Hi everyone! Starting this newsletter and finding this community of thrift lovers was one of my 2025 highlights. So wanted to give you a very heartfelt thank you for reading :)

For no real reason I hit a bit of a wall a few months back and got quieter here. But I miss it! So, will you join me as I jump over my made-up wall?

Aaah España 🇪🇸

Home to some the world’s greatest hits: churros, Picasso, Dalí, Penelope Cruz, Almodovar, Nadal. And to a crazy rich fashion scene.

On one end, there’s Balenciaga and Loewe, on the other Inditex (Zara & co), and in the middle, trendy contemporary brands Bimba y Lola, Paloma Wool.

Spain’s textile industry dates back to the the Middle Ages. With so much local production and expertise, it’s no wonder the Spanish are leaders in ready-to-wear fashion. And the 1980s is where a lot of the magic happened.

I asked my amiga, Patricia, to enlighten me (and you) about Spain in the 1980s, fashion and the brands we should know. She also drew the lovely illustrations in this post, make sure to give her a follow on Instagram :)

The 1980s: La Movida Madrileña

After decades of dictatorship, Spain was transitioning to democracy in the 80s. So much bottled up creativity could finally run free.

Here’s what Patricia told me:

Spanish fashion was conservative for much of the 20th century under the dictatorship. But after Franco, there was a counterculture movement called La Movida Madrileña: people went all out with color, creativity, and self-expression.

Pedro Almodóvar was a key figure in that movement, and you can really see it in the aesthetics and fashion of his films.

Fashion exploded during this time: from Madrid’s subcultural movement to new brands and designers in cities like Barcelona and Galicia.

Below are a few notable ones to keep on your radar.

1. Adolfo Dominguez

This iconic brand introduced casual style, with the wide use of linen and the famous slogan “La arruga es bella” (“Wrinkles are beautiful”). It was a total break from the rigid, formal clothing of the Franco era, and still feels so current today.

Secondhand Adolfo Dominguez is full of treasures you can wear every day. It’s also easy to spot authentic vintage pieces: the tag is navy blue.

Love this wrap cardigan:

It most definitely is not the season for a cute dress yet. But when it is, wouldn’t this be lovely to wear?

2. Jesus del Pozo

Designer Jesus del Pozo was a key figure of La Movida and built his brand to empower women through unique and artistic fashion. I love his use of sheer fabric:

His brand is officially discontinued but it’s alive and well on the secondhand market. It’s a great search term for finding the perfect dress for your next special occasion.

Love this brown one:

And how cute is this top/jacket:

3. Sita Murt

The booming fashion scene in the 80s is a direct result of decades of textile and production expertise preceding it. Sita Murt is a great example of this: she took over her in-law’s knitwear business founded 60 years earlier and transformed it into an international success in 1984.

If you’re looking for feminine, soft knitwear that’s made in Spain: this is a great place to start.

You can find a lot of boatneck lighter sweaters that are great for layering, like this cropped purple one:

And this knit tank is nice for spring:

4. Pedro del Hierro

In the 1970s, Pedro del Hierro launched his label selling couture-influenced pieces. But it was a decade later that he gained national notoriety, dressing celebrities and the royal family.

I’m a big fan of lesser-known couture vintage brands. They’re the perfect search terms to find unique, well-made pieces in great fabrics.

For example this top is simple, but the belt detail is classy:

I am really loving these sets I found on Vinted, which feel like great alternatives to dresses for spring weddings. Here’s a pink one:

Or a three-piece in red:

5. Camper

My favorite shoe brand. Admittedly, I tend to get them new because I’m a sucker for all their recent collections.

But I wanted to feature it here because a) the brand was founded in 80s and b) it should be on your general shoe-radar if it isn’t already c) you can find loads of newer, barely worn pairs on secondhand sites.

Lorenzo Fluxà started this brand in Mallorca, inspired by the local work shoes. He quickly expanded his offerings and is the genius behind the fun Twins concept: the left and right shoes are complementary, not identical.

Today the shoes are still designed and made in Mallorca and honestly, it just keeps getting better.

If you’re still looking for some nice winter boots, these are brand new:

Or these cute mesh Mary Janes:

6. Amaya Arzuaga

Ok I’m cheating, this brand is from the 1990s. But Amaya Arzuaga is one of the most influential fashion designers of the late 20th century so she deserved a spot here. Her early designs were known for their volumes and sculptural silhouettes.

1990s brands are some of my favorite to thrift, and I’m definitely adding this one to my rotation.

Loving this dress with the sheer overlay:

Or you can also find more casual items like this velvet brown jacket:

France and Italy are loud and proud when it comes to culture and fashion. So when I started writing this post, I didn’t know much about Spain’s fashion history.

Yet it’s been so instrumental in contemporary fashion.

I watched this interesting short video about Zara: it’s the darker side of fashion, but a success like Zara can only happen given the right circumstances.

Behind Zara’s story is the context 1980s Spain: the end of a long dictatorship, La Movida, an explosion of creativity, decades of textile expertise passed down through generations. And all these great brands for us to thrift (instead of buying Zara 😏).

Muchas gracias to Patricia ❤️💛 for all the insights and illustrations and to you all for reading.

Xxx

– Laure

Hi everyone, and welcome to all the new faces around here! This post is running late as I’m in the middle of a move that’s eating up all of my free time. But better late than never :) here we go!

I’m no fashion expert or trend forecaster. But I love spotting trends on the streets and social media. Fashion is so often associated with “newness” and “urgency”. When actually, trends come around, go around and come right back around. Which means you can buy most secondhand.

So here are a few I’m noticing as the weather turns colder — they aren’t new at all, and oh-so-easy to thrift:

1. Plaid

Plaid, tartan, flannel — it’s everywhere! I remember stealing one of my dad’s old plaid shirts in high school. It’s such a cozy pattern for the colder days, and there are so many ways to wear it.

For some classic plaid, flannel, shirts, go for any heritage brands, and don’t be afraid to look for men’s sizes.

If you’re searching on eBay, you can find any color you want for under $50 by searching for vintage Pendleton.

Like pink:

Or this classic green & navy:

If you’re in Europe, the French brand Aigle has got your back — I like the soft colors on this one:

But you might be more in the mood for a more feminine tartan skirt. You could splurge on secondhand Vivienne Westwood that you’ll keep forever (my friend Marta got one, and I cannot wait to see her rock it):

Here’s a chic option from eBay — expensive but still half the retail price:

Another green one from Vinted:

Or this orange mini that’s much more affordable at 55€:

To find pants, blazers, dresses, skirts — anything, type in “MaxMara tartan”:

A classic for 50€:

Or a dress you could slip over a turtleneck

2. Pleated skirts

A good segue, since this winter you’ll find these two trends hand-in-hand: pleated tartan skirts. But you can also go for more minimalist. Any 90s brand will get you great results here: DKNY, Kenzo, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein.

Love this midi denim DKNY:

Or this mini leather one (also DKNY):

Another one from Marc Jacobs:

Love this striped one from Kenzo:

3. Corduroy

So much of fashion is rooted in worker wear but corduroy was reserved for royalty back in the 17th century — literally corde du roy (“cloth of the king”). Thankfully, it’s now easily accessible to all of us non-royals.

There was lots of corduroy in the 90s so searching for brands like Edwin or Banana Republic, or good old Ralph Lauren will get you some great secondhand options. (Do all fashion roads just lead us back to the 90s at this point?)

Get Sally’s look with this vintage Banana Republic blazer:

These simple Edwin black pants are a steal at 12€:

Or these brown ones are the perfect find if you’re going for Carolyn Besset’s look above (and who doesn’t love a good bootcut for winter boots?):

4. Polo (knits, shirts, anything)

Polo neck collars have been everywhere this year, in all shapes and forms. Knits, rugby shirts, t-shirts. The last time I remember polo collars being so huge I was in 7th grade and we were all wearing Abercrombie & Fitch and Aeropostale (ifyouknowyouknow).

For the winter, I love a cozy polo knit. We already covered the brand Rodier to thrift knit polos in trouvé’s last issue. Check out my last piece for some linked Vinted finds :)

trouvé

9 knitwear brands to buy secondhand

The air is crisp and the leaves are falling here in Amsterdam. Sure, sometimes it rains…but the point is: it’s officially fall! Which means it’s time for cozy knits…

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7 months ago · 471 likes · 13 comments · Laure Albouy

And if you’re going for an oversized rugby shirt look you can never go wrong with vintage Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Fred Perry.

I’d go for a fun color, like this pink one to brighten up darker winter days:

5. V-neck sweaters

V-necks are like polos: they remind me (a bit too much) of middle school. But fortunately it doesn’t need to look like this:

This winter’s trend is much more in this vein:

A chunkier knit gives a more relaxed look, and is much easier to layer. My friend Jenny was wearing a Ralph Lauren v-neck knit over a little turtleneck the other day and looked so cute.

To score the perfect v-neck, try Armor Lux, Lacoste or Burberry.

