Mi-Anne Chan is Not Afraid of an eBay Bidding War

Have you ever had a crush so intense that it completely takes over your life? Or had to initiate a friendship breakup? Or wondered about the ethics of ghosting? Creative director and editor Mi-Anne Chan founded the Substack mixed feelings for these types of questions. Filled with advice, relatable anecdotes, and cautionary tales, the newsletter provides the type of nonjudgmental guidance necessary for tricky interpersonal situations. Today, Mi-Anne shares her wardrobe essentials—including the statement Gucci bag that is actually practical—and her skincare go-to's as a former beauty editor. — Maraya

SIGHT

This Illustration by Logan Tsugita: I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about anime eyes, hugs, tears, and outsized emotions in general. So, when our art director for mixed feelings Logan Tsugita (a newsletter I founded under Condé Nast) hand-drew this insane amalgamation of emotions for one of our stories all about limerence (or...intense longing/yearning for another person that isn't always returned) I gasped. It's too perfect </3.

SOUND

THIS math rock cover of Adrienne Lenker's "Anything": I am now an Emma Harner stan.

TASTE

Beron Beron: I went to this Japanese restaurant in the East Village recently and have decided it's going to be my new spot. The vibes are immaculate—lanterns wrap the exterior and the inside features a tatami seating area which I highly recommend. I, like every other bitch you know, recently returned from a solo trip to Japan and am changed. Try the aged dashi tofu!

SMELL

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau De Parfum: This fragrance by YSL has such an unfortunate name that it can only be described as my problematic fave. But if you're into gourmand scents, you will adore this. I remember the first time I smelled it vividly: my friend Sabrina had come late to a party and gave me a big hug. The scent was so intoxicating—sweet, vanilla-y, spicy, sexy—that I had to ask her what she was wearing. The rest of the room lit up saying it was Sabrina's signature scent. Naturally, I stole it and it is now mine, too.

FEEL

Beepy Bella Prairie Cap: I wear the shit out of this hat!!!! See here.

MI-ANNE’S ESSENTIALS

eBay has a powerful gravitational pull for me, so most of my closet consists of things I've found through hours of typing keywords into the site's search bar. Including but not limited to this amazing CDG skirt I got in a bidding war! Typically, I find myself drawn to statement pieces and accessories that will bring a hit of intrigue and edge to an otherwise simple outfit. I'm a little slut for mixed prints!!!

Chateau Marmont Jackie 1961 Hobo Bag: A friend of mine works at Gucci and lent me her insane employee discount for this bag—my first designer bag purchase ever (thank you, Syd!) It is so precious to me, for obvious reasons, but practically it's an amazing work bag. Fits a 13" laptop and cords easily, and alllll my myriad of lip glosses. Plus, it feels so special to own something from Alessandro Michele's era at Gucci.

This Comme des Garcons Skirt: I spent hours last year looking for the right vintage CDG skirt to add to my closet. This is the one I chose after an intense bidding war on eBay!!!

Kirby Dreamland Cotton Tee: This shirt got me a date!!!

Hades Wool The Cure Sweater: This The Cure red and black striped sweater from Hades Wool has been on constant rotation for almost two years now. The collection is limited so y'all should badger them to bring it back!!!

Ganni Jacket: This is an amazing Spring/Fall Jacket but also great for layering. It's oversized and boxy in the best way.

“Eye cream is fake.”

Mi-Anne Chan

VANITY

I am very lucky that in a past life, I was a beauty editor, so despite being out of the industry for a few years I still have quite a large collection of products to get through. When it comes to skincare, I'm all about gentle products for sensitive skin, especially the great-for-barrier repair Ceramide Serum by Glow Recipe and Tower 28 SOS spray, which I always have a bottle of in my bathroom and by my bedside table to calm inflammation and breakouts. I always, always wear SPF, and lately, I've been really into Iris and Romeo's Weekend Skin which leaves a beautiful glowy texture. When it comes to makeup, I tend to go with a tinted lip and cat-eye situation. I DIE for Heroine Make eyeliners and mascaras. They are SOOOO waterproof (like, must-remove-with-cleansing-oil waterproof), which makes them amazing for holding a curl if you have stick-straight eyelashes like I do. My lip stain currently is by Milani—it's got a similar cushion-y texture to popular K-beauty and J-beauty formulas. 

Luxury/Splurge: Avocado Ceramide Recovery System

Drugstore Discovery: Milani Hydrating Lip Stain

Cult Classic: Heroine Make By Kissme Long & Curl Up Waterproof Mascara Black

Indie Option: Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow

All Time Ole Reliable: Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray

LATELY ON COVETEUR

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