Hello, November. Coming in hot to the holiday season, I will do all I can to stay positive despite these exceptionally challenging times. When I heard about the death of Matthew Perry, I found myself almost unable to add anything else to the sadness in the ether that’s permeating all of our hearts and feeds. It’s almost like you must spread your despair to process all that’s happening appropriately.
I’ve also been thinking a ton about kindness because even though I am at an age where I don’t care as much what people think of me, my middle finger is not necessarily up all the time. Because the need for kindness in the world is stronger than ever, and if you want to vibe a little higher, you best be nice. And that’s all I have to say on that topic until my memoirs come out one day. ;)
Next up on my mind (we drove 12 hours from Louisville, and I had lots of time to think) is the idea that being “in the loop” may be running its course. For years, I have sought to be the arbiter of all things, read every article in the Times, or seen every funny meme or fashion runway. But now, with so many voices shouting, I’m wondering about looping out vs. in. After all, how much more processing and scrolling can we do before a Mach 10 mental meltdown occurs? Looping out, kids. Maybe we should all try it for a day a week and then go from there. Going back to the digital Sabbath concept. I’m taking it under consideration.
Also, on a whole other note, I finally started reading the book of the summer, The Guest, a fun read about the Hamptons that was well done and like candy. I also loved one particular description of the 60+ society women set, as ladies who “were raised in a time when childishness was a lifetime female affect” as in hair bows and girly dresses. I love this description because it explains why I have been feeling particularly repelled by overly girly things as I get older because, for me, my style has truly evolved beyond that. See this pic of Victoria Beckham? Way way more my vibe now than fluffy and frothy and hyper-femme. Wondering if you are feeling the same. I think that pic of Kim Gordon at the top of the post is an example of someone who has taken femininity to a cooler, more sophisticated, and sexy place at this stage of the game.
In the isthisajoke file, I can’t believe Kim Kardashian’s latest bra has built-in nipples. Why on Earth would you want that, Lord help us all, should anyone buy it? So vulgar. I don’t get it. What I do get is Choupette, Karl Lagerfeld’s cat, hissing and attacking Kim on the latest season of The Kardashians. I get that very much. Merci, Choupette.
With that said, let’s move on to the consumption corner, with the top post of a new month dedicated to the juice being worth the squeeze. Rarely do I post obscenely expensive stuff (case in point, the new Phoebe Philo, which is obscenely expensive, though amazing, provocative, and perhaps a bit intimidating/unwearable because these are clothes for a very select few who can afford them and pull them off) because that’s not typically my beat, but since it feels a bit like the apocalypse (right) now, why not go out with a bit of a bang with some expensive (but worth it) things I’ve found? This is purely aspirational for most of us, but let’s enjoy these lovely things, even if they perhaps inspire or spark your style this season.
This Sea Coat is haunting my dreams in the best of ways. I am obsessed with it and can picture it over all black or a black turtleneck and wide-leg jeans looking amazing. It’s so good.
I don’t even understand how this blush/magic potion is as good as it is, but it is. The color may look dark in the package, but once it’s on your cheeks, you will love that perfect natural flush it provides, with a bit of sheer radiance. The name Heat Stroke holds little appeal for me at this stage in life, but I do love the product, so here we are.
On the same beauty note, I’ve rediscovered the luxe makeup brand Surratt, and this silvery shadow is pretty perfect for soiree season. I’m super into neutrals, but if you want something that feels different, this macaron pink pen from Victoria Beckham is lovely when applied all over the eye. It's a very different look, but I like it with a bit of black liquid liner.
I spotted this Jordan boot, and it’s been on my mind. I’m not sure I’d rock it because my new sneaker of choice is the perfect Gucci loafer like these, which I got for a song and in perfect condition from Consignment Brooklyn, and let me tell you, my mature-footed friend, these are well worth it because they are so comfortable and supportive. Though you’ve seen them on everyone you know, you can’t go wrong, I promise. Also, the new loafer in satin is fabulous for dressing up or just because, AND they also come in Electric Blue. LOVE. But the rest of the Gucci shoe universe is pretty awful now that Gucci is awful, too. Shame.
Next up is the ubiquitous LBT. An excellent black turtleneck is meant to be worn on repeat all winter long, and this one from Chloe has a bit of flair with that trumpet sleeve. Also, this turtleneck jumpsuit from Norma Kamali is so cool and gives me that cool dancer chic I love. Layer it with a skirt or a blazer, and it’s oh-so-cool. Also, this one from Naked Cashmere is pretty much perfect, and I find myself drawn to the dark plum, a color I love but want the black, naturally.
Speaking of blazers, a navy one with gold buttons is so useful. It can be rock and roll with leather trousers or 70s chic with a pretty blouse and flared jeans. I also love it with a boho 70s dress to give it a bit of buttoned-up appeal. This one’s a classic.
Also, jeans. These from Frame are a life changer. So good for travel, and I love the comfort of a legging mixed with the goodness of a pair of jeans and the sizing feels smart to me. I also love the long length, so check those too. Yes, I know, not a ton of color happening, but that coat at the top of the post makes up for it in spades.
Recently, I dropped my entire flex spend on a new pair of frames, and I’m not mad. I am so obsessed with this glasses shop near my apartment. Best service and magical selection. It’s like a myopic candy store, and I’m here for it. I love LA-based, French-made Ahlem. If you want to go big on a pair of glasses, it’s worth it. You wear them all the time, and I love high-quality lenses. I tried to be a Warby girl, and it just doesn’t work for me.
PS- is Mansur Gavriel back? I was trying to source a tremendous spendy bag for you, and though the Row and Bottega bags are swoony, they are way beyond reason price-wise. That’s why I love this classic bucket bag in hazelnut from a brand that took New York by storm several years back. Where could you not wear this? I’ll wait.
Also, on the bag front, if you are pondering a roadie or flight for Thanksgiving, this Paravel weekender is the chicest thing, and I love the monogram, too. Kudos to you if you use this as your main bag, but for me, this would go below my seat and hold my plane snacks and reads. I love a preppy-ish bag. I can’t help it.
And since we’re getting into cozy time, some luxe candles are well worth it, too. I found these named for famous discos, and I’m full of covet energy for the Paradise Garage number. A great gift for those who love the nightlife or used to and now would rather stay home and burn candles.
Oh and sure, it’s a bit early for true holiday self-gifting, but I love the brand Dorsey for somewhat more affordable and lab-grown sparkly objects. This white sapphire tennis necklace is classic and an awesome everyday piece, probably best worn with everything from silk PJs to sweats to a fancy dress.
And amidst so much doom and gloom, perhaps something colorful and cozy will suit the style soul? This Kelly green J.Crew puffer understands the assignment and then some.
I could easily go on, but we all have bills to pay and lives to live and work to do, not to mention donations to make to help all those who are suffering and need help. I’m all about kindness right now, so if you don’t have something nice to say, go away. I’m just here to spread some joy and find ways to spend your hard-earned bucks. All the love to you and yours, and I hope we can find some light in these dark days very soon. XO
I love reading your posts, here, Agesist, LinkedIN. One thing you said in this post is that you are thinking more about "looping out vs in". I am there. Between work stress (I'm in sales), keeping up with my 23yo son, and now taking care of my FIL who had stroke, I just seem to want out. I need to get my vibe back, get back in my studio and find me again. I agree with you on this article regarding fashion... do not give me any Lily country club clothing.. and I live in FL. Just give me a black cashmere top, some jeans that fit ME and a fun shoe and let's go!! Thanks for being so authentic!