Greetings, all. Love is in the air, depending on how you feel about this time of the month. For me, it’s my anniversary today, and I’m grateful to have reached 21 years married to my wonderful husband, who continues to make me laugh and astound me with his capacity for growth and curiosity.
On another note, I don’t know if it’s the weather (COLD) or the WFH, but I’ve been feeling claustrophobic lately. New York can do that to a girl. In a city so vast and full of possibilities, there are moments when one can feel trapped. It is in those moments that I start cleaning. And organizing. And purging. To make space for breathing and clearing and expanding. I need to pay more attention when that feeling strikes because I sense there’s something more at play, but who knows? It could just be my metabolism supplement cabinet hath run over.
But maybe I need to make some closet space because I can’t be alone in feeling passionate about clothes again. And design. AND TALENT.
First up, Marc Jacobs. Marccc (screaming). This show with the bouffant hairdos, doll makeup, and those SWEATERS (they deserve all caps), sweet little coats, dresses, all so femme/mod/doll, and those shoes and those old school Marc bags gave me all the best thrills and chills, hot on the heels of that wild Margiela via John Galliano show with that makeup by Pat McGrath that was pure genius, HONEY.
Then I loved what Tommy Hilfiger (yes, that Tommy Hilfiger) sent down the runway in New York for Fall 2024. Though his design team is based in Europe, this collection felt all-American to me in the best of ways, as did Proenza Schouler, whose take on American effortless cool never disappoints.
The resurgence of skill and craftsmanship in fashion is a welcome relief in an era dominated by fleeting influencer trends. Seeing the focus shift back to the artistry and expertise that define true style is refreshing. This move away from the quick, viral blips of fashion fads to something more substantial speaks volumes about our collective yearning for quality and authenticity. It's a reminder that despite the dizzying pace of social media, there's still a place for the mastery that comes from years of dedication. In a world obsessed with the new and now, the return of professional craftsmanship in fashion is a nod to the timeless and a rebuke to the transient, proving that true style never really goes out of fashion.
I’m also looking forward to studying the runways in the other capitals. Here’s hoping for more enthusiasm and a return to finesse.
Oh, and I watched the Super Bowl (commercials were meh, Usher was a little better than meh, the game was whatever) and noticed that beauty ads made it to the big game. And they weren’t very good. For years, I have said more women’s brands must buy during the big game and use humor. Judging from the attempts I saw during the bowl, there’s lots to do in that space. It’s hard to write funny stuff for women’s brands, but hoping more will try. Maybe I will. Who knows.
But on to your regularly scheduled program of stuff I shouldn’t buy, and you maybe shouldn't either, but RFK is running an ad (and not half bad) during the Super Bowl, and the world seems to be imploding, so why not? Why the f not? Let’s start with bags.
It’s been a while since I’ve thought about bags because they’re not on my radar as I’m not much of a commuter these days, but this baby is so cute, and I love the color, and the whole brand is worth looking at yet again if you like that spare, minimal vibe. Also let’s stop calling it quiet luxury. It’s just simple and elegant. Kendall Roy has left the penthouse in his Jacques Marie Mage glasses. So should this term.
In other bag news, this little red bag from Polo is the cutest. I adore the shape and would wear it all the time. So good with denim, too.
My favorite local brand, Meg (as in blocks away from my home), made this CHIC denim look for Spring available for pre-order, and I love the silhouette so much with a sandal. It’s super chic. Dying for it. Jacket here and pants here.
In matching setland, this set at Cos is so chic for nighttime. I adore it, and it’s so easy, breezy, and great for the transition. I’d have a tough time choosing between ivory and black. In my fantasy, I’d do ivory. In reality, I’d do black. I’m a messy one.
I’m not a classic romantic, but I heart hearts. This necklace is lovely and a great gift for the one you love or, better yet, for yourself.
Also, I became fixated on this photo of Diana Vreeland, as one does. This necklace. I found this on Etsy, and I’m mulling and trying it with a different chain or a simple black cord. But this particular necklace on the gold chain on DV is simply magical and one-of-a-kind, and I fantasy want it for printed silky things in the summer.
Full disclosure. I hate winter’s doom and gloom more than I ever have. Struggling, really. That’s why when I spotted these zippy striped bath sheets, I felt hopeful for sunny days at the beach and tanned, warm post-shower skin. A girl can dream.
Ooh, and if you need a bit of a silly show with wonderful style to watch, my friend recommended “Traitors,” and it is, indeed, divine. It’s a reality show set in Scotland and hosted by Alan Cumming, and trust me, his tartan game is TIGHT. My pal was right. It’s worth the watch for his wardrobe alone. Read this article if you’re curious.
And I got to interview this badass broad for the Ageist. I love her.
As for how I spent Valentine’s Day, I ate red sauce Italian and drank a martini with old friends uptown even though my beloved was sick in bed, and I bought myself flowers just because. XO
Btw the Kennedy ad was a direct lift from his Uncle JFK's ad for president and the family is FURIOUS and tweeted about it multiple times. It was on the news the next day. So fuck him and his campaign.
Clicking on all of your recommendations- per ususal. Your understanding of fashion is perfection.