Here’s a nice buttery-yellow wool v-neck from Armor Lux:

Also love a good sweater vest, and this green is beautiful:

Love this bright red one from Burberry:

We’re pressured left and right to get in on the latest trends as fast as possible — it’s exhausting! Shopping them secondhand helps me filter out this noise a little bit. I feel less rushed because everything’s already out there anyway.

What clothing items have you been noticing this winter and are excited to wear?

Thanks for reading 🩵

— Laure

Great knitwear is expensive! And for good reason: high quality materials, sometimes even handmade.

So if you’re looking for affordability and quality, secondhand is once again the way to go. Because don’t we all deserve to wrap ourselves in 100% wool?

To get you started, here’s my trusty list of brands that have been specialized in knitwear for decades, categorized by type of sweater.

The cardigan

Let’s kick off with one of the most versatile knits: the cardigan. Easy to throw over a t-shirt, and always makes you look put together.

United Colors of Benetton

This famous Italian brand is great to find cardigans of literally any color your heart desires. Since they launched in the 1960s, the heart of their business has always been bright knitwear.

Last fall, Instagram kept promoting a very pricy, very pretty, red cardigan in my feed. But instead of caving, I turned to Vinted and found a perfect red wool cardigan from Benetton that I’ve worn over and over since then.

In that search, I found a million other beautiful Benetton cardigans.

Like this beautiful green number at just 25€

Or this mohair blend for under $50:

The knit polo

I am seeing this type of sweater everywhere right now. It’s a perfect knit to layer with a turtleneck or a shirt (double-collar, double the fun!). And the good news is: this style has been around since the 1930s: it is so so easy to thrift.

Brooks Brothers

An OG brand from the early 19th century — they’ve always specialized in knitwear so this is always a great brand to search for any sort of cozy sweater. In the 1980s, their knit polos were especially popular.

So if you’re on the market for this classy knit, searching “brooks brothers knit polo” or “brooks brothers collared sweater” will yield results.

For example, replicate the outfit from above with this grey find for $21:

Rodier

I’ve covered this heritage French brand in previous posts but couldn’t not include it again. It’s one of my go-tos for vintage sweaters. Their twinsets are iconic but they’ve also been producing knit polos, in all sorts of colors, for decades.

A pretty light blue that pairs well with everything:

Or a pink (which is everywhere right now) short-sleeve option for fall :

The cashmere turtleneck

A cashmere sweater is one of those luxuries that really doesn’t need to be over $100 if you look in the right places. And is there anything cozier than slipping on a soft turtleneck on a cold winter day?

Lands’ End

Did you know Lands’ End makes great cashmere? Did you also know that you can get them for $50 or less secondhand vs $200 on their website?!

Like this red one:

Or this one in camel:

Eric Bompard

Also covered in a previous post but impossible not to mention here. This cashmere-focused brand’s retail prices start at 250€ but you can find them secondhand for under 150€ and even 100€ sometimes.

Love this soft, light blue shade that’s 75€:

And how cozy does this one look? (130€):

The wool knit

If you’re like me, you’ve been eyeing babaà sweaters for years but can’t bring yourself to splurge. Yes, their sweaters are beautiful, but the secondhand-wool-knit-market has lots to offer and might just satisfy your babaà cravings.

Woolrich

America’s oldest outdoor clothing brand has been knit experts since the 1830s. That’s almost two centuries! Vintage Woolrich sweaters are almost always made in the USA because the company only started manufacturing abroad in the 1990s.

This color and cut give big babaà vibes for under $60:

Or go all-out 90s!

Fabrizio Del Carlo

This brand is one of my most recent discoveries. It’s a very small Italian knitwear brand started in the 1980s in the pretty town of Lucca.

I honestly cannot believe these prices! I mean this beautiful lilac sweater is 6€ for 95% wool?!?!

I also love this chunkier, cropped version with the unique opening:

The Irish fisherman sweater

And then, of course, there’s the classic wool knit that will never ever go out of style: the Irish fisherman sweater. Aka the most thriftable sweater out there.

Here’s a shortlist of heritage brands to search for:

• Fisherman out of Ireland

• Aran Crafts

• Blarney

• Carraig Don

You’ll find exactly what you need — like this one in pristine condition (love the cream color):

Or more original takes like a red roll-neck:

The zip knit

Let’s end this round-up with a y2k fave that’s currently getting another moment in the sun: the high-neck zip-up.

Tommy Hilfiger

One of the defining fashion labels of y2k, up there with Ralph Lauren and Levi’s. Their logo was everywhere in the early 2000s but they also made a lot of more low-key prep zip ups that you can easily thrift.

Like this pink one:

Or a simpler cream option:

That’s it! Obviously there are a million more heritage knitwear brands we could cover but I hope this helps you get started.

The thing with thrifting online is that you never know where you’ll end up but as long as you have the right starting point, it’ll be a good place :)

How do you thrift your sweaters? Let me know if you find anything special through these brands!

Thanks for reading 🫶

— Laure

And spending lots of time on Etsy and Marktplaats (Dutch eBay). So why not take you along as I fill up my space :)

Picking big furniture pieces is overwhelming: I’m not indecisive except when it comes to couches and dining room tables apparently.

But I love thrifting small objects. Those little items that make your place home.

My most beloved are from my grandmother (who was a true trinket-lover) and travels. But I also love to browse Etsy for treasures, which is what this post is all about.

How I shop on Etsy

I focus on finding great shops and following them.

My main criteria is: local and selling vintage/hand-picked items. I’ve had too many bad shipping cost surprises and some disappointing buys from “handmade” shops that were maybe (probably) drop shipping.

Here are some shops to have on your radar for small vintage home objects:

• RocoUK - 🇬🇧

• AltSpaceCurated - 🇺🇸

• NeospaceObjects - 🇪🇺

• jufhamvintage - 🇪🇺

• YAADiCapsules by my friend - 🇪🇺

6 items for your home to thrift on Etsy

Disclaimer: you absolutely don’t need these but they’re easy ways to spark joy and add personality to your home.

1. Vases

Yes you probably already have enough. But does one ever regret thrifting a nice vase? The trick is to find ones that look great on display, even without flowers. They’re also such an easy way to add pops of color to a space.

IKEA is currently selling seventies-inspired vases. So why not go for actual vintage options? I love this red one and this orange one.

Search for “vintage vases”, I promise you’ll find good stuff.

2. Bookends

I don’t currently own bookends but fully intend to because how cute is this wooden pear bookend? Also how cool is this bookend that’s also a light.

3. Candle holders

My husband thinks I collect way too many candle holders and…he’s not wrong. But is there anything cozier than lighting a candle?

One to hold your taper candles, and a colorful vintage Iittala Nappi holder for your tea-light candles.

4. Tiny boxes

100% delightful, 0% practical.

My grandmother loved to collect tiny objects such as glasses (which she beautifully displayed) and boxes. When she passed, I brought home a tiny silver turtle box.

My husband found a sneaky wooden box in Morocco a few years ago: when you open it, a little snake surprises you! He always puts it somewhere obvious to trick our guests.

Imagine handing this one to your granddaughter one day 🥹? Another cute way to add color to your place!

5. Wine rack

To display your best bottles and remind yourself there’s never a better time to open good wine than with great company.

Loving this silver one, and this transparent one feels modern and fun.

6. Office objects

Office desk, why so serious? Retro office objects from the 80s will brighten any work day. I recently found an orange perpetual calendar that I look forward to updating every day.

A colorful organizer for your pens and a perpetual calendar in a pretty blue.

Hope you enjoyed this slightly different edition of trouvé.

Designing and filling up a home is similar to shopping for clothes: it’s better to take it slow and collect items you’ll love forever. I also think the process is never over, and that’s part of the fun.

I’m keeping that in mind for the next few weeks/months/years.

See you next week (from my new place — eek!) 🫶

— Laure

She won an Oscar, three Golden Globes and this doesn’t even count her nominations. She also became a top-paid actress in Hollywood history, helping to narrow the gender-pay gap.

Basically, Julia Roberts is a legend and so are Vivian from Pretty Woman, Anna from Notting Hill, Julianne from My Best Friend’s Wedding and Erin from Erin Brockovitch.

And just like Julia, fantastic fashion inspo. So today, we’re going to have fun thrifting their looks.

Vivian from Pretty Woman (1990)

We’re all familiar with Vivian’s red dress (it even has its own Wikipedia page). But I’m all about her more-low key looks.

1. (Knotted) oversized men’s shirt

We all have one lying around somewhere, right? I’ve never perfected the knotting technique myself but love it on others over a skirt/dress. And Pinterest is here for guidance on the actual knotting.

If you’re on the lookout for the perfect oversized white shirt, secondhand men’s cotton shirts are the way to go. Here are some secondhand finds:

Figaret for just 20€:

Or Brooks Brothers, also for 20€:

2. Shorts suit

Bermudas are having a moment, so why not add a lil blazer to it. I saw a woman wearing a shorts suit at a wedding this summer and she looked so cool. You gotta love a good two-piece (I have a working draft on this topic).

