Books
There’s nothing better than cracking open a good book on a February long weekend. I’ve just started Allegra Goodman’s new novel “Sam”. Then, “The Shards”, Brett Ellis Easton’s first novel in 13 years and set in LA just prior to his seminal work “Less Than Zero”, is next in the queue. I cooked almost every recipe in Skye McAlpine’s 2020 cookbook “A Table for Friends”, so I’m excited for her recently released “A Table Full of Love”. Finally, I watched an interview with the amazing landscape designer Lily Kwong and she recommended “On the Necessity of Gardening: An ABC of Art, Botany and Cultivation”. Ms. Kwong is the guest designer at the New York Botanical Garden 2023 Orchid Show that opens today.
It Items
These three jackets are on my spring inspiration board. The double-face cashmere Celine jacket top left is sublime, and the shape suits me. But, the super popular Toteme Scarf Jacket and the Celine twill Sahara jacket are certainly contenders.
Street Style
Rain + temperatures in the 60s = prime trench weather. These NYFW show-goers wear them well.
Images courtesy of Vogue
On My Radar
Vogue has challenged a bunch of designers, models, and editors to style 1 item 7 ways. My favorite #VogueRewear post so far is by Laura Jane Ingham, Deputy Director, Global Fashion Network at British Vogue. I thought it was bold that she chose a maxi skirt, that is until I saw gorgeous ones in Khaite FW23 left and Proenza Schouler FW23 right.
It Items
I want to meander along the Côte d’Azur this summer and take these types of items with me. The sweater is cotton and would be perfect over a swimsuit late in the day. And, these accessories would go with everything — sunglasses, bag, and sandals.
On My Mind
Fall 2018 I had the Patou gown on the left made in navy wool crepe for my daughter’s ball that Christmas. Yesterday, Alison, a lovely longtime reader from Scotland, wrote asking about my post on the process of making the dress since all posts prior to 2021, at my request, were removed from the site last summer. This query sent me searching for my collection of vintage dress patterns. I would wear so many of these today and will have one made. Thank you, Alison, for the inspiration.
It Item
A few years ago I was eyeing the Gucci 1955 bag in cherry red, but didn’t go there. However, my beloved Saint Laurent hobo in burgundy is another matter altogether and I’ve already pre-ordered it. Burgundy looks really good — chic with grey and a nice alternative to my brown and tan bags. Expected to ship late July, this hobo will be ideal for fall. My first of five — or, second if I count the Saint Laurent boots from Paris…
It Items
I 💚 green, especially tableware — feels like spring is around the corner.
Placemat, Murano glass carafe, plates.
It Item
I just wrote about buying only 5 significant items in 2023 and I’m already eyeing this super chic Saint Laurent bag — the year has barely begun! This isn’t going to be easy.
Financial Times HTSI
Firstly, thank you to everyone who commented on yesterday’s post — immensely insightful. You know a lot about me sartorially, so it was wonderful to get a sense of your favorite items of clothing and accessories. I kept waiting for my friend Gigi to weigh in with her enviable vintage Alaïa collection and will ask if I can take a few pictures to share with you.
In the early days of kic I did a series of posts based on the premise that most folks wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time. To counter overbuying I talked about simple wardrobes, a fashion diary, and more recently, #Don’tOverPurge. The goal is to love what you buy and wear it forever. This really comes down to knowing what you will reach for over and over again. I wrote about my shopping rules, which I stick to.
This all brings me to an article in FT titled “Why I’m only buying five new things in 2023” by the publication’s fashion editor, Lauren Indvik. The focus is on sustainability and helping to lessen climate change. Regardless of the impetus for the story, overconsumption is troubling. Last fall I filled an inordinate number of holes in my wardrobe — heck, I’d been wearing the same shoes for 10 years! I rarely buy that much in one season, and there are seasons where I buy little to nothing at all. So, could I limit myself to 5 new purchases in 2023? I try to stay prudent and mindful of what I buy, but 5 would be tough. Maybe 5 significant new items…
Lauren Indvik’s Fashion Matters newsletter is a must-read.
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