#2 - Autumn homework
From Interesting Tailoring, to Suede Bags, to Velvet Sandals - it's a week of materials exploration
Ciao!
It is finally autumn in London, and I am actually very much looking forward to it.
This is the season where a lot of the layering, material mixing, tights vs no tights uncertainty happens - and I love it!
I thoroughly enjoyed the summer, but I have to admit that my favourite season is probably this one.
At this time of the year, I research quite a lot to understand if and how current trends fit into my personal style (kitten heels yes, biker boots def no). I always keep in consideration who I am, what I like, and how a new purchase would fit into my overall style, so that I don’t impulse buy and I don’t end up with stuff that I do not wear.
So… time to do some homework!
This week’s search
Sleek & minimal AND interesting tailoring
I wouldn’t define myself as a true minimalist, however, I am very much a ‘no print’ (except leopard and snake) and ‘yes shapes’ person. I like to keep my style simple, but never too simple (my absolute first source of inspiration is Carolyn Bassette).
I started looking for brands creating basic tailoring with a twist. Here some interesting alternatives beyond the more traditional brands:
Anything AnotherTomorrow, but especially this cream suit. Handcrafted in Italy
Another great Italian brand, and especially another cream suit (I promise there are other colors as well)
Minimal but not minimal Low Classic
Anything Source Unknown, but these Cinched Blazer and Criss Cross Trousers specifically. I don’t have anything from this brand, so I cannot testify to the quality, but it looks just amazing. A good alternative to the Frankie Shop
But obviously, The Frankie shop as well
Ottodame’s blazers like this one, they also have plenty of pinstripe ones!
This black wool shirt from Plan C, yet another Italian brand
If you have budget and are MODAH
Helsa Corduroy Blazer - Model Helsa Hosk’s brand
And last one, a recurring member of my delusional wish list, Thom Browne
Velvet heels
Maybe it’s the autumn influence, maybe it’s the London (low key but ubiquitous) punk influence, colder weather means velvet. Years ago I saw on Vestiaire Collective a pair of Saint Laurent Bianca platform sandals in burgundy velvet. I did not buy them, and I regret it to this day. I would style them with black, very light (10 denier or less) tights or a chunky wool sock, depending on the outfit.
Anyways, in my recurring autumnal hunt for those heels (conducted unsuccessfully ever since) I found some alternatives, all vintage and unique:
Prada - not quite the Bianca silhouette but great nethertheless
Miu Miu - in black, i personally would go for a colorful version with velvet
Louboutin - about colors… funky
Aquazurra - If you’re not scared of heights
Gucci - just serving
Simone Rocha - an alternative Mary Jane moment
The Attico - for a starry night
Suede Bags
I want to step up my bag game, especially when it comes to work / everyday large bags, and I want to expand on materials. I am missing suede, so here some of my favourites:
Cool and studded from Gigamuas (LOVE this Spanish brand, there’s also a small version available)
Obviously Aesther Ekme
Simple and sleek from Gerard Darel
Second hand: Vintage Gucci Bamboo (doesn’t fit a laptop, but probably the most stylish), a very good deal from ATP atelier, a Bottega Veneta at a great price, If you have budget The Row, another super cool vintage Gucci Bamboo
For the Reformation girlies
Entry level, very nice shape that reminds of Margiela bags
Other cool things and brands
These interesting mules and these patent boots from Kalda, a Finnish brand
These bags in plant-based leather, crafted from cactus fibers (yes I said cactus) from Santos by Monica, a Latina-owned brand based in the heart of New York City
Maraparis maxi earrings to elevate any outfit
Untishold, a Japanese Brand, crazy camperos - Bonus inspo the models manicures
As seen on me
By the way… I brought out the cherry / burgundy red shoes! These are Vagabond Shoemakers Mary Janes from last year, the model is Ansie. Accessorise with bread and cheese and you got the perfect look (Levi’s 501 cropped, In My Element Clothing leather jacket, Manu Atelier prism bag, t-shirt is a Saint Tropez based menswear brand using Japanese cottons, Erevan).
Ciao!