings of beaded necklaces. I remember being obsessed with her disheveled and slightly risqué style, a gin martini in hand; I’m more of a vodka girl myself. But, chic, nonetheless.

As I get older, I find myself relating to her style even more than before. Not to mention, there’s something so undoubtedly chic about having a really fancy underwear collection, if not to only wear them around the house. It’s one of those seemingly simple aspects of my wardrobe that I really enjoy zeroing in on. And in my desire to grow my collection, I started doing some market research, which led me to this 101-year old lingerie store in Manhattan.

It’s been a little under a year since I took what would be the first of many trips (across the bridge) to one of NYC’s oldest lingerie stores, hoping to get my hands on a vintage Dior bra (or two) to complete a satin tap short set I had gotten months prior. Further fueling this obsession, the tiny boutique tucked away on the Lower East Side is a fifth-generation, family-owned business that prides itself in being a sort of unofficial, historical landmark in the city. However, green awning aside, it’s in a rather unsuspecting location that I’ve probably walked by dozens of times without even noticing. In other words, you wouldn’t really know it was there, unless it was your primary destination.

When I walked in on a random afternoon post diamond facial, I was greeted by the store’s owner Miriam Kohn, who, at the time, was preoccupied with another customer. The eager shopper pulled out her phone to document her finds, to which Kohn swiftly and bluntly told her was not allowed. The girl scrunched up her face and walked out. Once the owner finished filing the pulled products back into place, she gave me her spiel—no food, no drinks, clean hands only, and, of course, no pictures or videos.

I liked her, immediately.

As someone who spends about 90% of their free time vintage shopping around the world (and the other 10% talking about vintage), I’ve come across two sellers who handle their pieces with such a high level of care; The other instance that comes to mind, was my impromptu visit to a small antique store in Paris, owned by an older gentleman. He ran a really strict program. I’m talking buzzer at the door, white glove, handling only. I left with a needlepoint compact mirror.

What I like about Kohn’s store, though, is that it feels like stepping into someone’s personal, very well-organized archives—and in a lot of ways, it is exactly that. Founded in 1924 by Hungarian immigrants Abraham and Regina Kaufman, A.W. Kaufman is somewhat of an anomaly on present day Delancey Street, what with all the buzzy boutiques and fusion kitchen popping up around them. The store itself is small in stature with floor-to-ceiling shelving filled to the brim with underwear, hosiery, and bras, along with racks of plastic-covered nighties, robes, and negligees. But what it lacks in square footage, it makes up for in inventory.

Once I explained what I was looking for, she started pulling out plastic bins with labels on them. It was around this time that I mustered up the courage to explain what I do (document my vintage finds on the internet) and ask if I could take a few videos, pictures to share with all of you. Much to my surprise, she agreed.

We got to talking and I asked her questions about the store’s origins and some of the oldest pieces she had on hand. During this conversation, I even learned that most satin pieces weren’t made from silk because of how expensive it was. My brain was a sponge and I was soaking it in.

Now, during this time, it seemed like there was a revolving door of customers who were immediately off-put by Kohn’s IDGAF attitude and confused as to why she was so interested in chatting with me. What they didn’t realize, is we had a shared love and appreciation for this really old garments, and because I made that abundantly clear from the moment I walked in, I had seemingly earned her respect. As Alexa Chung put it, when describing Kohn in her recent Harper’s Bazaar podcast episode, “she makes you work for it and you have to do what she says…but it’s worth it.” And she’s right.

Before I knew it, I looked at my phone and realized we had been talking for, at least, two hours. My best friend, Sherene, had since stopped in to meet me for a little post-shopping Rosé at Bar Primi, so your girl was happy and fed (intellectually)…which meant it was time to spend some of my hard earned money.

What I Bought:

As I mentioned briefly, I was there to find the matching bra or bralette for a pair of pink vintage Dior tap shorts I had gotten from Pimbeche Vintage not long prior to this visit. Miriam showed me a handful of gorgeous pieces that fluctuated in price depending on the level of detail or type of lace trimming used. I landed on light purple-pink and mint bralettes and left happy as a clam. I’ve since worn them on a number of occasions, including a night out in Lisbon,Portugal that didn’t technically end until 5am—two hours before my car was scheduled to pick me up for the airport.

**A VINTAGE LINGERIE HAUL**

QTNA

Most of the people in the comments of my video were asking about sizing and truth be told it varies, which means there’s something for everyone ranging from 0 and XS to 3 and 4XL. Though, it’s worth noting that the dainty bras really only work for those with smaller chests that don’t require as much support. A win for the IBTC. In terms of pricing, I’m not going to lie, it’s expensive. I paid not one but two pretty pennies for my lace-trimmed Dior bralettes—(I’m not going to disclose exactly how much I spent *here* but if you want to know, literally, just DM me and I’ll tell you).

If You Liked This, You’ll Love…

Now, I typically only go to my tried-and-true vintage and antique stores in Indianapolis; I know more about the secondhand shopping stores and sellers in Cincinnati (and the surrounding areas where I went to college) than I do those in my own hometown. So it’s safe to say that aside from the hours and entrance fee ($5 for general admission, $10 for early bird tickets), I had no clue what I was walking into. I’ve shopped vintage markets around the world—Iceland, Paris, Ireland, Portugal, New Mexico, the list goes on. And, yet, I was in Indy and had no idea what to expect, both out of the crowd and the clothes themselves. Crazy.

Because I let my driver’s license expire back in 2020, I called an Uber to the Hamilton County Fair Grounds on the outskirts of the city. After 20-ish minutes we pulled into a packed parking lot filled with a mix of grungy hype beasts in jorts and Carhartt-clad, cowboy boot-wearing farmer types, who came to peddle their collections to eager resellers. I quickly realized that there were almost no women, and even fewer Black people. I immediately locked in.

Day 1:

By the time that I arrived, fellow early birds were filing out, big bags in tow, and because I got there almost 45-minutes after I intended, I decided to just wait in line with the rest of general admission while I got my bearings. After hearing a conversation between three teenage (white) boys that signaled they were all very evidently against the genocide happening in Gaza, my nerves were put at ease. So far, I was in good company.

I reached the front of the line a few minutes later and getting in was a breeze; my travel experience has taught me to plan accordingly, so I had purchased my ticket the night before—on a whim—and was able to walk right in. Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by dozens of sellers, with racks starting at…wait for it…$10. This is unheard of in NYC, where the only vintage items priced that low are in an overfilled bin of damaged pieces that would cost more than double that to repair.

I was overwhelmed…but in the a good way.

The first stop: @prisoncityvintage (@heydayevanston ; @devotionurbana)

When I got to seller Shayne Kelly’s racks I did everything any seasoned secondhand shopper would tell you not to do and ended up buying one of the very first items I saw—a near perfect, vintage Victoria’s Secret corded-lace bustier top and it was in my bra size. This purple fembot-esque neglige was gorgeous but would ultimately serve no real purpose in my possession. Purely ornamental. $20.

Most of his pieces were either from the ‘90s or early 2000s, including everything from vintage yoga pants and leggings, as well as denim shorts in all lengths and washes, including these striped “Authentic Jeanswear” jorts that’s reminiscent of a pair of jeans that were just sent down the Versace runway for Spring 2026, which are just a modern reinterpretation of Gianni Versace’s designs for Versace Jeans Couture.

I spent a whopping $98, here, on the aforementioned and more right out the gate.

Next Stop: @firstclassclosetvintage

Speaking of Y2K, seller Taylor Kullman has branded her Instagram boutique among the Midwest college circuit as an assortment of nostalgic pieces “handpicked by a baddie, just for you”. The mood board hanging on her racks was riddled with pictures of New York City, martini glasses, and everyone’s problematic but uber stylish fave, Carrie Bradshaw, and her collection of vintage pieces from the ‘90s and early aughts were just as cool. I immediately grabbed these Ralph Lauren cargo pants and headed to check out. Only $30. Btw neither of these places I had bags so I had to resort to carrying my new finds, in hand.

I feel like at this point we were less than 30-minutes in and I had pretty much blacked out, as I often do once I’ve “broken the seal”; Most know this in the context of drinking, though I use it as a way to describe my shopping habits. It’s like once I start, I can’t stop. With more ground to cover, I picked up a few graphic tees for my collection.

About an hour and a half in, I realized that I’m a bit out of practice when it comes to thrifting. There’s a huge difference between browsing curated shops and digging at the bins; I haven’t done much of the latter since 2020…and it showed. Both my feet and back were hurting, I didn’t bring cash (a rookie mistake), or hand sanitizer so my palms felt grimy from flipping through racks and looking through piles of smoky clothing on the floor. My stamina was low and my attention span was short. A deadly combo when sifting through piles of clothing. I did however bring a liquid IV triple hydration pack and a bottle of water. So I thank my past self and head outside to sit down.

After my hydration break in the rose garden, I went to: @hand_ofgodvintage:

The appointment-only shop was much more my speed and provided a carefully curated edit that was more intentional than some of the other vendors at the market with equally competitive prices. I was drawn in my this color-blocked Wrangler varsity jacket they had hanging on the outer racks but it was the ‘90s Giorgio Armani blazer that made me stick around to see what else was on offer. I ended up buying a deep-Mustard colored London Fog bomber jacket in near perfect condition for my dad—not pictured, $15.

Also on the racks were a salmon-colored Wrangler jacket with fur trim whose age was evident from the tag, along side this peach wool-knit cardigan skirt set that I would later learn was from the 1950s. But we’ll get back to that later.

I also stopped by @the.vintage.vagabond:

The owner of the Black-owned store, Brandon Douthitt is also the co-founder of the annual event—a fun fact I learned when doing a little research the night before. Aside from their vast collection of vintage merch from Indiana sport teams (The Colts, Pacers, Indy 500 etc.), they had a healthy offering of Louis Vuitton bags, all of which come complete with a certificate of authenticity. I ended up leaving with yet another vintage tee that says something about me being perfect. $15.

Clothing aside, there was a nice range of accessories and pop culture items available for purchase, as well. I’m talking rotary dial phones for $10, various vintage camcorders, and table filled with vintage timepieces all curated by Wise Choice Watches, which included a peekaboo bracelet with a time piece that pops out.

