Sista SoFine

The One That Got Away

2026-06-24T13:20:48.772-04:00

2000s Vivienne Westwood runway look.

Every collector has a story about the one that got away.

Mine lived briefly on a rack in a now closed Goodwill store on Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens sometime in the mid-2000s.

Back then, I had heard rumors about this particular location. Vintage shoppers whispered about it like a secret fishing hole. If you knew where to look and got there early enough, treasures surfaced. So one morning I made the trip.

I don't remember everything I bought that day. In fact, I couldn't tell you a single item that came home with me. But I can describe the one I left behind. It wasn't hanging openly on the rack. Someone had hidden it.

Experienced thrift shoppers know the trick. A promising find gets tucked between garments in the men's section or buried deep within a crowded rack until its discoverer can return with more cash. It's the closest thing the thrift store world has to burying treasure.

Normally I would have admired the ingenuity. But on that day I was the pirate. I found the stash!

There were several pieces hidden together, but one stood apart from the others. It was a European designer mini skirt unlike anything I had seen before. Beautifully made. Fashion-forward. The kind of piece that seemed straight from the runway.

I pulled it out and walked around the store with it draped over my arm. And then I made a mistake.

I put it back.

At the time, I justified the decision. The skirt looked impossibly small, probably a size 0. I couldn't wear it. I wasn't buying for a collection. I wasn't even really a vintage dealer yet. I was simply a shopper who liked unusual clothes.

So back onto the rack it went. I have no idea who bought it. I have no idea where it ended up. What I do know is that I've thought about that skirt for nearly twenty years.

The funny thing is that if I found it today, I would buy it without hesitation. Not because it would fit. Not because I planned to wear it. But because somewhere along the way I became a collector.

Collectors understand that certain objects are worth preserving even when they serve no practical purpose. They become markers of a moment, examples of extraordinary design, pieces of fashion history. That skirt would have gone straight into the archive.

The older I get, the more I realize that collecting isn't really about ownership. It's about recognition. Seeing something special and understanding its significance before it disappears.

Ironically, I've sold plenty of remarkable things over the years that I wish I had kept. Sometimes I'll scroll through my sold listings and feel a small pang of regret. Not because I should've charged more, but because those pieces are gone from my orbit forever.

Still, none of them haunt me quite like the skirt in Queens. Perhaps that's because it wasn't simply a garment. It was the moment before I learned how to trust my eye. It was the first thing that taught me the difference between shopping and collecting.

The Silk Crane Mystery

2026-05-27T09:24:52.815-04:00

Every good vintage piece comes with a mystery. This one just happened to involve silk cranes, artificial intelligence, and a matching garment hiding in London.

I found it years ago in a thrift store in Atlanta — a soft pink silk garment covered in oversized orangey-red cranes. I bought it immediately because it was beautiful and it looked old, but once I got it home, I realized I had absolutely no idea what it actually was.

Like many Westerners, I used the word kimono broadly and incorrectly. Beyond recognizing that the garment was Japanese, I knew very little about traditional Japanese clothing or textile history. So the piece sat quietly in my collection for years — too special to donate back, too mysterious to properly sell.

Then one evening, I decided to finally investigate.

Using Google reverse image search, I uploaded a photograph expecting generic “vintage kimono robe” results. Instead, I got an almost immediate hit: the twin to my garment appeared on the Instagram of Sonoe Sugawara, a London-based dealer specializing in antique Japanese textiles.

Not only had I found a matching example across the ocean, but I also discovered something even more important:

It wasn’t a kimono at all.

It was a nagajuban.

Traditionally worn beneath a kimono, nagajuban served as protective underlayers designed to shield the outer garment from oils and wear. But despite being hidden garments, many were made with extraordinary care and artistry. Mine dates to approximately the 1920s and features woven silk cranes — symbols of longevity, elegance, and good fortune in Japanese culture.

