If you’re loving on Liz, Anne Klein really paved the way for what Claiborne accomplished. Klein was the real pioneer women’s separates in the 1950s. She was also the first designer to have her own physical store outside of Saks in 1970 - “Anne Klein Corner”. The list of her achievements goes on!
Really love the accessibly of Liz Claiborne in the thrift stores! Celebrating accessible brands that have been historically deemed “uncool” is really important!
I’ve never given Liz Claiborne a second thought. Big mistake! So much to love here. The monochrome camel look and round glasses is closer to my style, but those red pants, bright plaid, and sleek ponytail have me questioning many of my decisions. 🤌
I recently got a Liz Claiborne denim vest and I was so pleased with the fit and quality! Growing up in the 90’s I wrote it off as matronly and cheap, but now I gotta say, I’m a fan.
scrolling through liz pieces on secondhand sites is always such a treat!! everything is so fun but still approachable. i want that "if only dressing for parties" ad framed in my house too lol
I know everyone's been talking about the mall brand revival but I'll double down: Liz Claiborne, Anne Klein, Talbots, Ann Taylor, etc. are some of the most ubiquitous brands across secondhand marketplaces with solid quality and construction and even better prices. Love this letter! Long live Liz!
(Also I looooove the denim vest... I got a similar looking vest from Eddie Bauer via Ebay and have worn it SO much more than I thought I would).
yes! you really can't beat the quality of some of these brands. Now I am extra motivated to get that vest. Eddie Bauer is an absolute gem. Can't wait to do a full post on EB. Thanks so much for reading <3
Loved this one a lot. I also found myself going “huh?” with a shrugging of my shoulders at the Martha complexity. Anyways I wanted to also pop in and say this would make for a very good podcast. Reading through it, I couldn’t help but think of how much fun you could have describing these shirts to readers who can’t see them. 🙃 Anyways. Really loved everything in here today and sending to my fellow vintage loving friends. (Btw : where in the country are you?? Asking because my cousin is just outside Detroit and she is a vintage shopping pro and a lot of your finds remind me of the Salvation Army and estate sale treasures I can find whenever I visit…)
The Martha Complexity! And wow, I have never thought about doing a podcast type thing, that could be fun! hahah I would probably be too nervous though lol.
I am in Nashville part of the year and Oakland for the rest! I love Detroit and I am sure there is some amazing thrifting to be had up that way. I need to make a visit.
2) A silk blouse and pair of jeans is one of my favorite outfit uniforms.
3) One of my favorite things I’ve ever thrifted is a navy silk Liz Claiborne dress. It’s a tank dress that has a more blousy top and then flares out slightly at the bottom. It’s the perfect wedding guest dress. The quality of old Liz Claiborne is unmatched. The dress even has those little bra strap holders!
i love this so much! i've always found liz claiborne comfortable because of her ubiquitous presence in department stores, which is where i've spent a lot of quality time with my grandmothers shopping. one of my grandmothers loves liz and you've inspired me to know go through her closet and borrow a few pieces!
Ugh, Martha!! Love her forever. She was like a virtual TV friend to my grandmother during times I can only assume were lonely as a traditional homemaker. I watch re-runs of Martha’s 90s episodes when I miss her 🥹 I also collect all of Martha’s books but they’ve suddenly all skyrocketed in price since the doc premiered - keep your eyes out at the thrift store, people!!
Also so funny that I just thrifted an incredible long pleated Liz Claiborne skirt. They just don’t make shit like they used to- silk lined and everything 😩
I am so jelly you got to spend so much time with her in your home. It's so crazy when you find an actual silk lined garment, it feels so luxurious and it's such a shame it's not standard any longer. Thank god there are lots of oldies out there for us!
If you’re loving on Liz, Anne Klein really paved the way for what Claiborne accomplished. Klein was the real pioneer women’s separates in the 1950s. She was also the first designer to have her own physical store outside of Saks in 1970 - “Anne Klein Corner”. The list of her achievements goes on!
Really love the accessibly of Liz Claiborne in the thrift stores! Celebrating accessible brands that have been historically deemed “uncool” is really important!
Omg this is incredible! Thanks for sharing, I’ll have to make an announcement 📣 on this Anne Klein update. Thanks Kari!
I have some great info on her, along with a stunner of a dress I sold of hers on my website! I’m a vintage seller and major nerd always collecting info. I share alot about fashion history on my Substack too! 🥸 https://passagekeeper.com/products/90s-silk-eye-print-mini-dress-by-anne-klein
I just subscribed and I am soooo excited to learn more. That dress is out of this world!
