Designer Finds

People are always complaining that the second hand stores just don’t have anything good anymore. Yes, there is lots of overpriced fast fashion but high end things still fall through the cracks. To prove it, here is a recap of some of the luxury goods I’ve got in the last month. Starting with this super cute Nina Ricci umbrella.

And this stack of resin bangles by Italian Donatella Pellini, a pioneer of plastic jewelry design. The problem with thrift shop scores is that sometimes the finds have conditioned issues. A perfect piece might sell for $350 on 1st Dibs. These chipped bracelets would probably bring in $100 on a good day (if I were to sell them). Still, a profit on the $5.99 I paid. Plus, I get the fun of examining them first hand, which only expands my research base and makes me better at spotting fancy goods.

Another fine find was this Etro overcoat. It has a tear in the lining and one of the buttons is a replacement but considering that these things start at about $1000 new, it was a real steal at $16.99. It been a delight to examine the construction and finishing of a luxury piece like this in person.

It’s a little small for me so I’m pondering whether it’s worth the cost of tailoring and repair. I have too many projects so it might be kinder to rehome it.

One thing that absolutely fits is this hand-knit Cacharel sweater. Cacharel doesn’t have the same cachet that it did in the 1970s and ’80s, but at one time it was a young, fresh and fun French label. This oversized wool pullover is so warm and cozy and suits my current cool grampa aesthetic.

Speaking of knits, I also picked up a bunch of Eileen Fischer separates. There are a few labels that I will buy when I see them second hand. They are Liberty, Marimekko and Eileen Fischer. That’s because no matter what year they were made, they always work together. Priced at about $15 to $20 each, these pieces were not my cheapest finds, but I know I will get years of wear out of them.

It’s just the top and pants that are Eileen Fischer in this pic — the sweater vest was lacking labels but was also thrifted.

And finally, I found this sequinned sweatshirt from the 2018 H&M x Moschino collaboration.