WHAT’S HOT?
The Stories Vintage Clothes Tell!
Terry wearing vintage Patrick Kelly purchased in Paris in 1989.
6/28/26
Hello Hot Friends,
I'm so excited to share this week's What's Hot? with you! I've just added a trove of fabulous vintage designer pieces to the site, each with the potential to brighten up your summer wardrobe.
One of the things I love most about vintage clothing is that every piece arrives with a story. We may never know where it traveled before it found us, but once it does, it becomes part of our own story too.
I thought it would be fun to share the stories behind three of my favorite vintage finds. Each one represents a different chapter in my life—and every time I see it, I'm instantly transported back to that moment.
Afterward, be sure to browse the Vintage Fashion collection to see what's new. And don't forget—our 4th of July Sale is underway! Enjoy 25% off sitewide through July 5th, and we'll include one of our "I'm A Fan of Yours" fans with every purchase.
This stunning black linen suit includes a bolero-style jacket and an above-the-knee wrap skirt with a cascading side ruffle. Both pieces feature delicate Broderie Anglaise—on the bolero sleeves and along the skirt hem—adding a feminine, textured detail. Truly a special set, the jacket also works beautifully on its own. Sized 40, it fits approximately US 6–8. In great condition.
1. Lolita Lempicka Black Linen Suit
I remember the exact moment I laid eyes on this exquisite linen suit by French designer Lolita Lempicka. It was 1989, and I'd been living in Paris for a couple of years. My style education was in full swing. I spotted the suit in the window of Victoire, a wonderfully chic boutique near the Palais Royal, and I simply had to have it.
Victoire became one of my favorite shops in Paris. It was known for its eclectic mix-and-match philosophy and for championing emerging avant-garde designers, including giving American designer Patrick Kelly his first runway break in Paris.
Of course, I bought the suit. I wore it to some of the most memorable occasions of my years in Paris, and every time I see it now, I'm reminded of that magical chapter of my life.
This striking Vivienne Tan set was purchased in Singapore in the mid-1990s and is in excellent, barely worn condition. The knee-length dress is made from a lightweight black-and-white machine-pleated fabric that resists wrinkling. Softly belled pants in the same fabric feature an elastic waist and wear beautifully under the dress. Or wear the pants with a tunic or oversized white button-down. Both pieces are labeled size 2 (medium); the dress’s forgiving cut can accommodate up to a size 10, and the pants have a 30" elastic waist to fit a range of sizes.
2. Rare Vintage Vivienne Tan Pleated Striped Set
Leaving Paris in 1991 broke my heart. I think I cried all the way to Singapore. Little did I know what awaited me. We landed late one evening in a wave of tropical humidity and the intoxicating fragrance of frangipani. Our Southeast Asian adventure had begun.
Shopping is practically a national sport in Singapore—one I enthusiastically embraced and quickly rose to the rank of most valuable player. After four glorious years immersed in French fashion, I was thrilled to discover American and Asian designers like Vivienne Tan, whose fresh interpretation of traditional Asian dress was captivating the fashion world.
I found this striking striped set at C.K. Tang department store and scooped it up immediately. I loved that the pieces could be worn together or separately—a lesson in versatility that's just as relevant today.
This stunning sleeveless bias-cut dress in ivory silk is scattered with stylized red hearts—a rare early-2000s find from Moschino Cheap and Chic. Designed to skim the body, it finishes with a charming ruffled hem. In excellent condition, the dress features V-necklines front and back, sweetly gathered shoulders that can be adjusted for a custom fit, and a row of tiny snaps that fasten from under the arm to the hip. A knockout summer party piece—fits US 8/10.
3. Vintage Moschino Cheap and Chic Ivory Silk Hearts Dress
About 25 years ago, I was shopping the designer floor at Bloomingdale's in New York during the final end-of-season markdowns. After trying on an armful of pants that did absolutely nothing for me, I was about to leave the dressing room when I noticed what looked like a crumpled silk scarf on the floor. Something told me to pick it up.
To my amazement, it was an ivory silk bias-cut Moschino dress sprinkled with bright red hearts. Someone had apparently decided against it and left it behind. Their loss was most definitely my gain.
It fit like a dream, and at 90% off, it remains one of the greatest fashion bargains I've ever found. To this day, I still think it's one of the chicest dresses I've ever owned—and I'm certain it will steal the show for its next owner, too.
I'll be adding more vintage treasures throughout the summer, so be sure to check back often.
Have a safe, stylish, and happy 4th of July!
Terry xoxo