Ugh, I am so over dry-clean only clothing. Especially when it's a fabric that I know can be washed.
I have definitely started making more of an effort to dress up since picking up a pair of made-in-Italy heels last summer (my first purchase of heels in years). As much as I love flats, that purchase reminded me of how fun it is to dress up, even if all that means is adding a pair of stilettos and a bright lipstick. It's a mood lifter for sure.
Good call on returning the dry clean only joggers.
I am curious about the belt bag. How securely is the pouch attached? And what does it actually fit?
Would like to see your take on brooches. I resisted the temptation on a YSL one last year.
Have you seen the linen double breasted blazer from Gap? It says its machine washable. J.Crew/Factory usu has a knit sweater blazer too.
So early in the year I already have misses. Over bought on turbans. In my defense they were purchased from the most glamorous grande dame! Sadly, my head is just too small. One too many abaya/open-coat-shirt-dresses. One I will resell, as it is not as effortless as the other 3 I unexpectedly purchased.
Hit the ground running:
1> Meshki black knit pants. Oddly enough I fit 2 sizes, so one will be flats, the other heels/chunky shoes
2> ALAIA SHIRT DRESS!!!! Now I understand the MAGIC of wearing Alaia! I am treated so well when I wear this!
3> Nadri pave silver hoop earrings. Can be dressed up/down, so comfortable, so Sade. I grew up in the Chongaliscious era so I have not touched hoops since I was a teenager. Surprisingly they look good on me!
***Now all 3 together with a bold lip (Nars Dragon Girl), is GAME CHANGER! *****
2 things I caved and splurged on after unsuccessfully scouring the bargains for years (outlet, secondhand, sales, contemporary etc…)
-straight leg jeans (Mother “Hover”). Now I can sell my 2007 Dior Homme jeans. I should be good on jeans for the next decade.
-black espadrille wedge. For me it is the Saint Laurent tribute wedge is the Be All, End All Perfect Wedge, but THE.PRICE. I wished Castaner worked for me (they created the 1st espadrille wedge under the commission of Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent), and I even went to AliExpress. Believe me, it is very unlike me to pay more than $200 on shoes! But these are evergreens that never go on sale and rarely pop up secondhand as they are comfortable shoes that people actually wear. Thankfully I found them on Cettire for a rare discount.
Ones that got away:
-silk leopard caftan shirt dress at an amazing price.
-Naomi Campbell x PLT velvet pantsuit. It is much nicer and had a looser/slinkier fit than I expected, that I would actually get some wear out of it. The jacket was & still is sold out in my size, so I could not justify keeping the pants. If the jacket pops up in my size: I will repurchase the set! I passed on multiple opportunities to buy this! Kicking myself!
What I actually “need”
-black crewneck l/s tee. My favorite one of over 10 yrs is hole-y and threadbare.
Trends I like but will pass on:
-mesh ballet flats
Also completed alterations on some dresses and Moroccan djellabas: closing slits, hems, etc…While I wear a lot of clothes, I don’t necessarily want to wear a lot of layers especially in the summer.
P — When are you starting your substack?? We need to see your posts with photos in your own dedicated newsletter here! :D The Alaia shirtdress sounds phenomenal. Someday I hope to experience the fit and feel of an Alaia piece. I do have a sweater blazer from Jcrew from a couple of years ago - such a great essential! Re brooches, I've always liked them and my vintage brooch will likely make an ootd appearance soon. The belt bag on its own fits my giant iPhone and a card holder plus probably a lippie and 1-2 other little sundries. It fits VERY securely on the elastic band attachment on the belt. It's still new and the woven leather is a tiny bit stiff so I expect it will loosen up with use. I will post an update / mini review on the belt bag soon!
The sneakers are great, I’ve bought two different versions of that type, from J Crew (black and white, though not the “salt”). They are not clunky dad shoes, at all, which is why I like them. I can’t connect with the giant squishy dad shoe trend.
Ah, I was looking at the black version too! I think an all-leather version is appealing since they'd probably hold up better to all weather. I've been studiously avoiding the humongous dad shoe trend for years now, I'm so glad you love yours and they walk the fine line between cushioned and still sleek :)
I applaud your focus on shopping and understanding holes in your wardrobe! I’m inspired!
Aww thanks Kelly :) It's always a work in progress!