Found this very fall-appropriate Armani number:

3. Black blazer

Vivian’s final outfit is great proof that a black blazer can turn around the most basic outfits. It’s also, in ’s words, “fall’s MVP”.

Vintage Caroll is a gold mine for some classic cuts, like this one:

This one from Joseph is also great and 30€:

Anna from Notting Hill (1999)

Love this movie so much, it’s the one I’ve rewatched most out of the 4. Anna Scott is cool and elegant, especially in her “every day” outfits.

1. Leather jacket

My last post was all about thrifting the perfect leather jacket, so I’ll plug it here if you’re on the hunt or all of a sudden very inspired by Anna Scott :)

trouvé

let's thrift the leather jacket of your dreams

The other day, my best friend Flo texted me she’s on the hunt for a secondhand leather jacket. And when a bestie calls on trouvé, you deliver…

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8 months ago · 37 likes · 14 comments · Laure Albouy

2. Embroidered silk jacket

In my humble opinion, Anna’s best outfit is a silk jacket & jeans (and the belt!!). It’s also what she’s wearing for the film’s best scenes: the friend’s dinner and “whoopsie daisy”.

There are great secondhand embroidered silk jackets out there. Using the search term “Chinese silk embroidered jacket” will get you great results, like this one from eBay:

Or from Vinted:

Or Etsy:

3. Cardigan twin set

I’m just a girl, in front of my Substack readers, telling them that cardigan twin sets can be super elegant.

I’ve had this Calvin Klein twin set saved in my Vinted for months:

Erin from Erin Brockovich (2000)

The role that earned Julia Roberts her Oscar. I rewatched it recently: it’s so good. What a story! Some of the looks are a bit more daring than others, but there’s so much great y2k inspo. Julia looks elegant in anything and I love that the character rewears a lot of her clothes throughout the movie.

1. Lace top

I personally wouldn’t go for the one Erin’s wearing. It’s a bit too showy and the fringes aren’t my thing. But there are so many different types of tops with laces out there! Like this red one:

Or this simple shirt:

I also like this Calvin Klein long sleeve:

2. Midi denim skirt

This is basically Erin’s equivalent to a trusty pair of jeans — she wears her denim skirt in so many scenes.

And I don’t need to tell you how easy it is to find secondhand! It took me 10 seconds to land on this vintage Sisley for 5€:

3. Sunglasses

Her sunglasses are so good 🤌 but this extends to all the characters + Julia Roberts in general.

This Etsy shop has millions of fun 90s-style sunglasses to browse through!

Julianne from My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

As my brilliant friend Jenny says: “unhinged film but a favorite.”

The plot ain’t great but I Say A Little Prayer for You and the very reasonable ending make up for it. Julianne’s a bit mad but I love her androgynous looks (and the hairrr!).

1. Checkered shirt

This look kinda gives me Meg Ryan early 90s vibes. Also perfect for fall! You can find so many nice checkered shirt for a bargain. Like this one:

Or this lighter option:

2. Oversized suit

Not to repeat myself: I love a good two-piece. Can you ever go wrong with a great suit?? It’s easy to thrift and you can always bring it to your local tailor to get it perfectly fitted.

Here’s a very Julianne option:

That’s a wrap — I had so much fun thrifting these looks! (And now I want to watch all of these bangers again.)

Who’s your fave Julia Roberts character? What should be my next “thrift the look” edition?

Thanks for reading 💖

— Laure

It’s the perfect reason to write a post about this iconic piece of clothing. Plus, is there a better item to shop secondhand? It ticks every single thrifting box:

• it’s much cheaper than getting it full-price

• you get to wear leather guilt-free

• every imaginable cut and color already exists out there

• and, if you ask me, a leather jacket is more beautiful with some patina.

As we ease our way into fall, the timing also couldn’t be better. So without further ado, let’s help Flo find the leather jacket of her dreams (and maybe yours too?).

A little bit of history

But not before a quick history detour! Although, the origin story of the leather jacket isn’t exactly romantic. They were created for military aviators during World War I.

Then in 1928, the brand Schott NYC created the first motorcycle jacket (the "Perfecto"). For decades, this item was associated with rebellion and rock and roll.

It was only in the 1980s that the leather jacket made its way to the runway, thanks to designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Claude Montana.

By the 1990s, Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren were incorporating them into their collections, turning the leather jacket into a timeless wardrobe staple.

Some thrift tips

There are a million secondhand leather jackets just waiting for you to find them. So here are some practical tips on how to get searching.

I start with a broad search: “vintage” + filtered on women’s jackets and leather & suede materials. This gives me ideas of brands to start looking at in more detail.

Here’s a shortlist I put together from this method:

• Schott NYC (🇺🇸)

• Mac Douglas (🇫🇷)

• Chevignon (🇫🇷)

• Renée Derhy (🇫🇷)

• Nannini (🇮🇹)

• Gimo’s (🇮🇹)

• Preston & York (🇬🇧)

But honestly, the list is endless. You can also just use the brands you usually love to thrift and filter on leather jackets. For example I like to use:

• Banana Republic (🇺🇸)

• Naf Naf (🇫🇷)

• United Colors of Benetton (🇮🇹)

And always check (or ask) for the “genuine leather” label!

30+ secondhand finds for you

Classic, suede, colorful, long, belted: the possibilities are endless. Here are 30 secondhand finds all under 150€, most under 100€, to help you get started.

Classic jackets

1. Brown, S/36, 25€

2. Black, vintage 80s, M/38, 60€

3. Brown, S/36, 25€

4. Black, vintage 80s, M/38, 60€

5. Brown, René Derhy, M/38, 30€

6. Black, Preston York, M/38, 45€

Suede jackets

1. Brown, Naf Naf, S/36, 45€

2. Sleeveless, S/36, 22€

3. Beige, René Derhy, S/36, 20€

4. Grey, vintage Etam, M/38, 30€

5. Brown, XL/42, 35€

6. Mustard, L/40, 40€

Long leather jackets

1. Blue, 44, 139€

2. Black, L/40, 70€

3. Black, S/36, 80€

4. Black, Pierre Cardin, S/36, 170€

5. Beige, XL, 127€

6. Beige, M, 75€

Belted jackets

1. Black, M, 44€

2. Brown, belted in the back, L/40, 80€

3. Black, M/38, 100€

4. Brown, XL/42, 100€

5. Sand, M, 43€

6. Black, L/40, 48€

Colorful jackets

1. Red, S/36, 44€

2. Blue, L/40, 53€

3. Burgundy, M/38, 35€

4. Orange, L/40, 45€

5. Blue, L/40, 49€

6. Yellow, Diesel, S/36, 95€

Do you already own a leather jacket? Or are you on the hunt? Let me know if you’re looking for something specific, I’d love to help. And send a photo if you end up getting one of the ones above!

Thanks for reading, see you next time :)

— Laure

Growing up on the East Coast, I loved this time of year: the Indian summers, Labor Day BBQs… Alas, in Paris and Amsterdam, there’s no such thing. September makes it very clear: days are shorter, skies are grayer, party’s over.

The season is changing. Enter the irrational feeling of “I’ve got nothing to wear!”.

So I thought I’d share the small tricks I’m using to shop from my own closet to avoid getting swept up in the “must-wear” fall trends (and also to come to terms with colder weather).

Treat your seasonal wardrobe switch like a shopping spree

As silly as it sounds, the boring task of switching out my wardrobe has turned into a fun ritual of rediscovering my clothes with fresh eyes — “hello wool cardigan!”, “I’ve missed you, little scarf!”

It’s like unpacking brand new clothes, minus the actual shopping.

And when the weather starts to change, instead of creating a wishlist, I daydream of items I can’t wait to wear again. For example, my trench and agnès b. cardigan:

Create an “outfit inspo” album

But the rule is: every inspiration needs to be based off pieces you already own.

Just search for your piece of clothing + “outfit” in Pinterest and get a million ideas. Screenshot your very favorites and save them to your album.

Another great source: your favorite brands’ campaigns/social accounts. For example, Tricot and &Daughter sell knitwear in all colors and are amazing styling inspo for sweater layering.

When I get the “nothing to wear” feeling, I reach for my trusty album for a fresh perspective on my wardrobe. I keep my album pretty small and curated so it’s easier than looking through my millions of pins.

Get creative with color matching

For my birthday this year, my friends gifted me A Dictionary of Color Combinations (shout out Ema and Ismay 🫶).

I’ll often get stuck on one specific way to wear a colorful piece of clothing. But I’m excited to nerd out on colors with this little book and shake things up. Plus, fall = layers = endless color matching possibilities!

Give yourself a challenge

You know that top/pair of trousers/skirt you really like but have a hard time figuring out how to wear? Let’s challenge ourselves to actually wear it this autumn. It’s so satisfying to turn a dormant item in your closet into one you reach for weekly.

