Life is too short for unintentional dressing
It doesn't matter what you wear as long as it's not just…in the sartorial middle. As evidenced by today's case study: decorative gloves.
For the random stream of consciousness portion of the newsletter, I’d like to start with Stutz. I loved it — not because it was a great movie, I’m still not sure it was. I loved it because for 1 hour and 36 minutes I went to a no-bullshit therapist who told me what to do to feel better when I feel like shit. Which is the reason Jonah Hill made the movie. No one wants to go to therapy to talk about their feelings, they want someone to tell them what to do! It can’t be just me. Don’t ask —tell! And give me aesthetically pleasing cue-cards to reference when I need to remember specific tools. This isn’t mindless watching, it’s the opposite, and in today’s culture of tv-as-background-noise it just felt good to watch Stutz.
For a lighter take but still an engaging watch — The premise of apple’s new show Shrinking is along the same lines. The difference being it’s a lot more chaotic and a lot less ethical. But the human condition persists. Just tell us the answer if you know it, therapists! The more direct and unhinged the better! Maybe! We’ll see.
Real quick to round this out - Jonah Hill is a wildly appealing person. Just a vulnerable, likeable guy who is working hard to protect his peace and wants to share the process with the world. Thank you sir, we appreciate you!
I guess now for the excessive consumption part? 🥴
Gloves - Trust me!
Gloves can turn a t-shirt and jeans into a whole look and I don’t know why anyone would fight that. They’re easy and cool and also a little strange, so — perfect. Here are my favourites. Bonus points, you won’t use your phone as much because you can’t! You’re wearing gloves!
Just to note — I’m not asking you to wear gloves to the grocery store. Gloves are best at or after dusk. I’m just saying if you’re going out and you want some spice — don’t reach for a necklace reflexively. It’s time for gloves!
Poster Girl Green Gracie Gloves - Would you wear it with this cropped white tee and this khaki mini skirt? I think that would be fun.
Collina Strada Turquoise Flower Stripe Fingerless Gloves - If you’re going to be eating, fingerless gloves are your girls. A dinner glove, if you will.
Dries Van Noten Orange and Black Crushed Velvet Gloves - These are advanced, I won’t lie to you. But again, a simple pairing keeps it all grounded. I think a black tee, black trousers, and a loafer would do it.
Dries Abstract Print Mesh Gloves - I have these, and I have forced my friends to wear them in a variety of situations but it never lasts. You have to wear gloves with your whole chest or you’re going to feel dumb. The trick is, as with anything else that might feel a little weird, is to repeat this phrase to yourself a few times - who the fuck cares? The answer is no one. At least in a negative sense. Do you want to look just a tiny bit different than everyone else? Yes? Are you having fun? Yes? Great. Wear the gloves.
T Label Rays Gloves - Occasion gloves. Yes, I consider the others more everyday wear. These are great with a sleeveless or short sleeve dress. Could be any dress, I don’t have a dog in this fight. Put your rings and/or bracelets on top of the glove for a little extra insanity.
Please Look at This //
Marc Jacobs' Spring 2023 Ready To Wear
Sorry for all the words today but here come a lot more. I love Marc Jacobs. He’s such a huge win for American design. Europe seems to have all the marquee head designers and storied houses, but they don’t have Marc. I know — we have Ralph, Donna, Tommy etc etc but for me none of them have an ounce of electricity. We have big name exciting talent in droves — Proenza, Altuzzara, Christopher John Rogers… but they’re still babies. They don’t feel as BIG as Marc Jacobs. He’s our American fashion Daddy and we need him! This show was a perfect tribute to heroes past and present, most notably Vivienne Westwood. Feast your eyes, it does not disappoint.
And now, for more words, a Marc Jacobs story -
I went to this Marc Jacobs’ show at the Armory when I was at Parsons and it’s seared into my memory for a few reasons. First, I was new so I was wearing stilettos. I went straight from my internship at Stella McCartney to the show. I suffered then from the same affliction I suffer from now, which is the assumption that I can get anywhere in New York City in 15 minutes or less. Reader — you (and I) cannot.
Anyway. So I’m late to the one Marc Jacobs show that’s ever started on time, and I’m down one heel because in my mad dash to get there, the heel got stuck in the sidewalk cracks and snapped off. So I hobble in, one-shoe’d in the Stella McCartney sequin sweater my boss let me borrow for the occasion, and someone has taken my seat. I’m frantic, looking around for an angry person in all black with a clipboard to no avail. That’s when my angel, Richie Rich of Heatherette fame, says “honey, sit your ass on my lap or get the hell out of here before they see you”. So I watched the show from my perch on his lap and it was magic. We did not keep in touch.
This is Mine and My 3 year-old’s favourite song right now -
An Opinion From Someone Who is an Actual Authority!
Katie Jane Hughes is an incredible makeup artist currently based in Brooklyn. We met when she was the nail lead for Butter London, who sponsored my shows during fashion week. We became friends and it’s been fun to watch her meteoric rise and also to ask her if I can just use my fingers for certain kinds of makeup in a pinch. I asked her tell me her top 5 makeup/makeup adjacent products so that I could do less work this week. I transcribed her voice notes below, enjoy!
#1 Tower 28 Mascara Make Waves. Like false lashes in a tube. Never too clumpy, never too subtle — perfection.
#2 Bioderma Micellar Water - A kit essential. Every makeup artist has it because it’s the best make-up removing water ever. If they don’t, it’s a red flag.
#3 Eight Hour Cream from Elizabeth Arden. An Icon! - Lip balm, eye gloss, slugging product, whatever you want it to be. It’s been around for 100 years for a reason. There is an unscented version as well.
#4 Nivea Essentially Enriched Lotion - Epic, gives the most gorgeous sheen on the legs, arms, collarbones and chest. If you’re doing makeup and going out and you want the skin on your body to look as good as the complexion, use this.
#5 Tom Ford - Shade and Illuminate HIghlighting Duo. A great product that is awesome for building a little bit of highlight and contour onto the face. Great for if you don’t want to wear much makeup and great for when you do.