disclaimer: over the course of putting this issue together, some items might have sold; such is the nature of secondhand shopping. i have included names and key words to help you find similar items should you desire to embark on your own hunt!
new segment alert! ever since i started this newsletter i’ve been trying to figure out a way to write about shopping secondhand; it comprises at least a third if not half of my clothing and home purchases, and is an environmentally-friendly way to save money and/or find unique pieces. (or just a great way to re-purchase loved items that are worn out or no longer made, like my favorite j.crew kiki ballet flats.)
it finally hit me - i can just take y’all along for the ride! after all, what better way to share all the great finds i didn’t buy while i was searching for The One? in secondhand news i’ll be reporting on recent finds, interspersed with tips for searching & styling. today we’re talking about tumble-ups, an accessory for your nightstand that is both aesthetic and useful.
i first heard of tumble-ups a few years ago, more than likely while i was in the throes of searching for something completely different. isn’t that how it always goes? you’re combing through search results trying to nail down the perfect descriptor for what you want, and in the process find either something you like more, or yet another thing to add to your search list!
as is the case with hyperfixation, i thoroughly searched and hearted and added-to-watchlist, only for the tumble-ups to languish in wait. but! the fever struck again while i was doing a periodic browse/purge/inventory of my lists, and i decided now was the time.
(that, and i realized that having a dedicated water vessel for my nightstand solves the adhd-induced panic of shuffling around your apartment in the dark, pills disintegrating in your mouth, searching for where in god’s name you set your water bottle down earlier!!! oh, just me? ok. let’s get on with it.)
calling all luxe minimalists - this optic swirl tumble-up is the perfect way to add texture in a way that complements rich surroundings. putting it amongst modern decor like the middle photo? to die for. meanwhile, the olive glass on the right would be just as beautiful with the modern setup - echoing the tones and curves - as it would amongst the muted tones of a more traditional room. this one was my purchase runner-up…someone please buy it so i can stop thinking about it!!!
note: the listing for the olive tumble-up says it is “smoky topaz,” but after a cursory google it seems to be most similar to vintage olive glass.
GRANDMILLENNIAL GIRLIES WYA? this pink floral depression glass is just dying to be on your campaign/bamboo/wicker nightstand. if you’re less into pink but still love a floral moment, check out hand-painted tumble ups. i love this lily-of-the-valley pattern that is just dying to be paired with brass, blue-and-whites, and natural wood tones.
in case you’re wondering, i aspire for my home to fall somewhere between this set and the next; traditional but irreverent, always aiming for eclecticism. if someone wants to buy me this lead cut crystal tumble-up, i will not object! i think it could work amongst many styles, but to me it seems most at home in a room that’s a little bougie with a lot of personality. on the other end is another style chameleon - a classic gold-striped rim! these Libbey tumble-ups are easy to source, affordable, and add a little extra glint to your bedside table.
if your house looks like any of these, just know that i find you impossibly cool with excellent taste. you need a strong contender that can hold its own, whether that’s in silhouette or color (and apparently price, oops). the silhouette of the french opaline tumble-up gives me strong art nouveau vibes, with a color that shifts light-to-dark depending on the light. the other three are mid-century gems by designer Carlo Moretti, made with colorful Murano cased glass. the baby blue one now resides on my nightstand, thanks to a generous discount from an eBay seller!
tip jar
keep an open mind - yes, you probably have an editorial-worthy image in your head of how this one exact thing will complete your aesthetic, but you might exhaust yourself and have nothing to show for it. what is it you really like? the pattern/the silhouette/the function/the style? branch off in that direction! i can’t tell you the number of times i set out looking for one thing only to end up finding something i liked more! (see: the search results above - how was a girl to choose?!)
more coming soon. thank you all for hanging tight through what i imagine was a tough month for all of us. sometimes it becomes really difficult to spot the beauty in our world when there is so much hurt - but i promise to keep looking for and spreading it, and i hope you will too.
🧡
jess
it has been brought to my attention that i buried the lede and never actually explained *what* a tumble-up is. it’s a small carafe and tumbler that typically fit together!