Suddenly the piece transformed before my eyes. What I once thought was simply a “pretty silk kimono” became something far more layered: a garment with cultural meaning, textile history, and craftsmanship I hadn’t previously understood.

The deeper I researched, the more details revealed themselves. Comparing my piece to the London example, I noticed several subtle differences. The crane placement wasn’t identical, suggesting the garments were individually cut and assembled rather than mass-produced copies. The London example also retained its white collar, while mine does not — a reminder that these garments evolved over time through wear, cleaning, replacement, and ownership.

I also found myself thinking about how dramatically technology has changed vintage collecting. Years ago, this piece might have remained unidentified forever. Instead, artificial intelligence and image search tools allowed me to trace its history in a single evening — connecting an Atlanta thrift store find to a specialist dealer thousands of miles away.

And yes, after discovering comparable antique nagajuban listed in the $200–600 range, I finally raised my own price.

Not because the garment changed.

Because my understanding of it did.

Sometimes the real value of vintage lies not only in owning the object, but in uncovering the story stitched quietly inside it.

$275.00 @Etsy

Girl with an Acorn Earring

2025-10-20T09:57:00.001-04:00

I have a love-hate relationship with squirrels.

It started in college when one broke into my dorm room. My roommate had left a half-eaten pizza by an open window, and this determined little creature chewed a hole through the screen to get that last slice. Unfortunately, once it had its fill, it couldn’t figure out how to leave.

I came back mid-feast to find a squirrel panic in progress—scrambling up walls, chittering, pooping, and flinging itself across the room until the RA and I finally managed to get the window open so it could escape.

For the next week, every time I walked to class, acorns rained down on me from the oak tree outside my dorm. I swear that squirrel told its tree-rat friends to pelt me in revenge. That’s how I earned the nickname “Squirrel Girl.”

Which brings me to these: Antique Acorn Earrings, modelled in sterling silver, circa 1880.

They’re dainty but full of character—Victorian-era craftsmanship that turns a humble acorn into something elegant and enduring. They’re a bit of a splurge, but exactly the kind of timeless piece “Squirrel Girl” would wear with pride. Proof that sometimes, even the most chaotic beginnings can inspire a little bit of shine. ($530)

Honey, I’m Lit

2025-09-30T13:23:00.000-04:00

Beeswax burns differently than paraffin or synthetic blends. It’s slower, cleaner, and doesn’t leave that heavy, smoky smell behind. Instead, the room fills with a faint sweetness, like warm honey. No chemical perfumes, no hidden additives—just a natural scent that blends into your space.

There’s something quietly majestic about these faceted beeswax pillar candles. Its surface is sculpted into geometric planes—facets that evoke cut gemstones—and when lit, it emits a soft, warm light without reflecting glare. The flame seems to dance through the wax itself, turning a solid object into a living, glowing jewel. Instantly elevating your space. They’re not cheap, but at $65 for the set of 3 from Big Dipper Waxworks, not off the charts either for pure beeswax. You get what you pay for!

Pleats, Please: A Vintage Gown Worth the Drama

2025-08-26T08:41:00.000-04:00

Some gowns aren’t just garments — they’re sculptures in fabric.

This 1970s Malcolm Starr Rizkallah chiffon gown in radiant sunshine yellow is one of those rare pieces where craftsmanship, color, and history meet. Nearly 55 years after it was created, it still feels strikingly contemporary, proof that true design never goes out of style.

What first captures the eye is the bodice: a masterpiece of draped chiffon, pleated into a crisscross construction that flatters and frames the figure. The work is intricate yet effortless, giving the dress both structure and softness. From the fitted waist, the skirt spills into gathered folds that float with movement, creating an ethereal silhouette reminiscent of Grecian goddesses and pageant queens alike.

The color — a bold, lemony yellow — radiates confidence. It’s not shy, not subtle, but a statement shade meant for someone who wants to be remembered. And even with its history (a faint stain, a few moth kisses tucked away in the folds), this gown has lost none of its magic. Like all the best vintage, its imperfections only testify to a life lived and nights danced through.