I owned this pinstripe blazer for a year before it became one of the items I wear most often in spring/autumn. This fall’s challenge: wear this hat more often!

Challenge accepted but not won? It might just be time to part ways.

When uninspired, throw in an accessory

It’s the oldest trick in the book for a reason. I can’t count the number of times I’ve reached for a small scarf, a piece of jewelry, a belt, to spruce up an outfit.

My grandmother, Grany, believed that statement jewelry can (should?) be worn daily. And she looked fabulous every day 🩵

You’ll also always find my friend wearing beautiful earrings, bracelets, necklaces. It always adds just the right amount of glam to her outfits:

My sister Camille and my friend are queens of scarves. I rarely see them without those bright and elegant touches to their outfits:

And finally, Carrie and Lady Di reminding us that sometimes all an outfit needs is a good belt:

Turns out it’s easier to think about the clothes you already own than those you don’t.

A note-to-self I’m holding onto as we head into this new season :)

What about you? What are you excited to wear again? How do you shop your closet to keep it fresh and exciting?

Wishing you all a wonderful end to your summers, and I can’t wait to share more fall-related thrift tips in the next few weeks.

🫶

— Laure

Speaking of French fashion, I’m excited to share some favorite French brands to shop secondhand.

I focused on brands that:

• might not immediately come to mind when you think about la France

• were created before the 2000s — we’re talking real vintage here!

• will land you some real hidden gems on eBay/Vinted/Etsy/Depop/Poshmark

I love discovering highly-thriftable-brands™ and sharing them here is always so fun — alors c’est parti 💎

Quick recap

I’m sharing fun facts and curated finds for each of these brands but for those who just can’t wait, here’s your quick TL;DR (but plz read 🥹):

1. Guy Laroche — for affordable haute-couture

2. Sonia Rykiel — for the iconic colorful stripes

3. Carven — for high quality jackets and bags

4. Plein Sud — for 80s/90s finds

5. La City — for pants/suits/blazers at ridiculously low prices

6. Georges Rech — for Armani quality tailoring, French style

7. Cacharel — for Courrèges vibes without the price tag

8. New Man — for sporty aesthetics

9. Pimkie — for authentic y2k energy

10. Naf Naf — for great quality basics

Parisian luxury veterans

Let’s begin with these less-thought-about Parisian masters who once ruled the runway from the 1960s to the 1980s.

They’re no longer headlining Paris Fashion Week, but their impact on fashion is still felt today and they’re a treasure trove for interesting vintage pieces (the fabric, the color, the cuts 🤌)…if you just think to look.

1. Guy Laroche

We don’t talk about this Guy enough (sorry, had to)!

He influenced 20th century fashion in 3 big ways. 1. He introduced much-needed bright colors to fashion in the post-war era. 2. He was one of the first Parisian haute-couture designers to launch a ready-to-wear line. 3. And to expand his clientele to the US.

This red wool jacket is a marvel:

And this colorful marble pattern silk dress for under 50€ is such a find:

2. Sonia Rykiel

The “Queen of Knits” started her brand in the 1960s when she couldn’t find comfortable pregnancy clothing and decided to make her own.

She embodied the Parisian feminist of the 1960s, breaking standards by creating "liberating clothes" for busy, sophisticated women. Rykiel was also the first to design knits with inside-out stitchings.

Her most classic knits are striped with pops of colors that you can instantly recognize as Sonia Rykiel:

Secondhand websites are filled with her iconic knits, like this cashmere number:

And fun striped tanks — exhibit A:

3. Carven

Carmen “Madame Carven” de Tommaso founded her haute-couture brand in 1945. She made modern dresses for petite women (she was 1.55m herself!) at a time when haute-couture focused on taller women and more sophisticated, over-the-top designs.

She even designed uniforms for Air France hostesses, Olympic teams, and the Vatican Guards (!). And lived to be 105 (!!!!).

I’m loving this secondhand navy trench:

And this lovely leather bag:

Discontinued gems

Brands that are no longer on the market but given a second life through thrifting.

Finding great discontinued brands/sub-brands/lines is one of my favorite thrifting hacks. Especially those that were popular in the 80-90s: the clothes still feel so contemporary.

4. Plein Sud

Before starting his brand in the 1980s, Fayçal Amor was an engineer and taught himself how to design clothes.

By 1993, his leather pencil skirt was picked up by Vogue and three years later, Claudia Schiffer was opening the Plein Sud fashion show in Paris.

The brand failed to maintain their momentum in the 2010s but there’s incredible Plein Sud to be scored secondhand.

Like this purple shirt:

Or this cute wool sweater vest:

5. La City

Launched in 1989 with the goal of selling modern workwear for women at affordable prices. They reached their peak in the early 2000s until losing momentum in 2016 and having to close their doors after a few unsuccessful reboots.

I ran into this brand on Vinted when I scored La City beige linen pants. I’ve worn them a million times (including for my city hall wedding).

Secondhand La City is a treasure trove of well-cut basics at ridiculously low prices.

Like this beige dress:

And these chic black trousers:

6. Georges Rech

The brand was launched in the 60s when Georges Rech design women ready-to-wear heavily inspired by men’s traditional tailoring. By 1980, their pantsuits and camel coats were the Parisian working women’s uniform.

In the mid-90s, the company was sold, and officially discontinued in recent years.

Looking for vintage Georges Rech will get you cute shirts like this pink wrap number:

Or this brown faux-fur winter coat:

Ready-to-wear OGs

The best and worst thing to happen to fashion: “ready-to-wear” brands.

Best because they made fashion accessible. Worst because, well, we’ve taken it too far. But once upon a time, the production was more local, the collections less frequent, and the quality better.

Some of my best finds are vintage ready-to-wear. France has a gazillion of these to browse through but here are 4 that are always in my saved searches.

7. Cacharel

The 1960s was the rise and boom of ready-to-wear brands, including Cacharel. The designs by Corinne Sarrut gained popularity quickly and were adopted by icons Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot.

Type in the search term “cacharel vintage” to thrift some wonderful pieces like this set:

If you’re into raw silk like this skirt, vintage Cacharel is an incredible place to look:

8. New Man

One of the first French brands to blend American sportswear with the European ready-to-wear fashion. The brand was started in 1967 but gained momentum in the 80s.

The logo was modern for its time and was actually sketched in just 30 minutes on a café napkin. It’s now shown in MoMA’s design archive!

My mom shopped there regularly in the 1990s when the brand reached its peak. And although it’s not actually discontinued, it’s no longer selling a women’s line.

The logo on the corner of their shirts’ pocket was instantly recognizable, like on this shirt:

I love this red sweater:

9. Pimkie

The brand was started in 1971 with the goal of selling affordable knits and denim to teenage girls. It rose in popularity in the 90s-00s, so if you’re looking for authentic y2k pieces (think halter neck tops, pleated skirts, bustier top) look no further.

Plus, it’s easy to spot their old logo on the labels.

Just type “pimkie vintage” and you’ll find pieces like this dress:

Or this purple halter neck top that’s practically Paloma Wool (minus the price tag):

10. Naf Naf

Launched in 1973, Naf Naf only really took off a decade later when they came out with the classic striped men’s shirt redesigned for women.

The brand’s name is actually inspired by the three little piggies (Nif, Naf and Nouf in French). Hence their famous campaign in the 80s called Le grand méchant look (The big bad look).

Secondhand Naf Naf leads to great finds like this metallic brown/green number:

And these impeccable corduroy beige pants:

So? Any of those familiar to you? Which would you add?

I’d love to create more of these country-specific round-ups (looking at you, Italy). It’s a fun way to nerd out on a nation’s fashion history.

For example, I knew the 1960s was a turning point for French fashion, but I didn’t realize just how many brands come from that decade. (I mentioned a date from that decade 8 times in this post!)

As always, thanks for reading this far and I’ll see you next week :)

— Laure

It’s in a village conveniently located 40 minutes away from Chamonix, and 50 minutes away from Annecy — two incredibly beautiful spots.

The nature is breathtaking, it’s no wonder alpinisme (mountaineering) was born here in 1786 when Jacques Balmat & Dr. Michel-Gabriel Paccard completed the first ascent of the Mont Blanc.

A quick ode to the mountains

Centuries have passed since this incredible feat, but we still turn to mountains to escape from our daily lives, to reach higher peaks, to feel so tiny but so alive.

Yesterday, I watched this beautiful 15-minute Patagonia documentary about a refuge in Chamonix located at 2841 meters. At one point, they describe mountains as a place people go in search of freedom.

In many cultures, mountains are regarded as mystical and spiritual forces. And all over the world, wherever there are mountains, humans are climbing them.

Retro alpine aesthetics appreciation

Hiking is only growing more popular and hiking clothes more technical. Mountaincore is all the rage even at zero meters in altitude.

But I have a sweet spot for retro alpine outfits and aesthetics (don’t we all?!)

