Helmut Lang ‘Willowed’ Asymmetric Wool and Leather Coat / Le Tee Shift Dress * / Velvet Aether ‘Blanket of Ash’ Ring / O.X.S. Lace Up Boots / Christopher Raeburn ‘Hare’ Bag
We all have those saved searches on eBay, patiently waiting and hoping for the notification about the piece that got away. Just before the end of the year, two of my most coveted pieces both appeared on eBay and Vestiaire Collective, and I was faced with a bit of a dilemma. I’d been searching for these pieces for years, and I knew that if I didn’t pounce now it’d be unlikely I’d see either of them again for a long, long time. But buying both, and just before Christmas, was just not going to happen.
I decided on the sensible choice, and chose to treat myself to the Helmut Lang coat of my dreams. I really did need a new coat anyway, and as soon as it arrived I knew I’d made the right choice. When you’ve coveted something for years, it can sometimes be a little disappointing in person, but this was even more perfect. Simple, with a little edge and beautifully cut, it’s effortless in the best possible way. Not to mention how warm and cosy it’s been on these bitter winter days. I forgot how much I missed having a proper coat.
The Christopher Raeburn ‘hare’ bag was obviously not the sensible choice. But I couldn’t help but want it, even though I knew it was a silly purchase. When I found that it was still sitting on eBay in the new year, almost as if it was waiting for me, I took it as a sign. Ok, maybe just an excuse. I know it’s not going to get anywhere near as much use as the coat, but I think sometimes fashion has to be about those fun pieces, and there’s a kind of power in something that makes you smile every time you take it out.
Jade says
YAS STEPH!! I’m convelling. These pieces are so beautiful! J xxx
Rosie says
Love that bag – it’s brilliant! x
Moira says
Steph, I just discovered your blog and I’m SO thrilled. It’s like we are style soul sisters and someone gets it!
One question: How are earth do you get your hair to curl in half-waves like that?
FAIIINT says
Hi Moira! Ahh, that’s awesome, I’m so glad you found it too – always nice to ‘meet’ fellow all black lovers! :)
For the hair, I basically curl it with a wand (similar to this one) and a good prepping/heat protecting spray (I like the KMS Hot Flex one), but really roughly and quickly, no sectioning or anything like that, it takes about 10 minutes, then kinda shake it out. The curls are pretty tight when I first do it, but then they fall out a bit by the time I leave the house! I also only really curl it the day I wash it, so it gets progressively messier and looser over the next few days.
Bianca says
It’s a gorgeous coat, that collar and the different textures are divine. It’s nice that at least it was a practical investment too! It’s the same with vintage pieces as well, since you never know if you will come across something similar again, it could be never! A very convincing argument for pressing the ‘buy now’ button :) If I could figure out a way to wear Helmut Lang in a 1940’s way I’d be out there hunting for pieces like this too.