Designed under the creative vision of Youssef Rizkallah for Malcolm Starr, this gown embodies an era when American eveningwear was bold, glamorous, and meticulously made. Rizkallah’s Paris training and Egyptian roots gave his designs a unique fusion: couture lines, vivid colors, and a sense of drama that still translates today. Whether you’re a collector, a vintage prom dreamer, or simply someone who appreciates clothing as art, this piece is a rare find — and it’s available now in my Etsy shop. ($300)

Yes, It’s a Real IKEA Bag!

2025-08-04T10:19:00.020-04:00

SistaSoFine and her Brattby!

Who knew my summer It bag would turn out to be a mini IKEA shopping tote?

The BRATTBY, to be exact — a petite version of the iconic blue IKEA bag, measuring just 27x27 cm. I originally bought it online in 2023 for $1, thinking I’d use it for groceries. When it arrived, I was a little disappointed. It was smaller than I expected, and I ended up giving away all five that I’d purchased — except the one I’d already used.

Fast forward to summer 2025, and that little blue bag, long forgotten in the back of my closet, has emerged as my go-to "running to the store" bag. It’s sturdy, waterproof, and unexpectedly stylish. I’ve received so many compliments — from both men and women — all asking the same thing: “Wait… is that a real IKEA bag?”

Yes, it is. And yes, it cost one single dollar.

It’s trendy without trying hard, and functional without being frumpy. It’s a conversation starter. And honestly? It’s refreshing to carry something cool that didn’t cost a small fortune. I wouldn’t be surprised if Balenciaga or someone else whips up another high-fashion knockoff soon. But you heard it here first: the BRATTBY is the underdog of the summer accessory scene.

Sometimes style really does come in the simplest (and cheapest) packages.

Silk the Shocker

2025-07-10T23:02:00.001-04:00

I’m old enough to remember a time before hair bonnets.

So what did we use way back then, you ask? Silk scarves.

If, for some reason, we had to step outside and our hair wasn’t presentable — maybe it was in a roller set, or halfway through an all-day braid session— we’d cover it with a colorful silk scarf. A very large one, folded, tied, and arranged in a manner that was pleasing and stylish.

I once read that in 1786, New Orleans enacted a law requiring Black women to cover their hair because their elaborate hairstyles were considered too beguiling to men. But this tactic backfired beautifully: women devised even more magnificent ways of tying fabrics and scarves, turning a restriction into a statement of creativity and elegance.

That tradition persisted through the generations.

As a child, I was taught to tie a scarf to protect my hair while I slept, or when doing housework or yard work. The silk kept my strands safe from dust, dirt, and the perils of a cotton pillowcase on natural hair. Buying a silk scarf was an event — they were expensive— and you took care of it for years. It was a personal, private statement piece, seen only by a select few… similar to lingerie.

Today, though, many women have traded this tradition for cheap, synthetic polyester sacks with elastic bands that wick moisture and ruin edges. Sigh.

Do yourself (and your hair) a favor, hon: get a silk scarf.

Tinkerbell Goes to Prom: A Vintage Bubble Dress

2025-07-08T23:55:00.000-04:00

When I find vintage clothing, I love imagining the story behind each piece. That’s why it’s always a thrill to discover something truly unique — like this blue taffeta dress, possibly from the 1950s or early 1960s.

It’s a classic bubble dress, but the shape reminds me of a flower bulb just before it blooms. The moment I saw it, I thought: this is what Tinkerbell would wear to prom! And given that it’s a size XXS, I’m probably not too far off the mark!

The color is simply fantastic — a vibrant blue that still holds its charm after all these decades. There are no maker’s labels, but for a garment that’s pushing 75 years old, it’s in remarkably good condition.

Someone from Finland even wanted to snap it up, but sadly, we realized the VAT would be outrageous. Taxation and vexation!