Ugh, I am so over dry-clean only clothing. Especially when it's a fabric that I know can be washed.
I have definitely started making more of an effort to dress up since picking up a pair of made-in-Italy heels last summer (my first purchase of heels in years). As much as I love flats, that purchase reminded me of how fun it is to dress up, even if all that means is adding a pair of stilettos and a bright lipstick. It's a mood lifter for sure.
Ammu - your heels sound lovely! I'm inspired by the different ways we can all tap into the spirit of making an effort to get dressed again :)
Good call on returning the dry clean only joggers.
I am curious about the belt bag. How securely is the pouch attached? And what does it actually fit?
Would like to see your take on brooches. I resisted the temptation on a YSL one last year.
Have you seen the linen double breasted blazer from Gap? It says its machine washable. J.Crew/Factory usu has a knit sweater blazer too.
So early in the year I already have misses. Over bought on turbans. In my defense they were purchased from the most glamorous grande dame! Sadly, my head is just too small. One too many abaya/open-coat-shirt-dresses. One I will resell, as it is not as effortless as the other 3 I unexpectedly purchased.
Hit the ground running:
1> Meshki black knit pants. Oddly enough I fit 2 sizes, so one will be flats, the other heels/chunky shoes
2> ALAIA SHIRT DRESS!!!! Now I understand the MAGIC of wearing Alaia! I am treated so well when I wear this!
3> Nadri pave silver hoop earrings. Can be dressed up/down, so comfortable, so Sade. I grew up in the Chongaliscious era so I have not touched hoops since I was a teenager. Surprisingly they look good on me!
***Now all 3 together with a bold lip (Nars Dragon Girl), is GAME CHANGER! *****
2 things I caved and splurged on after unsuccessfully scouring the bargains for years (outlet, secondhand, sales, contemporary etc…)
-straight leg jeans (Mother “Hover”). Now I can sell my 2007 Dior Homme jeans. I should be good on jeans for the next decade.
-black espadrille wedge. For me it is the Saint Laurent tribute wedge is the Be All, End All Perfect Wedge, but THE.PRICE. I wished Castaner worked for me (they created the 1st espadrille wedge under the commission of Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent), and I even went to AliExpress. Believe me, it is very unlike me to pay more than $200 on shoes! But these are evergreens that never go on sale and rarely pop up secondhand as they are comfortable shoes that people actually wear. Thankfully I found them on Cettire for a rare discount.
Ones that got away:
-silk leopard caftan shirt dress at an amazing price.
-Naomi Campbell x PLT velvet pantsuit. It is much nicer and had a looser/slinkier fit than I expected, that I would actually get some wear out of it. The jacket was & still is sold out in my size, so I could not justify keeping the pants. If the jacket pops up in my size: I will repurchase the set! I passed on multiple opportunities to buy this! Kicking myself!
What I actually “need”
-black crewneck l/s tee. My favorite one of over 10 yrs is hole-y and threadbare.
Trends I like but will pass on:
-mesh ballet flats
Also completed alterations on some dresses and Moroccan djellabas: closing slits, hems, etc…While I wear a lot of clothes, I don’t necessarily want to wear a lot of layers especially in the summer.
P — When are you starting your substack?? We need to see your posts with photos in your own dedicated newsletter here! :D The Alaia shirtdress sounds phenomenal. Someday I hope to experience the fit and feel of an Alaia piece. I do have a sweater blazer from Jcrew from a couple of years ago - such a great essential! Re brooches, I've always liked them and my vintage brooch will likely make an ootd appearance soon. The belt bag on its own fits my giant iPhone and a card holder plus probably a lippie and 1-2 other little sundries. It fits VERY securely on the elastic band attachment on the belt. It's still new and the woven leather is a tiny bit stiff so I expect it will loosen up with use. I will post an update / mini review on the belt bag soon!
The sneakers are great, I’ve bought two different versions of that type, from J Crew (black and white, though not the “salt”). They are not clunky dad shoes, at all, which is why I like them. I can’t connect with the giant squishy dad shoe trend.
Ah, I was looking at the black version too! I think an all-leather version is appealing since they'd probably hold up better to all weather. I've been studiously avoiding the humongous dad shoe trend for years now, I'm so glad you love yours and they walk the fine line between cushioned and still sleek :)