Thinking About Summer

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.

Pattern Play

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.

A Fine Burgundy

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…

Going Green

I 💚  green, especially tableware — feels like spring is around the corner.

Placemat, Murano glass carafe, plates.

Très Chic

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.

In FT: “Why I’m only buying five new things in 2023”

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.

Konfekt Issue 56: Collecting Clothing

In the recent Konfekt newsletter writer Chiara Rimella muses on clothing obsessions saying “(a) close inspection of anybody’s wardrobe will often reveal its owner’s obsession with a specific item of clothing. Some women have endless rows of tailored white shirts, piles of colourful cardigans or enough sandals for a year-long summer.” Ms. Rimella goes on to admit that her obsession is pyjamas. This, naturally, got me to ask myself — do I collect a specific item of clothing? I love hobos and Nordic socks and own a number of each, but, my true obsession is short sleeve knits. Elbow length sleeves to be precise. A polo collar, crewneck, or V-neck, I’m not picky. This one by Allude is on its way to me — I can’t say no to grey, ribbed wool.

Do you collect an item of clothing?

Net-A-Porter: Ballet Flats

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with ballet flats, the shoe du jour this past year. However, there are some exceptionally good ones on NET-A-PORTER and I’m going to give them a go. Chloé, The Row, Khaite, The Row and in black

The Row Fall 2023

I’ve been studying The Row’s Fall 2023 collection images; the shoes with leather socks above right, especially. The coat, too, is divine. And, I love a tricky look like the one below. Review here.

Layering Masterclass

These Officine Générale women’s looks, from the recent men’s FW23 show, are a masterclass on layering. The grey with brown accessories is an all-time favored combo.

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