Renting & Resale: Luxury Shopping Options

Last fall I posted on vintage and resale shopping excursions with my daughter. She is all-about sustainability and recycling and loves finding one-of-a kind items. For me, it’s great for scoring a classic denim jacket or sating my doubles obsession but, when I shop for a serious investment piece, I buy new and wear it over the long haul.

Many women today don’t think this way. They rent high-priced clothes and accessories, wear for a few weeks, then trade-in for other luxury items. I understand the economics behind renting and the appeal of constantly having something “new”, but it’s completely counter to my old-fashioned mindset. However, the renting trend gave me an idea — my friend and I each have an iconic handbag that we never carry so I suggested that we swap for a few weeks. I’m excited to test-drive a bag that I’ve always coveted but was never sure I’d want to own.

That said, recycling is definitely my thing — I give items I no longer wear to my daughters and friends so they can enjoy them. I sold a number of accessories this summer and the little money I made was not as rewarding as gifting.

Chain Reaction

Last week I posted Fall Tweak with a collage that showcased a chain-link choker and bold hoops. Needless to say, when I spied this page in November British Vogue I pulled it for my inspiration board. Worn over turtleneck sweaters is super chic and impactful.

Maxi-mize Me

When fall clothes hit the stores in late July, I put together a list and started checking off items. Black bag. Check. Grey Belgians. Check. Black satin midi skirt. Check. White booties. Check. But, a black maxi-length coat still lingered at the top. I kept circling back to the Miu Miu above, and it is now winging its way to me. NET-A-PORTER kindly extended their 10% off FWFASHION promotion through Monday 10/15, which took a bit of the sting out of the sticker price.

A Black Kerchief

I’m a kerchief nut and wear them all the time. I have black cashmere, but one in silk or cotton would be good.

Left Joseph Resort 2019, right Lila Moss for Marc Jacobs Beauty

Liz Markus Studio Sale

Before she moves to LA, artist Liz Markus is selling these and many other works from her studio. For more information please contact M Rand Art.

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Easy, Polished Dressing

Jeans and sweaters are my fall uniform on weekends and when running around, however, for board meetings and places with a no-jeans policy I need a more polished outfit. I bought the Toteme top below in black and wear it with my favorite black trousers — it was a game changer.  The Irié look above is more of a traditional suit, but the soft tailoring speaks to me.

Top image Vogue UA, bottom Toteme

‘A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi’

“What makes the French so chic?” queries British Vogue in this story on actor Isabelle Huppert. Elegant understatement gets my vote and Ms. Huppert certainly embodies this theory — especially with Venetia Scott’s styling and photography. The life-long Parisienne’s sage advice on getting dressed: trust your instinct, dress for yourself, and always leave something to the imagination — well said.

The bold red lip is on my radar…

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Jo Ellison Inspired

I first noticed Jo Ellison, FT‘s fashion editor, in street style pictures from the shows (very bottom) — her LV jeans and Prada clogs caught my eye. The one-time British Vogue features director has a smart, witty writing style and her reviews are always spot-on. Vogue UA (Ukraine) profiled Ms. Ellison for the October issue and it’s fun to see her at home in London.

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Fall Tweak

Fall clothes hit the stores in August and the sales are over a month away — perfect time for a tweak. NET-A-PORTER makes it easy with a 10% off code, FWFASHION, valid 10/2-10/11. Perhaps a great trench, slouchy or white boot, midi skirt, or bold piece of jewelry would be a welcome wardrobe addition right about now.

Khaite trench, Chloé choker, Gianvito Rossi slouchy boots, T by Alexander Wang satin midi skirt, Sophie Buhai hoop earrings, Givenchy white ankle boots.

Sweater Search

After posting this picture of Vogue Ukraine’s fashion director Julie Pelipas to Instagram, I tracked down her Joseph sweater. The Viviane is online and in UK stores now, and in US stores soon after that.

Image courtesy of Vogue