I have a very distinct memory of the day I opened my first checking account. It was at a local Bank of America branch, and I went with my grandmother. A very small amount of money was to be kept in this account, for emergency use only, and I felt very mature and important sitting in the bank worker’s office.
We went over the standard name and date of birth questions, and then we got to the security question: “If your account is compromised, you need to pick a question and provide an answer that will let us know it’s you trying to access the account,” the banker said.
“Mother’s maiden name? First pet? Favorite hobby?”
“Oh — favorite hobby!” I said.
“And the answer?” he asked.
“Shopping.”
I’m not sure I had ever really seen someone scoff up to that point in my life, but this man sure did.
“I’m not sure I would call that a hobby…” he smirked as he filled in the requisite paperwork.
But learning how to shop well is a skill, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Let me get on my soapbox quickly because I’m passionate about this (and I have said this before so I am indeed plagiarizing myself here):
When it comes to women’s hobbies, we so often call them frivolous. “Oh, you’re good at decorating? Or thrifting? How cute.”
Traditionally feminine pursuits get written off as unskilled, while plenty of male-coded interests (building model trains, collecting baseball cards) get treated as proof of real intelligence.
Here’s what I think: knowing what to buy is a skill. Recognizing why one chair is worth $2,000, and the one next to it is worth $20 isn’t luck. It isn’t taste you’re born with, IMO! It’s knowledge, and it can be learned.
That’s what I’m here for and what I aim to teach — the labels to hunt for, the materials worth looking for. Not just because this stuff is “valuable” and you could make a quick buck selling it, but because it’s worth taking the time to find exceptional things. These items should not be reserved for the wealthiest among us.
The notion that you are born with good taste is not always true. A lot of people are just born with money and therefore grow up around nice things.
But all of us should have access to great design. We are seeing less and less of it because of the race-to-the-bottom brought on by fast fashion and fast furniture, but it is still out there, and still affordable; you just have to learn how to hunt.
Deep breaths. I’m off my soapbox. Every Friday, I share some recent quick faves (stuff I saw and loved, cool houses on the internet, etc.) The Wednesday and Sunday newsletters are reserved for the deep dives. This one, as always, is free.
xx,
VC
A few things I’ve seen and loved during my secondhand shopping adventures that I’m thinking about lately:
A stunning Viking glass ashtray that reads “Mom + Dad” (seen at The Big Green Barn in New Jersey).
Also at the Big Green Barn: a Nigerian Yoruba beaded wall hanging. I have also seen beaded chairs like this, which I think are so fab and make such a fun impact in a space.
A 1980s Zen Lounge Chair, designed by Claude Brisson for the French furniture brand Ligne Roset. Very postmodern pattern and just really fun (it frankly reminds me of Nickelodeon’s Doug, which scratches a nostalgic itch for me, but these chairs are wildly collectible). Seen in Cleveland, Ohio last year.
Also seen in Cleveland last year and I think about it once per week: a Picasso reproduction manufactured by Padilla Pottery in Mexico. This was under $300, and I wanted it badly. Huge. You can see a couple other Padilla pieces here.
I really love this vintage Maxx New York bag. Animal print is timeless, and this shape is nuts. This is a brand we should be hunting for.
This 1980s Guy Laroche tee is $23.
And a croc-embossed vintage Guy Laroche bag to go with.
Long live a camo pant (these are 50% off).
All about a chunky gold coin necklace.
My go-to lip balm. Nothing hydrates better.
Very into a woven clog or sling-back, as it transitions from season to season and allows for a pop of color if you have a bright pedicure.
On Sunday, I’m sharing a complete guide to shopping for silver secondhand. Silver prices are significantly higher than they were a year ago, and we are seeing more and more of it enter the market as Baby Boomers downsize. Some of it is worth a lot of money! But it’s also beautiful and well-made, and I think we should develop an appreciation for the craft behind it, whether it’s jewelry or a serving piece. So I’ll aim to cover the marks to recognize, round up some of the pieces that are actually worth buying, and share the stuff that may hold real value beyond being simply beautiful objects. Subscribe to get it to your inbox Sunday.
There is an Etsy shop selling fabulous handmade ceramic toilets, and I think you all need to know about it. Look at this blue one! Or the pink! There’s even a checkered one! And many other fabulous patterns. And you can also order matching sinks, if you please.
Proof that vintage is, just, the absolute best: This is an Italian lamp made from paper, to look like a nautilus shell.
Also vintage (and from the 1930s!! 100 YEARS OLD!): A pitcher with a lizard as the handle.
I spoke to Emily Bloch of The Philadelphia Inquirer for her piece about the viral World Cup bracelets that were free and have now hit the resale market.
I am so obsessed with this thrift find.
"When it comes to women’s hobbies, we so often call them frivolous. “Oh, you’re good at decorating? Or thrifting? How cute.”
Traditionally feminine pursuits get written off as unskilled, while plenty of male-coded interests (building model trains, collecting baseball cards) get treated as proof of real intelligence.
Here’s what I think: knowing what to buy is a skill. Recognizing why one chair is worth $2,000, and the one next to it is worth $20 isn’t luck. It isn’t taste you’re born with, IMO! It’s knowledge, and it can be learned."
AMEN!
I work in graphic design, so my field is a little different from yours, but I really related to what you said about developing an eye for good design. 😇