The leather jacket I lost on eBay
And other really good finds to soothe my aching heart
It was a perfect Sunday morning. The late January wind howled against the café window, and I sat on the other side with my latte, phone in hand—ready to get lost in an abyss of endless eBay scrolling, with no plans in sight to give my thumbs a break from the impending arthritis.
My mission was to find a very good distressed leather jacket, and within about 30 minutes – mission accomplished.
There she was, the perfect vintage Eddie Bauer jacket for just $80. I hit save, browsed a little longer, finished my latte, walked home, sat at my computer ready to make the big purchase and… she was gone. Thirty minutes later, poof. Heartbroken.
Whenever I'm searching for something specific, it never occurs to me that someone else might be looking for the exact same thing at the exact same time. LOL. So dumb. I'm ridiculously competitive, so when I lose on eBay, I double down — convinced I can find something even better than what I missed out on. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don't.
I think that’s why shopping second-hand suits me. There’s a competitive element to it. Winners and losers. eBay had a genius marketing campaign about 15 years ago with the tagline “Shop victoriously,” and I’ve never felt more seen in my life.
I didn’t win the one I wanted, but I did get a very good leather jacket in the end. The sleeves are a little too long, but I love the way the jacket fits overall. My favorite part is the color. It’s a cool grayish brown that goes with just about everything. I wore it on a recent trip to NYC and it was definitely not warm enough, but I was committed to making it work. That’s the thing about me, I just want what I want. And I wanted to wear this jacket, despite the Siberian blast.
In the spirit of shopping victoriously, I thought I would jump start the race with some more great finds. Hope you find something you like, or get inspiration for your own searches. Good luck out there! You are all winners in my heart.
Vintage Aeropostale Jacket
Aéropostale took its name from Compagnie Générale Aéropostale, a French airmail service —the brand has no actual ties to aviation lol. They did lean into the aviation theme quite a bit in the beginning so there are a handful of bomber jackets out there. It’s was founded in 1987 so there are some “older” gems to be found.
Vintage Loewe Aviator Shearling Sherpa
I am obsessed with this very 80s cinched waist sherpa Loewe jacket. It looks incredibly warm and so soft. Not exactly a bomber style but that’s what I love about it. Its a reinterpretation of a something born from utility then elevated ever so slightly.
Vintage Berman's Distressed Bomber
Very into how simple and clean the lines are on this jacket. I am also not a huge fan of the fabric elastic waste band, but I do like when it gets narrower. This feels like a good compromise. The pockets are everything.
Vintage oversize brown leather jacket
This jacket has that nice distressed color that is sort of in between black and brown that I love and the lining looks extra lux which is bonus points for me. Price is nice.
Vintage Brown Leather Bomber Jacket
What is it about the map lining that is so classic in the bomber jacket? You can really tell in the photos the leather is soft which is a must. Rare size small!
Eddie Bauer Brown Leather Jacket
Eddie Bauer was up to something because there are so many bangers on eBay. Just open this one and see ten others that you might also like below it. Lots to choose from.
Eddie Bauer Vintage Leather Bomber
Like this one! See how it looks like the same jacket, but it’s not! The pockets are different, there are two buttons at the bottom, and the fold is much thicker. So fun. Love this color too.
Vintage Remy Leather Bomber Jacket
I feel like this jacket would be really lovely in person, but maybe the pictures are not doing it justice? Could go either way. But I do like the waist a lot and how it feels pretty simple. The color seems seductive.
Gap Vintage Leather Bomber
Could not leave out my sweet baby Gap from the lineup. Vintage Gap has great leather options and always clean, classic styles to choose from.
Brown Leather Bomber Jacket
Ugh! Who is this beauty? I must meet her!
Eddie Bauer Distressed Brown Leather Jacket
I really went back and forth between a more 90s style and a bomber jacket and I still don’t know if I made the right choice. That’s why I liked the one I missed out on — it felt like a good combo. This one is nice too!
1990s Eddie Bauer jacket
This feels pretty similar to the one that I was looking at, but still somehow not quit the same. Really good distressed look!
Vintage Banana Republic Leather Jacket
Love this color and we also love vintage Banana Republic! There are a ton of old B.R. flight jackets to browse through if this one is not your speed.
Daniell’s leather & fur fleece lined jacket
Again, not exactly a bomber, but it’s got those roomy arms and the waist band, diagonal pockets, and collar are a nice reference to the style. I just like this jacket! Looks cozy and stylish.
1990s Soft Leather Bomber
The Vintage Twin has sooo many good leather jackets, and this is just one of them. I love how simple and clean this one is. The best part is how it subtly cinches at the waist. Perfection.
Jil Sander Vintage 90’s Leather Jacket
Throwing in my girl Jil in just because I love her and I am obsessed with this jacket. Its oversized, its got those big pockets and the leather is butter. Someone please get her and tell me all about your happy life together.
Thanks for joining me once again this week. Tell me about a time eBay broke your heart. I’m always happy to hear from y’all!
XO - Kellyn (a.k.a. Best Friends) 🤎
IG: @buybestfriends
All of these are soooooooo chic!!!
The pain of losing a piece on eBay...... I understand