I was the one who DM'd about the LOF sweatpants vs calders. Fit notes for anyone considering: I tried several sizes of calders (small, small long, and mediums)- smaller size was tight across my butt (yay weightlifting), fit in the waist, but the knees would bag out after a day of wear. Larger size fit better in the butt and didn't bag out as much due to the looser legs however the waist would slowly slide down all day bringing my underwear with it so I was hiking everything up constantly. The LOF are a more traditional sweat material but I find the waist elasticity and room in the butt to be worth the trade off in fabric. I have two sizes- medium in the longer length and large in the shorter length.
exactly this. i was always pulling up my calders and they ultimately had to go. but otherwise they were perfect in terms of material and shape. it’s too bad because i tend to find a traditional/close-fitting elastic waist quite uncomfortable - it’s really a fine line for me.
I didn't realize it was you! Can you DM me again so I know your handle because I couldn't find the message! I'll see how my Calders fare over the next while. I haven't had issues with falling off yet...
I feel like I need to congratulate you on the Nobel Prize. I so relate to the excitement.
I am originally from Bulgaria and when last year Georgi Gospodinov won the Internatonal Booker Prize for his book Timeshelter, I think our entire country AND diaspora celebrated like it was a personal accomplishment. The lines at the bookstores were insane and it was the most heartwarming, life-affirming experience.
This is so relatable! My fave experience of national pride was when Korea somehow managed to beat Portugal and Italy during the 2002 World Cup which we co-hosted with Japan. We weren't a big soccer nation up until that point, but the streets were filled with so much joy!
i found the calders to stretch out quite a bit at the waist with wear, and i felt the constant need to rewash in order to shrink them again. for this reason i never wore them for travel (where laundry is usually a rare luxury) which was a damn shame because they felt so great on. i ended up selling them but did wear the hell
out of them for a couple years first.
mine were old and they may have resolved the issue since?
Thanks for your input, Amy! I'm embarrassed to say I haven't washed them yet but also haven't experienced the stretching out issue in the waist. I'll keep you posted, though!
Oh, thank you for this post, related to books. Now I’m reading Chimamanda’s “Americanah”, and I’m in love. And “War and peace”: at school teachers gave us summer to read it. Among with Dostoevsky. Needles to say it was a hard summer😂
Wow thx for all the recs. Audible version of half of a yellow sun keeps me engaged when I power walk and Pachinko I started and loving it. I love learning of new cultures and peoples history. 🙏🙏
Thanks for pointing out what to look for to find that shape with the joggers and for showing how to wear them as a look rather than just a lazy choice when pijamas would be tempting! I am going to try the LOF. Yay for Han Kang!!
Christine, I am SO impressed! Has it been a rewarding experience to do it with Simon and the rest of the book club? I'm plowing through One Hundred Years right now!
Loving the crossover, eager to read The Vegetarian and the two Adichie books that have been sitting on my shelf, beckoning. Also blown away by your 2011 photos of Korea, and enjoying your gorgeous outfits as always, Irene!
One day! I'd love to see Korea. And a colleague recently highlighted a LinkedIn post about Seoul, calling it an urban environmentalist's dream: "Seoul is such a powerful example of what can be achieved when cities prioritize thoughtful density, invest in public transit, and embrace multifamily housing. Vibrant streets, bustling public spaces, serene parks and preserved natural areas are easy to stumble upon. Exploring this dynamic metropolis was a wonderful reminder of the possibilities that arise when societies value and invest in their urban environments." Reminded me of the gorgeous (greenery-filled) photos you shared from your time there.
Ahhh I love the vegetarian!! Friend of a friend’s mother helped on the translation for American market, so I got to read it very early on. Really sticks with you. Also I have been eying the MBF show so this is a good warning hahah
Wow, what a privilege! I'm sure it will become a bestseller this week as we all try to read it. Yeah, MBF, if it was *bad* I wouldn't bother watching it, but I think if I came upon the show blind having not read the books, I would have probably abandoned it. It's watchable...
Thank you for another great post! Putting Pachinko on my list and also looking forward to 100 Years of Solitude! I think it might be time for a re-read for me too.
I’m halfway through Pachinko and absolutely LOVING IT! I was determined not to watch the series since TV adaptations usually disappoint me, but if you say it’s worth it, I’ll give it a try once I finish the book.
Also, I love how you pair loafers with ankle socks—you always style them perfectly! You rock, Irene!
Aww thanks, Giulia! I agree with you about TV adaptations. I bet there are some purists who are upset that the show doesn't follow the book, but I still think it's an incredible watch on its own. MBF is *fine* but not great IMO.
I was the one who DM'd about the LOF sweatpants vs calders. Fit notes for anyone considering: I tried several sizes of calders (small, small long, and mediums)- smaller size was tight across my butt (yay weightlifting), fit in the waist, but the knees would bag out after a day of wear. Larger size fit better in the butt and didn't bag out as much due to the looser legs however the waist would slowly slide down all day bringing my underwear with it so I was hiking everything up constantly. The LOF are a more traditional sweat material but I find the waist elasticity and room in the butt to be worth the trade off in fabric. I have two sizes- medium in the longer length and large in the shorter length.
Right?! Who wants tight waistband sweats?!
I'm telling you, Nike mens sweatpants!
Noted!
exactly this. i was always pulling up my calders and they ultimately had to go. but otherwise they were perfect in terms of material and shape. it’s too bad because i tend to find a traditional/close-fitting elastic waist quite uncomfortable - it’s really a fine line for me.
