vintage finds

including one v special pair of Levi's that I absolutely love

Recently, I’ve been feeling nostalgic for the 90s.

When I scroll through TikTok, I occasionally come across 90s nostalgia content presented via photographs, pictures, and screen grabs that instantly transport me back to my childhood. A few of which consisted of: those Nick at Nite programs (when I binge-watched I Love Lucy episodes), sneakily watching inappropriate shows like Beavis and Butthead and Ren & Stimpy before getting caught by my parents, and the modem dial up that kept the phone line “busy” for hours on end.

And of course, nostalgia for the 90s fashion aesthetic, specifically vintage Levis that stand the test of time.

But if there is one thing I absolutely dread shopping for, it’s vintage denim.

Whenever I see someone scored an incredible pair of vintage jeans at an amazing price that fit just perfectly I immediately wish it was me who scored such a find.

And if there is one thing I don’t like doing, it is altering pants to make it shorter for my height. I would really prefer not going the extra mile to do that.

Would you believe me if I said that I finally found a pair that fit?

I discovered RLT through another creator I follow on Instagram. I held out hope that I would come across one that fit me just so.

RLT is a beautifully curated vintage store that has a wonderful collection of graphic tees, jackets, accessories, and RLT brand ready wear pieces. Owning a piece of vintage fashion is like owning a part of history, and I really wanted a pair of Levi’s.

I tried on several in washes of dark blue, gray, and black paired with secondhand pullovers and sweaters. The stylists at RLT were so helpful in selecting and listening to what I might like.

One thing I do highly recommend is to always try on vintage jeans. Finding the perfect pair of denim is so personal and trying on multiple pairs is the best part of the denim journey.

The pair that I found were already hemmed, and I love a good distressed look anyway. I did eyeball some accessories (the tiny pendant necklaces on 16” silk cords were so pretty, and so were the vintage rings and earrings) but ultimately left with a sweatshirt, the jeans and a cashmere TSE sweater vest.

Off topic, but important: if you are in the area and a fan of Scandinavian treats, you might as well stop by Sockerbit on West 3rd and Fairfax; this place is PACKED on weekends, but their salty licorice and Finnish chocolates are well worth the wait.

On topic, and just as important: I really hope that my sharing my purchases does not encourage you to buy more stuff.

Let me explain: Apart from a few pieces here and there, it is my personal goal to not go overboard with my spending money on clothes for the upcoming fall season. Of course, I still have my eye on a few quality pieces that I am budgeting for. But I made so many mistakes with binge buys and impulsive shopping. This time around I am working on being more mindful about what I wear, especially because I want to wear pieces that are truly timeless. With that said, I learned the hard way that even shopping secondhand can become an overconsumption habit if those purchases are not worn or used.

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I have a soft spot for black denim, but my other favorite wash is charcoal gray. I love the way the jeans look with this dark blue sweatshirt.

I loved the green logo and typography on this fitted vintage hoodie.

My love for layering is an excuse to do it for everything, even a hoodie with this TSE cashmere sweater vest.

I really wanted to buy this sweatshirt, but because I have one in a similar color by a different brand, I opted for the dark blue color with a very similar fit.

I put these on and wore them around the house all day when I got back.