Enter Shades of Pale
But, first let's talk sticker shock + making choices.
Can we discuss, or more like vent, at how expensive designer clothes have gotten? I know this is a topic of conversation that is happening everywhere, but honestly, when did it become the norm that a designer handbag starts….starts at $3k (I mean forget Chanel where a classic quilted bag is now $10K) and shoes start at $900? It really takes some of the delight out of shopping, because I find myself doing mental math and not being able to justify the spending. I don’t want an outfit to cost a trip to Paris. I don’t want to constantly hem and haw at every choice I make. In the end, it’s not even about pieces being affordable, but pieces being worth it.
That special feeling you used to enjoy when you went to a designer boutique (I vividly remember going with my mom to Gucci on 5th Avenue in NYC in the 70s and 80s), and a sales person spent time and looked after you—where does that happen anymore? I won’t name names now, but I’m so turned off by the cold glossiness/corporate-ness that is taking over some major brands. That’s another reason why I look to younger designers like the ones featured in this post. Some things still feel special—the tiny Alaia boutique in Soho, The Row stores even if I’m a small-time customer, they still treat you well. I could go on and on and I don’t have answers, but wonder if there is a sea change coming our way, because I don’t think I’m alone.
But back to fun stuff….
The best of intentions can get thrown off when you start receiving Spring Collection emails. I have an idea of what I think I want for the upcoming season, then designers release new pieces and my thoughtful planning goes south. Not all I might add, but definitely some. Also, it hit 64 degrees yesterday and I was reminded of how quickly my dressing changes once the weather is that consistently warm (which it’s not yet, but there’s hope).
What changed my mind and set the tone for some of my upcoming wardrobe looks were two suits, a pair of jeans and some sandals. They are all foundational pieces as far as I’m concerned, the kind of reliable items that you would grab often. First the suits: I have a weakness for white Spring/Summer suits and white blazers in particular. You can throw them over anything and any color and you look fresh and pulled together. Maria McManus has a collarless version in a lightweight Japanese cotton. Then Toteme just released this pale oat melange blazer and pants; the color is giving me Carven vibes. Just to say I check the Carven site daily to see if it’s launched, because I understand the store is now open in Paris. I wonder if anyone will carry it this season, fingers crossed.
If you lead a more casual lifestyle, one idea is to skip the matching trousers for the suits and just opt for khaki, black and white more casual pants. Or vice versa, go for a pretty trouser and then a tee or crewneck sweater on top. That said, I’ve been running around lately in my grey suit from Maria McManus from last Spring (with sneakers) and thoroughly enjoying feeling so pulled together. You really stand out in a suit. (In a good way, IMO.)
Then these Tibi jeans below. I tried them on at a local boutique over the weekend and fell in love. (They run mega big…I bought a 25.) The store also had The Row Harlow Sandals (below), which I had written off because I was convinced the back wouldn’t stay on. Well, they do quite well, and then I found this taupe color at Bergdorf Goodman. I mentioned military/cargo details were on my radar for late Spring and this Maria McManus shirt is perfect. To me it’s more of a shacket, to be worn belted or open with a tank top.
All the clothes in this post feel like a solid core for mid Spring and Summer. Honestly you wouldn’t need much else (a dress or two, some shorts), but these are also brilliant pieces for layering, mixing and matching. And the colors—white, oat, tobacco, taupe, beige, silver are welcome after being in NYC black for so long, even if they are just accents thrown over a black top and pants.
On another note, they arrived. This is how I feel: They are so so so comfortable and are a perfect weekend shoe. They are so so so expensive for what they are and am I being suckered into buying something too “trendy”? This would explain why Prada had some of the most robust profit growth of all luxury brands last year. It’s because of products like these shoes that are familiar territory design-wise and appeal to one’s nostalgia. What I think I should do (return them) and what I want to do (keep them) are still at odds. TBD.
Also, it’s officially lip gloss season, at least for me. I’m picking up the U Beauty Plasma Lip Compound (maybe clear, maybe a color) and this Hermés Infused Care Oil in Rose Cola. I dislike it when gloss gets messy (oozing around the edges of the container etc.) so I’m hoping these two don’t have those issues.
xx Jennifer
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Keep the shoes! ❤️ Absolutely agree about the insane prices and charmless service. I was in Italy last week, sales staff should all go there to learn how to assist and take personal pride and pleasure in giving good service.
I’m with you on the sticker shock. The prices are so high that it often feels wrong to spend it on something one rarely “needs”. Resale feels much more responsible - less cost, less waste, etc. - all the reasons you write about. Retail is also a reminder of how out of whack things have gotten societally which takes away the fun shopping can be. So, yes, I agree it seems something must change.