Letter of Rec #087: We’ve re-entered our “I’ll def stop by” era
Plus a lurex turtleneck, a great melange vest, golden swim caps and luxury playing cards
I figured it out. The reason it feels so alive to think about coats as part of the outfit these days is because they are part of the outfit these days. Especially now-a-these-days with all the holiday stuff going on. We’re back in that swirly cycle of coming in, going out, stopping by and through it all, remaining bundled up.
The good news is: no new clothes necc., lest you crave a good tank top for when the heat cranks up. The bad news? Well, depending on how much you do or don’t like harboring accouterments, outerwear decor (see: frivolous glove era) is definitely A THING, which leads me to 2 of 3 things I have to circle back on re: a recent Letter of Recommendation:
The first is this hat from Pardo (Rachel Tashjian, if you’re reading, this one’s for you), which is, truly, an instant outfit maker when your primary coat is black and you only wear one outfit in the winter/it’s some variation on khakis or jeans
The hat styled with a By Malene Birger coat, Alex Mill cargo pants and Polo RL sneakers. The sunglasses are by St. Agni The second: these pins, also from Pardo. I think you can stick them in a beanie a la Yankee Doodle, but I like them better on this poncho —
Unrelated to outerwear decor but from a former LoR: I may have buried the lede on this $20 hydrating moisturizer from the same company where I buy wipes for my baby’s tushmcgush but the heating systems are cranking up full force out there and I cannot understate how not dry my face is as a result of this cream. Probably the first and last beauty rec you will receive from me!
The only other thing(s) before a tiny parade of interesting new young brands are:
the launch of &Daughter’s modern heirlooms collection, full to the brim with braided, speckled knits meant to be passed down, plus one honorable homage to the When Harry Met Sally sweater.
and did you knowww? Becky (of 5 Things fame) launched a collab with Alex Mill this week! In it you’ll find a taffeta anorak and matching skirt, lamé knits, and one-helluva-navy suit. It is everything you want it to be. Links abound for your viewing pleasure.
Okay, the young brands:
Esant, a Mexican brand founded by the Monterey-based designer, Aline Diaz. She makes the most disgustingly elegant, familiar silhouettes rendered in quality fabrics that words won’t communicate as effectively as touch. Some highlights: this sheer white skirt, this diaper dress, these wild silver leather pants. Another highlight: this silk shirt coat, an instant outfit maker for the current season and beyond. 👇🏻
Amy Lawrance, an Australian brand that makes what look like couture-quality dresses in this fabric that looks like a luxury muslin (but def is not). Colleen Allen’s debut collection had similar vibe working for it. The notion of taking a fabric used to create samples inexpensively, and turning it into something you want to wear to like, a gala is just another way practicality and fantasy get to intersect through a medium like fashion.
I found both of these brands at the Merci C’est Vintage and Found by The pop-up that took place a few weeks ago here in NY. Every time I go, I find something new and interesting.
In this way, the pop-ups have become like an incubator for new talent, facilitating the element of discovery for shoppers and a mechanism of commerce-support for the brands.
One more that is new-to-me, but unrelated to the above: Birrot. Based out of Copenhagen, run by two long-time friends from South Korea, who produce everything there. The price point is solid, the shapes are sleek and there is just enough whimsy to keep it interesting. Tbd on material, but have my eye on these and these. If I go for it, will let you know. Have a look at the archive shop too. Something about this color is really doing it for me.
Some more of what’s been on my mind (and body) (and coffee table), but first:
I hosted a cafe Leandra for Aligne last night. You have probably seen various items from the brand interspersed in these letters and on my social media — it’s a UK-based brand with a great price point and solid product and clearly, too, a knack for fun!
It was really good to have people over. It had been a while, but I’m glad to be re-opening for biz. Natasha Pickowicz made the food with her amazing sous chef, Gabrielle.
On the menu there were such pleasures as:
a lemony persimmon caprese (basically a tomato mozzarella wherein the sliced tomato is sliced persimmon instead)
a wild and crduite crazy dip made of carrots, tahini and chili oil.
a vegetable tart with squash and caramelized onions
chicory boats full of candied pecans, purple shiso and citrus aioli
and a kuku sabzi (the green thing!) — classic Persian frittata I grew up eating
The buckwheat chocolate chip cookies were a highlight too but the best part of it all was, no question, spending time with so many great people. I don’t know if it happens to you that the more time you spend alone the less likely you are to make plans, but I’ve been nose-planted-so-deep in work and family that it had been a really long time since I last spent real time with friends and it felt so good to be together.
Consider this a nudge to reach out to whoever if you’re in a bit of an isolation hole!
As for the rest of the good things, I bring you:
these disgustingly chic playing cards from Grimaud.