223: Software update

Bottega bag out, Gucci bag in—and other spring swaps I'm making by buying and selling second-hand.

Vestiaire Collective reached out recently and asked if I wanted to try on some pre-owned designer pieces from their humongous archive, to which I obviously said yes??? Today’s send is a fun one, and it comes thanks to them.

Spring is a great time for pondering circularity, after all. Lately I’ve been getting real with myself about which pieces from my wardrobe receive enough wear to warrant a spot in my one-closet apartment—and which don’t! And though I’m constantly releasing as new stuff comes in, once a year I force myself to address those harder-to-part-with items and make tough cuts.

In my purge, I identified the shoe, the coat, and the bag whose time has come for one reason or another, and I’ve listed these items that I once considered grails for sale on my own Vestiaire Collective profile alongside a handful of other items.

This verges on too corny to say, but my mantra—for friendships, relationships, careers, self-conceptions, and yes, clothes—is that you must let go to create space.

For every item that I’m selling (to you?), I’ve dreamed up a fantasy replacement from the depths of Vestiaire’s seemingly infinite pages. The NEW shoe, the NEW coat, the NEW bag. (Plus, naturally, a bunch of other stuff I just wanted to touch and wear.) While I’m considering which to buy, all of these pieces are still shoppable on Vestiaire; I have a feeling you guys are going to beat me to a lot of it—as is the case with most one-offs I share—but I’m just trying to be fair.

Keep scrolling to shop pieces I’m selling out of my own closet and the dream items I’d replace them with for spring, and as a bonus, use magasin10 for 10% off any order.

One out: big boots

Shop my items: Jil Sander Knee-High Boots, $330 / Merlette Fabric Pouch, $88 / skirt, t-shirt, sweater, and jewelry my own

One in: lil’ flats

Shop Vestiaire’s collection: Alaïa Cloth Ballet Flats, $1,224 / Saint Laurent Suede Jacket, $1,167 / Prada Cleo Leather Handbag, $1,915 / t-shirt, jeans, and jewelry my own

For as much as I adore the look of these buttery Jil boots, I’ve had to look myself in the selfie mirror and admit: “You are not a high heel girl anymore, Laura.” Sad! But true. (Especially now that I’ve fallen in love with the pairing of this forgotten vintage leather Benetton skirt, alas.)

Instead, I’m far more likely to get proper mileage from a pair of Alaïa flats—have you had a chance to try these things? I can see why they went gangbusters viral in the last year. They are so comfortable and beautifully made. Plus, this particular pair is studded all over, which makes them as evening-appropriate as a heel.

One out: a dramatic winter coat

Shop my items: By Malene Birger Sandras Reversible Shearling & Suede Coat, $2,200 / Gucci Bamboo Handbag, $254 / Alaïa Knee-High Boots, $528 / jewelry my own

One in: a toss-on leather jacket

Shop Vestiaire’s collection: Loewe Leather Coat, $1,681 / The Row Maxi Skirt, $489 / Celine Sac 16 Leather Handbag, $1,980 / Gucci Leather Sandal, $238 / jewelry my own

This By Malene Birger coat (which is actually two coats—it’s reversible) is one of the greatest pieces of outerwear I’ve owned. Even so, I’ve worn it out fewer times than I can count on one hand. The drama that it brings is multiplied when draped over my 5’5” frame. (And what’s a woman who just realized she can’t handle heels anymore to do?) This is one of those accept the things you cannot change moments they tell you about.

A better fit and a fresher cut for spring is this divinely light leather trench from Loewe; also one of mankind’s most prolific and important coat dealers, so it’s an equitable trade. If this remarkable, pristine Celine top-handle bag happens to ride in on the same breeze the featherweight coat arrived on, I’m sure I could find a home for it.

One out: a bag for carrying everything

Shop my items: Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobo Bag, $1,045 / Jacquemus Linen Blazer, $297 / Fendi Beaded Heels, $190 / pants and jewelry my own

One in: a bag for traveling light

Shop Vestiaire’s collection: Gucci Horsebit 1955 Chain Leather Handbag, $2,921 / Khaite Cashmere Cardi Coat, $1,375 / The Row Silk Trousers, $549 / Celine Silk Bra, $95 / Jil Sander Leather Sandal, $60 / Gucci Watch, $245 / jewelry my own

Here’s the thing: I already have another Bottega Veneta Intrecciato hobo bag. I’d happily wear this slouchy handbag each day no problem—and I kind of do—but in the name of reducing redundancies, I’m picking one and cutting the other.

Giving this hobo the chop also gives me an excuse to diversify my collection further. With laptop and gym stuff-carrying duties handled by my remaining Bottega, my eye’s trained on a svelte, sleek evening bag like this fire engine-red Gucci horsebit clutch.

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