From the retro posters…

…to the quaint, traditional architecture in the Alps…

…all the way to the non-sporty, barely technical apparel people were hiking in before gore-tex took over:

Hiking gear turned casual wear

People were climbing peaks in clothes we now wear every day: vests, wool sweaters, flannel shirts, bandanas, belt bags.

Like so many of our clothing staples, they were designed for practicality, not fashion. Still, when I look through old photos and magazine ads, style didn’t seem like an afterthought either.

Below, 5 hiking-inspired secondhand picks to add to your wardrobe:

Cargo shorts

With their big utilitarian pockets and perfect length, these have made their way off the trails for decades already. Dress them up with sandals and a tank, or quite literally take them out for a hike.

Here’s a secondhand find for 5€:

or these blue high-waisted vintage Patagonia:

But I’m also loving this DKNY skirt version that’s under 10€:

Bandanas

We associate this one with cowboys. But did you know Yosemite climbers in the 60s and 70s used these as a lightweight “everything towel”?

There are loads of cotton bandanas with fun designs on the secondhand market.

Like this orange one with its 70s vibes (2€!!!):

Or this blue pattern with some leaves to match with nature:

I also wrote a post about different ways to style small scarves, if you’re looking for inspo :)

trouvé

how to wear foulards (small scarves) this spring

Hi everyone! My best friend asked me to write about different ways to wear foulards—which it turns out, doesn’t have an equivalent translation in English…

Read more

a year ago · 180 likes · 15 comments · Laure Albouy

Belt bags

For your keys and phone, handy on a hike but also on a day out on the town. Everyone is wearing these cross-body but honestly, this woman is making me want to find, and rock, a legit belt bag.

Maybe something like this? Seems just big enough for a phone!

Or this brown leather option for a more classic look:

Sleeveless gilet

This one became popular in the 1960s as a warm layer. Apparently an old gear list from 1968 reads “1 down vest, weighs under 14 oz, worth every ounce.”

There are some very fun non-sporty secondhand options to find a sleeveless layer for style, (not so much for warmth):

Like this y2k Ralph Lauren in metallic blue:

Or this Christian Lacroix in a vibrant red:

Flannel shirt

Often associated with lumberjacks, flannel shirts have been hiking gear since the early 1900s. A famous Italian guide from the Dolomites, Angelo Dibona, even praised the new flannel sportswear technology of the time for its “elastic warmth” (pictured below, on the left).

Around that time, Coco Chanel launched her first flannel suit, introducing the fabric to the fashion world for the first time.

How cute is this Cacharel vintage set from 1971?

I love the blue of this flannel oversized shirt:

Or this bright red short-sleeved number that’s vintage Woolrich:

There are a million more traditional flannel shirt options you can find by searching for brands like L.L.Bean, Woolrich, Pendleton, Patagonia.

Although we wear hiking-inspired clothing more often than we realize, nothing beats actually getting dressed to spend a day out in the mountains — amirite?

On that note, off to go hiking!

Thanks for reading 💚⛰️

— Laure

I’ve always loved thrifting, but it wasn’t a reflex. Then Vinted made it as easy as opening an app. It became a game to hunt down items and brands I otherwise would’ve never found.

I started this newsletter when friends started asking for practical tips, and I noticed they often shared similar doubts/concerns.

Below, I answer three that I hear the most—along with tricks to make secondhand shopping second nature.

“Which brands should I buy secondhand”

eBay, Vinted, or Etsy, can feel overwhelming.

You know there’s a gem somewhere in there but it’s lost in a sea of fast fashion. The best way to filter them out is to tell your algorithm which brands to show you with “saved searches”.

The criteria of a good brand

I look for brands that tick at least 2 of the following criteria: high quality, actually vintage, affordable secondhand.

Take note of brands sold in curated secondhand shops

These stores are a great gateway into thrifting but sometimes a bit pricey. Next time you enter a store you like, take note of the brands they resell. This trick has given me so much inspiration!

Here are a few curated stores you can browse for inspiration: DUO NYC, NEUZWEI, Cent Neuf, and this online shop has a crazy good brand directory

Here’s my (non-comprehensive) list of trusty brands

Nerdily organized into 3 main buckets. I keep a note on my phone with brands I’ve discovered and want to keep on my radar.

Check out my brand guides

In case you missed them :) they go into some of the brands I love to search for, including their history and curated links.

“Will the item fit me?”

A very valid concern. Nothing worse than buying something only to realize it doesn’t fit you and then not being able to easily return it.

Here are tips for finding secondhand gems that fit just right:

Know your measurements

Make note of them in your phone, then bug vendors by asking them to provide all the measurements for that dress/pants you’re eyeing 🙃 trust me, it’s worth the extra effort.

Embrace tailoring

When a secondhand find doesn’t fit exactly right but you love the color/shape/material, head to your local tailor. I’ve altered so many of the items I’ve found secondhand.

Tailoring is also a great way to resurrect clothing you’ve been avoiding wearing because the fit is off. Get it altered to feel like you have a brand new item in your closet ✨

“I don’t have time”

It turns out not all of us like scrolling through endless items before finding the one. Fair enough! There are so many ways to secondhand shop without putting in the hours:

Start with curated vintage (online or in person)

Already mentioned earlier, these are great ways to find secondhand gems without the effort of sourcing. What you end up paying extra, you gain back in time. I shared my favorite spots to shop in Paris in a previous post.

Follow resellers on eBay, Vinted or Etsy

A bit of a similar approach as above but there are many more options on these platforms. Sometimes you’ll notice a seller has a fun selection. Check if they post regularly. If they do, give them a follow!

Here are a few of my faves:

• SmizeVintage on Etsy for incredible basics

• NEP Please on Vinted for vintage Japanese gems

• This Vinted reseller for vintage y2k clothes

• This one also on Vinted for a great selection and frequent uploads

• This Vinted reseller for some great vintage Italian designers like Moschino, Versace, Roberto Cavalli

• And finally this reseller sells great vintage bathing suits on Vinted

Follow secondhand-focused Substack writers

This lovely platform is full of vintage enthusiasts like myself who love to share their latest finds and put together wonderful curated lists for you.

Here are a few you should have on your radar if you don’t already (there are so many the list is too long to post here, but hopefully gives you a headstart!):

• Long Live by

• Good Will Hunting by

• Really Good Vintage by

Secondhand shopping requires a bit more intentionality, a bit more patience. But the reward is a closet full of items you’ll treasure for years to come.

Thanks for reading 🫶

— Laure

It’s a turning point for the 77-year-old company.

A bit of history 🎠

Founded in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain, Longchamp was famous for their leather-covered pipes and other small leather accessories.

It was only in 1971 that they sold their first ever handbag: “the LM”.

Le Pliage revolution

In the 90s, they set out to solve a design problem: how to make a lightweight, durable bag? Nylon + leather was the answer.

Enter Le Pliage.

It’s now one of the most popular bags in the world, and a timeless staple. I almost can’t believe it’s “only” been around for 32 years.

Le Pliage y2k models that should be on your radar

Confession time: while I appreciate its history, the classic Le Pliage isn’t for me. I don’t find it practical to carry around (and it gives me slight high school PTSD).

Instead, I love their lesser-known Le Pliage models from the early 2000s. Still nylon, still timeless, and…you’ve guessed it: all over secondhand resale sites!

1. Le Pliage Hobo

This crescent model came out in 2002. I love the late 90s vibe. Think Coach Ergo vibes but nylon and at a much friendlier price point.

Love this red/pink number for just 40€:

Or keep it classic with either a white one or black—both listed at 30€:

Here’s a pricier baby blue version on Etsy with a unique green detailing (162€):

2. Le Pliage Convertible Hobo

This model is also officially the “Hobo”, but with an adjustable strap. It’s the ideal work bag: fits your laptop, you can wear it cross-body, and it has the perfect side-pocket for your phone.

I recently swapped out my work backpack for a brown version I found on Vinted.

I’m loving this soft blue version (30€):

This one is in impeccable shape (40€):

And I also found this bright pink option (also 40€):

3. Le Pliage Baguette

The ultimate y2k accessory: the baguette bag. When Fendi’s model took the fashion world by storm, Longchamp got in on the trend with their nylon take on the baguette bag.

Here’s a striped number (40€):

I like the two pockets detail on this one (28€):

Blue blue blue 🩵🩵🩵 (50€)

Not Le Pliage, but still Longchamp & worth sharing

While putting this post together, I came across some bags that aren’t part of the Le Pliage line but prove that secondhand Longchamp is gold.

This red beauty (115€) and this brown leather cutie with crocodile effect (100€):

The Pliage universe is full of possibilities beyond the beloved icon we all know!

Just head to your favorite secondhand website, search for Longchamp and filter on nylon and the color of your choice to find the Pliage of your dreams.

As always, thanks for reading! 🫶

— Laure

The real shift in my shopping habits happened when I started buying my wardrobe staples secondhand.