Right as it was time for me to head out, my best friend pulled up along with her husband, and son, my nephew—who is easily the coolest pre-teen I know. I helped him find a few pairs of shorts to accommodate all the skateboarding he plans to do this summer, yet are cool enough to transition him into his freshman year of high-school. BRB, sobbing.

Day 2:

I had such good luck on the first day that I convinced my mom and aunt to go on the second day too, only this time I was much more prepared. I made sure to eat something before and traded my Woodchuck Sato Tabi ballerina flats for my Vibram Fivefingers, each offered ample support. To be honest, I had no real intentions on buying anything else; I had already spent more than I planned the day before. Your girl just loves the hunt.

Our first stop was one of the only jewelry tables, which had an assortment of brooches, pendants, and even a lipstick holder, similar to styles I had been eyeing on Etsy, which, now I regret not getting.

I then went back to Wise Choice’s table to determine whether or not I wanted the bracelet watch and considering the fact that I have been more drawn to silver as of late, (Though, now that I’m finding out that haggling is encouraged, per their social media, I may have to revisit at a later date; If it’s no longer there, than it’s not meant to be.)

Their new spoils in hand, it was clear both my mom and aunt had been bitten by the (vintage) shopping bug after I showed them the salmon-colored sweater set from the 1950’s from day one and they insisted I bought it on the spot. The more excuses I gave the more solutions they offered. I feel like it will be itchy. “Get it lined.” I already spent so much. “It’s only $40.” Now, when you’re someone who is constantly battling a shopping addiction (no, literally), this isn’t a response you usually hear from your loved ones. So whenever I do, I know it has to be good.

My mother, bless her heart, haggled the price down to $30 and I could not have been prouder.

Everything I bought:

1. Victoria’s Secret corded lace bustier

2. Embellished y2k mall tank

3. Vintage striped jorts

4. Printed Midi Skirt = ($98)

5. Ralph Lauren cargo pants ($30)

6. Power Rangers baby tee ($20)

7. “Perfect” graphic tee ($20)

8. London Fog bomber jacket ($15)

9. Vintage aloha board shorts ($22)

10. 1950’s sweater set ($30)

*This seasonal style guide was created in partnership with Free People*

Living and working in New York City will change your style in ways you could never imagine and for me that meant going many years without wearing shorts—which is a bit crazy now that I think about it.

As a born and bred Hoosier, I spent a good majority of my Midwest summers in a pair of *super short* denim shorts; I could hardly wait for that point in the season when I could put my chunky denim and plaid uniform skirt or khakis away, swapping them for a pair of cutoffs instead. I’d pair them with whatever baby tee or camisole(s) I could find, along with the $1 flip flops (you know the ones), which I subsequently had in almost every color.

But by the time I made my way to the East Coast in my early 20s, my style had done a complete 180, with my favorite shorts being reserved for vacation only. Aside from the fact that I was working as a fashion intern, then young professional and, in turn, trying to adopt a more posh yet functional wardrobe that wouldn’t get me fired or cat-called on the street whilst running errands, samples in hand, I had yet to familiarize myself with the many short variants on the market so for me, it was a pair of distressed micro minis or simply nothing at all.

It’s safe to say, I got over all of this rather quickly when I found myself sweating through a pair of slacks in 80-degree weather and was determined to integrate them back into my summer wardrobe but in a way that felt more “grown up”. This included becoming well versed on all the many short styles—as well as the silhouettes that work best for me—while figuring out all the different ways that I could wear them that didn’t make me feel like I was 7, again, running through the sprinklers. With the help of a little market research, I found myself gravitating towards three simple styles—mini, mid-thigh, and knee length (cc: Free People)—of which covered all of my proverbial bases.

Nostalgic Cargos:

The best part about growing up in the early 2000s-2010s is that I was old enough to participate in peak mall culture but young enough to still embrace the same Y2K aesthetic the second time around, too. A great alternative to classic denim cutoffs, this pair of mini cargo shorts looks just like something that I would’ve seen the main character of my favorite sitcom wear during this time—think Carrie Bradshaw, Tracee Ellis Ross as Joan Clayton in the show “Girlfriends”, or even Amanda Bynes in her prime, ‘What I Like About You” era (which I’m watching right now, btw). The key is pairing it with a free-flowing, more elevated blouse that almost looks out of place with utility bottoms; It’s like the wrong shoe theory…but for tops.

1.We The Free Waimea Slouchy Shorts in Kelp; 2. Blythe Ruffle Top in black; 3. Twyla Tie Pocket Belt; 4. Front Row Wrap Clogs; 5. Lena Semiprecious Stone Necklace

Pro Tip: Add a chunky “Bratz doll shoe” with an ankle-breaking platform to further lean into the retro vibe.

Soft Summer Blacks:

People who primarily wear all-black regardless of the seasons will tell you that, when done right, the tonal palette is just as great for the spring and summer as it is the cold-weather months. Much like with your jean collection, your shorts lineup could really benefit from a solid black pair like these barrel cut shorts being added into the rotation. They’re made from super soft denim and have built-in waist ties for full adjustability, while the mid-thigh length is still somewhat short yet fitting for a wide range of events on my social calendar this month. I styled it with Free People’s always sold-out ‘Billie’ tee, which has become my new elevated staple pretty much overnight.

1. We The Free Moxie Barrel Shorts; 2. We The Free Billie Tee; 3. Genesis Packable Sport Sandals; 4. Idle Hands Sling Bag; 5. Noir Buggy Sunglasses

Pro Tip: Stick to soft shades of black that are easy to match and won’t fade in the sun or after multiple washes and wears; You can even try opting for deep dark gray as an equally compatible alternative.

Wear-With-Anything Jorts:

If you’ve been keeping up with the latest fashion trends, then you know that cropped capris and denim knee-length shorts—aka jorts—are having a moment. However Millennials, like myself, will tell you that these are essentially just Bermuda shorts rebranded. Nonetheless, I found myself stocking up on the longer styles, pairing them with flip flops, full dogs out, around the city—to most people’s dismay. The best part is, that they’re truly a wear-with-anything style that comes in variety of washes and fabrications. I, however, usually opt for a super basic tee, letting the shorts and statement accessories do all of the talking.

1. We The Free Montana Shorts in Haven; 2. End Game Pointelle Tank in Sugar Swizzle; 3. Fiona Mesh Demi Underwire Bra in Black; 4. Beach Day Jelly Sandals; 5. Finn Bubble Aviator Sunglasses

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to size up! The key to achieving that effortless baggy look is ensuring your pair isn’t too tight throughout the thigh. Proportion over the number on a tag.

Side note: With a new wave of commentators popping up overnight, I feel it necessary to reiterate my credentials. Although I spend time yapping into a void on social medial, my day job is that of a fashion editor and writer. I’ve run my fair share of staff rooms through award show seasons and Met Gala red carpets for pubs like The Zoe Report and Harper’s Bazaar, spending many a nights glued to the screen, filling out shells, while waiting for Rihanna to grace us with her presence…or not.

*Oh, and btw, obviously I don’t own the rights to these photos*

Moving on…

My long time mutual (and fellow Black Shelby), fashion historian Shelby Ivey Christie made this observation in the latest installment of her online series, in which she explains that the reason why all the magic seems to be missing from the event many have deemed the “Super Bowl” of fashion is because no one has jobs. More specifically, Black creatives and corporate professionals with ample experience are being pushed to the outskirts of the industry, relying on finicky freelance contracts and part-time gigs to make ends meet. And with it went the event’s spark. That’s not to discredit those that worked hard to put on this year’s gala. But Shelby is right, the absence is felt.

So what exactly was the theme…

Exploring the relationship between fashion, fine art, and the human body this year’s theme—Costume Art—was pretty straight forward. According to the official announcement, the goal is to not only examine the stark contrast between garments and well-known artwork featured in the Museum’s vast collection but to also highlight the complex relationship between artistic representations of the body and fashion as an embodied art form.

Paired with the dress code, “Fashion is Art” those in attendance were encouraged to show up as works of art form. Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour were assigned the title of co-chairs, which essentially means that they are the face and host face of the annual fundraiser, planning the theme, guest list, décor—all that fun stuff.

While many deemed this year’s theme vague and rather redundant—considering fashion is, in fact, art—I’d argue that the word ‘broad’ is more appropriate, which from a glass-half-full perspective leaves plenty of room for creative interpretation. Unfortunately, though, most attendees were all over the place, which I think is just a testament to how little people know about “art”.

Best of the night…

I love a good reference (key word, here, being good) and given the theme I expected the carpet to look like the inside of some of my favorite art galleries. That was not really the case, aside from a select few, who in turn, earned top marks. Euphoria star, Hunter Schafer, in collaboration with Prada donned a muted, Gustav Klimt-inspired look that was sheer perfection.

From her teddy “bronde” (brownish blonde) hair to the soft rosy makeup look courtesy of Prada Beauty, created by MUA Sandy Ganzer, the actress was exactly what I envisioned a modern day Mäda Primavesi to be. Some found the muted tones too dull to be fair recreation, while I think it conveys the moodiness of the image, beautifully, which can be hard to capture IRL.

Meanwhile, Sabine Getty’s custom Ashi Studio gown is a masterpiece, in and of itself. A custom piece from the Spring 2026 couture collection, it’s defined by a hand-painted corset, inspired by 18th-century painting, where light and shadow shape the body. The brand included motifs that draw from Getty’s personal jewelry collection, integrating her more intimate pieces directly into the narrative of the look. A subtle varnish effect adds depth, giving the surface an almost illusion-like quality is the perfect finishing touch.

According to the brand, the silhouette explores the tension between control and fragility, classical craftsmanship and something more “instinctive or undone”. It pools into a dramatic train of torn, deconstructed fabric, done with intentional contrast and precision of the corset. Upon completion, the piece took three months of development, more than 200 hours of painting, and the collaboration of several artists and ateliers.

Other standouts of the night included Rihanna in Glenn Martens Maison Margiela—yum—along with everyone’s favorite fashion creator Wisdom Kaye in a custom, barrel leg suit by Public School NYC. Design duo Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne were just two of many creatives who teamed up with eBay for the occasion…but we’ll get there in a minute.

