Price Upon Request: Vintage Nation, Dystopian Chic, & Colman Domingo's Power Style
Simone Oliver’s curated guide to style worth the hunt—beyond trends, beyond the obvious.
Hi folks,
After publishing my first Price Upon Request newsletter, I was thrilled by the amazing feedback—thank you to everyone who filled out the poll or reached out directly!
This is my creative playground, where I spotlight the true gems, from coveted designer finds to fresh, culturally relevant brands. With years in digital strategy and style, I have a knack for spotting trends before they become waves. This newsletter is my way of helping readers sift through the endless stream of options out there—to surprise, delight, and act as an inspirational tool that surfaces brands, pieces, people and ideas worth your attention.
The top request? More frequent installments. So here we are—a weekly edition just for you.
Thrifting Across America: Redefining Style, Luxury, and Identity
Reflecting on my six-week cross-country RV trip this summer, I found thrifting and vintage shopping offered a lens into America’s divides—especially in an election year. In some places, vintage feels like a cherished ritual, a way to reclaim and personalize style. Elsewhere, pre-owned items are seen as lesser, necessity over choice.
Across the country, “luxury” is being redefined, from exclusivity to inclusivity, reflecting changing values around sustainability, access, and identity. Despite political divides, the rise in thrifting hints at a shared desire for authenticity and individuality. (Follow my “Shop America” vintage shopping series on TikTok.)
Concepts of luxury, sustainability and "vintage" have always had various meanings depending on the community. In Ana Andjelica’s recent Substack piece, "Luxury Lost Its Soft Power," she dives into how luxury brands, once emblems of quiet influence, are now tangled in a web of class dynamics, transparency issues, and shifting consumer values. What I saw on the road resonated deeply with this sentiment.
Yet, the tension remains: we crave sustainable choices but are drawn to the fix of fast fashion.
As we rethink what we value—be it vintage, handmade, or sustainably sourced—our choices reflect a broader shift in society. Fashion, as always, tells a deeper story, offering a bridge for connection in uncertain times.
Bag That: Dystopian Chic Alert
The Bag charm trend has reached a recent height with Miu Miu fans zeroing in on the Miu Miu keychain. According Google, search for these accessories that are the sexier version of the DIY paracord keychain, went bananas.
They resemble the fire starter paracord bracelet that my daughter begged for on her 10th birthday, her Uncle BJ got it for her from Amazon, but then she only touched again when it was time for her school camping trip.
Besides form and function standing at attention, and it being a holiday gift guide-ready accessory, these charms are giving serious Handmaid’s Tale vibes. After the long week we’ve had, having Girl Scout or Gilead-level readiness seems appropriate.
Bag Charm Picks
Now, does your bag need an accessory? Nope. But a charm offers a way to refresh a favorite bag that’s seen some miles. Plus, it makes a great stocking stuffer—something most wouldn’t buy for themselves, but they’ll definitely rock it if they get one!
I think you’ll like these:
Dreamy:
These Ferragamo platform heel charms let me channel my inner Donna Summer, even if I can't rock the real thing anymore.
Prada’s gone cool-weird with this little robot charm—just enough quirk to keep a bag fun and a bit futuristic. 🤖✨
This Parker Thatch charm was made by a husband-and-wife duo, and it's all about that navy chain. Anyone who knows me knows my love for blue, and this glossy, almost tortoiseshell shade has my attention. Plus, if hearts aren't your thing, the charm’s interchangeable.
treat yo self:
Made by Julietta, a four-year-old Brooklyn brand, handcrafts sculptural pieces that blend past and present seamlessly. Each design reflects the artistry of a talented team of women of color. There’s detail in every inch.
Consuela Style: Sometimes I like a little tactile something to fiddle with on my bag and I love this textured charm, a mix of global artistry as this handcrafted piece from Mexico radiates love and light. I’m also getting Austin energy where the company is based.
Kate Spade’s "Detour" charm blends charm with edge and brings to mind the winding path our country’s on.
High style without the high price:
MoMA's charm is a perfect example of their gift shop magic: uncommon, stylish, and as unforgettable as the art itself.
This Baublebar Mickey Mouse pretzel bag charm brings back memories of the old-school pretzel trucks in NYC before Auntie Annie’s and others took over. It’s also cool that you don’t have to go all the way to Disney World to get it.
Free People whistle bag charm—because now more than ever, women need to protect their bodies and be prepared for anything.
things I’m loving rn:
Hermès has been quietly showcasing work from emerging animators, a genius move that supports fresh talent while spicing up their social feeds. I have a lot of respect for featuring young animators and choosing young talent for their social media content, especially when there are so many other options. It's refreshing to see a luxury brand support original creativity and it's a big chance for emerging artists to get noticed.
Joey Bada$$ has always had standout style, blending classic streetwear with a visionary edge. But his latest move—a new artist residency at NYU—is about more than just looking cool; it's a statement on creative growth and making room for the next generation. As an advisor at NYU’s Center for Publishing and Applied Liberal Arts, I’m inspired by how he’s sharing his industry wisdom through hands-on workshops with students and creating access for emerging talent. It’s another layer of his multi-hyphenate influence, showing that style and personal expression go hand-in-hand with mentorship and impact.
Colman Domingo at the LACMA Gala in Gucci is yet another masterclass in style, and Wayman & Micah’s genius styling took us to school for a lesson in tailoring, no matter who you are. Every time they collaborate, it’s pure power and I sit by my phone waiting for more.
That’s it! Next week, I’ll share some updates on my trench coat shopping and more.
This is so well done. Cannot wait for the next installment. Never really gave bag charms a thought, but praise be!!
Great read! I am typically not your bag charm girlie but that Moma one is fireeeeee!