i'm convinced that spring this year will be condensed into about a week and a half before it will be time to break out the Birks, sigh. on the other hand, i'm feeling more inspired this season than last year. and something about a baby Kate looking wistful in a Parisian cafe just makes me smile.
here are some updates on the wardrobe planning front this season.
hits/purchases:
a.p.c. demilune bag – this bag has been on my radar for a number of years now, and after the MG circle crossbody (see below) didn't work out, i ended up getting this instead as an everyday compact crossbody that i could also bring as a day bag for travel. love the double zipper closure and simple, clean shape.
c/e wide leg crop jeans – found this pair on sale, and it has all the good Jane Birkin jean vibes. now just need the weather to warm up enough for cropped denim!
Leuchtturm notebooks – i've started the habit of keeping a little notebook with me to jot down thoughts, lists, and other sundries. i like the dotted version that give you flexibility to write/bullet journal/sketch as needed.
schutz loafer/mule slides – love these. Schutz is one of the shoe brands i've discovered over the last year or two that consistently comes out with on-point designs, uses quality leather construction, and often clocks in at very reasonable prices. they have a nice mix of out-there and classic designs every season, and pretty much always looks way more expensive than it is. their heels are great too. definitely check in regularly in their section at the Outnet for deals on a wide selection of their styles.
a couple of oversized sweatshirts – an essential lazy weekend staple. also great as a travel layer.
misses:
Mansur Gavriel circle crossbody – oof, i got this in the calf leather, and it was quite disappointing in person. the leather felt thin and cardboard-y and rather fragile, and the interior suede lining also felt thin and flimsy. the zipper also did not glide smoothly up and around the opening, catching each time at the top of the side gusset. IMO the quality of zippers definitely make or break a bag, so this one was very quickly returned.
added to the list:
a slouchy navy sweater – when you have an image in your mind of something, and then you find it. so good.
inspiration:
Catwalk (1995) (also here) thank goodness for Youtube or else i doubt i would have ever found this. this is a gem of a vintage fashion documentary featuring Christy Turlington and all the other '90s Supers just being young and working and trying to figure out their lives. they don't make fashion films like this anymore...everything i've seen lately feels so polished and PR. have you seen this one?
what's inspiring you this season? how is your wardrobe planning coming along?
Those wide-leg crop jeans are intriguing! I've resisted buying a new pair so far because of their trendiness, but I think it's now settled a bit and those are a great classic.
ReplyDeleteIt's autumn here in Australia, but I'm still thinking about adding a pair of sneakers to my shoe collection. There's so much choice that it's a little overwhelming though.
normally wideleg jeans never work on me because i hate puddling hems, but the crop solves that and gives some 'architectural' interest when paired with the right shoe :)
DeleteI've also bitten the bullet with wide legged pants, but did it with chinos, not jeans. To me, chinos were less of a risk for some reason, and I'm loving mine so far, so much that I might consider getting them in navy. I like pairing them with a breton top, loafers, and a bright red lip.
ReplyDeleteHow's the feel on those Everlane sweaters? I always rest my elbows on my desk at work and find that those type of large knits make my elbows hurt. I've been eyeing those but haven't risked it.
i have one chunky knit sweater from them and have had no issues, though i think it also depends on the type/softness of the knit?
Deletehow funny, i've been eyeing a larger crossbody for travel as well! now that i've been thinking about the speedy b actually in the 25. the shoulder strap is adjustable two ways and i like that the canvas is lightweight and the bag can be folded flat.
ReplyDeleteLove the insperations here. Perhaps I will also be inspired to buy some wide leg pants.
ReplyDeletereport back if you find a winning pair! the cropped styles are pretty versatile :)
DeleteThinking of biting the bullet with classic Gucci loafers soon. I have had the Everlane Modern Loafers for the past 2 seasons and they're so cute but still hurt my feet.
ReplyDeleteAlso considering a second pair of Eytys since I've gotten more women asking me where my sneakers are from on the subway than I've experienced with any other fashion item. That's got to be a good sign, right?
Was always intrigued with Schutz on the Outnet... will have to browse!
Love the wardrobe updates, hope you keep posting :)
that's the best, when you get asked/complimented on something by other women :)
Deletei initially stumbled upon Schutz when i was hunting for a pair of heels to wear to a wedding a few years ago. i find them pretty good value / style for the price.
I've been craving a change this spring more than any other season in the past few years. I realized that the "minimalist" trend has caused me to gradually drain my whole wardrobe of any and all color, and I'm so bored! So I've started paying attention to the trends again, but one of the challenges is not succumbing to the things that I know don't work for me, which is hard because it seems like they look great on everybody else. Vintage Levi's and wide leg crops. Denim jackets (they always make me feel like an awkward teen again). Most blazers.
ReplyDeleteInstead, I've been looking for ways to play with textures and injecting--if not color--at least some fun patterns back into my wardrobe. Interestingly, most of it has manifested in accessories. I recently acquired a long-lusted-after PS11 and a Mansur Gavriel mini lady bag; yes, they're both black, but there's nothing like a gorgeous bag to put a spring in your step. And speaking of steps: a pair of silvery velvet ankle boots from Madewell, mirror-shiny silver brogues which are like nothing else I own, and textured gingham ballet flats from H&M. Clothing-wise, I'll see what happens--it just can't be black, gray, or navy!
that's great that you have a strong sense of "you" vs what looks amazing on other people. :D it sounds so simple but navigating that dichotomy is basically 95% of the Fashion Industry!
Deleteisn't it nice when you add a few wildcard items to your wardrobe? accessories/bags are great for adding interest/texture/oomph!
That's so disappointing to hear re: the MG circle bag. I've been eying that up a bit myself but the odd closure is sort of what's kept me away. I'll probably try and see this in person before I ultimately make my mind up, but the APC bag you got instead, is a total winner.
ReplyDeleteit seems like APC is definitely stepping up their leather accessories lineup! i noticed a number of new handbag designs out this season...
DeleteI have the APC demi lune in black saffiano and it's my absolute favorite bag. I'm eyeing the burgundy saffiano one as well (been loving how my burgundy RSVP Paris clutch/crossbody contrasts my uniform of blues, but it's too small for anything other than evenings or errands), despite generally trying to avoid the same bag in multiple colors -- it's just that good!
ReplyDeletethat's great to hear! i just got mine in the navy smooth leather and i'm a big fan already :)
DeleteOh my god, I didn't realize that documentary existed. Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeletehave you seen it yet? it's a glass of wine and a chill week/end night kind of documentary.
DeleteI have been following your account since last year and do miss your posts. Please post soon. If not, hope all is well!
ReplyDeletehey there - my apologies for only getting to your comment now. all is well and thank you for visiting LAM and checking in. looking forward to posting more again in this space once i feel sufficiently creatively energized and inspired :)
DeleteI miss reading updates on this blog? Are you ok?
ReplyDeletehey Mel- my apologies for just getting to your comment now... had not been inspired for a long time to post here, but thank you for stopping by and checking in! i'm fine and just emerging from this terrible last pandemic year like most of us fortunate enough to do so around the world. hope you and your loved ones are well also! :)
Deletesame? I miss her posts, I hope you are ok! I have been following you since 2010. Do you still own the Kelly bag?
ReplyDeletehi there, i am fine and a bit sheepish that i'd neglected this space for the last few years... but as i replied to Mel above all is well :) i'm so appreciative that you've been following along in this style/community space for so long! hope you and your loved ones are well. here's to a blooming and hopeful spring and summer after the year we've all had!
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