On the Mood Board…

Those that successfully captured the theme had this one thing in common: They were sure to show their work—like one would while solving a math problem in school or stating their case during litigation. Of course, no one is owed full insight into a designer’s process but when done thoughtfully (rather than insisting upon itself), this helps provide your audience with context to form a more educated opinion.You’d be surprised by the amount of comments I’ve gotten—both on here and Threads—from people who are not familiar with fashion but appreciate the details.

Among them are the likes of Charli XCX in a seemingly simply custom Saint Laurent gown that’s defined by a single resin Iris (Yves Saint Laurent’s favorite flower) at the center. This was a nod to an archival YSL jacket that made its runway debut in 1988 and was inspired by Van Gogh’s Irises painting from nearly a century earlier. Actor Ben Platt wore a custom Tanner Fletcher suit inspired by one of the most famous Georges Seurat paintings. It took more than 120 hours of hand painting, embroidering, and beading. So literal art.

Models such as Anok Yai as a weeping “Black” Madonna, while Saint Laurent darling Hailey Bieber opted for a custom gown designed by Anthony Vaccarello that is a reinterpretation of a piece from Yves Saint Laurent’s collaboration with Claude Lalanne circa AW69. The very specific, velvety shade of blue created by French artist and painter Yves Klein in 1960 was such a clever attention to detail.

Angela Bassett paid homage to Black Harlem Renaissance painter Laura Wheeler Waring in Prabal Gurung’s stunning depiction of “Girl In The Pink Dress”. Meanwhile, co-chair Venus Williams is so me because I, too, would reference a portrait that the National Portrait Gallery had commissioned of me. She wore a stunning mermaid-shape gown designed by Giovanna Engelbert that was dripping in Swarovski crystals.

The eBay Of It all…

If you told me that there would be a time in history in which eBay—yes, the popular online marketplace—would be a sponsor of the Met Gala, I would have laughed. If you then went on to tell me that they were responsible for some of the best looks of the night, I would have suggested a 5150 right there on the spot. But such is life and, you guys, color me impressed.

Apart from Wisdom Kaye, singer and fellow Scorpio SZA wore 100 yards of fabric that was all sourced on eBay. Paloma Elsesser donned a piece from former Marni designer Francesco Risso’s newest project Bureau of Imagination—which is best described as “a manufacturing house of object”. The gown was skillfully crafted from 100 vintage dresses all ranging from the 1920s and 1940s using embroidery, paint, and metal detailing that gave it a little added structure.

Digging Into The Savoir Faire…

I’m a firm believer that the craftsmanship and design details of a look are just as, if not more, important than the inspiration behind them because what’s a dream or vision without execution. Beyoncé’s return to the Met Gala, as a co-chair nonetheless, after ten years (!!!) called for a little extra bling, so Queen Bey selected really opulent assortment of extravagant jewels to accompany her custom Olivier Rousteing skeletal gown.

According to a Chopard rep, the lineup included a 18k white ‘Fairmined’ gold necklace with a brilliant 6.41-carat diamond at the center and 140-carats of diamonds, as well as an 18k white “Fairmined” gold cuff that has two emerald-cut diamonds—one that’s 21 carats the other is 14.7-carats, which is surrounded by 36.74-carats of diamonds in the shape of butterflies. Both are from the high jewelry brand’s The Garden of Kalahari Collection. Paloma Elsesser wore a piece of reworked Bernard James jewelry that was sourced on…you guessed it, eBay.

Emma Chamberlain also wore Chopard, though the diamond yellow chandelier earrings and purple sapphire rings were both overshadowed by her insane (good) Mugler gown designed by Miguel Castro and hand painted by artist Anna Deller-Yee. The YouTube sensation turned red-carpet fixture’s look was made from 150 meters of organza and georgette and organza, the piece features 880 lines of cascading ruffles that appear to drip from the silhouette, extending into an 9-meter train.

Per the press release, “The painting process required approximately 40 hours of hand-painting, four days of ventilated drying time, and nearly 30 base colors, further expanded through custom mixing.”

Michael breakout star Laura Harrier stunned in a custom Di Petsa gown that was designed using their signature liquid-like, wet look. Created in a bronzed cast that was her perfect shade of nude, the Ancient Greek nymph and goddess-inspired dress was decorated with crystals to resemble water droplets. “Accessorized with a hand crafted Clear Quartz, Swarovski crystal hair pieces - she emerges not dressed, but formed - an ethereal presence, a modern goddess rising from liquid matter,” the press release from the brand reads.

Emily Blunt, also in custom Ashi Studio, took a more ornamental approach by letting her half-million dollar jewelry by Mikimoto do all the talking. “Typically for the Met Gala, the clothing fully embodies the theme, while the jewelry plays more of a supporting role,” Jessica Pastor explained in the event’s press release. “Here, we reversed that. The body necklace became the garment, it defines the silhouette and directly expresses the relationship between the body and what adorns it.”

And After the Gala Is the After Party.

There’s this reoccurring theme of online commentators saying that they wish “so and so” would have worn X on the carpet, rather than the after party and I have to admit that I very rarely feel that way. This year was no exception. Hailey Bieber and Louisa Jacobson’s respective dresses by Dilara Findik were gorge but not Met step worthy. Though I do wish that if Kendall Jenner and her sisters insisted on a nipple look, she should have at least let her breezy cape fly.

Who were your favorites of the night?

Until next year!

Now, it’s been more than six years since season two of Euphoria aired and I can’t help but think about how much has changed since then. My life looks entirely different, some aspects better than others, nonetheless we move. But one of the biggest changes is that I’ve reverted to a more uniform style of dressing. And what started as indifference while watching the first two episodes of season three turned into me gaining some rather unexpected outfit inspo for the spring and summer months, ahead.

My philosophy this season is comfy cool during the day (reserving my slinkier more sultry looks for when the sun goes down, think Alexa Demie as Maddie Perez in present day) and Rue who clearly plucks pieces from the men’s section, has been one of my points of reference.

More From The Men’s Section:

It’s A Rue Bennett Summer

From the moment we’re introduced to Rue’s character at the beginning Euphoria, it’s clear she has a very laidback, comfortable, quite frankly, disheveled approach to getting dressed in the morning. Oversized hoodies, layered long and short-sleeve tees, plain white tank tops (no bra, obviously) underneath Aloha shirts, Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers, etc. Like with many other aspects of her life, it’s clear that she puts little to no thought into her clothing, presumably saving all her energy for staying alive and sober. Felt.

Throughout season one and two Rue’s looks remained some of the most uninteresting, in terms of costuming, especially when compared to that cutout I.AM.GIA set and Cassie’s (Sydney Sweeney) tartan “Oklahoma” outfit. However, per the first two episodes in the new season, her growth and newfound self-assurance is evident in the way that she not only carries herself but in her outfits, as well.

In season three we catch up to an adult Rue driving aimlessly through the desert. The show has switched from that ethereal Petra Collins vibe with Labrinth’s music ringing in the background, to the orange-grade of a classic “Western Noir”, making it feel like a completely different show. In true Rue fashion, her style is still very androgynous, leaning more towards a masculine aesthetic. She’s wearing her signature, plain white tank top underneath a now sold out Aloha shirt from Avanti Hawai’i.

In a scene from season three, episode 2, she’s wearing another high-neck tank underneath a red members jacket with a pair of mid-rise pants that are a subtle continuation of the Western theme. Their straight-leg cut is outlined with white, contrast piping that are reminiscent of vintage rodeo riding pants. All of which is, of course, paired with her very dirty, dusty Converse sneakers.

However, so far, the real star of the show is this $2,000 Saint Michael x Shermer Academy Safari Jacket, a really good remake of an iconic patchwork piece that was designed by Abercrombie & Fitch in the 1960s. It’s more famously known among the style set for its appearance on Johnny Depp (yuck) in the film Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas circa 1998. This was a really smart addition on costume designer Natasha Newman-Thomas’s end, especially considering Rue embodies a similar chaotic vibe to Depp’s drug-pedaling character from decades past.

Japanese brand Saint Michael lent yet another one of its pieces to the costuming department. In line with Rue’s penchant for a really oversized hoodie, this royal blue and yellow “Angel of Death” sweatshirt feels like a natural pick for her character. Though, I’m more arguably interested in the camouflage cargo pants she wore with them. As someone who believes in “tiny top and big pants” supremacy, I love a good pair of cargos—in any lengths—so these are right up my alley.

The retro Dolfin tank that she’s wearing, layered with a plain white tank, deserves an honorable mention. I definitely don’t peg Rue as someone who is tapped into the current obsession for vintage activewear, so it’s probably safe to assume that she has either a). had it for some time or b). picked it up at a thrift store on the fly. Although Rue’s outfits are probably the least interesting thing about her, they’re still a clear, authentic reflection of who she (currently) is and how she’s living.

Get The Look:

Now, while I’m no drug mule, I still find myself fawning over Rue’s laidback looks from the men’s section and have been exploring all the ways that I can incorporate them into my closet for the summer. Despite her exact camp shirt being sold out, this one from the Gap has a similar retro print in a lighter, more neutral color story.

Now, Rue’s style is a fine line between California cool and sloppy, which means taking her looks too literally can result in an unkempt appearance rather than effortless. Adding something like this bolo tie necklace from Open Edit or a pair of these RayBan Kai sunglasses with hazy yellow lenses really brings it all together.

I’d say the most out of place piece from this edit is also my favorite. A pair of Nike color-blocked water shoes feels very Rue adjacent, what with their practical and splashy (no pun intended) shades of neon green and electric blue.

If you only buy one thing…

I feel like there’s nothing groundbreaking about me suggesting this plain white COS tank top from the runway, especially since you should already have something similar in your core lineup. So I’m going to cheat and say that if you’re not in need of a really good basic, these LUI crew shorts have that distinct vintage vibe that’s really versatile and reminds me of middle school gym class. Heated Rivalry star and everyone’s cute, and charismatic fave Hudson Williams has been seen wearing the navy blue pair while out and about in Los Angeles.

