Practice Turkeys and Menswear + a Boob Bodysuit
Among other things, I went to New York and cooked a 17 lb turkey this week. It was very mentally taxing.
Just quickly — While I was in New York, I posted a video of my dinner look, which I loved a lot. See below, sorry about the toilet. And no, it is not sheer, it’s a print. The next day I got a text from a friend reminding me that this, on the heels of a newsletter about Going out Tops for Grown ups, was hysterical. She is right of course, but then I thought about it. And I want to point out that Grown up doesn’t mean you have to have no fun, it just means you have to unequivocally own whatever weird thing you’re wearing, without question or remorse. And maybe add some pearls because you’re a lady now! That’s the grown up shit.
Before moving home to Canada in December of 2020 (oof), I lived in New York for 14 years.
Neither my husband nor I had family in NY, so the holidays were spent traveling. We never had Christmas in our own home. Except for an awful one in a rental on Houston street where our newborn slept in a shower - we’d just put our dog down (Lola Forever!), we were moving to Brooklyn on boxing day, and the oven wasn’t big enough for turkey. It sucked. All this to say, I am hosting my family this Christmas at our home in Toronto and that means my boys get to wake up in their own home on Christmas morning. It also means I am cooking Christmas dinner. I made a practice dinner this week including a 16 lb turkey so that I could time everything and execute properly and stress - free on Christmas. I learned a lot about turkeys, and myself. I also used/washed every dish I own 17 times. Chaos, as pictured below.
These are the recipes I’m using, if that interests you. Not including the Turnip Puff (don’t ask me what it is, I don’t know, but I love it) that my mom makes very Christmas.
Alison Roman’s Buttered Stuffing with Celery and Leeks, Martha Schulman’s Mustard Vinaigrette to pair with Sam Sifton’s Kale Salad, Aaron Hutcherson’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Miso and Honey, Mashed Potatoes are my husband’s job and I trust him implicitly, and I am following Sohla El-Waylly’s directions for roasting a turkey that doesn’t suck. Because most of the time they suck! Sorry but turkey is objectively the worst part of Christmas dinner.
I want to talk about Menswear because it’s really good these days! For men and women alike!
You probably know some of these brands but hopefully not all because the goal is always surprise and delight!
AIME LEON DORE // The clothes are great but the brand is incredible. ALD has done such a perfect job of showing us who they are. It’s classic, it’s cool, it’s sports, it’s chess…it’s New York, through and through. I love the accessories and small goods - This Stash Box with the floral art is especially wonderful. The hats are good but don’t get your hopes up - they sell out laughably fast.
MARTINE ROSE // A more advanced designer, MR is actually very wearable despite the heavily styled e-comm. I love this Classic Bomber — I just now realize that I’m highlighting pieces I want for myself but it just goes to show, you can put this in a variety of lanes.
OUR LEGACY // Our Legacy does both Men’s and Women’s lines out of Stockholm using fabrics they develop custom. Which is no small feat. If you have a partner who would go halfsies on this with you — congratulations you win.
Adsum - Adsum is for textile nerds and people who understand and appreciate how great pieces of clothing are made. It’s basics-heavy but the quality and attention to detail make it stand out. Lots of Great Beanies, and this perfect Cobalt Field Sweater.
BODE // Perfectly crafty, beautiful pieces that feel like quilts that you wear in different seasons. I hope that makes sense. The shirts are the highlight for me (any of them, really) but there are also incredible, handmade heirlooms like the Beaded Ripple Throw.
LEMAIRE // Beautiful, exceptional quality Men’s and Women’s clothing. In my opinion, there is no finer coat than a Lemaire coat. Everything is minimal, clean and perfectly tailored, which is to say softly tailored.
What I Want to Wear Today —
Raey Rollneck Sweater, Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Beret, Agmes Earrings, Isabel Marant Bomber Jacket, Hue Sheer Socks, Toteme Slingback Shoes, Eileen Fisher Knit Slouchy Pant, Maryam Nassir Zadeh Lara Tote
A note about Eileen Fisher pants before you question their inclusion above — they are unparalleled. Climb down from your high horse and buy yourself a pair. You will not be disappointed. The crepe pants are fantastic — I like these. But really, any of them work. They are definitely vanity sized, meaning you will likely need to size down by at least 1 size, possibly 2 if they are especially wide-leg or oversized. Read the size guide, it’s helpful.
I would love to find any of these under my tree on Christmas morning —
Comme Si Boxer Alta, Stay true - Hua Hsu, Ottolinger Striped Keyholder, Shop Memor Solis Lamp, Loewe Fringed Mohair Scarf, Ringside Heritage Heavy Bag
DREAM WITH ME ! //
GUSTAF WESTMAN CHUNKY MIRROR —
PRADA SATIN TRIANGLE MINI BAG —
From My Saved Folder This Week //
From @Persephonevint — Chiharu Shiota, Memory of Skin in Berlin, 2001.
I’m taking a break for the holidays so likely no Kael Mail next week. Follow me here and share this please so that it becomes huge and scary and unmanageable in the best of ways for 2023! I hope you have the most magical of holiday seasons. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!
xx
Kael