Yay! So happy to connect! I love your Substack <3
Holy shit that ad campaign is perfect???
It's so smart and I want more!
Love finding secondhand Liz Claiborne, whether at the thrift store or online. She never misses!
Couldn’t agree more!
I’ve never given Liz Claiborne a second thought. Big mistake! So much to love here. The monochrome camel look and round glasses is closer to my style, but those red pants, bright plaid, and sleek ponytail have me questioning many of my decisions. 🤌
I love the camel look too! I’m just so down with her statement glasses too.
I can pick out a Liz from 20 feet away in a thrift and I have some that I’ve been steady wearing for 12+ years sourced second hand. A true icon
Ha! A true expert!
I recently got a Liz Claiborne denim vest and I was so pleased with the fit and quality! Growing up in the 90’s I wrote it off as matronly and cheap, but now I gotta say, I’m a fan.
soooo fun! I've had a few denim vests saved and haven't pulled the trigger yet. Is it a zip up or button up? just can't decide!
Get’em! It’s a waistcoat style button up vest. It makes all my outfits look a touch more Rachel Green and I’m into it😄
Love it!
scrolling through liz pieces on secondhand sites is always such a treat!! everything is so fun but still approachable. i want that "if only dressing for parties" ad framed in my house too lol
They are all framers! I think a couple of those are actually on eBay if you get the itch to look :)
Love this and love Liz! My first perfume was Liz Claiborne. She did everything.
oh yeahhhh! I think I remember you writing about that. Is it good???
YES. So good.
I know everyone's been talking about the mall brand revival but I'll double down: Liz Claiborne, Anne Klein, Talbots, Ann Taylor, etc. are some of the most ubiquitous brands across secondhand marketplaces with solid quality and construction and even better prices. Love this letter! Long live Liz!
(Also I looooove the denim vest... I got a similar looking vest from Eddie Bauer via Ebay and have worn it SO much more than I thought I would).
yes! you really can't beat the quality of some of these brands. Now I am extra motivated to get that vest. Eddie Bauer is an absolute gem. Can't wait to do a full post on EB. Thanks so much for reading <3
Loved this one a lot. I also found myself going “huh?” with a shrugging of my shoulders at the Martha complexity. Anyways I wanted to also pop in and say this would make for a very good podcast. Reading through it, I couldn’t help but think of how much fun you could have describing these shirts to readers who can’t see them. 🙃 Anyways. Really loved everything in here today and sending to my fellow vintage loving friends. (Btw : where in the country are you?? Asking because my cousin is just outside Detroit and she is a vintage shopping pro and a lot of your finds remind me of the Salvation Army and estate sale treasures I can find whenever I visit…)
The Martha Complexity! And wow, I have never thought about doing a podcast type thing, that could be fun! hahah I would probably be too nervous though lol.
I am in Nashville part of the year and Oakland for the rest! I love Detroit and I am sure there is some amazing thrifting to be had up that way. I need to make a visit.
Thanks so much for reading, Amanda!
1) Obsessed with the ric rac on that denim shirt.
2) A silk blouse and pair of jeans is one of my favorite outfit uniforms.
3) One of my favorite things I’ve ever thrifted is a navy silk Liz Claiborne dress. It’s a tank dress that has a more blousy top and then flares out slightly at the bottom. It’s the perfect wedding guest dress. The quality of old Liz Claiborne is unmatched. The dress even has those little bra strap holders!
YES! I found a couple dresses that seemed really fun for wedding or event, but I have nothing on the horizon. I'll probably regret it!
i love this so much! i've always found liz claiborne comfortable because of her ubiquitous presence in department stores, which is where i've spent a lot of quality time with my grandmothers shopping. one of my grandmothers loves liz and you've inspired me to know go through her closet and borrow a few pieces!
Oh let us know if you find anything good. Those department store trips with grandmas are such special memories. Mine would always take me to JCrew <3
Ugh, Martha!! Love her forever. She was like a virtual TV friend to my grandmother during times I can only assume were lonely as a traditional homemaker. I watch re-runs of Martha’s 90s episodes when I miss her 🥹 I also collect all of Martha’s books but they’ve suddenly all skyrocketed in price since the doc premiered - keep your eyes out at the thrift store, people!!
Also so funny that I just thrifted an incredible long pleated Liz Claiborne skirt. They just don’t make shit like they used to- silk lined and everything 😩
I am so jelly you got to spend so much time with her in your home. It's so crazy when you find an actual silk lined garment, it feels so luxurious and it's such a shame it's not standard any longer. Thank god there are lots of oldies out there for us!
She is criminally under appreciated
💯
That all white belted look🤌🏼
Truly the best