The (pricy) promise of the ethical basic

New brands are emerging left and right in my Instagram feed selling me the pe…

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Summer, you’re the best

As a kid, I loved my suburban New York summers: barbecues, swimming in the Long Island Sound, fireflies (magic!), cooling off in supermarket AC, spending hours in the backyard and renting so many movies at Blockbuster.

As an adult, I wait all year for the northern European summer to kick in. Some years it takes longer than others (looking at you, 2024), but, so far, 2025 is delivering.

I’ve been enjoying every second of the long evenings, the (almost) daily ice creams, leaving the house without a jacket, the swim hangs in Amsterdam. What a time of year!

5 dresses for every summer moment

In honor of this wonderful season, here are 5 types of dresses to carry you through all your summer days and adventures.

1. A halter neck dress for endless summer nights sipping wine with your friends

When the sun sets at 10PM and you feel like you have all the time in the world. Is it Tuesday evening? Saturday evening? It doesn’t matter, it’s ✨summer✨

🔮 Secondhand finds for you:

1. Calvin Klein, M, 45€ or similar Brown, S, 10€

2. Vintage Pimkie, L, 40€

3. Kenzo, M, 70€

4. Daniel Hetcher, S, 13€

Also the perfect dress to pack for your vacation for when you’re not just hanging out in your bathing suit.

2. A mini dress to survive the hottest city days in style

For some gelato and for channelling our inner Hot Child in the City (which is one of the very best SATC episodes, probably because of that incredible 1980 Moschino fish dress).

🔮 Secondhand finds for you:

1. Roberto Cavalli, S, 95€

2. Versace, M, 85€

3. Versace, S, 165€

4. Prada, L, 70€

5. Tim Bargeot, M, 25€

3. A fancier dress for special celebrations like your best friend’s wedding

If there’s one category of clothing items I have a hard time shopping for, it’s wedding dresses. Why is it so hard?! This post sums up my feelings on this very well:

The Jones Report

How to Feel Like "You" at a Wedding

What is it about weddings that can make us throw out everything we’ve developed in our personal styles? That can have us reaching for a floral floaty dress, when we’d turn in the opposite direction from said item on any other day of the year? That can have us dropping multiple figures on pieces that we’re told we…

Read more

a year ago · 20 likes · 10 comments · Angharad Jones

I’ve landed on 2 dresses I truly love (and feel me in!) and wear on rotation. It’s the same story for both: found secondhand, caught my eye because of the color and fabric, a bargain under 30€, but 2 sizes too big, so required 2 rounds of tailoring.

Maybe secondhand + tailoring is the wedding outfit combo we all need!

🔮 Secondhand finds for you:

1. Theory, S, 180€

2. Moschino, S, 20€ or similar, Carol, M, 10€

3. Cacharel, M, 25€ - love the fabric

4. MaxMara set, L, 75€

5. Tara Jarmon, L, 25€

I also found this other cute Tara Jarmon number and this fun y2k pink option!

4. A shirt dress to wear to work

Apologies for this abrupt transition. But, alas, that’s the sad reality of adulthood: it’s summer and yet here we are working.

One second you’re partying at a wedding, the next you’re in front of your computer on Monday morning. Messed up! But at least we can wear cute dresses to make up for it?

🔮 Secondhand finds for you:

1. United Colors of Benetton, M, 11€

2. Prada, L, 55€

3. Vintage Banana Republic, S, 45€ or Marni, M, 48€

4. Ralph Lauren, M, 62€

5. Fendissime, M, 15€

5. A denim dress for all your weekend plans in the city

The summer-proof sister to your trusty pair of jeans for all city adventures— museum outings, picnics in the park or long, slow, strolls.

(And maybe to feel a bit like Britney?)

🔮 Secondhand finds for you:

1. Calvin Klein, M, 25€

2. DiKa, M, 25€

3. Versace, S, 30€

4. Diesel, L, 18€

5. Fendissime, L, 18€

Hope you love all these picks as much as I loved finding them!

And on the topic of wearing dresses, my friend Mila over at The Fashion Emblem wrote a lovely piece about finding the dress that “feels you”:

The Fashion Emblem

Becoming a dress person

Hi there! I’m channeling my younger self today, with the Vinted pink Acne tee and a pair of denim shorts…

Read more

10 months ago · 1 like · Mila Stolk

Thanks for reading, à la semaine prochaine 🫶

— Laure

Traditional but never boring

Italians are masters at keeping fashion interesting, always mixing conventional clothes with bold, statement pieces.

My Italian friend Marta says it best:

“Italian style is a fusion of tradition and innovation, bourgeois elegance and subcultural flair, classic lines and rebellious twists, sacred and irreverent—all coexisting in a country that is also a mix of flavors and contradictions.”

Walk a day in Milan and you can’t not notice how classy but cool everyone looks. It’s the perfect balance, best mastered by the Milanese sciuras.

Says Marta: “The sciuras are stylish, confident, older women spotted in the streets of Milan. Their hair is always impeccable and they’ll pair their sequined dresses, glittering skirts, lavish feathers, and statement coats with sweatshirts, simple tees, and baseball caps.

It’s practically a belief system in itself, with just one commandment: staying effortlessly cool at every stage of life.”

Elegance over labels

In the wise words of Miuccia Prada:

It’s not necessarily about being rich or expensive but you don’t have to be banal; dressing and elegance is more complicated than that. You have to try and elevate the level of dressing in some way, make it more thought out.

7 Italian classici to thrift

Lucky for us, Marta shares Italian staples we should add to our closets, and that are great to thrift (she found most of these for herself secondhand, too!)

(Yes 3 out of the 7 are shoes because this is Italy after all…)

1. The Veneziane / Friulane shoes

These classics date back to the 19th century from the Friuli region. They were originally crafted with recycled materials (like bicycle tires for soles!) and became popular in Venice for their comfort and style.

Says Marta: “The friulane are outfit savers. Their velvety pop of color make any outfit feel more elevated—whether it’s jeans and a t-shirt, or your second (or first!) pair of shoe at a wedding, they always do the job.”

An important tip from Marta: “These shouldn’t you cost more than 60£/$/€ (used to be 30!). They’re victims of their popularity and some brands charge too much: don’t accept it and keep searching!”

🔮 Secondhand finds for you (all under 60 and made in Italy, I promise, Marta!)

Go for a soft light blue (size 39, 40€):

Or why not a bright red (size 40, 50€):

Some more: blue (size 36, 30€), night blue (size 39, 50€), orange (size 36, 38€)

And because it’s honestly so precious, red for your tiny one

2. The Capri sandals

These leather sandals from Capri grew in popularity in the 50s-60s when the island became a trendy summer destination.

Celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and Brigitte Bardot would vacation there, often spotted with these now iconic sandals.

🔮 Secondhand finds for you

Go classic with these beige sandals for just 25€ (size 41)

Or glam it up with these silver ones (size 38, 30€)

Some more: yellow (size 40, 15€), red (size 39, 30€), brown (size 37, 10€), white (size 41, 25€)

3. The Armani suit

Italian designer Giorgio Armani revolutionized suit fashion in the 1970s. The Armani suit is sleek, minimalist, high-quality, and impeccably tailored.

🔮 Secondhand finds for you

I’m this 🤏 close to getting this blue number (XS, 145€)

It’s summer so why not go for a brown short suit (M, 30€)?

Some more: beige pant suit (M/L, 30€), light blue linen pant suit (XL, 65€), black pant suit (M, 120€), grey skirt suit (M, 54€), short sleeve & pants suit (L, 50€)

…and this fun, non-suit, linen set option (L, 38€) that I couldn’t not include

There’s so much good vintage Armani out there! If you’re worried the fit won’t be perfect, just head to your local tailor and you’ve got the perfect suit for life.

4. Prints prints prints: Missoni, Pucci, Etro, Marni

Italian don’t shy away from bold and loud prints.

Missoni and Pucci paved the way in the 50s and 60s, and in recent decades Etro and Marni have also pushed boundaries with their unique designs.

These are all great brands to search for secondhand statement pieces.

🔮 Secondhand finds for you

Loving this cute Missoni sleeveless top (S, 42€):

And this Pucci vintage skirt (L, 150€):

Some more: Striped Marni blazer (M, 170€), Missoni twin set (S, 100€), Marni shirt (M, 85€), a similar Etro linen version (L, 50€)

And what about this rainbow Etro blazer (XL, 160€)?!

5. The Borsalino Panama summer hat / The winter Fedora

These perfect hats by Giuseppe Borsalino have been around since 1857. Then, Humphrey Bogart wore the Fedora in “Casablanca” propelling them to worldwide fame.

Be like Marta: break out your Panama hat in the summer, and rock your Fedora in the colder months. Shouldn’t we all be wearing hats all year long?!

🔮 Secondhand finds for you

Here’s your summer Panama for 90€:

A few more Panama options: 135€, 50€, 135€, 150€

And your winter Fedora for 100€ (love this one!):

Or another brown one for just 33€, khaki for 25€ (!), electric blue (100€), and one last brown (30€)

6. Tod’s Gommimo

This mocassino has been around since the 70s. It’s one of those clothing items that feels like it’s been around forever, and yet never ages. I love the rubber pebble sole.

