An October afternoon at home with Ciara Darcey on the Upper East Side, where pieces from her Mom and Nana live alongside her own covetable secondhand finds.
What neighborhood do you live in and why does it suit you?
I live on the Upper East Side!!! I think it suits me because it feels very New York without feeling like you have to be ‘on’ all the time. It’s filled with museums, institutions, galleries, and all these old-school spots that have been around forever, but you can also find newer restaurants and shops tucked throughout the neighborhood. There’s such a perfect mix of old and new up here, and I love it so much.
And not to be dramatic, but living a 10 minute walk from Central Park is life-changing. It’s something I’ll never take for granted.
How would you describe your style in two words?
I’ve never described anything in two words!!!! But maybe classic & curated.
Ciara's Sézane button-down from Poshmark, paired with a vintage Ralph Lauren skirt from ThredUp, pendant necklace from Poshmark, and a vintage Furst & Mooney clutch from eBay. Completed with vintage Manolo Blahniks from Facebook Marketplace.
What is your favorite corner of NYC?
My apartment! Paying NYC rent has been my biggest investment, so I’ve made a conscious effort to curate a space where I genuinely enjoy every corner and every minute I spend here.
Aside from that, if I’m ever remotely near Nickey Kehoe in Greenwich Village, you can guarantee I’m going inside. If I could live there, I would!!! It’s always changing, and there’s always something beautiful to look at. Most of it is very much out of my budget, but I love going in and getting inspiration. They also have a showroom upstairs with an incredible curation of vintage pieces, it’s what dreams are made of (mine, at least).
Best piece you've ever found secondhand?
I think the best secondhand pieces are the ones that make you feel like you found them rather than just bought them. There’s a little bit of detective work involved, which is probably why I love it so much. Pretty much my entire apartment is secondhand from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Etsy, and pieces from my Nana and my Mom. I love things that feel like they’ve lived a little before they found me.
I was recently blessed while browsing Facebook Marketplace with a pair of Manolos. The price was right (like, really, really good) and they were practically unworn from a very sweet older woman who couldn’t bear looking at them in her closet any more!!! I can now say I understand Carrie Bradshaw’s addiction, they are really fabulous.
Another contender for favorite secondhand find: A Marc Jacobs slip dress from Poshmark.
Where do you shop secondhand and what are you always hunting for?
I am not a very good in-person shopper. I’m addicted to the scroll!!! And the algorithm!!!
Poshmark, Depop, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace are my usuals. I’ve recently gotten into ThredUp, too….. there are some serious under-the-radar goodies on there.
I have a bunch of saved searches and brands I’m always looking out for, which helps make it feel a little less overwhelming. I find I don’t move quickly enough for The RealReal, but I’m working on it!!
Right now, I’m looking for tailored jackets (leather, wool,silk), fun clutches, cashmere sweaters, and always in the back of my head, Chanel flats. I got to try on Maisie’s for sizing, so I’ve narrowed down my search. Now I’m just waiting for the right pair.
Keep seeing Ciara — on Instagram @cdarcey & Substack @ciaradarcey
