It's Not That Serious
Airing grievances about personal style and continuing my FW Pulse Check.
Before I start airing grievances, Happy Love Day!! Cannot tell you how floored I am that you all are here, reading my random ramblings. My heart could burst!
Some quick VDay tips since I’ve been wifed-up since my pre-teen years. If you have a significant other I highly suggest doing your dinner the day before or after Valentine’s Day (Who wants to eat at an overcrowded rest. with a set menu??) If you’re expecting flowers, you better be gifting chocolates in return (an underrated and much-appreciated boy gift). Plus, it’s fun to taste-test each flavor together at the end of the night (If you're a WV local, stop by Sees.) If you're with the girls this year, cozy up with a cocktail, a rom-com, and lots of Swedish candies. Lastly, if this day makes you sad, treat yourself to a Sephora run. A new lipgloss does wonders for improving mood and turning a day around. LOVE YOU ALL!
Airing Grievances
I'm picking up where we left off on Fashion Month findings. Before we jump in, I have some thought starters — or maybe something to get off my chest. There’s a big discussion brewing about personal style, a topic I can talk endlessly about and the chief reason for starting my Anti Capsule Collection Series. However, for some reason, the endless analysis of it is rubbing me the wrong way.
I agree that, as a whole, we’ve overindulged in fast fashion, trend shopping, and copycat dressing to the point where everyone looks the same. Cue the communal coming to Jesus we’re experiencing. But this discussion about the genesis of personal style and its “return” feels somewhat fraudulent. At a certain point, having true style is innate, it can certainly be mimicked or faked to a degree, but at the end of the day you've either got it or you don’t. And those that truly have it, did not “lose it” when everyone else started buying into social media’s rapid trend culture. While society is catching up on finding themselves in fashion, the true style mavens have already moved onto the next corner of creativity, unbothered and oblivious to the effort being put in.
This might be a half-baked take, but I guess what I’m trying to say is… it’s not that serious? All the conversation about galvanizing personal style feels like when someone tries too hard to be cool and it just comes across as cringe. Parroting myself here, but this is all meant to be fun. I worry that this much talk about personal style reemerging is translating into statement pieces are now “in” so that’s what I’m going to buy, (which is the exact opposite of what the theorizers are trying to say). Reiterating: stick to wearing what you feel the most confident and happiest in regardless of what is popular, the rest will naturally unfold. What are your thoughts? Feel free to comment & correct if I totally missed the mark on this one.
For more eloquent thoughts on the death of trend culture, I stand behind this stack by The Relevancy Read.
Pulse Check: Part 2
Now that I’ve set the stage, let’s discuss this week's shows. The few that really spoke to me were the brands that closed out the noise and leaned into their identities, emphasizing the special sauce that separates them from the rest.
Tory Burch ranks at the top of the leaderboard for obvious reasons (6th-grade me is rolling her eyes)… it was the one show that felt like it had real FW energy. Besides bookmarking specific pieces and flagging styling ideas from every other look that came down the catwalk, the coverage was exactly what I wanted to see from a show. Guests came dressed to impress, interviewees were thoughtfully selected, and my social feeds were happily flooded with GOOD SH*T (finally.)
My thoughts from the top left moving right: That red pocketed bag is mine as soon as it hits the selling floor. There is a major gap in the market for chic totes that fit a laptop. I’m often running from work to events and I want a bag that levels up my outfit but also fits all my stuff. They are impossible to find. I’ve been wearing the life out of my Margiela tote, and this feels like it will accomplish the same task. My three favorite looks of the show in one pic, who knew green velvet track pants could be this cute?? (Will be adding to cart.) On that note, my Winter/Spring transition uniform will be elevated track pants, a sporty zip-front (just got this and this, which will work as stand-ins until I find the one), paired with small wired frames and a kitten heal. (BTW this red JW Anderson Neckband seems like it will accomplish the same look as this high-neck zip-up.) A better look at the kind of track pants I’m after (not the same, but I’m still into these Tibi pants which will achieve the same look.) THIS ORANGE TOP!!!!!! Gimme, Gimme, Gimme. Another work bag I’ll be snagging (I’m in love with it in the purple colorway.) Flagging this bottom left look for a good color story to copy. The two drapey tops in this middle bottom pic feel easily achievable with a cardigan and broach. Lastly, consider me sweater-vest curious.
Coach clocking in at a very close second. I have to applaud them for the major rebrand, I’m eating it up. My mind is still on a lot of the accessories from WW SS225 (when can I get my hands on that oversized change purse clutch??) Similar to Tory, the recent FW25 show served as major Spring styling inspiration.
