054: The fashion set is fall-ready
They're buying silk corsets, 60% off The Row boots, and vintage Prada.
The hipsters. The fashionistas. The cool cats. The ‘In’ crowd.
I’m trying to think of all the ways my fifth grade teacher Mr. Purpura, who once caught me drawing a one-shoulder top that said ‘SLUT’ on it for the ‘fashion design binder’ I had started with friends, would describe the people whose shopping habits I now pry into.
And he’s not wrong?? These figment phrases are hardly an improvement on chic, niche, or well-appointed, words I’ve repeatedly reached for in this, uh, blog, trying to characterize individuals who have it, telegraph it, or maybe are it. One might call it élan. Or instinct.
What they offer can’t be taught—probably why Mr. P focused his attention on playing the class acoustic covers of “Save Tonight” by Eagle-Eye Cherry. And it can’t be bought. But frankly, that doesn’t stop me from peeping tom into their shopping carts or turning out the labels on their clothes looking for answers.
Which brings me to me actual point: This articulated caste is not only self-watering and sufficient, it’s. FALL. READY. The season is the ultimate opportunity for heavyweights in every corner of the fashion-calendar boxing ring to flex their dressing dexterity, and an entire month left of summer hasn’t stopped the most ornamentally inclined from beginning their preparations.
I (with the intention of motivating myself through my own extensive wishlist) reached out to a small cross-section of these knowers to share their early fall purchases. Read and shop their credit card statements, in their own words, below.
Allegra Lorenzotti, @allegralo
“The three things that come to mind are...
Re-upped on my favorite go-to Row boots in a yummy burgundy shade. I had my eye on them all of last winter and when I spotted them at 60% off at the end of the SSENSE sale, I just bit the bullet. I've had my black ones since they came out and, despite them being ubiquitous at this point, find them to go with everything. Looking forward to styling the red as I find it's always neutral!
On a recent trip to London, I finally scooped up a pair of baggy Eytys Benz jeans in a dark grey. Size up two sizes for the perfect baggy effect. Love the look of them with a tight tank, cropped blazer, and heel.
Re-upped some of my favorite basics from Eterne. Their tanks fit the best, and the fabric is YUMMY—always my top choice for layering.”
Chris Black, @donetodeathprojects
“This rugby quarter zip in the perfect fall green from Kotn x Barbarian.
I’ve been craving a pair of single monks, found this pair from Solovair and the price is right.
I work with J. Crew and the new men’s collection is hitting. I am biased but will happily pay full price for this cashmere sweater polo in navy.”
Tora Northman, @toranorth
“The Balenciaga Cagole boots have been on my mind for quite some time, but the knee-high version just isn’t ideal for my everyday. Therefore, when I first spotted this pair I knew I needed them—and will wear them all throughout fall.
If there’s one thing I stock up on ahead of fall, it is Acne Studios sweaters and long-sleeves. This time around, I opted for a more fun, striped version that I already know I’ll be living in.
Like everyone else, I’ve added a pair of adidas Samba trainers to my seasonal rotation. They have become my go-to shoes for everyday wear and are also perfect for my post-work football games.”
Mary Anderson, @mariannederson
“I love buying from small designers and supporting my friends’ brands. Recently I’m most excited about a Gabe Gordon green vortex tank I got. His pieces are all handmade and the cotton is hand-dyed, they feel so special! I’m addicted to Miaou corsets and love Alexia and Eric, so I’m always adding to the collection. Recently I got the Mara corset from their Earth Day collection, a limited-edition style made from antique silk that feels like something I’ll keep for years. I love Orseund Iris and will be wearing the Le Carpenter pant all fall!
Eny Lee Parker, @enyleeparker
“I haven’t bought much yet, but…
I have these cute Prada boots I got on TRR [sold out, but these are similar, also similar and great price].
Boucle not in furniture, but in Dion Lee pants! I love a good set of pants, I think they’re better than a cute dress.
Honestly, god bless Kim, I do think Skims is great for basics and price point!
I have two Viso blankets, and I love them! They’re mohair, sooo cozy, and feel like you’re being pet by a dog.
Lola James Harper’s The First Morning of Spring candle during fall. I know it’s weird but… I’m not a fall smell person, I don’t like cinnamon nor pumpkins. Smells to me have to be fresh and subtle.
This Collina Strada Cabbage dress that I’ll live in all fall even though its summer-y.
And this Jacquemus dress [sold out, but available in white], which I guess is my little black dress for pre-fall :)”
Dana Boulos, @danaboulos
“Versace sport blue dress: I bought this for my summer vacation but also thought it would be lovely for fall, especially under a trench coat.
American Vintage red jeans: These jeans are the perfect cut.
Sophie Buhai Barbara necklace: I'm really into heavy biker jewelry and know it will be a big trend for the fall.
Bottega Veneta black sunglasses: The perfect classic staple no matter what season.”
Michaela d’Artois, @michaeladartois
“Los Angeles is inherently casual about most things, including seasons, and as there’s no hard start to fall dressing, it can feel less than inspired. However, I’m determined to enjoy a layer or two. This year I have my sights set on playful takes on fall essentials, specifically this knit dress by Constanca Entrudo (I swoon) and the Kalda Fory boots. My knits will be provoking and my accessories perforated.”
Jenny Bourn, @wearilive
“I love the Plasticana Gardana clogs! They are kind of everywhere right now it seems, but to be honest they look hot on the men I've seen wearing them—then I wanted them (and the clogs). They're made from hemp which is beautiful, too.”
Recho Omondi, @omndi
“Firstly, it's not fashion, but I just splurged on this giant Sixpenny couch for fall. I'm entering my ‘adult furniture’ era and wanted something cozy to get through these NY winters.
This year, I've completely committed to fitness and I care about little else. So, I never thought I'd say this, but I'm officially the ‘athleisure girl,’ and my outfits are focused solely around what I'll wear to and from the gym. I decided early I am not a GymShark girl, so I had to find my own gym style. I bought several sports bras, dresses, and skirts from Girlfriend Collective. For leggings, I still think Lululemon makes the best product on the market.
I don't like logo'd sport socks so I bought the retro stripe sock in every single color from American Trench. The only thing that makes me feel feminine at the gym is lots of gold jewelry, all from Eliou. (Mainly earrings and a herringbone chain. Rings are impractical for weightlifting.) Also, are you really an athleisure girl without a puffer coat? (TBD, I'm still browsing the market for the one I want.)
Apart from new gym shoes, I also bought a fresh pair of black Uggs because when it's blistering cold and snowing outside, I have no excuse to not slide them on, grab my bag, and hit the gym. I bought all new sweatpants and hoodies. Camber is my favorite hoodie right now. It's a very unassuming, family-owned manufacturer out of Pennsylvania that truly makes an incredible product. (SSENSE just recently picked them up so I guess the secret is out.)
Lastly, I bought these Beats headphones because I can't do the clunky ones that go over my head, and AirPods I always seem to lose. I work from home so I feel little need to put on an actual ‘outfit.’ However, ask me again in the spring, once I've reached my fitness goals.”
Eny Lee Parker is my kindred spirit. Boucle furniture is drowning my explore page, Skims is amazing (blessed be) and pumpkin for fall? Groundbreaking.