Shop The Edit:

1. Levi’s Graphic Ringer T-Shirt

2. Open Edit Faux Leather Bolo Necklace

3. Gap Relaxed Camp Collar Shirt

4. COS Slim Ribbed Cotton Tank Top

5. Ray-Ban Kai 56mm Oval Sunglasses

6. Jaded London Camo Oversize Cotton Cargo Shorts

7. Lost Pattern ‘Wanderlight’ Packable Straw Hat

8. Abercrombie & Fitch Baggy Denim Short

9. P448 Antibes Boat Shoe

10. Lojel ‘NIRU’ Day Pack Mini

11. Nike Aqua Turf Shoe

12. Jimmy Fairly ‘The Luz’ Sunglasses

13. Loupn Armor Ring

14. CB Station Waxed Wine Tote

15. Lui Crew Short

Whenever his posts come across my desk FYP I catch up on any videos I may have missed. But I won’t follow him back because I’m quite frankly nervous that he mistakenly hit the follow button and this will be the thing that calls attention to my presence. Mind you, he’s liked and saved several of my shopping vlog and OOTD videos, so this is purely my anxiety speaking, and if you see this, please don’t unfollow me :)

I say this all to say, I just saw a clip from his most recent YouTube video, in which he talks about the importance of gatekeeping or shutting one’s trap, especially when it comes to the game of sourcing archival fashion.

Gatekeep (v.) - the act of controlling, restricting, or filtering access to information, resources, or community participation to exert power, influence, or maintain exclusivity

“Everything ain’t for everybody,” he says in a rather cavalier manner. Roach goes on to explain how getting on TikTok to share your go-to shopping destinations ruins it for everyone else—think, a raise in pricing, a decline in inventory, and overly crowded stores that make the experience a lot less enjoyable. And as someone who built a small but mighty following off of this type of content, posting more than 40 different store recommendations around the world in the span of a few years, I wholeheartedly agree and here’s why.

First, I would push back, only slightly, on the fact that smaller businesses who benefit from this organic traffic and won’t be overwhelmed by a surge in patronage, should be one of the only exceptions. Yes, to more gate keeping but if you frequent some place and know that a boost in customers could change their circumstances, by all means shout it from the rooftop.

**Watch the video in its entirety below**

I’ve always been an advocate for gatekeeping, which is why I almost never reveal my professional contacts when asked (with a few exceptions). Any seasoned freelance writer would tell you that this is cardinal rule #1. But those in my inner circle can attest to the fact that I’ve had the desire to tighten up even more for months after many copy cat attempts. Giving away knowledge you worked hard to acquire without any discernment, not only shows your proverbial hand, it’s doing yourself (and your talents) a disservice. Cheapening the brand, if you will.

The Lost Art of Gatekeeping

Gatekeeping is especially important when it comes to preserving subcultures, particularly those created by marginalized communities. We see it a lot in Black American culture when a trend that is derivative of AAVE or our lived experiences gets co-opted by outside groups, who are more often than not missing context which leads to the changing of its meaning over time. (The current, “you da birthday” trend is a prime example.). Not to mention the lack of gatekeeping simultaneously killed spontaneity in NYC as unnecessarily lengthy lines for coffee, matcha, and other seemingly mundane items pop up around the city.

But fashion, has a similar gatekeeping problem, in the sense that we’re not doing it nearly enough. Another, more poignant, instance includes posting local charity thrift shops, which could be detrimental to locals who rely on their affordable prices. (I go more in depth on the ethics of thrifting ethically in this article I wrote back in 2023 for The Cut.) Vintage and secondhand clothing market aside, though, we are knee deep in an era where carbon copy Pinterest outfits and affiliated shopping links reigns supreme, implying that everyone can be a “fashion girl, guy, they”. This also leaves very little room for to deny someone’s inquiry about your outfit. (I don’t usually mind sharing where something is from but there are times that I just don’t want to, which is usually not received well.)

There used to be a time where buying/wearing someone’s exact outfit, from head to toe, was considered gauche, loser behavior that immediately signaled to the rest us that you have no sense of self and have no qualms about stolen valor. Today, you’ll see a particular item or outfit go viral and watch people all scramble to get their hands on it just to post it on social media. And now with the rise of affiliate platforms like LTK or ShopMy, everyone is being encouraged to monetize their recommendations in bulk batches, taking us further and further from the plot of curating one’s personal style. Why go outside and experience life to figure out what you do and don’t like, when some mid-influencer is getting paid to tell you what to buy? Personal shopping is a real, respected job that a lot of your favorite content creators aren’t qualified for.

On the other end of things, why, as the one with the taste, would you want to blow up your spot? Just the thought of linking my entire seasonal wardrobe or sharing my TRR obsessions on main for the masses to snipe gives me full body hives. Just know that for every few stores I share online is a lengthy list of lesser known sellers from Berlin, Malaysia, Ukraine, etc. that will never see the light of day. And if you every see me linking one of my finds, it’s long after I’ve bought it and styled it out, to maintain the autonomy of my wardrobe.

An Epidemic of Entitlement

Aside from the lack of individuality, I genuinely believe there are many people who think that because something is posted on the Internet, they’re entitled to all of the details. Not true, btw. You’re not owed someone’s knowledge simply because you want it and assuming that information should just be handed over willy nilly is disrespectful to the person you’re seeking insight from.

Many would say this is a generational problem. I would argue that it has more to do with the commodification of taste on social media in recent years. Everyone’s selling something—whether it’s products, services, or themselves. As a result, audiences have been trained to engage with human beings in the same way they would a brand; in an exchange devoid of emotion. How many times have you seen someone telling a story about the worst thing that happened to them, snot nose crying, and here comes some “rando” asking about the lip combo or what size Aritzia top you got. It’s truly gotten out of hand and the only way it ends is if we tell them no.

Tips For Gatekeeping :

1. Literally, just shut up.

‘Greetings From...The Archives’ is a series dedicated to completely nerd-ing out about fashion history and the unsuspecting sociological ties certain designs have on the culture, globally. Are you an expert interested in sharing your knowledge with my subscribers? Let’s chat! Email: theshelbyying@gmail.com

There are a lot of new people here after a note that I posted recently garnished a little extra love. About a month ago, I was browsing through Instagram, as I often do when I stay in on the weekends, when I came across what I would eventually deem my best vintage purchase to date. But before we get into that, let’s back it up a little to talk about how something like this even came across my desk.

As you may (or may not) know, I’m an only child who grew up around adults, rather than other children. I spent a lot of time with my maternal grandmother in particular, so many of my interests tend to skew a little older than my peers. From Golden Girls marathons and watching old segments from news anchors/journalists like Dan Rather, Diane Sawyer, and Peter Jennings, to an overwhelming love of needlepoint and eating sardines (before they were trendy) for lunch—that sort of thing.

Somewhere along the way, I started gravitating towards vintage beauty accessories such as metal compact mirrors and decorative lipstick mirrors, many of which are a much more innovative than what’s currently on the market—Hailey Bieber’s Rhode accessories aside. Say what you want about the lip peptide phone case but the people yearn for functional yet whimsical designs and Jack Blues’ mom seems to be the only one of the few founders delivering.

*~*Keep reading, because I’ve included a curated edit of similar vintage styles for you to shop, below*~*

Back in 2020 I randomly bought one of those vintage rain bonnets from a now defunct vintage store out of Montreal, Canada where I bought a lot of really great pieces, including a pair of cartoon-printed capris from the archives, and the rest was quite literally history. From there, I started picking up a lot of random vintage beauty contraptions like a lipstick mirror from The Manhattan Vintage Show back in 2023, and a foldable comb I stumbled across during my closet sale at Seven Wonders Collective in 2024. When you pair this love of vintage knick-knacks and trinkets with my “gardening” hobby, it makes sense that cigarette compact cases were an inevitable progression.

Which, leads us to Zaidi’s NYC, an antique store in lower Manhattan that’s chock full of vintage ashtrays, lighters, and—you guessed it—makeup compact and cigarette cases. Founded in 2022 by Sammy Levin, a specialist in restoring and reselling unique vintage lighters, the shop is dedicated to her grandfather and focuses on the historical significance of personal items. I came across the “Dime Square” store at the end of last year, which immediately earned it both an Instagram follow, as well as, a spot on my list of must-visit spots around the city. And thank God I did, because if it wasn’t for a well-timed scroll through my timeline, I would have missed out, entirely.

In a series of very fortunate events, within a few minutes of the item being posted on their feed I was sliding into the comment section and then their DMs not long after, inquiring about the price. It was $350, for those wondering. Though, I admittedly was willing to spend a little bit more, if need be due to the pristine condition. Crazy? Maybe. But so is working endlessly so that I can exist on a spinning rock. Because I wasn’t in New York at the time, they were so kind to send me a payment link and I gave myself a few hours to think about it. The more comments and saves the post received the more anxious it made me. So, I hit ‘confirm purchase’ and arranged for pickup at a later date.

That day has come (and gone), btw, which I documented over on the clock app.

This purchase, inspired me to learn a little bit more about the history behind the item, itself, and, of course, share this newfound knowledge, here.

So Basically…

The emergence of decorative cigarette cases can be traced back to the early 19th century, coinciding with the tobacco boom and mass production of standard-sized cigarettes. As with most inventions, it started out with straightforward designs made from standard materials. Eventually more precious metals, such as sterling silver, were being used, which was perfect for the cases because of their durability, toughness. Plus, decorating them was easy.

They became even more decorated during the Victorian Era as many high-end designers put their spin on cigarette cases, including the genius behind those Faberge eggs—Peter Carl Faberge. He designed a line of gold cigarette cases lined with gems for the Tsar of Russia and his family which now go for around $25,000. Production of these reached its height in the 1920s or “Roaring 20s” in the United States. The cases themselves became sleeker and more aesthetically-pleasing.

According to Rau Antiques, “smoking accessories were “en vogue” in popular films, and on the most glamorous celebrities—from Hollywood’s Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart, to writer F. Scott Fitzgerald and Princess Margaret known for her tortoiseshell cigarette holder. [They] were a testament to the habit being synonymous with sophistication and class.” For women, these decorative cases would eventually evolve into something a little more involved to leave space for their beauty essentials.

To be clear, early origins of portable cosmetic cases date back to ancient Egypt and Rome. There were small containers made of alabaster and ivory for the black kohl powder, as well as decorated boxes that carried things such as face powders and lip colors. They’d remain a fixture throughout the Renaissance period but wouldn’t become more widely accessible until the 1920s.

Fine jewelry brands like Van Cleef and Tiffany & Co. were making compacts out of 24K gold, with jewels and other precious inlaid stones. Wealthy women would commission jewelry designers to make custom compacts, often engraved with their initials or familial crests. The first widely-produced compact appeared in the early 20th century, designed for women to carry powder and a small mirror. These early compacts were skillfully crafted, with enamel, gold, or silver finishes, making them both functional and fashionable.

