Welcome to the first edition of Search History! I said I’d send these out on Sundays but the truth is I already had so much ready to go I figured I’d get an early start. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate everyone who signed up to hear from me on a weekly basis, and can only hope you won’t come to regret it. I’ve never been much of a writer, so I’ll try to keep my spiel short and get right to the good stuff.
As far as what to expect from this newsletter— this all came to be due to my admittedly bizarre habit of constantly (and I mean… constantly) “window” shopping. Depop, Poshmark, eBay, TheRealReal, Offerup, Mercari and Facebook Marketplace are just a few of the apps on my phone that I check on a regular basis in addition to having many alerts set up, as well as my weekly thrift store visits. The funny thing is that I rarely buy anything, I think I just like to the thrill of the hunt and being acutely aware of what things cost so that when I do pull the trigger, I’m getting the best deal possible. As a result, I have so many odd things saved that will never fit me or fit into my home and life, that I figured it was time to unburden myself.
Depending on the demand for it I’m considering incorporating different kinds of content that people have asked me for in the past— recipes I love and make regularly, holiday planning content, hostessing tips, gift guides, etc. For now, we’ll start with me posting weird junk for you to buy.
Moving on!
(Hey) Big Spender
As a woman with bangs who loves kitsch, vintage and leopard print clothing, one of my biggest worries is that I’ll be perceived as rockabilly as opposed to a chic eccentric. Unfortunately for me, I will not be beating the rockabilly allegations anytime soon, as I continue to be obsessed with Old Vegas/Casino vibes as a whole. I don’t know why, but anything with a playing card motif really appeals to me; it’s tacky in the best way.
Take for example this delightful vintage Moschino skirt on Etsy (IT42/US 8, $182), as well as its red twin on Poshmark (IT42/US 8, $175). Feels like something Fran Drescher would have worn on The Nanny:
I also think it’s the perfect amount of retro kitsch to add to a home bar without seeming like you’re trying to pull off Mad Men cosplay:
Clockwise, starting with top left: Set of 4 glasses, $30 ; Set of 4 Cocktail Napkins, $32; Set of 4 low cocktail glasses, $49; Set of 6 glass swizzle sticks; $50
It’s Giving Pious
I have a vivid memory of being like 11 years old and arguing with my brother in the car on our way home from school that there’s no proof that God exists; to say that I’m not religious would be an understatement. That being said.. I can’t resist a little gothic cross moment— blame Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
I recently started buying vintage costume jewelry (despite being kind of a Real Gold Jewelry Snob) and having fun with it; in particular there’s an excellent assortment of vintage Avon pieces available on resale sites for a decent price— as always, I recommend sending an offer instead of buying at the listed price. It never hurts to try knocking a few dollars off! Tread carefully if you’re a low-baller like me, though. I’ve gotten blocked for sending insultingly low offers.
Clockwise, starting with top left: Vintage Avon Bracelet, $16; Vintage Avon Cabochon Cross Necklace, $37; Avon Turquoise Cross Necklace, $18; Vintage Brass Belt, $48
Maybe you’re not much for jewelry and you want to bring some spooky church vibes into your home— I got you:
Clockwise, starting with top left: Pair of Prayer Chairs, $100; Antique Church Pew, $250; 6ft Tall Wrought Iron Candelabra, $150; 67”x50” Medieval Mon Seul Desir Tapestry, $222
Too Late; Right on Time
A recurring shopping theme for me, personally, is obsessing over the things that were cool and on-trend when I was younger, but I couldn’t afford back then. 4 years ago I accomplished my near 10-year dream (sad) of owning Frye Harness Boots when I got a pair on Poshmark for $75 (as opposed to $500); now I wear them ALL the time.
I’m not saying that you need to go out and get yourself a pair of Litas or whatever (please don’t) for nostalgia’s sake, but that sometimes it’s fun to revisit the things you used to love. In that spirit, here are just some of the things I’ve been eyeing lately that I desperately wanted at some point 10-20 years ago:
Clockwise, starting with top left: Acne Shearling Jacket, US4/FR36, $345; Miu Miu embroidered clogs, $120 (though I recently got an offer from the seller for $100); Celine Phoebe Philo Luggage bag, $468; Blood Red Helmut Lang Dress, XS, $35
Not to sound like someone who watches trend forecasting Tiktoks but I’m getting real 2014 vibes lately…
OK that’s all I’ve got for now! Let me know if there’s anything in particular you want to hear about from me.
Bisous,
Christina
would love to see how you decorate with vintage/thrift finds for gatherings (tablescaping etc.)! :)