It’s been a while, I know. I’ve been busy I guess but who hasn’t? The store renovation is under full swing. I am learning more than I ever wanted to about freight forwarding and Harmonized Tariff Codes. I am also learning how to find and hire people who do, though, so we’re getting there! I’m so excited to open the doors and see some (all?) of your smiling faces. Sign up for updates at www.absolutelyfabrics.com and follow @absolutely.fabrics!
SUITCASES AND STUFF //
I’m all over the map this summer (#blessed but also stressed. Shout out to lorazepam.). The good news is I am almost at the age where I pack efficiently and not like a drunk raccoon, and a big part of that is the vessel.
Rimowa is great but have you tried to stuff a trunk into the boot (she’s international!) of a European rental? The math ain’t math-ing. I got ads all the time for this brand called Baboon to the Moon and I didn’t engage for (I think) obvious reasons until I decided I needed something for my kids to travel with on short trips and I was pleasantly surprised. I bought olive green and black versions of this bag and it’s extremely functional. Patagonia wheeled duffels ( I don’t know why I can only find you a link from a Halifax-area Patagonia but I can’t be bothered to troubleshoot this) are unmatched in functionality. They also smush down to fit in small spaces. Perfect for the boot. This is a perfect weekender because Prada’s Re-Nylon fabric is incredibly durable and stain resistant. So, if your toiletries explode in your bag, it still sucks but it’s not an apocalyptic event. It’s a solid investment in a lifelong bag.
SWEATERS FOR SUMMER //
Sweaters are seasonless. Fight me! I discovered these J.Press sweaters just in time for summer travel and I’m treating them as a sweatshirt replacement so I look put together instead of a hack which is new for me.
Recently, I met Henry Zankov and learned about his perfect knitwear. A 2023 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, it’s not a secret that the offering is solid. It’s colorful, joyful, and seasonless. Wear it all summer! This is prime knitwear-as-beach-cover-up-for-sunset-cocktails stuff!
Obviously Cardigans are perfect in summer but go the less expected route with chic set in brown like this one from Dieji.
Also, a sheer-ish sweater is the height of summer evening sexy. I love this one from Dieji (we love brown now!). Baserange is also a good resource for this world — a lot of summer weight, soft tees and light knits.
Button downs are also summer sweaters in my opinion. Buy this tank from Gil rodriguez (size down if you’re in between — the straps are kind of long and you want fitted) or something like it, a loose silky pant from rick owens if you’ve got it like that (I have been wearing a version of this pant for 15 years so I firmly believe it’s a staple worth investing in), a slouchy pair from Roucha for that art mom je ne sais quois OR finally an Eileen Fisher pair of crepe joggers if you’ve been here a while and you know how much I love her.
Then add an open, ideally huge button down over it all. This one works. A vintage denim gap one is also stellar. Actually a lot of vintage gap shirts are the correct energy for this. Could not be easier.
If you’re getting married would you consider doing it in Weiderhoeft? The delight I feel when looking at anyone wearing anything from this designer is unparallelled. I just want to yell WOMEN! and high five someone.
WHAT I WANT TO WEAR TODAY //
Jil Sander Vest, Diesel Jeans, Medea Nan Goldin Red Bag, The Row Choker, Kitten Heel Thong Sandals
Summer Skin //
Disclaimer - I am a consumer of products, not a dermatologist. I will tell you what I love, do with it what you will! I had a facial a while back at Casa Cipriani in New York (which included buccal massage — if you can find someone to do that for you, please do), and the esthetician dropped a lot of gems that I’m going to pass on to you. First, stop using chemical exfoliants every day (p50 — which is great once or twice a week), that glossier one that everyone loved a while back…) It’s drying out your skin. Instead, use a moisturizing toner like Laneige Cream Skin Toner + Moisturizer which is my current favourite, Rhode Glazing Milk — slightly heavier than all the others but very nice — or the cult fave SK 11 Facial Treatment (though to be perfectly honest, this one is pricey and for glorified water I don’t think it needs to be). If you are the Hyaluronic acid type, put this on after the toner while it’s still damp! It needs to be damp! I don’t remember why but she was very adamant about this. Also — if the toner/essence dries before you count to 20, do it again. It means your skin is super dry and you should repeat the base hydration layer. Obviously we need to end with sunscreen because we’re not getting any younger, I recently discovered Elta MD and I love the texture. If I’m on the beach or poolside, I’m using Vacation Chardonnay Oil on my body — it makes my skin feel great and has a nice shine but beware, you need to be vigilant about re-application as it’s not terribly strong.
DREAM WITH ME //
This was a recent reality for me so it doesn’t necessarily fit here but I’m already dreaming of returning. Christopher John Rogers hosted editors and friends of the brand at Palm Heights Grand Cayman to celebrate the brand launch in the hotel’s shop, Dolores. It’s hard to describe how perfect PH is but I’ll try. The decor is gorgeous. The food is exceptional (there are multiple restaurants, and I know it’s not the point but there was a lot of “Yes Chef”ing while we were there because PHEW chef Jake). If you go, you will meet and befriend Bambi who is exceptionally kind and the most skilled vibe-curator on the planet. Every room has a view of the ocean. There is a pillow menu. There is karaoke on Saturday’s at Mambo Italiano. There are adorable little babies everywhere but they never seem to cry. Magic, I tell you.
Just bought that Chardonnay oil, excited to try! Love your style!