Jessie Loves: 9 Paris-Inspired Etsy Search Terms
And five more favorites from Ali Labelle
I always leave Paris feeling so inspired. Now that I’m back in NYC, I’m flipping through the photos from my recent trip, seeing key themes emerge and looking for ways to bring them into my life — starting with Etsy. Below, find my list of all the new search terms I’m using to find my favorite Paris design details, secondhand and handmade.
I’m constantly updating an iPhone note of my best Etsy search terms. I love finding new ones — especially from people whose taste I adore. So, for this issue, I invited the most chic
to share her five favorite Etsy search terms, too!1. “Tile fireplace” or “Delft tiles”
This fully fashioned fireplace at the Museum of Decorative Arts got me thinking about tiles (as if I ever stop thinking about tiles…)
These are not Delft tiles, but the blue reminds me of them. I adore Delft tiles and hope to use them in a project someday. Here are a few lovely Delft and Delft-inspired tiles I found on Etsy.
2. “Crochet curtains”
Pretty crochet curtains I saw hanging in a shop window and the lace tablecloth at the restaurant at my hotel sent me in search of something similar. A few cute things I found:
Yes, I have a legit obsession with lacy things. Our Poppy and Thelma dresses are proof.
3. “Decorative sink”
Sometimes I’m not sure of the exact term to use to find the thing I want. I have no idea what these sinks are called but they are lovely. Searching for seemingly eons, I evolved my search to include “wash basin” and that seemed to help. This is the sink at BigLove that inspired my search:
Here are a few pretty things I found:
4. “Vintage Mugler”
Inspired by an incredible exhibit on Alaïa and Mugler at the Alaïa Foundation, I went in search of vintage Mugler pieces and was thrilled to see so many beautiful ones available on Etsy. Mugler’s keen understanding of the body and the care with which he contrasted volume and form-fitting elements is truly genius. These are bona fide pieces of history and I hope they find loving homes!
5. “Decorative hangers”
I still can’t get these scoubidou-covered clothing hangers from Le BHV Marais out of my head.
I could not find any covered in the exact kind of cord, but I found many other interpretations including crochet hangers, painted hangers and even needlepoint hangers. All inspiring to me especially the color combinations.
6. “Scallop embroidered pillow shams”
The pillowcases at my hotel were so lovely. I loved the gentle pale blue of the scallops and the way they were inset on the pillow.
I was actually very surprised I was not able to find this exact thing on Etsy, sadly. I got sort of close with my search. There was also a cute idea of embroidering any special phrase on a pillowcase which I ordered for my daughter.
7. “Painted floral trash bin”
The pretty painted wastebaskets at my hotel got me thinking about how lovely it would be to have one of my own.
Again, it was hard to find the exact thing. I kept changing up my search terms “waste bin” “waste basket” “toleware basket” “hand painted trash can” etc. This is what I found:
None exactly perfect, but my searching did lead to finding this beautiful painted tray:
8. “Murano glass mirror”
I was lucky enough to pick up a small mirror like this when I visited Venice last summer. But the giant mirror I saw in a bathroom in Paris got me thinking about these beautiful items once again. (Also check out this stunning glass chandelier I saw at Nickey Kehoe this week!!!)
Here are a few glass mirrors I found:
9. “Gingham”
My love of gingham knows no bounds. I was in heaven looking at all the gingham at Maison De Vacances.
Our latest Willy dress in red cotton gingham is evidence of my gingham obsession, too.
Here are a few gingham things on Etsy begging to be snatched up:
I want to hear your Etsy stories! What’s on your list of search terms? Any can’t-miss shops? Best purchases? Tell me everything!
I’ve been an admirer of
’s for so long. Her Substack À La Carte is one of my favorites, and I find something inspiring in every issue — small brands I love instantly, a guide to LA that has me wanting to visit, and pieces curated with her one-of-a-kind eye. So, when it came time for me to put together this list of search terms, I thought of Ali immediately. I’m so honored she said yes!
Ali LaBelle’s 5 Favorite Etsy Search Terms:
1. “Antique French ribbon” or “antique French lace”
I collect vintage trims, and by “collect”, I mean I will randomly dive deep into the pages of Etsy and emerge with 1-2 yards of 10+ different French ribbons I’ve feverishly ordered from all over the world. I’m always excited by the unexpected color combos and fun striped patterns I find.
2. “Vintage taffeta/silk moire/organza dress”
Anytime I have a wedding or an event to go to, I like to try to find a vintage party dress. I have a serious fear of showing up to a party wearing the same dress as someone else. Even though you have to dig through a million hideous bridesmaid dresses, there’s always a hidden gem in the mix that is begging for a second life, like this one! Or this! Or this!!! Just go into it with an open mind and a little imagination.
3. “Vintage Swedish pine”
A lot of the furniture used in rooms by designers I love, like Pierce and Ward or Nickey Kehoe, is often made of vintage pine, and no one was doing mid century quite like the Swedes. From lamps to furniture to decor, you’re guaranteed to find something sort of sculptural and warm that packs a lot of character.
4. “Antique Battenburg lace”
No surprise here but I love a good vintage lace tablecloth. They’re obviously great for a table, but I often use them as backdrops for shoots or style them over the back of a sofa for a little texture. I found a Battenburg lace Christmas tree skirt a couple of years ago that is now my favorite piece of holiday decor.
5. “Vintage Ralph Lauren”
This isn’t my most creative search term but it’s the one I have the most fun shopping for clothes with. Obviously you’ll find some great striped button ups, Polo hats, and sweatshirts from the ‘80s, but every once in a while there will be something really special. It’s long gone, but I once stumbled on a vintage corduroy jacket with a toile-esque cowboy pattern I’ll never forget.
5 things I’m loving this week:
1. The unbelievably gorgeous flowers Flower Pyscho made for my office this week. The epitome of spring.
2. These pillows for sale at Nickey Kehoe made in the exact 36 Bourne Street fabric I have in my powder room by the beach. This is one of my most favorite prints and textiles in the entire world.
3. This new chore jacket that is gorgeously cross stitched. I put our collared blouse underneath and love the result.
4. Speaking of Etsy…this gorgeous block printed linen fabric I got on their site from Rohiyan. So many beautiful and high quality prints.
5. I’m dying over these striped basket totes by my friend Erin from Underwater Weaving. I immediately snapped up the yellow/maroon stripe one!
And one thing I hate…
I hate when sellers on Etsy lie and list their items as vintage when they are not. Grrrrr!
Thank you so much for having me, Jessie!!! A fellow traveler down the Etsy rabbit hole. And the feeling is mutual!!!
Love your loves!