See more photos (and maybe give it a new story of your own) over at my Etsy store.

Walk It Like I Talk It

2025-07-02T22:42:00.001-04:00

Let’s talk about something no one wants to say out loud: some of y’all are struggling in heels—and it shows.

I recently heard about an exclusive walking class just for women who want to master the art of walking in high heels. And honestly? It's about time. Because while a killer pair of stilettos can elevate your entire look, nothing brings it crashing down faster than an unsteady, knock-kneed wobble.

I’ve seen it too many times—beautiful shoes, bad gait. It’s awkward to watch, and I can’t help but feel secondhand embarrassment. The truth is, walking gracefully in heels isn’t something most people are born knowing how to do. It takes practice. Intention. Posture. Balance.

I learned by clomping around the house in my mom’s heels and watching Naomi Campbell float down the runway like she was born in six-inch stilettos. Naomi—arguably the best walker in supermodel history—was my blueprint. Every step, every sway, every moment of poise was a masterclass in confidence.

For those who want the real-deal coaching, this class offered by luxury shoe brand Maison Ernest runs around €100. But if that’s out of reach, don’t worry—YouTube has your back. Search up Miss J. Alexander (yes, that Miss Jay from America’s Next Top Model) and prepare to take notes. He will break it down, heel to toe, with flair and expert advice that’s equal parts fabulous and functional.

Because here’s the thing: walking in heels isn’t about pain or suffering. It’s about control, elegance, and power. It’s a strut, not a stumble.

So whether you're taking the exclusive class, following Naomi clips frame by frame, or letting Miss Jay school you for free—do the work. Your ankles (and your dignity) will thank you.

Toe the Line: Jeffrey Campbell’s Stiletto Statement

2025-06-29T13:00:00.000-04:00

T-strap leather stilettos with an embossed toe detail by Jeffrey Campbell are, in a word, ridiculous—and I absolutely need them! Known for his cheeky, offbeat designs, Jeffrey Campbell doesn’t disappoint with this sculptural stiletto that dares to trace the full contour of the toes. It’s a playful nod to anatomy, elegance, and audacity all at once. Available in rich caramel, deep mocha, and classic black, this silhouette is the most exciting shoe profile I’ve seen in a while. Somehow, they’re both neutral and a statement piece. The perfect pair to edge up a vintage dress or add an unexpected twist to minimalist tailoring. At $195, they’re a bold splurge—and worth every cent.

Golden Idol

2022-04-26T11:16:00.001-04:00

If you ever wondered what Wonder Woman might wear poolside, look no further. Fit for a Themysciran, this Norma Kamali Golden Goddess bikini can only be rocked by a true Glamour Girl. More of a tankini, the top and bottom are separate pieces. The only accessories needed for this showstopper are killer shades and a pair of bejeweled mules to complete the look. ($205)

MOMA Mia!

2022-04-13T13:35:00.003-04:00

You don't have to be a Dancing Queen to rock this
New Era x Takashi Murakami 59Fifty Allover Print Fitted Baseball Cap. I'm quite sure [Name Drop] will be rocking this in his/her/? music video faster than you can say Murakami. The collabo between New Era's flagship 59FIFTY and Takashi Murakami, artist extraordinaire, is the piece of the fashion pie you've been waiting for. No longer relegated to the walls of Degrassi High's "Wheel Chair Jimmy," now any one with a Benjamin can at least Look Like they can Party Like a Rockstar! ($85)

Vintage 60s Pink Nylon Babydoll Nightie

2017-10-08T03:04:00.000-04:00

You'll be screaming, "Look at me, I'm Sandra Dee!" when you wear this powder pink vintage nightie. The tags have long since evaporated, but the style is definitely from the 1960s. Crafted from two layers, the inner slip is a soft and silky sheer nylon and the outer embellished layer is an even more sheer chiffon texture. A lovely embroidered ribbon and floral pattern decorate the scalloped U-neckline. The straps are constructed of pink ribbon with a white lace overlay which continues along the the back collar line terminating in the center with an 8.5" long pink ribbon. The trim also appears two inches above the hemline. She's shown on a size 8 dress form. Condition: Repairs have been made to the straps. There are about 4 tiny holes on the back of the garment and a few pull threads on the overlay, but none are noticeable while worn. ($30)