Long Story Short.

The makeup compact bag combined the elegance of a minaudière with the functionality of cigarette cases and compact mirror, which was also rising in popularity at the time. However, I can’t help but acknowledge the parallels of fully functional, yet playful designs in present day and how the current zeitgeist is proof consumers have an undeniable desire for whimsy (see also, the Labubu craze I wrote about last year, and Zara Larsson’s success after more than a decade in the music industry).

It’s why Edie Parker’s rebrand into decorative smoking accessories—think gem-stoned grinders, glass tabletop lighters, and cheeky ashtrays that double as a piece of art for your home—has been so successful and Hailey Bieber has found success with her viral “lip cases”. This is something that a number of niche brands brands also do quite well, with blush bag charms from The Crème Shop and Judydoll’s concealer cushion compact that doubles as a wristlet or keychain; Even NYC darling Anna Sui offers its rouge in ring form. We’re in a drought of mainstream playfulness and it’s spilling over into our day-to-day lives, which means basic items, that are usually pretty boring, are getting a massive overhaul. Don’t be afraid to indulge.

Tips For Sourcing Vintage Makeup Compact Mirror & Cigarette Cases:

1. Always, do a quick scan of what’s currently on the market to see how much they’re going for. This helps you avoid being overcharged or getting swindled by listings that may be too good to be true.

2. Be honest about an items condition and don’t allow yourself to be blinded by the external beauty and/or low price.

3. Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready. As with many other vintage categories, these makeup compact and cigarette bags tend to go fast. So once you find one you like, don’t hesitate too long. It’s likely someone else has their eyes on it (*I’ve already had to switch out a few of the products below because they keep selling out!!)

Shopping Links For Your Perusal:

1. Vintage Kigu Compact & Cigarette Case Miniaudiere

2. Vintage Mid-Century Minaudiere Vanity Case Evening Bag

3. Antique Evans Compact Mirror, Lipstick, & Cigarette Case Bag

4. Vintage Evans Gold-Tone Evening Compact Purse

5. Vintage 1950’s Elgin American Compact Miniaudiere

6. Vintage 1950’s Elgin American Compact Miniaudiere

7. Vintage 1950’s Gold-Tone Embellished Compact Purse

8. Vintage Compact Cigarette Makeup Case Clutch

9. Unused Volupte Gold Metal Compact Purse

10. Antique Sterling SilverWristlet Compact Coin Purse

11. Vintage 1940s Unused Rhinestone Compact Purse

12. Vintage Christian Dior Pocket Mirror

In an attempt to broaden my scope, I’ve been covering a number of global fashion week showcases for my day job. Last season I was on the ground in Portugal for Moda Lisbon and this season it’s Ukraine Fashion Week. Both on behalf of Fashionista. The piece itself focuses on what other indie brands around the world can learn from the local creatives about resilience in the face of unmeasurable hardship, it would mean a lot if you could go give it a read.

Of course, there was no way I could do such in depth reporting without sharing the names on the roster that have caught my attention. They should absolutely be on your radar as well. Enjoy!

At its core, the Darja Donezz DNA is centered around sentimentality, airiness, as well as a sense of melancholy. Founded in 2015, the eponymous label is known for its loose-fit dresses, flying silk fabrics, an abundance of decorative elements as well as unique prints and patterns. For the latest collection, the brand cited literary classic The Little Prince as a touchpoint of inspiration. This manifested itself in the form of delicate details, including a teeny tiny embroidered rose inside every button on a ladylike pink dress; a standout from the collection.

Nadya Dzyak’s namesake label is revered for its ability to infuse architectural elements with a traditionally feminine aesthetic. A common thread running through every collection is the brand’s unwavering dedication to pleated intricacies, translucent textiles, and multifaceted embellishments. The fall 2026 lineup plays with color and texture, drawing inspiration from the work of artist Kateryna Lysovenko. “I often say that I ‘paint dresses with fabric’,” Dzyak tells me via email. “For this collection, it was important to recreate the interaction between colors rather than simply reproduce individual tones.”

If you’re not yet familiar with the brand Poustovit, it’s time to get acquainted. Designer Lilia Poustovit founded the label in the late ‘90s as an outward expression of the cultures she’s come across during her travels, as well as from her own culture, including Ukrainian artists such as Alexandra Exter and Tetiana Yablonska. As for the clothes themselves, the iconic shirt dress remains a fixture in each collection; This piece embodies the balance of femininity and strength, relevance and comfort, combining clean silhouettes with precise detailing.

Already a favorite among the style set, J’amemme has been seen on the likes of actor Emma Roberts as well as on model Coco Rocha at a “Project Runway” appearance earlier this year. Its identity is rooted in innovative fabrics, silhouettes, and sculptural textures that offer modern interpretations of femininity. The brand takes a unique approach to color and form, with signature pleats handcrafted by skilled artisans.

Blending a bohemian spirit with bold, feminine, and extravagant aesthetics jewelry brand Grains de Verre was founded by designer Rita Molchanova in 2018. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted in Ukraine as a statement piece for confident, stylish, and slightly quirky women. The new offering for fall 2026 includes an assortment of designs with red crystals and pearls.

Family-owned brand Kris Maran is a labor of love created by sisters Anna and Kristina Stelmakh, and their mother Maria. Rejecting the idea of a fixed identity or aesthetic, each collection introduces a permanent wardrobe of thoughtfully curated day-to-night outfits, designed to empower and reflect a specific state of mind or occasion. Core principles include deconstruction, minimalism, and a deep appreciation for clean, sculptural forms. Each piece is crafted locally in its Ukrainian atelier, where a single tailor oversees the entire creation process to ensure precision, artistry, and a sense of intimacy in every garment.

TONiA Studio is an extension of artist and stylist turned designer Antonina Belinska’s tenured career in the industry. Her clothing is designed to inspire the exploration of the nature of female sexuality. For fall 2026 the creative director of turned to the era of Mannerism — a period defined by complex forms and refined aristocratic elegance. The mood board included the sophisticated Family Portrait by Bernardino Licinio, engravings depicting women of different social classes in Venice from Habitus variarum orbis gentium by Abraham de Bruyn, as well as genre scenes by the Dutch painter Hendrick Avercamp, particularly Scene on the Ice, where clothing is depicted in motion; Key design principles of the collection include drapery and layering

Despite showing in Paris this season, function-forward brand Litkovska is Ukrainian through and through. For my Fashionista article, designer Lilia Litkovska talks about how the blackouts in Kyiv inspired the fall 2026 collection—down to the head lamps she used on the runway, which was a callback to the way she and her neighbors have had to use these lamps to navigate dark city streets. The pieces in the collection included oversized outerwear, distressed knits, and a double-sided bag inspired by the Ukrainian “Begsahy”—a carryall design with historical roots.

I’m undoubtedly a handbag kind of girl.

My friends used to say that every time they saw me I’d be carrying a different bag like an occasion-appropriate Barbie. Sometimes it was designer—Gucci, Prada, Bottega Veneta. Often times it was either a thrift store find or a piece by an obscure brand from overseas. These days I’ve been loyal to one bag designed by emerging Canadian brand Le Febour, mainly for its size, functionality, and uniqueness. It’s become my new everyday favorite for a little over a year and it’s starting to show.

Hence the first installment of this series being centered around bringing this bag back to life. If you, too, are looking to restore one of the leather pieces, in your collection, just continue ahead.

How To Clean & Condition Leather

(*Suede instructions below*)

Things You’ll Need…

• Leather cleaner

• Leather conditioner

• A lint-free microfiber cloth

*Optional: Scrubbing brush; Suede protector, Rubbing Alcohol, White Vinegar

You can shop all these cleaning products and more at this link!!

STEP 1:

Thoroughly clean the surface of your bag using a leather-safe solution—(I’m a big fan of these non-toxic Leather Honey care wipes)—this isn’t an ad btw. *Allow the leather to dry completely before conditioning.

STEP 2:

Once the surface is completely dry, apply a small amount of (room temperature) leather conditioner like this tried-and-true solution from Leather Honey’s to your cloth before thinly coating your bag, massaging it into the leather using small, controlled circles.

Pro Tip: A little bit goes a long way

STEP 3:

Wait at least two hours for the conditioner to completely absorb into the leather; Experts suggest letting it dry overnight if you can.

Step 4:

Wipe off the excess and reapply as needed.

Just in case you’re a visual learner, like myself, I walk you through the steps on TikTok

*When it comes to suede specifically, you’ll want to remember…

• Suede protector works best when it’s applied directly to your new pieces before you wear them; that way you’re not caught in any downpours.

• The protector makes a very thin synthetic film on top, which helps water slide on it for a few seconds rather than absorb right away

• It’s a very difficult material to care for any water resistant isn’t the same as being water proof; it may be safer to just get one of those plastic bag covers, instead.

How To Protect & Clean Suede/Nubuck

STEP 1:

Find a good suede protector to lightly coat your bag ahead of carrying it; I use this set from Leather Honey, as well as this one from Nikwax, while people on Reddit suggest the one from Care & Cool.

STEP 2:

Use a dry brush like this one here to gently remove dirt, debris, and other stains. NEVER USE DETERGENT OR STAIN REMOVER and focus in on particular spots rather than brushing the entire bag.

STEP 3:

Apply and gently rub in a simple cleaning solution, using a clean clothing before letting it rest to dry completely.

Pro Tip: Try white vinegar or rubbing alcohol for a homemade alternative.

STEP 4:

Once it’s completely dry, brush the suede in an upward motion.

*When it comes to suede specifically, you’ll want to remember…

• Suede protector works best when it’s applied directly to your new pieces before you wear them.

• The protector makes a very thin synthetic film on top, which helps water slide on it for a few seconds rather than absorb right away and water resistant isn’t the same as being water proof.

• It’s a very difficult material to care for it may be safer to just get one of those plastic bag covers, instead.

However, given fashion’s not-so-subtle push towards conservatism (“old money”, “quiet luxury”, “cottage-core”, etc. etc.) over the last few years, I was both surprised and delighted to find that a slew of heavily-tattooed models had been cast to walk the fall/winter 2026 runway, for brands of all sizes…and they weren’t being asked to cover them up. It feels like not only a response to the power’s that be but also a sign that the moment we all (or at least, I) have been waiting for, has come and that the completely contrived “clean girl” aesthetic is on its way out.

