Welcome to the inside of my mind!
I'm working off the idea that a theme or organized format will crystallize as we go. As it stands - chaos. Sorry for swearing so much.
If you're reading this it's too late...you're on another email list.
You’re also probably my good friend or even family member because you gotta start somewhere! Even worse, I want you to click on some things and buy them because I get paid if you do (sometimes)! That said, only some of the links are affiliate links because I refuse to be a soulless automaton who gate-keeps because she can’t get a commission. Sometimes things are bigger than a commission! And I’m just excited about them and want you to be too! For example - I present to you a Salami candle.
Take it as your next host/hostess gift! Or possibly the baguette version if you’re not feeling edgy enough for full Salami. Either way - fuck a Diptyque! There’s a big world out there.
Before we start I’m not great at bios so here is a link to my instagram and also my website. I don’t really have a plan for this - think of it as Beta. We’re not at MVP yet but I wanted to go to market because I think this could be fun and useful. And I didn’t want to do a podcast. (Yes I did, of course I did, I'm vain. Maybe after a little proof of concept).
This sounds like a mailer from a tech startup and I’m sorry. It’s absolutely not.
Let’s get into it.
Speaking of Podcasts - I won’t lie to you and say I only listen to the daily or how I built this (I do listen to them but sometimes I don't want to be informed and/or inspired) - but give me 48 hours or (and?) give me death. Anyway these are the ones I like right now -
Death of an Artist // Feminism, revolution, and the separation of art from the artist in 1980's New York City. Ana Mendieta Forever!
My Favorite Murder // It’s not original, I know. I love Karen Kilgariff and her vocal fry so damn much. She's hysterical but she doesn't make a joke out of murder or tragedy and that is where I draw the line. Sidebar but in one episode Karen talks about how comedians came up with jokes before the internet - It's like trend reporting - one of the comedians has to make a tape recording each week that aggregates current events. They all watch it together and discuss/find the humour in it all from which the jokes flow. Fun!
The Cutting Room Floor // If you're interested in fashion at all you should be listening to The Cutting Room Floor. I've been a fan of Recho's since the inception of her eponymous womenswear line and this evolution is glorious to see and hear. I learn something useful every time I listen. The link goes to her Patreon page because pay her for her incredible service!
Can I interest you in re-watching Mad Men? I just did and it was excellent the second time around. If you have kids I will caution you that the family dynamic/absentee parent thing was harder and sadder than it was pre-babies so, there’s that. Also - Men! Most of the time, how dare you!
We’re also watching The Bear (who isn’t), I love it, so much yelling.
We just watched Bros and could take it or leave it.
Do you want my BritBox or Acorn suggestions? It’s mostly murder but cheekier! Featuring cozy pubs and accents.
I’m reading The Golden House by Salman Rushdie (we lived in an apartment in Soho with windows that looked onto the secret garden where this book is largely set. I found it fascinating. Here is a New York Times article about the gardens if you're interested.)
I just finished Homeland Elegies by Ayad Akhtar. I’m normally a fiction girl but my friend Kate recommended it (incidentally she also recommended I start a newsletter so if you’re into it go to Nutbar and tell her she’s a visionary) - I loved it.
If you’re going to a holiday party soon and you want to let it rip -
I’d love for you to wear this whole look //
I also think it would be great if you wore this //
Raey Flare Crepe Trousers * I love Raey. It’s the Matches.com in-house brand and it has had growing pains but it’s good and getting better. The jeans are great but don’t buy any that have the word “fold” in the name. It’s too fussy and bulky in denim to fold/pleat an already baggy pant.
Versace Medusa Platforms *I could never wear these so I also added
these:
By Far Patent Leather Mules if you live somewhere cold you could put a sheer sock under these. It won’t make you any warmer but it might stop people from commenting on your foolish footwear choice.
For a more reasonable option I love this //
J Crew Gwen Slip Dress * In black, not pink
Raey Cashmere Cardigan *this is not inexpensive, I know. But I learned a little something in my fashion marketing retail math class and that is the concept of Cost Per Wear. A lot of things feel more palatable when viewed through that lens.
Nomia Flavia Mule I know and love Yara but besides that she’s a genius and her footwear is some of the best out there, if you can find it before it sells out.
Kara Black Double Knot Bag Ok so Sarah, Yara and I (among others) were in the CFDA Incubator (RIP) together and out of all of us they have come out the other side of wholesale hell with wonderful, thriving brands. I love Kara bags and I love how Sarah talks about her business.
Dream with me!