I didn't realize it was you! Can you DM me again so I know your handle because I couldn't find the message! I'll see how my Calders fare over the next while. I haven't had issues with falling off yet...
I’m guessing it’s just body type dependent. So many people have and love calders!
I am so here for this crossover!
I feel like I need to congratulate you on the Nobel Prize. I so relate to the excitement.
I am originally from Bulgaria and when last year Georgi Gospodinov won the Internatonal Booker Prize for his book Timeshelter, I think our entire country AND diaspora celebrated like it was a personal accomplishment. The lines at the bookstores were insane and it was the most heartwarming, life-affirming experience.
This is so relatable! My fave experience of national pride was when Korea somehow managed to beat Portugal and Italy during the 2002 World Cup which we co-hosted with Japan. We weren't a big soccer nation up until that point, but the streets were filled with so much joy!
i found the calders to stretch out quite a bit at the waist with wear, and i felt the constant need to rewash in order to shrink them again. for this reason i never wore them for travel (where laundry is usually a rare luxury) which was a damn shame because they felt so great on. i ended up selling them but did wear the hell
out of them for a couple years first.
mine were old and they may have resolved the issue since?
Totally agree. I throw them on after work almost everyday. Need to wash after 3-4 wears (each only a few hours) to get waist back!
Thanks for your input, Amy! I'm embarrassed to say I haven't washed them yet but also haven't experienced the stretching out issue in the waist. I'll keep you posted, though!
Oh, thank you for this post, related to books. Now I’m reading Chimamanda’s “Americanah”, and I’m in love. And “War and peace”: at school teachers gave us summer to read it. Among with Dostoevsky. Needles to say it was a hard summer😂
Oy! That's some serious summer reading!
Wow thx for all the recs. Audible version of half of a yellow sun keeps me engaged when I power walk and Pachinko I started and loving it. I love learning of new cultures and peoples history. 🙏🙏
Thanks for pointing out what to look for to find that shape with the joggers and for showing how to wear them as a look rather than just a lazy choice when pijamas would be tempting! I am going to try the LOF. Yay for Han Kang!!
Hello Abra! If you're looking for more ways to elevate your joggers, have you seen this newsletter I put together last year? https://irenekim.substack.com/p/using-tension-to-elevate-your-joggers
Will check it out!
Most stylish ever! Love these looks
You’re the sweetest, thanks Sarah!
Still going on War and Peace! Salute accepted…and echoed back to you. I couldn’t finish 100 years of solitude when i picked it up a few years ago.
Christine, I am SO impressed! Has it been a rewarding experience to do it with Simon and the rest of the book club? I'm plowing through One Hundred Years right now!
Loving the crossover, eager to read The Vegetarian and the two Adichie books that have been sitting on my shelf, beckoning. Also blown away by your 2011 photos of Korea, and enjoying your gorgeous outfits as always, Irene!
Thank you, Emmanuelle! Yeah, the DMZ was so fascinating yet eerie and sad at the same time. I really recommend doing a tour if you have a chance.
One day! I'd love to see Korea. And a colleague recently highlighted a LinkedIn post about Seoul, calling it an urban environmentalist's dream: "Seoul is such a powerful example of what can be achieved when cities prioritize thoughtful density, invest in public transit, and embrace multifamily housing. Vibrant streets, bustling public spaces, serene parks and preserved natural areas are easy to stumble upon. Exploring this dynamic metropolis was a wonderful reminder of the possibilities that arise when societies value and invest in their urban environments." Reminded me of the gorgeous (greenery-filled) photos you shared from your time there.
Ahhh I love the vegetarian!! Friend of a friend’s mother helped on the translation for American market, so I got to read it very early on. Really sticks with you. Also I have been eying the MBF show so this is a good warning hahah
Wow, what a privilege! I'm sure it will become a bestseller this week as we all try to read it. Yeah, MBF, if it was *bad* I wouldn't bother watching it, but I think if I came upon the show blind having not read the books, I would have probably abandoned it. It's watchable...
Was randomly at a bookstore last night and finally picked up a copy of my brilliant friend bcs of this fyi!! Ty for the push haha 📚
You must report back, even if you hate it!
Well I just started it on Thursday and am already halfway through, if that tells you anything 😂 Ty for pushing this to the top of my to-read!!
It’s addictive!
Thank you for another great post! Putting Pachinko on my list and also looking forward to 100 Years of Solitude! I think it might be time for a re-read for me too.
Thanks for reading, Michelle! Pachinko (the show) is sooooooooooooooooo beautiful. 1000000% recommend.
I’m halfway through Pachinko and absolutely LOVING IT! I was determined not to watch the series since TV adaptations usually disappoint me, but if you say it’s worth it, I’ll give it a try once I finish the book.
Also, I love how you pair loafers with ankle socks—you always style them perfectly! You rock, Irene!
Aww thanks, Giulia! I agree with you about TV adaptations. I bet there are some purists who are upset that the show doesn't follow the book, but I still think it's an incredible watch on its own. MBF is *fine* but not great IMO.
Great post. So stimulating. Thank you!
Thank you for reading, Joanna!
My friend and I started watching Pachinko because you recommended it here and omg we love it. Thanks for the rec 😊
What a great newsletter. Hubby and I are watching Pachinko. Incredible. The acting, story, cinematography and script are all suburb.
I've ordered 100 Years of Solitude to join in the read. Irene's book club in the making perhaps.
Hiking trail in Korea is interesting. I wonder if it has "huts" or if backpacking is required??
Thanks so much Irene for all the great suggestions. ❣️