IT’S TIME TO BRING REAL BITCHES BACK…or whatever Meg Thee Stallion said in NDA.

As someone who didn’t get their first tattoo until they were 25, I never quite understood the appeal. Though, once I got my second (just a few years ago), I clearly was hooked because I currently have 14. But it wasn’t until I read an article saw this TikTok video of a woman explaining that her body feels more like her own, the more ink she gets, that I could truly pinpoint my new love for such extreme levels of pain and permanence. In this new age of unapologetic copycats and quickened trend cycles turning everyone into mini fashion clones, tattoos allow me reclaim my personal aesthetic in a way that can’t be easily replicated.

Of course, aesthetics aside, we are also at a crucial time in this country where our basic rights are up for grabs; tattoos are a way to obtain a level of agency that marginalized groups, historically aren’t supposed to have. I’m getting the tattoos while I still can.

Tattoos As A Runway Trend…

To be clear, tattoos on the runway (both real and fake) aren’t a new concept but they definitely haven’t been as widely accepted as it is today. Issey Miyake famously debuted his fall/winter 1971 Tattoo collection, which highlighted traditional Japanese tattoo—or “irezumi”—culture through intricate second-skin bodysuits and jumpsuits. Jean Paul Gaultier tapped model Eve Salvail who is known to have a dragon tattoo on her shaved head for spring/summer 1993 more than two decades later. Powerhouse brands wouldn’t take part in the trend until the mid-2000s, when Chanel and Louis Vuitton incorporating temporary tattoos as accessories. However, models, in particular woman models, were discouraged from having large, visible tattoos at risk of hindering their careers. (Even supermodel Kate Moss has a few tiny tats on her wrist)

All of that said, there was a noticeable uptick in ink-clad models walking the catwalk for brands of all sizes, from this season to last. Based on this season’s coverage, visible tattoos appeared on roughly one in ten models across the fall/winter 2026 runways, which is nearly double the frequency seen during spring/summer 2026, signaling a quiet shift away from fashion’s long-standing blank-canvas beauty beauty standard.

If I had to take a guess, this affinity for tattooed models has to do, in part, with luxury fashion being somewhat of a hard sell, right now. In an attempt to justify such high price points, brands are trying to “every man or woman” their pieces, showing that their designs will fit into the average person’s lifestyle. In 2026, between 32% and 46% of adults in the United States and other Western countries has at least one tattoo. Presenting these pieces in such a light, makes them seem more attainable and you sort of forget the serious cash you’d be dropping.

As Seen On The Fall/Winter 2026 Runway…

Di Petsa was a prime example of ink as runway accessories. The London-based brand took the temporary route by adorning models with massive snake art to coincide with the collection’s Medusa theme. The oversized tats were strategically-placed in very visible locations that only highlight features of the coordinating looks—collar bones for plunging necklines, ab-adornments for midriff-baring tops.

In addition to gaudy fake tats, there were a number of models with real ink gracing the runways (and look books) this season. At Marco Rambaldi and Prabal Gurung, there were models with larger shoulder tattoos wearing floor-sweeping gowns, offering a stark contrast of aesthetics. Brandon Maxwell got the memo.

“…visible tattoos appeared on roughly one in ten models across the Fall/Winter 2026 runways, which is nearly double the frequency seen during spring/summer 2026.”

The powerhouse brands are also in on it. Carolina Herrera, known for their classic silhouettes and ornate formalwear, sent models with tiny hand tats down the runway—a controversial placement that’s often deemed unprofessional and less polished in the tattoo-sphere, with many artists refusing to do them. Miu Miu and Schiaparelli which are both hyper-feminine leaning, went for a little more edge by casting women models with neck ink. Whereas, Tom Ford’s well-tailored power suits and ultra-glam aesthetic were replaced with something much more laidback, like trousers and a mini baby tee, confirming that the model’s tattoos were the moment this season and the clothes were a nice accompaniment.

Despite going under the radar for months, there were no shortage of NYFW invites popping up into my inbox—without sending requests, I might add. Dare I say, there were even more invites than expected. And yet, I could not have cared less.

But First Read My Thoughts From Last February. Then Come Back…

To be clear, I’m so grateful for every single invite that comes across my desk. Truly. AND they also no longer held the weight that they did early on my career. As a little baby editor, so green and doe eyed, I’d stew for hours about why I wasn’t invited to an event, show, press appointment etc. and whether or not that was an indication of where my career was headed. This feeling was only heightened when I knew for a fact I was intentionally left off the guest list of annual events, specifically those hosted by my fellow Black industry peers, which one can only assume is due to petty personal drama. I was once again that middle school girl wondering why no one wanted to hang out with me. But at some point I had to sit down and ask myself, why I even cared.

Why did I care that this group of people, who I wasn’t quite fond of either for the most part, didn’t include me? Would I have gone even if they did? Or was I just concerned what people would assume if I wasn’t there? And again, who actually cares?

This is my long-winded way of saying that getting off the hamster wheel for months at a time has highlighted how irrelevant a lot of the industry politics or opinions are to my real life, especially when you’re the one in control of your career. It sounds cliche, but once I started not giving a fuck about invites or what people thought of me, and I’m talking genuinely, fashion week got much more enjoyable, my confidence was at an all time high, and my career trajectory has never felt more aligned with my purpose.

4 Ways I Show Up While Avoiding The *Physical* Rat Race…

1. Fostering the one-on-one relationships of important connections all year round. This can look like weekday dinner or coffee dates with colleagues, reaching out for assists with stories (expert quotes; sample pulling etc.), as well as

2. Supporting your colleagues on their endeavors. Whether you’re sending flowers or a kind message to congratulate someone on a new position or subscribing to their newsletter

3. Filling my free time with hobbies. Although this may sound a bit counterintuitive, busying my mind with something other than work has allowed me to actually show up when it calls for it, rather than feeling depleted from the jump. Plus, it gives a unique vantage point to refer back to that goes beyond the realm of fashion.

4. Focusing on the work itself. This includes staying up to date on the happenings in the industry and fine-tuning my craft. From experience, it’s hard to do both when you’re focused on being seen.

Unpacking New York Fashion Week Fall/winter 2026…

Anyone who says “NeW yOrk FaShIoN wEeK iS dEaD” either a) hasn’t been paying attention or b) just isn’t in the know—a harsh reality for non-industry folk who’ve only ever attended the shows and presentations for the celebrity of it all, rather than the clothes themselves. I also find this phrasing a bit disrespectful for the designers on the docket like, Jane Wade, Diotoma and Lorena Pipenco, who, along with newcomer Andrew Curwen showed some of the more interesting collections of the week.

Brands such as Kim Shui, Anna Sui, and Simkhai set the tone for the rest of fashion month by putting spin on the style-set’s current affinity “big cat prints”, i.e. tiger stripes and cheetah spots. Sandy Liang, Aisling Camps, and Derek Lam have deemed turquoise and an electric chartreuse hue the colors of the season—as did I in my latest trend story for Refinery 29. While statement stocks a la Christian Cowan, are the styling trick that’s bound to be everywhere next season.

Overall, there seemed to be this push and pull of designers during NYFW shilling out either expressive, opulent dressing or functional pieces that will work hard in one’s everyday wardrobe. Very little in between. Both are a sign of the times.

Things I Wore…

I’ll circle back re: the season’s standout looks and an official trend report post fashion month, which will also be behind a paywall, after the first week. Xx

However, I was in need of a new show to look forward to since Tell Me Lies was coming to an end (I’m so not ready to talk about that finale yet, btw) and after hearing about the cool girl swagger exuding from Sarah Pidgeon’s portrayal of CBK in the new Ryan Murphy series, I decided to tune in—at least for the first three episodes. But a little less than half way into the first episode, I was hooked.

All it took was one scene suggesting that Bessette was the one who pulled the gray Calvin Klein men’s suit for Annette Bening’s Bugsy premiere appearance to keep me glued to my screen, while feverishly writing down ideas for this week’s post. Then, after doing a little bit of digging, I found that CBK was known for incorporating menswear pieces into her closet. Some of which belonged to her hunky husband. Others she selected with intention.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is *yet another* reminder that cool girls borrow from the boys, too

As someone who also finds refuge in the men’s section, this is undoubtedly a testament to CBK’s taste level, beyond the same five outfits pinned to pretty much every woman’s mood board since the ‘90s. All some iteration of turtlenecks, trench coats, kick flare jeans, and those tortoiseshell headbands from the oldest apothecary in America, C.O Bigelow.

However, this series inspired me to peel back CBK’s status as American royalty. What I found was an effortless cool girl who worked in fashion, was good at her job, wore Yohji Yamamoto, smoked, and most importantly wasn’t afraid to step outside societal norms when she got dressed in the morning. I’ve never felt so seen.

Through my research, I came across a reddit thread (I know) in which one of CBK’s peers in the industry says that it was quite common for her to pull from the menswear section and have things tailored to her preference. White button down shirts, technical parkas, and oversized suiting. There is another really great scene in the latest episode where she grabs JFK Jr.’s Oxford shirt from the night before off the floor, pairing it with a pencil skirt for the office. Successfully avoiding the quintessential walk of shame look.

Carolyn was also famously gifted a men’s Rolex watch by another colleague because CBK had helped her get the job at VIP sales.

“That was kind of the only jewelry that I remember her ever wearing; she wasn’t really a jewelry girl,” Stormy Stokes divulged in the commemorative book about her style, CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion. “When she later moved to PR, she found it quite hard because it was so much more demanding.”

While off duty, it’s clear that CBK gravitated towards comfort, as proven by her L.L. Bean men’s chore jacket and matching boat tote, packed to the brim for sailing trips. She was often papped in Central Park (JFK Jr. in tow) wearing what many assume to be his joggers oversized parkas, and slouchy sneakers.

The consensus about Carolyn, from those that actually knew her, was that she was the epitome of cool, which was made even more evident by her keen eye.