Vintage 70s Chevron Stripe Knit Dress

2017-10-04T10:36:00.000-04:00

This ribbed-knit dress is a preppy vintage dream! The union label dates this dress to the mid-70s, yet it looks like something from the 50s. Navy and white, the top of the dress mimics a polo-style sweater but with a v-neck and striped pointed collar. The asymmetrical skirt dips down in the front and rear with a groovy chevron stripe pattern in blue and white. A repair with clear thread has been made on one sleeve which I didn't even notice until I turned the dress inside out. There is also a tear in the collar, possible hangar damage, but hardly noticeable as it's right on the collar fold. She's still a worthy beauty! ($45)

Wax Job

2011-05-28T07:01:00.017-04:00

At this weekend's DanceAfrica outdoor bazaar I hope to find an African print tote bag similar to this one. Handmade by women in Rwanda, part of a fair wage cooperative, there are nearly 30 steps involved in making the wax cloth. The term "wax" refers more to the manufacturing process rather than the texture of the cloth, and the process itself is very secretive. If you come across anything made from this fabric, purchase it immediately! This particular Textile Trade Tote from Anthropologie is the perfect summer accessory; use it to punch up that denim short and tank top ensemble, round it out with a pair of beaded sandals. ($48)

All the Right Moves

2011-05-20T06:43:00.000-04:00

The search for the perfect picnic/beach blanket must meet these specific criteria: large enough for at least 3 people, thick enough to keep out the wet and cold of the ground, strong enough to survive wine spills while managing to be tasteful and subdued in color and design. So what did I find? you ask. The Supreme Mover Moving Blanket! Built "Ford tough" and weighing in at nearly 8lbs, it's got a quilted cotton/poly blend cover with recycled cotton filler, and a double-stitched binding making it nearly indestructible. Sized 72"x80" and available in a pack of 4, the black and white blankets are multi-functional. One will be used as a cat bed, two will be reserved for park and beach outings, and the other will be used for it's original purpose, protecting furniture. ($62)

I'm With Coco

2011-05-19T06:45:00.006-04:00

Mama SoFine tipped me off to the wonders of coconut oil years ago. And I still use it! Sometimes I even eat it! Now my new thing is coconut water, which is the clear water at the center of a young coconut. Not to be confused with coconut milk which is the result of pressing the flesh of the coconut to produce a white milky liquid. Coconut water has tons of electrolytes, the stuff you need to quickly re-hydrate and balance your blood pH. In other words, it's natures little hangover cure which also happens to be fat and cholesterol free. I've tried every brand and have settled on Vita Coco which has the best flavor and is most similar to fresh coconut water. Frustrated by the per unit price, I've decided to take it up a notch and order by the flat. ($74)

Parks and Recreation

2011-05-18T06:40:00.002-04:00

I'm already thinking about what I might wear to this summer's outdoor concerts at Prospect Park. I'll probably attend at the very least 2 concerts and perhaps 2 picnics, which means I need to start building my wardrobe now. This cuters underwire denim bralet from Topshop is what I like to call "innocent-sexy," meaning that it's cute and wholesome minus the overtly sexual connotation. Think Ellie Mae Clampet. Plus it's versatile enough to wear out with a pair of shorts or prairie skirt; or under a cardigan with pedal-pushers just in case it gets a bit chilly at night. ($44)

What a Croc!

