Jun 21, 2018 - Shopping Things I bought, things I want
I am wearing my nifty new clog sandals even as I type: the slightly acid yellow is a color that at first might not seem to go with anything, but in actual fact also kind of goes with everything.
I had a credit at Maria Cornejo, so I used it to acquire this chambray dress, which is kind of the perfect summer frock: nice and airy, but still quite crisp (also, guys, there’s a really good sale going on there right now).
I popped into the Anine Bing store the other day when I was running errands in Soho, and just about expired when I saw this perfect leopard print blouse, which I somehow resisted buying due to my new austerity plan. I might be back for it, though. Also, check out the similarly-quite-excellent dress with the same leopard print, which I also didn’t buy but also want.
Here is the same top in a very good red floral print that feels vaguely Indian.
Jumpsuits are tricky, but every once in a while I come across a specimen I think I might be able to pull off—and usually it’s one with pretty utilitarian lines, like this one has.
These cargo shorts are so nice and long and trouser-ish, and would be perfect for tooling around on my new bike, as I’ve been doing that mostly in dresses lately and fear I’m flashing the world.
I can’t even with the bug print here. Click through and zoom in for a good look.
This happy, loud Mara Hoffman shirtdress would be excellent for a weekend at the beach.
And finally: this denim hat is just the cuteness.
Kim France
I was born in Houston, Texas in 1964 and have lived in New York City since 1988. I had a long career in magazines, working at Sassy, Elle, New York, and Spin, and in 2000, I founded Lucky magazine, which I edited for ten years.
Curious about the new austerity plan!
In what feels like an increasingly dark world, those yellow clogs are a source of great cheer.
I always love a bug print!
Agreed! And they will look great with the Cornejo dress too.
Have to say this: $690.00 for the Cornejo dress is insane! I sew, and could make this in a few hours and probably buy the fabric for under $30.00!!
All your selections are very chic, but I wonder how many of your readers can afford these prices. I always think of the $$ in terms of how many nights it would pay for in France, or something like that!!
Well, I spent a few hours last week looking up reasonable hotels in the 5th, 6th and 1st arrondissements in Paris in September and that Cornejo dress is equivalent to three nights’ stay.
The fabrics Cornejo uses are great, and I can’t sew a button in without making the garment look “folk-y” so I stalk her website for one or two items a year to buy when they go on sale.
I sew, as well, and I had the exact same thought about that dress. Although my training in draping tells me that it’s probably beautifully designed and maybe deceptively simple? I’d like to see it in person to see how it’s constructed.And it’s most likely beautiful fabric.
I agree with all of you!! (i guess I’m loose … wah wah)
Hey, maybe she pays her employees a living wage or something. A girl can dream.
Were I a businessowner … I too would aim my wares at the 1%. They’re the only people who have any darned money. And sewing can be very frustrating.
Keep hope alive.
Yeah, I was at a local boutique today and tried on two dresses that looked exactly like this with good quality fabric for $100. Must be nice to be a well-known designer, but there are so many instances where I just don’t see any difference in quality or design.
Ha! I’ve worn those yellow No. 6’s with that loud-ass Mara Hoffman dress (among other things – they really do go with everything!), though lately it’s either been way too hot or way too cool for it. These 30+ degree temperature swings are seriously messing with my summer vibe.
That jumpsuit would look AMAZING on you.
I was just going to say … I am *this close* to thinking that jumpsuit is cute. And really I think I’m there. Somehow it being cropped — while completely illogical — puts it over the top for me. Weird.
I’d need to see it on some non-models first, to be sure.
I wear a *lot* of jumpsuits and have a hard-to-fit body shape (short, plump, pear-like), and honestly? With the button-down front and belted waist, I think this one would look great on pretty much everyone. And you could wear it with damn near any kind of footwear and look appropriate for just about anything that doesn’t require actual physical labor (in which case you might want a real-life utilitarian jumpsuit).
Don’t you have to get entirely undressed to pee, though?
Nah, not much more so than with overalls, especially if I have a top or something layered underneath. Maybe I’m just a jumpsuit savant or something, but I’ve never had much of a problem with bathroom logistics when I wear them. I’ve had dresses that were futzier, TBH.
The jumpsuit is 51% Silk 49% Cotton. Is that machine washable?
I wouldn’t put anything containing silk in the washing machine.
yikes, the dress price! A couple of yards of really beautiful fabric and a pattern (#washidress pattern)would cost about $40.
also, since I love shoes and wear a diffeerent pair mostly every day of the week, the price-per-wear of those gorgeous clogs wouldn’t be worth it for me. But I love ’em and I’m glad you have ’em!
Regarding riding your bike in dresses/skirts, have you tried the “penny in yo pants” trick? Basically take a penny and reach behind you to place it on the lower part of your dress/skirt between your legs (like you are going to make the skirt into pants) and then in front of you, grab the penny in the fabric and place a rubber band around it. Not sure this makes sense, so here’s a better explanation but it’s a genius hack to prevent flashing the world your bits: https://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/07/02/penny_in_your_pants_the_bike_hack_for_biking_in_a_skirt_without_flashing.html
I really love the bug shirt and the long cargo shorts….but I have to say it. WHY are all decent clothes crazy expensive? Not blaming your selection at all – it just seems anything wearable/normal is over $300 these days. For simple cotton stuff. Wth universe and or clothing makers?
None of this should be this pricey. Buying simple pieces did not require getting a loan in the olden times, of say …the 90s.
Fitted lycra/spandex shorts under a dress making biking less scandalous. 😉