Hello, hello.
That’s for all of you, but special hiyas to my new subscribers. I’m so glad you’re here, and hope you enjoy my thoughts on (unapologetic) style, beauty, living, and everything I’ve got on my mind. Welcome.
So this month is all about fashion, and the New York runways were chock full of that 90s minimalism that will always be my inspiration. You all know how obsessed I am with that magical time when I was young and cute, winging my way around New York City like a bird released from a cage. It was a TIME, and everybody looked really amazing. Instagram accounts like Cabmate perfectly capture the era when all you needed was something with clean lines in black, grey, or camel, and you were ready, honey. As my very chic grandmother liked to say about nice things, “good is good.”
And the more time goes by, the more I agree with her. It’s not about expensive, mind you. Although it’s hard to compete with truly well-made clothing that doesn’t come cheap. It’s more about good ideas, good pieces that are immune to flashes in the TikTok fan, and putting on things that always feel and look good. That’s what minimalism and simplicity are all about.
Which brings me to a Fashion Week conundrum.
I was having a very late dinner last weekend (look at me) at a cool spot in Chinatown when I was gazing at all the young things hanging out in this blessed city. But what I saw did not feel like a blessing. It felt, well, bizarre. As in silly rabbits, trends are for kids bizarre.
There were unsnapped teddies worn over jeans. Unironic bad tee shirts and jeans worn with awkwardly pointy metallic witch pumps. There were bad sunglasses worn indoors and inside-out dresses with bulbous dad sneakers. This may sound cute to some, but trust me, it was a real wtf moment. As I ate my uni rice (more on that later), I couldn’t help but wonder over and over again:
Who are you supposed to be?
And by who, I mean these kids. Sure I read the Zoe Report and know all about
weird girl” dressing, but if this is street style, I’m happy to be home at night watching Netflix. The need to be “seen” and photographed is just too desperate. I’d say many of the young chicas I saw were trying too hard. There’s a fine line between fabulously freaky, and please see me silly. It’s possible I’m just old. But that’s what I saw.
Which brings me to the New York runways. Though I did see a few more mature models on the runways, the majority were wee babes. But the clothes? There were many highly wearable, marketable pieces for my crowd, like the above looks from Proenza Schouler. So why not show some more models that look like us? After all, #unsnappedteddygirl will not buy ANY OF THESE LOOKS.
Before we dismiss an entire demographic, there are young women loving on the look now considered “quiet luxury” or “stealth wealth.” Case in point, Sofia Richie. She is a HUGE influencer and advocate of a more shhh approach to style, but I find her very uninteresting, and in my opinion, her style sense is not as intuitive and a bit too studied. I also love the recent campaign from Sporty and Rich, who took classic shots of JFK Jr. and Carolyne and made them their own. But truly, ain’t nothing like the real thing. So maybe it’s up to us, the dedicated followers of fashion who were here for flat-front trousers and a Portishead soundtrack, to call the shots and celebrate our well-honed, collective style. It’s true they’re trotting out the 90s supermodels like retired thoroughbreds, but can’t we do better?
Think Christy Turlington in that gold one-shoulder number on the runway at Ralph. Just a thought.
All of that aside, here are my mid-month picks for you. Please enjoy as much as I’m enjoying the dip in temperatures:
Suddenly, silver (and grey) is everywhere. I’m seeing silver jewelry have a moment after years of yellow gold, and now that I’m blonde, I can see it working with my neutral skin tone. Also, it seems everyone is doing a silver pair of jeans, but it’s this Simon Miller dress that is just killing it for me. Do I have anywhere to wear it? No. Do I care? Also no.
It’s just about sweater weather, and this one from the new Claire Waight Keller x Uniqlo collection is perfect. I love all the colors, but navy is my jam, and most of the other looks are good, too.
Spoiler alert: This coat is not cheap. But dang, I love this Toronto brand with all my heart, and this is so good. The other fabrics are a bit more affordable.
I dig these loafers from Coach. A friend of mine was looking for a chunky loafer, and these look about right to me.
Also, a good black sweatshirt is my love language. This one from SKIMS doesn’t disappoint, and there are only a few sizes left. It’s perfectly oversized and a nice midweight. Don’t judge because it’s pretty damn great.
These Emerson Fry pants are perfect and a great weight to take your closet from Summer to Fall. Would be great with the black sweatshirt and the loafers too.
I heard Kim France mention this cool Cali brand on her podcast, and I immediately googled it, and it was love at first site. I love all the great basics, but this emerald green caftan is a gorgeous transitional piece with a pair of boots, and a blazer is divine. PS, I would buy all three colors if I could.
And if this book doesn’t scream “iconic must-have,” then what does?
Now on to beauty.
According to The Cut, bobs are triggering. As in bob haircuts. I have no idea why, so go lop your locks for Fall and bob it in the no-less-than infinite versions of it. You can’t go wrong, in my opinion.
Since Fall is on the menu, I need to smell yummy. Therefore, I default to vanilla-scented fragrances. Current favs are clean beauty brand Ded Cool’s Taunt, which is just lovely and not overwhelming, while DS & Durga’s Deep Dark Vanilla is headier but very sexy. So good.
I attended the virtual launch of Trinny London’s new BFF All Day foundation, which I was afraid to try because it’s matte, which my dew-seeking behavior does not typically do. But, damn. This medium coverage foundation is so good, and I was still glowy, and it literally lasted through a sweaty day on set, so I‘d say it’s a keeper.
Finally, let’s talk about uni rice, a dish popular in Hokkaido, Japan. I know I mentioned it above, but holy moly. It’s my new favorite thing. Warm, decadent, textured. Just what I want from a meal and from a new season. And on that note, see you in a few. Big kisses to my new crew and to all my OGs. I started this Substack a year ago and am so pleased and excited for what’s to come. XO
I agree with you on what should be the Apologetic Youngins' with spikes on their heels and jeans ripped to obscenity and why do I need to see your thighs? What are they smoking? I love the minimal look and you show some fab outfits.