Get The Look:

Embodying CBK’s approach is quite simple in practice. It requires sporty, well-tailored and elevated basics that you can rely on. Along with cozy off-duty staples like this oversized sherpa pullover from Gap that, on their own, might seem a bit mundane. However, styling is key. The pieces should feel like an extension of your style rather than a completely different entity you plucked from some buzzy reference for the sake of going viral. Copycat outfits with no soul are the quickest way to stick out (in the worst way) and instantly discredit your sartorial authority. It’s transparent and everyone sees it whether it’s outwardly acknowledged or not. So, to really sell it, you have to add your own perspective. Pared back accessories that transcend seasons and trends are also an integral part of a chic (I really despise this word btw) look that’s not too fussy. These tiny 90s frames from Jimmy Fairly are my new favorite pair for everyday.

Your footwear choice is just as important and can make or break the vibe of your outfit. These leather Alohas loafers are a wear-with-anything style that will only get better with time. Malleable to give a traditionally stuffy style a more laidback feel, they come in five different colors, including a cool burnished brown version.

If you only buy one thing…

Lately, I’ve also been working button ups like this classic Oxford shirt from COS into my wardrobe. Taking styling cues from Dua Lipa, I’ve started to combat the New York City cold by layering one on top of another. These are two really great finds I got from Etsy—one is vintage YSL and the other is vintage Ralph Lauren. Both are from the men’s section.

Shop The Edit:

1. COS cotton Oxford Shirt

2. L.L. Bean Boat and Tote

3. Rag & Bone Bleeker Bracelet Watch

4. Quince Everyday Fleece Joggers

5. Banana Republic Relaxed Twill Suit Jacket

6. Le Alfré Upper East Side Navy Throwback Cap

7. Gap Sherpa Oversized Half Zip Pullover

8. Jimmy Fairly ‘The Emmy’ Sunglasses

9. Alohas ‘Aven’ Black Leather Loafers

10. Nili Lotan ‘Billie’ Jean

11. Madewell The Vintage Tee

12. Tod Snyder Italian Wide Leather Belt

13. Falconeri Ultrafine Cashmere Crewneck

Disclaimer: This first installment of is a bit more bougie than those that will follow—hence thousands of dollars of fine jewelry, haute couture and Ritz Carlton properties listed below.

So don’t be alarmed.

Store Openings…

• Fine jewelry brand Foundrae opened its new Aspen boutique at the top of the year. Designed to look like a stately library, the space meant to be equal parts intimate and elevated with heritage oak and green marble throughout. For the occasion founder Beth Hutchins and her team designed a city-specific medallion—only available in store. (I’m also secretly a Stan of the brand and have been quietly building my collection of disc pendants for the last few years.)

• Meanwhile, Simon Miller announced a new Miami Flagship store opening in Little River, which is best described as the city’s most exciting emerging neighborhoods for food, art, and now, fashion. The space itself seamlessly blends the worlds of 1970s Italian mod disco with vibrant, artisanal Mexico connected by lush tropical gardens. Highlights in the space include hand-crafted furniture and a 4-foot fuchsia flower installation by Mexican design studio Mestiz, as well as, limited edition sketches and oil paintings by renowned artist Peter Keil, released exclusively for this opening.

  “The location truly says it all; Two newly renovated casitas, anchored by authentic Miami-Dade teak peaked ceilings and filled with natural light, are connected by a vibrant tropical garden. It was an obvious choice to join Little River the moment I laid eyes on the property.” — Simon Miller, CEO and Creative Director Chelsea Hansford

• Creative Director Daniel Roseberry and architecture studio Halleroed brought the beauty of 21 Place Vendôme to Asia with Schiaparelli’s first salon boutique at Landmark Prince’s building in Hong Kong. Appointment only, the space is riddled with lacquered wood, marbled floors, and sculptural motifs to set the tone and will host a curated selection of SS2026 ready-to-wear pieces, leather goods, and bijoux from the FW2025 collection. Ethereal evening and cocktail dresses, along with iconic trompe-l’œil knits, sculpted denim, and sharply tailored jackets are also on offer. Highlights include the maison’s most emblematic creations— think, the Secret and Face bags, anatomical jewelry, and sculptural tailoring from recent collections.

  “For the Hong Kong store, we explored Schiaparelli’s signature surrealism through select, sometimes literal expressions while consistently preserving a clear sense of luxury and refinement. It was a very fun and inspiring collaboration with Daniel Roseberry and his team,”—Halleroed.”

Hotel Openings…

• Chesa Marchetta quietly opened in the snowy hills of Graubunden, Switzerland with 13 cozy rooms now available for bookings. I highly recommend ordering Head Chef Davide Degiovanni signature gnocchi dish with shaved truffle—a recipe that once belonged to his nonna.

• Ritz Carlton Reserve also opened the doors to Siari—an oceanside resort on Mexico’s Emerald Coast. If you know me IRL then you know that the country wouldn’t necessarily be my first choice in terms of personal travel but I feel this (along with a pending trip to Mexico City) are the ultimate exceptions to my very made up rules.

Wellness Openings…

• Everyone’s favorite skincare brand Aesop teamed up with wellness brand Recess to create an exclusive bath house in Montreal. The aesthetically-pleasing space features a thoughtfully designed sauna, refreshing cold-plunge, and serene meditation room, offering the perfect sanctuary for relaxation.

Art Exhibit Openings…

• The Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazwell exhibit is opening at Chicago’s Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, where guests will be able to see that iconic pink “bubble” dress Ariana Grande wore in “Wicked” as well as the Thom Browne striped suit sported by Janelle Monae at the Met Gala. Tazwell recently made history as the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design on “Wicked”. The exhibit is open to the public from January 19th, 2026 until September 7th, 2026.

The show, which is currently in its third (and final) season, is a college-based drama set in the early 2000s that’s centered around the toxic relationship between two students—Stephen and Lucy, which unfolds over an eight-year period.

Between Jackson White’s character, Stephen Demarco, giving me literal war flashbacks and Lucy (Grace Van Patten), poor, insecure Lucy, spiking my blood pressure weekly, sometimes I wonder why I subject myself to such triggering content. But then I’m presented a halter top or (vintage) fur jacket that’s so good, I can’t help but tune in, if not for the outfit inspiration alone.

So when I stumbled upon costume designer Charlotte Svenson on Instagram, I obviously hit follow, immediately. Within the next 24-hours I was in her inbox asking all my need-to-know fashion questions for the new season. Our chat took place via email ahead of the episode 4 release (before I caught the nastiest bug, which kept me bedridden for the greater part of the week) and covers everything from the sourcing process to her favorite vintage vendors, as well as, identifying three pieces that make your Y2K outfits a little more historically accurate. Xx

How Costuming Moved The Plot Along

“You’ll notice that when Lucy is genuinely more settled or emotionally safe, her style relaxes,” explains Svenson. “The more she’s spiraling or grasping for control, the louder and more revealing the clothes become.”

This makes a lot of sense because all I kept thinking while watching that scene of her and Alex in the bar (episode 4) was how absolutely batshit she looks. The red dress (despite it so not being a date)? Chic with a hint of naivety. But the chaos behind her eyes was a look I recognized all too well.

The 3 Key Pieces Of The Season…

“Every year I end up fixating on a few key things—which honestly that’s kind of how college works. One person wears something, and suddenly it spreads like wildfire.” Recreating the early 2000 vibes for Season 3 included these three things:

1. Fur trimmed coats

2. Pointed-toe boots

3. True Religion jeans

(Honorable mention: plunging knitwear and lacy camisoles, like the pieces found in Abercrombie & Fitch’s newly-launched archival collection)

Her go-to vintage stores in Toronto…

Smoking Vintage, Oui Nikki, Statuette, Boho Chachkies

Vintage mall brands she shopped that aren’t Hollister or Abercrombie & Fitch…

Miss Sixty, Dynamite, Diesel, Cache, XOXO, Parasuco

SYH: How, if at all, did your styling approach change from season 2 to season 3?

Charlotte Svenson: Moving production from Atlanta to Canada, coupled with the fact that we were filming at the height of the tariff turmoil, [made] it nearly impossible to rely on shipping from the United States; we never knew what the import cost would be until things literally hit the border. We had to completely shift gears, moving away from American mall brands (i.e. Abercrombie, Hollister, A&F) and instead sourcing labels that actually existed in Canada in 2009 but carried a similar vibe.

That had to have been frustrating, especially when so much of what we Y2K style to look like relies on these mall brands.

It was definitely a challenge, but also really fun to problem-solve and discover new vendors. Styling-wise, it actually opened things up a lot more. We took the opportunity to shed the cheaper, trend-driven brands the characters would’ve worn freshman year and dive deeper into their personal style, investing more thoughtfully in each piece. It allowed us to play, take risks, and push the looks.

It sounds like you and the team really relied on shopping vintage and secondhand to bring these looks to life…

CS: It’s everything. It’s the bread and butter of the department, for both our main cast and background. Tell Me Lies is technically almost a period show; 2009 was nearly twenty years ago. We source from everywhere - Facebook Marketplace, flea markets, vintage shows, Depop, and select vintage online retailers. I really wanted to stay as true to the time as possible. Even though current stores are doing “Y2K,” it’s just different—the detailing is off, the fabrics are different, and all of that reads on camera. And honestly, in my opinion, vintage shopping is the only way.

What was on your mood board for season 3?

For the show, we’re always trying to strike a balance between authentic 2008/2009 nostalgia and the current Y2K revival. We looked at how that era is being reinterpreted now—Bella Hadid’s street style, what the girls at Funny Pretty Nice in NYC are doing, and My Sister’s Vintage—using those references as a modern lens while still staying grounded in the period.

Were there specific brands, moments in pop culture that the team was loving?

For Lucy (specifically) in season three, our mood board pulled from a mix of iconic early-2000s style and real-world references. We looked a lot at Marissa Cooper from The OC, Brooke Davis in One Tree Hill, and Michelle Trachtenberg in her off-screen, everyday life at the time. We also loved pulling imagery from old Tumblr posts, Nylon editorials, and honestly anyone and everyone’s Facebook photos from that era. We also loved mixing high and low, brands like D&G, Just Cavalli, and Blumarine alongside mall staples. That balance helps ground the girls in a very real college experience from that time period, while still allowing their style to feel aspirational.

What specific pieces or key styling details were used from the early to mid-2000s?

