Today we’re taking a peek into makeup artist Eliise Brigita Mõisamaa’s wardrobe full of gems. A forager at heart, this treasure hunter drops serious hints on how to thrift and how to pull it all together. Wondering where a bit of fake-it-til-you-make-it attitude paired with some good taste can take you? Read on.
I discovered the importance of clothing in my early teens – mainly, that you must not look poor. “Fake it til you make it” with a good eye and a second-hand outfit that looks expensive? That’s the sweet spot.
Back in the ’90s, most of my family’s clothes came from second-hand stores or the church's freebies. Growing up in a low-income, big family meant a lot of hand-me-downs. Once a year, I got to shop at Kadaka Maksimarket with my little sister though – we’d get matching outfits in different colors.
I vividly remember the thrill of wearing this Barbie-pink satin-tulle blouse and skirt with beige square-toe loafers to a kids’ concert in Estonia. Oof, what a feeling – I’d still wear that fit today!
My mom always looked sharp – very feminine, mostly in heels, fitted dresses, coats. She thrifted too, often tailoring pieces to fit. That definitely rubbed off on me, I still do the same.
A nice easy everyday fit (swap the heels if needed).
Bratz top is second-hand. Mugler leggings – shoutout to my friend Kristel Jänes who worked there! Heeled Nike knockoffs are from a thrift store, leather bag from Paavli, Dior glasses from VIUU.
In high school and uni, I dressed like a sexy kitten in tiny heels. But honestly, I felt more “me” in grades 7–9, channeling 00s Avril Lavigne and experimenting. Then came the pressure to fit in and chase male validation (eeeww). Around 20, something clicked. I shed the old shell, started hanging out with creatives, and found the freedom to be myself again.
NYE or Christmas dinner vibe.Top and boots are second-hand. Two tulle skirts layered (from Uuskasutuskeskus), and a DIY-ed necklace originally thrifted.
Some people are naturally drawn to certain aesthetics – if you nurture that, it becomes a skill. For me, it’s been all trial and error, refining my taste along the way. I don’t follow fashion trends closely, but I’m probably influenced by them indirectly. I get more inspiration from real life: people on public transport, cool friends, movies. Hair and makeup are part of the whole look – and as a makeup artist, I’ve got that part down.
Style starts with knowing who you are, and how you want to show that to the world.
Night out uniform.Oversized knit turned dress with torn tights and a Crystal Rabbit bra underneath. Eytys boots from Vestiaire, Eytys sunnies from Reede.
Clothes can totally be a form of communication. When I see someone in an interesting fit who’s clearly put thought into it, I instantly want to know more about them. People carry stories in their outfits.
My ultimate feel-good outfit.This coat is the star – found it at a flea market in Rome, absolutely reeking of gasoline. Not sure if it was stored with gas or some ancient mothballs, but it took two years of balcony airing before I could wear it. Worth every minute. The American Apparel disco pants were a lucky second-hand find after I’d worn my original pair to pieces in my early twenties. The Max Mara hat was a €15 outlet gem from Milan, and the goat hair snow boots? Thrifted, of course, and major envy material. The cherry on top is the bag I found at Uuskasutuskeskus – a perfect match for the coat. I almost cried. True love in outfit form.
Scoring a special piece for a good price gives me an actual dopamine hit. My mental checklist is always running – what does this go with, what outfit will it complete? I’m a forager at heart – whether in the forest or second-hand stores. About 90% of what I own is thrifted. It’s pure treasure hunting. Others’ trash, my treasure. Friends say I’m a hoarder — I say I’m a collector. And eventually, everyone ends up borrowing from my collection anyway.
For errands and casual days.10-euro Armani jacket from Sõbralt Sõbrale (bless!), vintage tee with a skeleton, tartan skirt layered over tulle, cowboy boots, furry bag, warm Arket hat, and daily-wear earrings from Justine Clenquet.
I don’t really attach emotions to old clothes – except for that Barbie-pink set. I’d wear that again in a heartbeat. Most important is how something makes me feel now. Some people avoid second-hand because they’re creeped out by the idea of wearing something that belonged to someone who’s passed away. Me? I’m just like – thanks for dying and leaving this cool jacket behind!
Everyday look (just make sure the ass is covered).Custom 1-euro leather jacket scribbled with silver marker – originally for a Mees Inc. video. Racer Worldwide hoodie (gift), vintage cowboy chaps from Victoria Truuvert on Instagram, red tights, Rombaut X Angel Chen shoes, La Maskarade sunnies (birthday gift!).
I feel good in a good fit – simple as that. I’d rather look like myself than be 100% comfortable. I do 12-hour shoots but still can’t bring myself to buy ergonomic shoes or pro gear. So yeah, something’s always a bit too tight or slippery or scratchy. It is what it is. But the second I get home, I’m out of everything and into an oversized tee, hair up, undies on. Bliss.
Ultimate boss energy.Balenciaga coat via a friend in Paris (forever grateful). Shirt, tie, pants, and bag from Uuskasutuskeskus. Balenciaga boots – another killer gift. I have amazing friends. And a birthday coming up. Life’s good.
Style Crushes:Agathe Peri – fashion girlie with serious outfitting skills (I stalk you on Insta!).Karin Nahkur – little anime princess energy, total cutie, love her vibe.Julia Fox – dressing for the girls and the gays, not the male gaze. And I’m here for it.Isamaya Ffrench – my favorite makeup artist, incredible taste and style.Miyako Bellizzi – NY-based costume designer behind Uncut Gems and Good Time. Her work and personal style? Chef’s kiss.