Listen to Marta:

“We know we know, it doesn’t sound very interesting, does it? But when in doubt, stick to the classics: suede loafers, a summer shirt and linen shorts have never hurt nobody.”

Also they come in every single color!

🔮 Secondhand finds for you - all pretty much good as new: brown (size 36.5, 50€), orange (size 41, 125€), purple (size 39, 80€), green (size 36, 50€)

It’s a no-brainer to shop these secondhand considering they’re up to 550€ new!

7. The summer “Roman Holidays” dress⁠

A light, feminine dress for warmer Italian summer days. You can wear it with sandals and color friulanes. And with a gelato in hand, of course.

But to be honest, the more Marta explained this one, the more I started to understand:

It’s not really about one specific dress. It’s about the ~🇮🇹~🍝~vibe~🌞~🍦~

(And perhaps that sums up Italian style in general?)

🔮 Secondhand finds for your next Roman holiday

Like this lovely MaxMara dress (S, 60€):

Or this collared number for just 11€ from United Colors of Benetton (M):

Some more: Krizia skirt (M, 15€), MaxMara (M, 35€), Prada (S, 150€), Armani (M, 29€), Versace (S, 120€), United Colors of Benetton (L, 25€)

We still have so much to learn from the sciuras and Martas of the world. But these 7 pieces are a first step to feeling just a little bit more Italian.

Grazie mille Marta for the wisdom, and to you all for reading 💚

— Laure

One of those is NẾP.

NẾP sources rare pieces from Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, and other masters of Japanese design.

While half-priced Pleats Please will always catch my eye, it’s their more affordable “Japanese vintage” pieces that made me stop in my scrolling tracks.

Each of these textured pieces have so much character!

Intrigued, I went to their Vinted member profile and quickly found their website and brand, NẾP, an actual treasure trove for all Japanese fashion enthusiasts.

Their slogan is “amusing little seams and witty little pleats”. And doesn’t that perfectly capture what we all love so much about Japanese fashion?

Their curation is impeccable. I got one of their beautiful Japanese vintage pleated tops. People have asked if it’s Issey Miyake (it’s not!).

Here are a few faves I spotted on their website (though, really, their entire selection is incredible):

• Sky blue pleated top, XS/S/M, 50€ - a perfect top to channel that y2k blue

• Crinkled buttoned up top, XS/S/M, 40€ - this one is so chic!

• Red fish bone pleats tank, S/M, 40€ - love this red color!

• White textured long sleeve, XS/S/M, 40€

• Brown Pleats Please skirt, S/M/L, 200€ - a nice change from black, to wear year-long

• Issey Miyake pleated shirt, One size, 220€ - a splurge, but it’s in impeccable shape & reversible.

I reached out to their founders to hear more about their story: who they are, how do they source these garments, and more.

Below, they share their thoughtful answers. For example, they describe themselves as collectors, and have deep knowledge about every piece they find.

A team of collectors

NẾP was founded by four Vietnamese collectors who share a deep appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship. Our passion and dedication shape NẾP as more than just a retail store — it is a homage to tradition, time, and enduring design.

The story behind NẾP

NẾP is a tribute to time, created to honor the enduring beauty found in the folds and pleats of garments. It is a space where the past and future coexist, embodied through clothing that carries layers of meaning — from the creases in fabric to the fine lines of experience etched in life.

The brand curates rare, iconic pieces from masters of Japanese design, focusing not on fleeting fashion trends but on timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Each garment is seen as a living story that adapts and transforms with its wearer, celebrating the memory and poetry within every fold.

Japanese aesthetic: unique & timeless

Japanese style can be defined as a dialogue between structure and movement, between avant-garde and tradition, and between what is carefully constructed and what is allowed to flow freely. It is distinct because it doesn’t simply chase newness or trends, but creates pieces that endure over time, adapting and transforming with the wearer.

This aesthetic highlights a subtle balance between rigor and fluidity, with deep attention to detail and material. It’s a style that carries memory, story, and silent poetry embodied in every fold, texture, and movement.

The art of sourcing pieces

We work with networks of collectors, specialized resellers, and enthusiasts of Japanese fashion around the world, including in France.

Each piece is carefully chosen not only for its rarity or signature, but above all for its soul—its story, its texture, its movement. The selection is guided by instinct, certainly, but also by a deep knowledge of the archives of Japanese designers.

We seek garments that already carry a memory and are ready to welcome a new one. [Ed note: how beautifully put.]

Thank you so much to the team at NẾP for answering my questions and sharing their story. Your approach to thrifting is inspiring.

To get (or should I say collect?) one of their beauties, just DM the team via Instagram. Luckily for all of us, they ship worldwide :) Also make sure to follow them, they share their new pieces and drops.

How do you like this type of post spotlighting a tip/place to shop secondhand?

As always, thank you for reading, I am thrilled to share this little gem with you all 🫶

— Laure

p.s: just in case, this isn’t sponsored, just genuinely love what NẾP is doing.

It has so many beautiful shades.

One blue will always match another 💙🩵

Some of the best things in life are blue: a clear sky, the Mediterranean Sea, and this banger from 1999.

And speaking of the late 90s: blue was everywhere.

But not just any.

Gen X Soft Club blues

What is Gen X Soft Club (you might be wondering)?

It’s the aesthetic trend from the late 90s and early 2000s that blends natural looks, like nude makeup and simple hairstyles, with futuristic and retro influences.

It also has its own signature shades of blue: soft blue, walkman frost, techno cyan.1

Now picture this: it’s 1998 and you’re listening to this music on your Sony walkman (playlist by my Gen X Soft Club aficionado brother, Sébastien):

Feeling nostalgic yet? 🥹

Soft blues on the runway

You just need to spend 3 minutes on Pinterest looking through runway photos from the turn of the century to notice these blues dominated the fashion scene too.

Metallic, sky and periwinkle blues—love all of them!

So, you’ve probably guessed it by now: this week’s trouvé is all about adding some Gen X Soft Club hues to our fits.

And lucky for you, I’ve found 20+ links to secondhand gems from this era. Let’s go!

Jackets

1. Suede, S/36, 40€ / L/40, 8€

2. Leather, S/36, 30€ / Leather, L/40, 30€ / Leather, XL/42, 25€

3. Prada, XS/34, 160€ - Ok, I’d never spend this money on a secondhand windbreaker but I love the blue so I had to include it

4. Vintage, M/38, 10€ / L/40, 7€

Pants

1. Nina Ricci, S/36, 76€

2. Versace, M/38, 8€ / Versace, L/40, 5€

3. Moschino Chic & Cheap, S/36, 30€

4. Versace, L/40, 30€

Shirts

1. Italian brand, S/36, 30€

2. Dolce&Gabbana, M/38, 20€

3. Moschino, S/36, 55€

4. Armani, XL/42

Here’s a sleeveless Kenzo option I also spotted, for just 15€!

Skirts

1. Versus by Versace, M/38, 120€

2. Vintage, S/36, 7€

3. Vintage, S/36, 7€

4. Moschino, S/36, 35€

This Prada balloon skirt in sky blue is also lovely!

Dresses

1. Hennes Collection, S/36, 8€

2. Calvin Klein, S/36, 15€

Suits

1. Raw silk, Irene Van Ryb, S/36, 70€

2. Skirt suit, Cacharel, M/38, 30€

3. Vintage, S/36, 35€

Shoes, accessories & more

Here are a few more soft blue wonders that I couldn’t not share with you...

1. Foulard, Carven, 12€ - the perfect 42x42cm size to follow all styling tips here

2. Vintage sandals, 36, 15€

3. Longchamp, 85€ - fits your laptop!

4. Halter knit top, Vintage, M/38, 10€ / Calvin Klein cute top, L/40, 8€

…And I know it’s basically summer but loving this ice blue cashmere and this cute Versace twinset.

I had so much fun with this one. Especially reminiscing with my brother on our favorite music from this era (Dido anyone?).

It also reminds me of what my friend Gaultier says: vintage pieces are a testimony of their time. Soft blues might be back in shops, but nothing beats the real deal.

Thanks so much for reading 🩵

Below Sébastien’s send-off playlist: more electronic, still 100% Gen X Soft Club

Other era posts, in case you missed them

Some of my fave to put together :)

Gogo is always well dressed. His outfits are incredibly creative and uniquely him.

Here, Gaultier shares his thoughts on developing personal style, the future of secondhand and his very best vintage finds.

Embracing style trial and errors

Clothing is a powerful way to express oneself. It took me 15 years to discover what I truly enjoy wearing.

When someone has a unique style, they don't appear to be in costume; they simply look like themselves.

Living in New York for a few years significantly influenced my style. In Paris, people tend to judge more, and bold fashion choices are less expected. But in New York, you can step out of your comfort zone and experiment—it’s accepted.