Vogue, Coach My thoughts from the top left moving right: The bag I’m still thinking about from SS25 (someone help??!!) Into the long tunic/mini dress over trouser look, will rinse & repeat all spring/summer long. Testing out on my TikTok shortly with some pieces I already own, but I’m missing that light boho sheath (it might be time to pay a visit to A.W. Kaufman.) Not a belt girl, but it might be time. It feels necessary if I want to accomplish this look on the top right. A baby T, trousers, and flask necklace?? Sign me up. (More coming on this necklace.) The bottom middle is giving modern-day Amelia Earhart, but I may or may not have gotten some very similar goggle glasses recently. (Also- when did Sunglass Hut’s selection get so good?? Going to do a haul soon. FYI just saw they’re doing 20% off for VDAY today!) Lastly, I’ve been looking for a three-piece suit. Any tips?
Sandy Liang surprised me. A great example of how sticking to the brand identity and staying in your lane pays off. If Marc Jacob’s doll world is high fashion and avant-garde then Sandy Liang’s is downright playful and childlike, in the best possible way.
You know the drill at this point, but moving from top left to right: Don’t miss the matching micro sweater stitched onto the bottom left corner! Also, peep that adorable little bag. I’m intrigued. More goggle-like glasses in the middle. Swatching top right for a good color story. Really into that muddy green color. Bottom left and bottom right skirts are so fun, I love good tromp l’oeil situation. I’m leaning bottom right, which will be welcomed into my closet with open arms. Lastly, let’s talk about the green mini in the middle covered in mini skirts, I wonder if they’ll produce it. And if they do, will I want it? Unsure. This Moschino skirt caught my eye a while back and is very similar in idea (perhaps too similar?) Final thoughts: adding the polished button-down and pearls paired with a very boring fleece to my spring styling list.
Thom Browne came out of left field with a show that I scrolled from start to finish 3 or 4 (or 10) times. Again, sticking to their guns but with a touch of that whimsy that seems to be getting around.
Love the shape of this dress. Will be pairing my argyle sweater with my gingham button-down. In top middle, this skirt and blazer placement is reminiscent of this skirt I mentioned a few stacks back. More tromp l’oeil I’m liking on the top right. This mini dress is downright perfection. Loving the necklace-like embellishments on this trench! (That green button-down is looking awfully familiar to that one n my closet, pink silk tie loading…) ((and those red lip dots are reminiscent of Marc Jacob’s, no?)) Lastly, love the color and pattern play on this bottom right look. I want to copy and paste this set onto someone for a great street-style moment come September. The rest of the looks might be giving your quirky creative boss with a Mary-poppins-like office (exploding with books, magazines, and days-old coffee cups) but this last one is just straight-up cool girl.
Random saves, screenshots, and superlatives:
On the hunt for a similar necklace, I’m thinking a vintage flask (like this but daintier), lighter (like this minus the price tag), or cig case on a chain (speaking of, have you guys seen the vintage cigarette case I’ve been using as a wallet?) Came across a top similar to this Michael Kors croc number on The Frankie Shop, which I’ll be styling with opera-length gloves. Also into that bag shape and size. On the bottom right, I’ll be recreating this grey turtleneck under a button-down look with the aforementioned Frankies Bikini zip-up. This Spring, the longer the shorts are the better! (Not mad about this argyle sock, adding this pair to my cart.) We’re in a “going out” tops recession (I didn’t coin that phrase, but wish I did) and this Aknvas top and bloomers is the exact look I want to be wearing this summer.
Selfish Delights: Screenshots
Outtakes from my screenshots folder.
Double purses, shown above.
Both of these Danielle Goldberg styling snaps: Greta Lee in Calvin Klein (also congrats to Calvin Klein for making a comeback, if this stack wasn’t already years long I would’ve included more!) and this shot of Saoirse Ronan in JW Anderson (can someone find me the link to this dress?)
Larroude boxing boots.
Hannah Einbinder dressed up like a doll for the Critics Choice Awards.
This Comme Des Garcons brown paper bag with plastic snapped by Tyler Joe.
Okay, what should I share next week? I have ideas:
A. I can post a “What are we shopping for sticker?” on IG and answer here with links.
B. A Perfect NYC Day Itinerary? (Sorry, this keeps getting bumped from the agenda and so many people are asking me for city recs!)
C. A dissertation on Button-Downs and deep dive on good tops in general?
Let me know! Have a Selfish Delight you want to share? Drop a Comment.
As always,
If you’re not going to be nice, at least be funny,
Maggie
hiiii! I work for Coach and can tell you the oversized kisslock is coming in march <3
Loved this