Phia Picks: Holiday Glam, Secondhand Magic

Uncover the most stylish secondhand treasures to dazzle at holiday parties, thoughtful gifts for loved ones, and everything in between (part 1)

Last week my inbox popped off, but it was more than the never-normal trouble-shooting we’re used to at a start-up. Way more. I realized as the newsletters poured in like DMs on a thirst trap: Oh! It’s gift guide season. 

I’m still new here, but I realized this wouldn’t be a proper fashion Substack if there wasn’t a completely unsolicited - albeit highly clickable - holiday guide of some sort. Since we are entering festive times, I decided to call upon the AI shopping power of Phia in beta-mode to source the best secondhand pieces to share with our readers.

As one of my favorite writers on here, Jalil Johnson wrote, “gird your loins it’s gift guide szn!” 

Herewith, are my Phia Finds to take you from holiday parties to family movie nights at home,  with a touch of dream-worthy glamor.

Mara Hoffman Maxi Dress, Prada Leather Ballet Flats, Jacquemus Denim Le Bisou Handbag, Sir The Label Purple Silk Maxi Dress, Alaia Black Mini Dress, Alaia White Dress, Salvatore Ferragamo White Mini Dress, Tom Ford Black Cloth Heels

Miu Miu Black Patent Leather Heels, Dior Navy Wool Mini Dress, Saint Laurent Red Boite Love Handbag, Khaite Black Maxi Dress

Chanel White Leather Mules , Rat & Boa Brown Linen Maxi Dress, Rat & Boa Brown Mini Dress, Dior Vintage 2000s Top, Magda Butrym Ivory Blouse

The Show-Stopper

I’m usually all tonal suit dressing by day, but by night I FIRMLY believe in statement items as the base for any outfit - especially for the holidays. Luxe fabrics, bold colors, and embellishments paired with the iconic Chanel red lip = the perfect mic drop moment.

If I had to choose one hero piece: Magda Butrym’s ivory ruched tube top, with its single, deeply hued red rosette. This, with black cigarette pants, can do no wrong. 

Body-con Alaia is 100% my go-to, both when in doubt, and feeling bold. Pair with the Alaia “Bomba” ankle strap stilettos. 

When you’re in a softer mood, SIR. The Label’s iconic cut-out bias cut dress - in hazy lavender with dark brown lace trim - is a beautiful and unexpected way to do color this time of year.

For a mean winter look, I’d start with shoes - specifically these laser-sharp flats from Prada I slept on a couple of seasons ago - paired with a lean Mara Hoffman (the Sloan dress is sold out in white, but I found it on Poshmark).

Celine Vintage Charm Bracelet, Bottega Bag, Khaite Beige Dress, Walder Belt Bag,  Khaite Dallas Boots,  I. Reiss Diamond Choker,  Julio Vintage Dress,  Chanel Square Bag, Loro Pania Brown Bag,  Toteme Strapless Top

Demure

It’s not always about dropping the mic, though…whether meeting a boyfriend’s parents for the first time, hosting Friendsgiving, or organizing your first, ahem…office holiday party, there are times we want to feel very demure, very mindful. And that doesn’t mean any less special. 

Neutral dresses and cool, luxe-coded accessories are my hack for bringing looks from day to night when I want to exercise restraint, with class.

Khaite’s caramel crepe “Trina” midi found via Phia is my dream dress for going straight to functions post-work. Basically a total workhorse.

Bottega Veneta’s Cassette Bag from The RealReal lends amazing contrast in rich chocolate suede, and is a good secondhand find at this price. As an alternative, I really like this bamboo handle Gucci - in bittersweet brown - for under $600.

Consistently logging the best boots every year, Khaite is always at the top of my search list. The Dallas suede westerns pair great with tights and look extra cool under longer midi dresses and coats.

I intend to add warmth and sparkle with jewelry at different price points - from this I. Reiss sliding diamond choker - the definition of dainty glam - to this vintage-y, preppy Céline “triomphe” charm bracelet.

I also live for an all-black moment: this Magda Butrym corseted mini - an amazinggg shape - with black tights, and cool Celine ballet pumps or Miu Miu kitten heels? Perfection. You could even wear this over Wardrobe.NYC leggings (the split cuff ones are great, or the stirrup style).

Finally, I found this Julio Vintage number while trolling The RealReal—perfectly priced and radiating 90s CBK vibes, ideal for a city dinner with colleagues. This is why I LOVE making exploring secondhand easier. I would pair it with these minimalist Schutz sandals, which are a stupendous dupe for a pair of Manolos my sister has. 

And this little Chanel find couldn’t be more perfect as an accent/splurge.

And while these curated finds are sure to make a statement this holiday season, there’s more where that came from. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into cozy Sunday styles, luxe loungewear, and the perfect winter accessories to keep you warm and chic. ☃️

xoxo,

Phoebe and Sophia 🌊