Making a look “sophisticated”

I approach sophistication in fashion in two ways.

The first is more traditional: having chic pieces. For example, I love to wear a sportswear outfit with a pair of loafers. I always include at least one chic accessory, like a bag or glasses, to elevate my look.

The second type is more subtle: it’s when you can see that someone has thoughtfully and playfully selected and combined the right pieces for an outfit, and everything fits perfectly.

How secondhand drives personal style

The two best things about buying secondhand:

1. It’s unique: you’re the only one that owns it, and it immediately gives your style something different.

2. It’s a testimony of time: the cuts, materials and proportions are from another era. By wearing it today, you can make it current again.

The entire thought process behind shopping secondhand makes any outfit more interesting because it didn’t just happen, it’s intentional.

The boom of secondhand fashion

In the last decade, we’ve seen the rise and now the slow down of “luxury premium” fashion brands (e.g. Sandro, Maje). Economic instability and growing sustainability awareness are changing how we shop.

In parallel, secondhand fashion is exploding.

Thrifting used to mean searching through piles of clothes at flea markets. Then, online platforms like eBay and Vinted made it easier to dig through our phones.

Now, new businesses like Cent Neuf are transforming the secondhand retail experience with curated selections. Even mainstream brands are starting to offer their own items secondhand.

What still holds people back

Habits are changing, but some still view secondhand clothes as trash rather than treasure. Not everyone is vintage-savvy or enjoys searching for clothes.

At Cent Neuf, we tackle these challenges by professionally dry-cleaning all our clothes and curating collections with similar items in all sizes. Our goal is to make secondhand shopping feel like a firsthand experience.

In the end, I believe secondhand fashion will beat firsthand when their retail experiences are as premium.

Tip to start shopping secondhand

As a new secondhand shopper, avoid starting at big thrift stores if they don't appeal to you. Instead, visit vintage concept stores or designer luxury shops. You'll discover unique gems more easily, and you might be surprised by how affordable they can be.

Editor’s note: Parisians, check out my list of top places to shop secondhand in Paris (including Cent Neuf, of course)!

trouvé

where to shop secondhand in Paris

Bonjour! This week, we’re talking thrifting in the one, the only ✨Paris✨…

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a year ago · 54 likes · 10 comments · Laure Albouy

Most treasured vintage finds

So many! My big discovery of secondhand happened in New York at Beacon’s Closet. I would go religiously every weekend, spending 1-2 hours looking around.

The prices range from $35 to $250 dollars. Once, I spotted pants with an aubusson print and immediately recognized them from Dries Van Noten’s current collection. They were literally for sale at Barneys but I scored them from $80. Insane!

Just last year at Beacon’s Closet, I found a satin lapel overcoat from Phoebe Philo’s Céline collection for $100—again, crazy!

Another great find is from Tamago, a store in Amsterdam owned by Christine (who is so lovely, shoutout to her!). Back in 2018, I found Dior pants from the John Galliano era, laced all the way to the side of the leg and with a double-belt on the butt.

Thank you, secondhand 🫶

Merci Gaultier—I learned so much about secondhand and always love hearing your hot takes on personal style.

Follow Cent Neuf on Instagram, and if you’re in Paris go say hi. Their selection is always impeccable and it really does feel like a “regular” retail experience.

Till next time!

— Laure

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the art of thrifting: how artist Sandy van Helden shops vintage

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• have been around for decades. To steer clear of any new fast-fashion/drop-shipping madness.

• are past their heyday. I love a best-kept secret. I love a steal. This guarantees both.

In today’s trouvé, I’m sharing 6 European brands that had their moment in the sun in the 70s-80-90s, are now under people’s radars and ready for you to thrift.

1. Hennes Collection

A women's clothing store founded in 1947 by Erling Persson in Västerås, Sweden, before it evolved into the H&M we know today.

I love using this search term to look for good quality, very inexpensive, basics on Vinted.

🔮 Finds for you:

1. Halter black dress, M/38, 4€

2. Pastel yellow jacket, XS/34, 15€

3. Cotton sweater, S/36, 2€

4. Pink silk skirt, XS/34, 3.50€

2. Krizia

One of Italy’s first ready-to-wear brands founded in the 1950s by the iconic Mariuccia Mandelli. I loved learning about this power woman who was referred to as “Crazy Krizia” because of her eccentric style and unconventional use of fabric.

Both Karl Lagerfeld and Gianfranco Ferré worked there as in-house designers. And their sweaters from their line Krizia Maglia are collector’s items with a cult following.

Vinted is full of great affordable Krizia finds. Their labels have changed a lot throughout the years, so this is a good guide of what to look for.

🔮 Finds for you:

1. Knit top, S/36, 35€

2. Blue midi skirt, M/38, 12€

3. Purple gradient long sleeve, S/36, 7€

4. Black blazer, M/38, 10€

5. Checkered pants, M/38, 11€

3. Manoukian

French brand started in 1972 by Alain Manoukian, it was big in the 80s-90s. Since it was bought by BCBG Max Azria in 2005, it’s declined quite a bit in popularity.

A great brand to search for clothes that mix classic and modern styles.

🔮 Finds for you:

1. Wrap beige cardigan, S/36, 5€

2. Beige belted blazer S/36, 10€

3. Wrap top, S/36, 10€

4. Blue vest, M/38, 5€

4. Sarah Pacini

Created in 1990 in Belgium, Sarah Pacini is a treasure trove of innovative and modern knitwear. From cropped sweaters to wrap cardigans—they’ve got it all on Vinted!

🔮 Finds for you:

1. Sleeveless collar knit top, S/36, 25€

2. Crop cream sweater, One size, 45€

3. Black sheer long sleeve, M/38, 15€

4. Grey wrap sweater, One size, 45€

5. Adolfo Dominguez

Apparently internationally reknowned in the 1980s? I personally had never heard of this brand before Vinted but there are some great finds.

🔮 Finds for you:

1. Pink jacket, L/40, 20€

2. White a-line skirt, S/36, 10€

6. Marithé + François Girbaud

Renowned in the 90s for its pioneering techniques in fabric treatment and design, most notably in denim. Most curated vintage shops in Paris sell this brand because the clothes now feel so current!

🔮 Finds for you:

1. Denim shorts, M/38, 50€

2. Beige cotton jacket, M/38, 67€

3. Brown shirt, S/36, 70€

4. Wool skirt, S/36, 22€

I hope this gives you some extra inspo for the next time you hop onto Vinted/other secondhand platforms!

What fun brands have you discovered while thrifting?

See you next time! 🫶

— Laure

And like most things fashion, it was even better a few decades ago.

Every spring I think to myself “I should really play tennis again.” I miss the sport (and even started Padel, which is so fun!) but, to be honest, I also want an excuse to buy the incredible retro tennis dresses and skirts I find on Vinted.

The pleats, the collared shirts, the material—why restrict these fits to just the court?

So this week, a curation of secondhand tennis-inspired pieces to wear all summer.

Disclaimer: after writing this intro, I found out this is called "tenniscore" and apparently I'm a year late to the party!? Oops! Good thing these are all timeless ✨

Pleated skirt

I had a great white pleated tennis skirt when I was 13 that I think of now and then.

1. White, 90s vintage, S/36, 15€

2. Red, Daniel Hechter, M/38, 16€

3. Cream, Chloé, S/36, 60€ (so chic!)

4. Blue, Thomas Burberry, L/40, 15€

Or why not a pink Prada pleated skirt for just over 100€?

I also love these wrap skirts:

1. Light blue, Vintage Pimkie, S/36, 8€ (has been in my favorites for ages)

2. White, Lacoste, XS/34, 25€

3. Yellow, Ellesse, S/36, 7€

4. White, Emporio Armani, M/38, 35€ (love the mix of sporty fabric and the buckle)

Polo

As we’ve seen in a previous trouvé post, the (Lacoste) polo is timeless for a reason! And perhaps one of the easiest pieces of clothing to find secondhand.

Here are a few I spotted to get you started:

1. Blue, S/36, Sarah Pacini, 29€

2. Beige crochet, S/36, Vintage, 15€

3. Buttery yellow, M/38, Dorotennis, 5€

4. Knit, S/36, Lacoste, 70€

5. Orange striped, XS/34, Lacoste, 30€

Sporty dress

A perfect dress for the warmer summer days in the city. Dress it up with sandals or keep it casual with sneakers (and white socks).

Last year, I was lucky to go to the Roland Garros. The women staff were all wearing a belted Lacoste orange dress. I have been looking for it ever since!

But until then, some fun finds:

1. White, Jean-Paul Gaultier, S/36, 70€

2. Red and white knit, Calvin Klein, S/36, 15€

3. Pink, Dorotennis, S/36, 2€ (what!)

4. White, Lacoste, S/36, 30€

5. Orange, Sergio Tacchini, M/38, 20€

White shorts

Tennis reminding us that white shorts are the ultimate summer staple.