Back then, there was way less dressing for yourself/individuality and a lot more buying into whatever was cool at the moment. This season I was fully obsessed with tracking down fur-trim jackets and pointed-toe knee-high boots. Truly every girl in the show has a fur trim jacket in their closet this year. We also rediscovered this Canadian denim brand from that era called Parasuco—if you can get your hands on it, it’s gold. It has that old [Roberto] Cavalli-meets-Dolce [& Gabbana] energy, with really incredible embellished denim: studded, embroidered, belted—literally everything you can think of. (Also, this one isn’t a secret but vintage Danier while being in Canada was clutch for us.)

What look stands out the most to you from this season?

Easily [this] Dolce & Gabbana army green fur trim jacket, Rafe NYC camel shoulder bag, True Religion low rise jeans, vintage Elie Tahari gold satin and black top with vintage Carlo Alberto brown suede point-toe boots from S3, E2. We’re really just seeing a more mature grown-up Lucy making better fashion choices. She’s still got that mid-2000s edge, but the choices feel smarter, more intentional.

Lucy, in particular, reminds me of someone who is confident in her looks, despite being somewhat insecure overall, how was this conveyed through her style?

That’s such a great question and one we talked about a lot in the design room. I think when people aren’t feeling confident inwardly, they often overcompensate outwardly. For Lucy, that shows up as more performative attention-grabbing choices: exposed skin, tighter silhouettes, chunkier silver jewelry, and jackets with embellishments and heavy detailing. When she’s grounded, the confidence reads quieter and more natural. That push and pull between insecurity and self-awareness is really the core of Lucy’s style language. She still looks like herself, but it’s less try-hard with softer colors, usually with a layer and showing less skin. The need to armor herself visually falls away because she’s not outwardly looking for validation in the same way.

We saw how the red satin underwear Lucy was wearing moved the plot along for Season 2. Then in Season 3 she’s seen wearing a red top with a similar design at another critical point for the plot (i.e letting Stephen record her confession) was this intentional?

This was actually a happy accident. The sexy Christmas underwear worn in season two was scripted from the brilliant mind of our show runner, Meaghan [Oppenheimer]. She wanted the underwear to be memorable and help tell the visual story. Red is a color we use often when we want characters to pop. Tell Me Lies is such a dark, moody show visually, and red is a great way to pull focus and heighten emotion. We used the same tactic with Bree in season two when she goes away with Oliver—putting her in that red dress in the dimly lit bar was very intentional.

Every (other) week I’ll be rounding up my favorite menswear items for women, sending shopping links directly to your inbox

Early 2000s Angsty Older Brother-Core

I’m in the camp of people who believes that white boys should get back in the garage and start making music with their bands like it’s 2008, if not for the outfit inspo, alone. Thinking back to the films and shows of the aughts, there was so much untapped men’s style that women could also enjoy. And while Lindsey Lohan, Nicole Richie, etc. may have taken the crown as Y2K style icons, the menswear deserve its flowers too. I’m talking Devon Bostick as Rodrick Heffley, Shawn Hunter (from Boy Meets World), Brad Pitt on a random Tuesday with Jenn, and Gilmore Girls love interest Jess Mariano (even lover boy Dean pulled off a few fits worth referencing during the show’s run).

What I’ve been calling “2000s angsty older. brother core” consists of a bunch of effortless closet staples paired with edgy accessories and it’s all I want to wear these days. Mainly because it’s such an easy way to establish a daily uniform without being too prescriptive.

Get The Look

This COS Henley is perfect for that layered short sleeve, long sleeve look on heartthrobs bad boys from the early 2000s. As is the plaid flannel shirt from the Gap, which I love wearing open over a white tee with, you guessed it, jeans. Long sleeve motocross jerseys and graphic tees are also essential for the look,

Lately, I’ve been really living for bold but functional accessories like this Carhartt WIP beanie and a western style belt with super baggy jeans. Both will add a pop of color to an otherwise minimal outfit, without overpowering the look.

If you only buy one thing…

These unisex trousers from French brand Oriane1986 might be my favorite pair of pants of all time. Well tailored and a bit slouchy (even with a belt) they have a more (traditionally) masculine cut throughout the leg while still maintaining a more tempered waist. They were a gift but I would buy another pair in a heartbeat.

Shop The Edit:

1. Oriane 1986 Tailored Men’s Trousers

2. Harley Davidson H-D Tech Racing Jersey

3. Carhartt Work In Progress Tony Gradient Stripe Boucle Beanie

4. Anderson’s Embellished Embossed Leather Belt

5. Gap Organic Cotton Relaxed Flannel Shirt

6. Pascal Paradoxe Lab Grown Diamond Watch

7. COS Slim Ribbed Cotton Long Sleeved Henley

8. AELFRIC EDEN Inkjet Super Baggy Barrel Sweatpants

9. Elwood Wide-Leg Deck Pants

10. Maison de Sabre Small Leather Bifold Wallet

11. Banana Republic Italian Cashmere Gloves

12. Caddis Hopper Reading Glasses

In the months ahead, you can expect an uptick in advice, including a comprehensive clothing care guide with step-by-step posts dropping weekly, (that I’m still deciding whether or not I want to put behind a paywall), as well as deep dives into the archives of my current hyper fixations like Japanese brand Hysteric Glamour and vintage designer lingerie from Christian Dior.

There are also two new series I’m excited to hard launch in the coming weeks, the first being monthly installments of “the best openings”—store, hotel, restaurants etc—around the world. If you follow me elsewhere, then you know that I’ve also been elbows deep in menswear, as of late, finding ample everyday outfit inspo in their loose-fitting and easy silhouettes. The result? A new package dedicated to all my favorite fashion finds, for myself and like-minded individuals, from the men’s section and how I plan to style them.

All things I’m excited about—and jotting down here to hold myself accountable.

Why This New Year, In Particular, Is So Monumental…

Not only is it the year of the horse—which signifies freedom, energy and independence—it’s also my year of cutting chords and calling back my energy. I know it sounds “woo woo”, but stay with me.

In Season 2, Episode 1 of Sex and The City, Miranda and Charlotte show up to Carrie’s apartment to pull their friend out of her slump, post breakup with Big (the first one) and the women discuss the appropriate amount of time it takes to grieve a relationship. (I too, have cried in a guy’s mouth post breakup before running away into the dark streets of NYC.) According to Charlotte, “It takes half the total time you went out with someone to get over them,” she says, deeming it the “Break-Up Rule”. And if what Ms. York says is true then *looks at calendar* I’ve done my time.

I ended a 9-year long relationship at the end of 2021, days before my 28th birthday, btw, essentially running head first into my Saturn return. And while I’ve been over him for longer than the relationship has been over (many would agree that women mentally grieve a relationship long before they leave), the way he treated me and all I endured for simply wanting to love and be loved still lingers—and, at risk of sounding dramatic, fundamentally changed my brain chemistry.

I’ve spent the last four years undoing what that relationship did to my nervous system, trying everything but EMDR therapy—which I still haven’t ruled out. But as I’m entering year five, it’s like a switch went off and I finally feel like I’m coming up for air, regaining a sense of identity and self worth that’s been missing for awhile, now.

Someone recently made a harmless comment about how, despite the fact that so much time has passed, this still has such a hold on me. And while I know they meant it more so in a way that acknowledges that this person caused such irreparable damage to my psyche, that I’m still dealing with the aftermath years later, their statement rings in my head, igniting that little piece of me that wishes I could just erase it all a lá Ariana Grande’s “Brighter Day’s Inc”. But there was some good, memories I hoped to hold on to. For one, I got my precious puppy son, Maximus, out the deal; plus a strong backbone that’s made me immune to the bullshit of men. But what they don’t tell you, is that in order to do that, you may just have to sift through all the shit, first, to retain the pieces you want to keep.

The issue with that, though, is it requires you to sit back and dissect the aspects of your former circumstances you may have been hoping to forget in the long-run, while also identifying what you could have done differently. This results in an ego-death so painful that most people skip it altogether, landing on wellness trends and magazine cutouts of expensive clothing, private planes and tropical destinations, instead.

For this reason, I have nothing prolific to say about new beginnings or the commodification of self exploration (except, maybe just make sure the 2026 rebrand comes from within and is not driven by outward perception). No amount of Girlboss vision boards from year’s past could have given me this level of clarity—only time and taking three very necessary steps, year round, to prep me for this next season of life.

Here’s What Actually Helped…

• Sitting in silence (and discomfort) with my thoughts, no matter how scary

• Trusting myself and making decisions without anyone else’s input

• Giving my (past, present and future) self grace when triggered

This final severance of such a traumatic time in my life, for which I no longer hold shame, feels like the most transformative rebirth one can have; a real Phoenix rising from the ashes situation. So I find very little interest in Canva collage templates (no shade to those that do), because for the first time in a long time, I see the future I want so clearly and it has nothing to do with a set of carefully curated visuals.

With concrete figures of the damage done, right in from of me, I can’t help but reflect on my habits and how I’d like to approach them differently in the new year.

1. For one, I hope to become much more conscious about my exact measurements, not in an egotistical way but rather in an attempt at cutting down on the amount of returns or disappointment that comes with incorrect sizing.

2. By the second half of the year (2025) I had become quite militant about fabrics. While I’m usually a bit more forgiving of synthetic fibers in secondhand items, I plan to hold myself (and my closet) to an higher standard, in terms of quality in 2026 by only opting into natural or eco-friendly materials.

3. Instead of shopping trends secondhand, I plan to avoid them altogether in the new year, only investing in items that ignite my addictive personality. (Ex. My current hyper-fixation on vintage lingerie and all things Hysteric Glamour.)

But let’s get into the nitty gritty, shall we?

I (Physically) Visited More Than 35 Vintage/Secondhand Stores In 2025…

Spanning across 2 continents, four countries, 8 cities

Here Are My Top 10 Favorite Vintage Stores of 2025

1. A.W. Kaufman - (New York, New York)

2. AAVintedge - (Dallas, Texas)

3. Double Take Vintage - (Santa Fe, New Mexico)

4. Relic Vintage - (San Francisco, California)

5. A Outra Face Da Lua - (Lisbon, Portugal)

6. As De Espadas - (Lisbon, Portugal)

7. Santa Fe Vintage - (Santa Fe, New Mexico)

8. Mão Esquerda - (Porto, Portugal)

9. Capsool - (Miami, Florida)

10. Tarin Thomas - (New York, New York)