2011-05-17T07:16:00.001-04:00

Yes, I'm one of those people who thinks that crocs are the ugliest shoes on the planet. That is, until I saw these open-toe flats. I've heard from crocs lovers that the clogs are extremely comfy, but I could not get over that plastic-y turtle shell look and never bought a pair. Recently my foot has grown a bit wider so I decided to choose comfort over style and took a look at the crocs selection. These shoes are both comfortable AND stylish, people are shocked when I tell them the brand. Tiny nubs on the footbed massage your soles and the opening is wide enough to show 3 perfectly pedicured toes. I like them so much I just picked up another pair in black! Seriously! ($50)

Afri-CAN

2011-04-26T07:42:00.001-04:00

Missoni has been the most exciting knitwear house for over five decades; their funky patterns and color combinations are instantly recognizable and not easily copied. Yet I was taken aback by this Calvados African Bead print swimsuit, in my opinion it's one of the best of this season's African print trend.
The detail is actually quite exquisite, you really need to view quite closely to see that it is a print and not actual beadwork. Wear it poolside or to the beach, pair with shorts or a skirt and leather sandals. Generously cut to show off just the right amount of curves, you'll look and feel gorgeous in this suit. (£265)

Warm Leatherette

2011-04-23T07:29:00.002-04:00

Whilst perusing the Sergio Rossi website, I noticed a series of interesting accessories from the Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The most intriguing piece from this collection is the hammered brass bustier with luggage leather trim. Most likely to be seen on the bust of Grace Jones, the piece will occupy an honored spot in your closet next to the other things you never wear yet cannot part with. I want! ($4,570)

Hidden Agenda

2011-04-22T07:30:00.001-04:00

I have a purse to carry all of my items, and another purse within a purse. This inner purse contains: an iPhone, Estee Lauder Signature Lipstick in Rich Red, a memory stick, tiny paper slicer, pen, pad, snack, keys, digital camera, cinnamon Altoids, hand mirror, sunglasses, work ID, Metro Card, wallet, and hand fan. Now that I think about it, the rest of the bag is just for show, the real deal is the inner bag and I would be S.O.L. if it were snatched or lost. With the SCOTTEVEST/SeV Women's Trench you can fashionably shed your inner bag and keep all of your most important items on your person. Imagine 18 inner pockets, bulge-proof, water-proof and bullet-proof. OK, it's not bullet-proof, but you'll probably feel a bit invincible when wearing it. ($150)

Lunch Blocks

2011-04-20T07:42:00.027-04:00

Scientists have successfully crossed a bento box with a sandwich box, resulting in the creation of the (wait for it...) Ojue Lunch Box! At just over 2 inches in depth, it's quite possibly the thinnest and most useful lunch container ever invented. Separating into 3 different compartments, there's room for a serving of rice, a side of vegetables, and a main dish. There's even a built-in set of chopsticks with a holder too! Designed for the vertically oriented, it's roughly the same size as a paperback book and fits perfectly into your purse. Lovey! (￥2,800)

Baggage Claim

2011-04-19T07:09:00.001-04:00

Want to support American business? Then make your next handbag purchase a J.W. Hulme. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota since 1905, a small group of craftsmen and craftswomen piece together the leather goods using the same techniques developed over 100 years ago. Among the results, a handsome Fairmont Satchel with solid brass hardware and the type of quality full-grain leather that develops a warm patina over the years. A keepsake that only gets better with age, every J.W. Hulme piece comes along with a lifetime warranty! ($750)

Urn Unit

2011-04-15T06:50:00.004-04:00

Some girls are into flowers. They have cut flowers in pretty vases and even manage to keep orchids alive for periods lasting more than 1 week. I am trying very hard to become one of those girls; step number 1 is to find a lovely heirloom-worthy piece to hold a bouquet. Unique and handmade, this ceramic flower urn by Frances Palmer has gorgeous detail; the artist made plaster casts of blossoms from her own garden to create the look. A perfect gift for the green of thumb, the vase, full or empty, holds it's own on any mantle. ($475)