OR because we’re just dreaming here
Are you going to a city wedding? (not black tie, too hard to get my head around until we know each other better)
Richard Quinn Ruched Stretch Shirt Dress I wore a sheer floral version of this recently to the dance cave portion of a Sicilian wedding and in my humble opinion it was perfection.
Speaking of said wedding - I made a playlist for a dinner party we had in Palermo following the festivities and I think it’s decent. I also took 5 rolls of film which you can look at somewhere here! Should we talk about film in another letter?
Speaking of Nomia - I love this suit. It comes in black too. In my head you're wearing a sheer turtleneck under it and some square toe sling backs. I haven’t found them yet but I will.
I also love this for a sexy black dress option + this for a slightly weirder sexy black dress option.
Please also consider wearing a suit! I would love to see you in this //
Gelso Pant - Frankie Shop I want to add - Frankie Shop is a little hit or miss for me. I remember it when it was called something else and populated with low quality designer knock-offs which still sits funny with me. It’s obviously a lot different now. This is the only suit I like because it is sized (their one size fits all/most approach to a lot of their tailoring is tough). The caveat here is the size range sucks. I’m working on finding better suit options for more bodies. All this to say I have the suit in grey and it feels high quality and cool.
CompletedWorks Pearl Earrings I’m deeply obsessed with pearls!
Cream Jacquemus Bag I’m not a huge fan of Jacquemus clothing. Cute, not a great fit. The largest size used to be a US 8 (Wow, thanks!) - I think it’s 14 now. Still, they haven’t figured out fit. But I digress. The bags are a beautiful!
If you’re going to work and work is not in finance, please consider wearing this:
Arq Paloma Bodysuit I love all things arq - take a gander around the whole site.
Prada Monolith Loafer Sorry for all the Prada links but these are my forever favourite shoe. Cost per wear! Ganni makes a great loafer (Linked below) and while it’s not inexpensive, it’s slightly less than half the price of the Pradas. One last note about Prada - it’s not trendy. Even though the loafers and boots are having a moment, they will outlast most trends and hold onto their resale value.
If you work in cool finance (I don’t know, maybe it exists), what about this? Bonus to Roucha for a broader size range:
Everlane Sock Boot I ride very hard for this boot. So comfortable. Take them to a shoe repair place and have them add treads - these things will send you absolutely flying in winter without them.
Date night will go well in this:
This works too - Raey Pink Shirtdress
By Far Mules I like green and pink together. In this case it feels like subversive Palm Beach chic. I have linked these shoes twice because they are SO comfortable.
Where are you going on your date though? Does it warrant adding these?!:
You could try this:
Or
With
Everlane Way High Drape Trousers Adding these again because buy them! They’re versatile!
Hommegirls White Button Down It’s hard to find a button down that isn’t oversized. This one is perfect. Would be great if you could wear this open on top of everything else.
Bottega Tower Square Toe Pumps Only if you really like the person OR because you love yourself?
Cream Mary Jane Platforms These seem to be a pretty obvious Nodaletto knock off but it's a maryjane so they knocked someone else off too. And these are cute!
Instead of the button down on top you could do:
OR
Does this need more structure or are we ok? I think going forward a clear theme or edit would be helpful for all of us.
Wait don’t buy that One Size boyfriend blazer from the Frankie Shop! I don’t mean to shit on Frankie shop, I do like it and there is that one good suit. It’s just that, first, look at vintage men’s options on Etsy. This one is cool! So is this one! There are hundreds. They’re usually well made and easier to tailor. More seams = easier to tailor in theory. You’ll probably land closer to oversized and further from sloppy if you go this route. If you need help send me a note or DM me and I’ll help you articulate the desired changes to your favourite tailor. Also who’s your favourite tailor? I need one.
Last thing - yes skims is good broadly speaking but NOT ALL OF IT is good. The novelty stuff doesn’t feel high quality. the sculpting bra + bodysuit are perfect. The sleep shirt is top notch; I have 3 and I sleep in them every night. The bodysuits are hit or miss - This one is nice and good for layering. You may want a bra and the strapless is good. The bandeau is not - the fabric doesn’t have great return so it stretches and isn’t supportive. Also doesn’t create the nicest shape if you’re a person of ample chest.
YOU MADE IT! IT’S OVER! There is no prize. Please leave me feedback so I know what works and what doesn’t. Also if you liked it, please share it! See you next week. Or next month, that was exhausting.
Some of these links are affiliate links which means if you buy something, I get a commission. That said, if that bothers you or if you’re especially virtuous, I always want you to go directly to the brand website and purchase from them because they make more money that way. Small brands need to make more money. So you could do it that way, it just takes a bit longer. Do it though, it would actually make me feel better about the whole thing. The commission is small anyway unless someone wants to buy the Balenciaga bag.