My Favorite Things Gift Guide: Vintage
One of my favorite things to buy for friends and family is always vintage because I love finding unique pieces for everyone on my shopping list. I get it, though, not everyone understands our obsession with vintage so deciding what to buy your friends and family can be tough. I think it’s important to consider the recipient and their interests (of course), but also what story you can share about the specific gift, item, designer, etc. My experience is even if someone isn’t into vintage, they always appreciate when I tell them why I bought it and the story behind it.
The best items to buy vintage as gifts are accessories, jewelry, jewelry boxes and bags. With these items, you don’t have to worry about sizing and they are pieces that everyone can appreciate and use. I think jewelry, jewelry boxes and silk scarves are perfect gifts for your mom or sister. I love the idea of bags for a younger sister or friend. If you’re looking to splurge for a partner or yourself, definitely look at designer bags and jewelry like Hermes or Chanel.
Vintage accessories are very easy to find at thrift stores and online. I also love that you can usually find luxury designer items from Gucci and Dior for under $50 if you’re willing to spend some time searching. If you’re hitting the thrift store or flea market, silk scarves can be found effortlessly. A belt is a great gift for a more fashion forward mom, sister, or friend.
Dior Silk Scarf [$49] | Silk Hair Bow [$24] | Judith Leiber Snakeskin Belt [$148] | Antique Crochet Lace Gloves [$20] | Gold Snake Belt [$68] Gucci Silk Scarf [$95]
I’ve purchased a lot of jewelry boxes over the years because they are the PERFECT gift for most people on your list. Depending on your budget, you can find elaborate and special embroidered boxes that are works of art meant to be displayed or glass and filigree boxes that are perfect for containing special jewelry. I love that they work as special decor pieces, but are also practical for containing items!
Embroidered Velvet Jewelry Box [$158] | Filigree Trinket Box [$49] | Marble Trinket Box [$36] | St Petersburg China Trinket Box [$76] | Velvet Jewelry Box [$25] | Heart Shaped Jewelry Box [$60]
Who doesn’t love a vintage bag, am I right? Bags are the perfect gift for your sister, mom, mother-in-law, or friend who loves them for unique finishing touches to an outfit. A leather shoulder bag is always a classic and I love that the bohemian feel lends itself to so many looks. If your recipient is a true vintage babe, then a lucite box bag is a must have. In addition to those, I added in some favorites that I think will wow.
Leather Shoulder Bag [$50] | Beaded Fringe Bag [$85] | Cristiana Beaded Bag [$89] | Chanel Tassel Bag [$1600] | White Lucite Box Bag [150] | Celine Patent Tote [$250]
Jewelry is probably the easiest and cheapest to find when thrifting, even when you shop at a pricier antique store. For me, the gaudier, louder, and more statement making the piece, the better. I love vintage Givenchy jewelry (pieces can range widely in price but they are always gorgeous), brooches, and clip on earrings.
Givenchy Gold Pearl Necklace [$230] | Chanel Earrings [$150] | Enamel Metal Flower Pin [$20] | Gold Knocker Earrings [$19] | Tortoise Shell Lucite Necklace [$13] | Givenchy Earrings [$175]
Luxe, divine, gorgeous, one-of-a-kind – if you’re all like yessss, then this splurge section is for you. These are the items that I’m adding to my wish list and if you like splurging on yourself, then start shopping! If you’re looking for something special for a partner, then you can do no wrong with vintage Chanel.
Chanel Fringe Bag [$940] | Judith Leiber Belt [$250] | Hermes Backpack [$650] | Cartier Gold & Emerald Panthere Ring [$2500] | Chanel Bag [$1200] | Chanel Chain Belt [$1800]