018/ Counterpoint: What I'm Buying!
Five things that caught my eye this week: zebra stripes, a NY-Jamaican artisanal brand, silver slingbacks and more...
This edition of In Moda Veritas is a counterpoint to the two recent newsletters I’ve sent you about the buying mistakes I’ve made (here’s Part 1 and here’s Part 2). Here I’ll focus on pieces I’m buying or, at least, excited about!
It’s been a month since I launched this newsletter, and in hopes of setting the right tone, I’ve mostly written about how to be more discerning in your buying choices rather than on recommendations of what to buy. (Of course, I’ve also sent you regular outfit recaps in the What I’m Wearing newsletters.)
My choice to focus on this so far reflects what I hear from my clients and the messages I receive from you, but I’m guessing there are many of you who are hoping to see more links and more sourcing content in general from me. I think about that balance daily and the best way to approach it. I would really appreciate your input as to what you would like to see in the comments below.
But here’s what caught my eye this week.
I just ordered these Proenza Schouler boots from MyTheresa’s four-day “up to 40% off already on sale merchandise” sale which started today. I admit I would have overlooked them were it not for Monica (@overmycloset) demonstrating how effectively these zebra print boots can transform a neutral uniform.
Almost all of my shoes are in neutral tones, so I know that these boots will add so much range to my wardrobe. An important factor in me actually buying these boots (vs. admiring them from afar) is that the heel is 2” — this is doable for me as a daily walking shoe, which means I’ll be able to wear them regularly.
Since the fall, I have been obsessed with this dress by Diotima, especially in this colour way. Diotima is Brooklyn-based brand with roots in Jamaican artisanal traditions. I haven’t ordered it because all international orders are final sale, so I might have to arrange a viewing when I visit New York at the end of the month. Stay tuned!
If you’ve been following my What I’m Wearing series, you know how much use I’m getting out of my silver Tibi Rudolphs! These Jimmy Choos function similarly and I’d be all over them if they were my size (…and if I didn’t already have the Rudolphs, of course). They’re CA$245 and size 37.5. Use my code IRENEKIM10 at checkout for 10% off!
This 100% cotton striped poplin dress from Zara caught my eye for its interesting shoulder and body detail as well as its slightly cocooned shape. I bought it in store earlier this week and I’ll play around with it more to see if it’s a keeper.
I spotted Paco Rabanne’s iconic Pailette dress (NWT) at a local Toronto consignment shop for C$995 (US$775)!
Thank you for your wonderful newsletters, Irene! I love how your style has a lot of range while remaining true to your point of view. Which prompted an idea for a possible post. Among the people whose style I admire, some are highly consistent almost to the point of having a uniform (Patti Smith for example), some are consistent but playful (like Dame Vivienne Westwood), others are playful to the point of chameleonic, but always themselves. For years, I wore a "uniform" when I was in the architecture field in New York and L.A.. Lots of black, navy, and grey; boots, structure, blazers! Since working remotely and moving outside the city I am drawn to looser, freer silhouettes that are still urban and modern (Tibi pieces for example) but I also sometimes gravitate to boho dresses. I'd love to read a post about the joy and limits of range in personal style. Some of those boho dresses haven't made it out of my closet. When they do, it's because something about them still feels like me, or they work with a shoe or boot that feels like me. Thanks again for your compelling work here!
Ah! Picked up that Zara dress this week- feel validated. Thank you for these amazing posts. XO