If you follow me, you might notice I haven’t been posting as often. It’s for various reasons including, but not exclusively, that my new jewelry line takes a up a lot of time, that life gets in the way (and takes priority), and also that I am trying to figure out what seems valuable to me as a writer/editor to share with you as a reader. I can’t give a definitive answer yet, but for the time being, I think that a weekly post/newsletter is what feels right. What will the focus be? For now, whatever is on my mind. It might be random thoughts. I hope you will stay along for the ride and would love/appreciate any feedback. So….this week’s “newsletter”.
My current obsession is a standout, warm coat. I’ve wanted a shearling for a few years, but none have been just right. Then I saw the Toteme Teddy Shearling in chocolate brown with black accents and toggles. Chocolate brown with black is as good as navy and black, but really only works for me when it’s about outerwear.
This coat straddles the classic vintage feel of Audrey Hepburn, above left, along with the more modern feel of the latest Celine show last week (top right). The NY Times talked about the return of skinny jeans with Celine’s new show, sure but I feel like it’s a mood that’s already out there. It’s also nothing new. (I had found an amazing image of Catherine Deneuve and another actress in the 70s–the actress wearing almost the same Celine outfit on IG, but didn’t screen shot it and sadly cannot find it again, if I do I’ll share.)
You can buy the coat here, and here. Or call the Toteme boutique in Soho, Sie who runs personal shopping will help you. It runs quite large; I have an XXSmall and it’s plenty big. (I will post a picture of it soon.) I like the idea of wearing it with jeans, tucked into knee-high boots, but the jeans and boots can’t both be super fitted. I want a little looseness somewhere. The Khaite Davis boots would be my choice, because they are a bit forgiving–in regular leather (they come in moc croc, too). Then, I actually need a new, fitted pair of jeans since I mostly wear vintage Levi’s. I will do some sleuthing; I don’t have an answer for you yet. I don’t like the Celine bag or blouse shown above. I’d add a white tee or turtleneck. Keep it simple. Or ditch the jeans/boots and go for a black turtleneck, black pants and sneakers.
If I could buy a second fun coat, it would be leopard print. Their popularity might wax and wane, but they have serious longevity; buy one, wear it out, pass it down. I like this reversible Yves Salomon shearling, this Halfboy faux fur and this more affordable Rixo faux fur (cheaper on MyTheresa than NAP). I love the white jeans/green sneakers combo at left. I would probably opt for a pale camel sweater and these Anna jeans from Nili which have been on my radar for a while, because I like the trouser details. Then sneakers or ankle boots.
This week I went to Sara Beltran’s chic appointment-only boutique of her jewelry, Dezso, for a celebration of James de Givenchy’s line, Taffin Fragrance, that is an offshoot of his incredible jewelry line. (Yes, he is the nephew of Hubert and his father worked with his uncle on the Givenchy perfume factory). The fragrances are extraordinary. I bought Le Rouge, which a rich wintery fragrance “leathery vetiver, smooth woods, ginger and cardamom are blended with light magnolia”, but I also fell in love with Le Gris (Jame’s everyday fragrance) “the rich citrus of blood orange is infused with a textured, woody background of sandalwood and cedarwood”, and Le Rose which is more summery and pretty “Turkish Rose accented by the depth of natural oud and the sensuality of labdanum”. I’ll admit the packaging and bottle does not vibe with my minimalist tendencies, but then I’m wearing the scent, not the packaging.
Tomorrow, I am going to throw on my Toteme coat, spritz myself with Le Rouge and finish my holiday shopping. Enjoy your weekend. Until next week!
xx Jennifer
Robyn Coe says
Hi Jennifer, thank you. I personally like the long format because I want to hear your thought process. My son the designer recommends starting a design or redesign process with Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why.
jennifer says
Thank you for that Robyn. Bought the book! Can’t wait to read.
Kelley Estes says
Jennifer,
I love the longer format and enjoy hearing your thoughts and commentary on things! You could even expand into art, interiors, architecture, gardens, any thing of interest really!
I like the direction you are headed! I think whatever you find that you are interested in and passionate about, or just have a strong opinion of, you can bet that a lot of us will follow along, think along similar lines, and also be inspired by what you write. You have a wonderful voice! So glad we are going to hear more of it!
jennifer says
Thank you Kelley!! xx
Wanda says
Where is the gorgeous fair isle sweater in your Instagram image from?
jennifer says
Hi Wanda. It is old Nili Lotan, but she makes different versions every year. If you’re up for spending the money, the quality is good. For something more affordable, Heidi Wynne also makes Fair Isle sweaters.
Wanda says
Thank you, I love your newsletter. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom, the vintage photos.
Kattika says
Hi Jennifer,
Love this new format of newsletter. I do enjoy everything you put out here. Thank you for sharing your works. Have a great weekend!
jennifer says
Thank you Kattika!!
Zivile says
Would love your thoughts on a bag wardrobe.
Will definitely stay along for a ride no matter the frequency of your posts. I am pretty sure the most of your readers will do also!
jennifer says
Thank you Zivile for those kind words and I am going to give your idea some thought. x J
KSL says
I’ve been obsessed with that Toteme shearling in the brown and black for weeks. But again….Ojai. We’ve had cold enough weather but not sure I can justify as it’s usually too warm here. I do have the shorter version of the Toteme boots though and I love them.
Will look forward to your weekly posts. And of course, looking forward to a photo of you in that shearling.
jennifer says
It is sadly definitely too heavy for Ojai. You have to come East to wear that! I have those Toteme boots too. They are good.
DANA says
I love your eye for fashion and that is why I read. I cannot afford the items you post but I love the looks you curate and the challenge of shopping second-hand for things I might wear.
I appreciate when you focus on sustainable items that are made with the human creator in mind. I will always pay more for a piece of clothing that is fairly-made. (Expensive does not equal fair-trade.)
My two-cents…
jennifer says
One hundred percent agree that expensive doesn’t equal well or ethically made, and I love your second hand approach. Frankly, you can get some really good deals on The Real Real if you are persistent in your search. It may be where I find a leopard coat at some point. x J
Brook says
Love the new format.