I dream of a make believe Christmas on Nantucket where I’ll wear this on a sailboat, salt air tousling my hair and I’m not even cold! Cold wasn’t a thing before heat-tech. Right!? As a great alternative, I will ACTUALLY be wearing this to Christmas Eve at my In-Laws. My favorite two days of the year in NYC. Quiet, everyone smiles and you truly feel like you live in a fairy tale walking down Park. The FISHERMAN with a Patou skirt and Manolo ballerinas (another great pair here!)
Before we start, huge thanks to Alex Mill for sponsoring today’s newsletter. If you are not familiar with the brand, Alex Mill was founded by Alex Drexler and is now a joint effort between Alex, his father Mickey Drexler and designer Somsak Sikhounmuong. Mickey Drexler’s name you may have heard over the years - he brought you the eras of Gap and J.Crew you remember warmly. The Simplicitycity era, as I refer to it now, since it’s so perfectly captured by one of my favorite Instagram accounts.
Alex Mill speaks to me for many reasons. The product is grounded in functionality, their fabrics are great for the price point and they get proportion. They also aren’t trying to create “menswear inspired” pieces for women that just fall flat. They honor us ladies with the same rich color options and silhouettes as the gents and many of the items are truly sized and filed as unisex. I could go on of course (and will throughout) but it’s a brand I check in with for new arrivals often, knowing they will have perfect versions of whatever it is they are offering to give my closet the utilitarian balance I so crave when getting dressed.
But now back to that old catalog lifestyle I was talking about…that heyday of holiday garb shot next to a rustic barn or in a field of wheatgrass overlooking a bay. I live for it! The chocolate lab by her side. Extended family all perfectly accessorized and smiling at the same time. We all could use a little fantasy this time of year, amirite!? Beyond this nostalgic imagery, the clothes were good! Perfect rollnecks, dusty colors, nothing screaming from the page. Really wearable stuff!
Those are the feels that came to mind when trying on the Alex Mill collection in research of this letter; Dissecting the pieces and determining which would work hardest in my closet were those of flipping through an old-fashioned holiday catalog. And yes, you are all going to be horrified by the idea that I’m calling the 1980s and 90s old fashioned because we are old enough to remember those decades first hand (not to mention the Boston Baked Beans J.Crew would send my cousins for Christmas because they spent THAT much there, MAIL ORDER!)
Today's outfits, while rooted in getting dressed for the here and now, all started with a hint of retro, and that’s what makes them feel on point! I went full holiday ham in some with red and plaid and bows and sparkles to go around. And 90s minimalist in others. Imagine a Julia Roberts meet cute in early December, 1997: Shiny carrot pants, slim ribbed turtleneck, envelope clutch. And finally, we’ll work in some preppy classics for some easy (but not boring) ways to get dressed for every type of event you may have in the next month. ENJOY!
A Chalky Blue Fisherman Sweater
The right fisherman sweater is harder to procure than one might think. The proportions must be masculine, but not so masculine that it’s broad at the shoulders and too tight at the hips. Thick enough that the knit is not transparent, but not so bulky you can’t actually wear it. I have a breathtakingly beautiful Aran sweater from Alexander McQueen. It is SO bulky it takes up half a drawer, I can’t bend my arms in it and I’ve literally never worn it. (I can’t seem to part with it, but that is for another newsletter.) THIS fisherman hits all my notes.
When I was chatting with Alex (Drexler) at the holiday collection review, I asked him what outside of Alex Mill he buys. I figure, if it’s your collection, it probably takes a lot to get you to shop elsewhere. He mentioned he loves Visvim. And THAT’S when I knew we were in sync. The Japanese brand that is obsessed with Americana (but perfecting it in ultra luxurious fabrics) is meticulous. It was clear that they (the AM team) are just as obsessed with the little things as I am.
These winning little details of this particular sweater include the weight (described above), the slightly loose rollneck and the almost grey blue flecked yarn. It’s the exact color of my eyes so I am especially fond of it, but for the rest of the world, it’s just a great non-neutral neutral. It also comes in a classic cream, if that’s more your style. I plan to wear her lots this winter.
You know when you put on an outfit and you just feel like you nailed it. So happy. So myself. So comfortable. She is a medium, because I wanted her to fit oversized. But in retrospect, I think you can actually take your regular size and get the same effect. The FISHERMAN With an old Dior skirt, this one is great too, tights and T-straps. Mine are Chanel but how cool are these from Korea. A Mary Jane is also always good.
Making it festive…but not too festive. The FISHERMAN with an Another Tomorrow skirt. Old Celine sandals and drop pearls.
True catalog styling… wearing this while putting the finishing touches on this newsletter! Thought the riviere was a nice 80s touch. The FISHERMAN with Alex Mill chinos. The Row boots (these are also great) and Dorsey necklace.
For entertaining at home…at my estate on the Vineyard. JK JK. The FISHERMAN with Attersee satin cocktail pants,Sophie Buhai earrings, Manolo mules.
For the class visit to share the miracle of Hannukah and sit on the floor while three-year-olds try to spin a dreidel. Too specific? Just planning to wear this every day of December. The FISHERMAN. A red long sleeve tee. Citizens jeans. Belgians.
A REALLY Good, Wear Everywhere Pair of Black Pants
In the winter, I veer away from denim (except for evening, maybe we should get into that next week!?) I find jeans hard to style with sneakers and they get so cold! Lately I’ve been swapping my denim for black pants. I like the juxtaposition of a “work pant” with casual or super dressy items, taken out of it’s uniform heritage. I’ve been searching and searching for a black pant that checked almost an impossible number of boxes to create this vibe: slouchy and cool. A decent looking and feeling suiting fabric. Durable enough to actually wear in place of jeans for quick switch mom/presentable lifestyle. And on top of this, they also had to fit of course. Guys and gals, I LOVE these. I kept them long and bunching because…that’s the look. Don’t shoot the messenger! But they will look great hemmed to the ankle too, I’m certain. *I’m wearing a size 2.
The PANTS with a mixture of cozy and decadent pieces. Perfect for any 4 to 7pm celebration on the cal. Or just a festive mood and nowhere to go, to be honest! With an Alex Mill fairisle cardigan. Toteme t-shirt. Khaite boots and a grosgrain ribbon from M&J….a stand in for your local Joann.
For a power lunch! Or lunch with your mom! The PANTS with an Another Tomorrow crochet button down and gold ballerinas. Love how these pants make any fun button down look like the chic’est, fully thought-out outfit. In reality this was the first and easiest look I tried on for this newsletter!
I couldn’t let you scroll this entire letter without a cameo from the world’s best cashmere polo. I didn’t include it as one of our “5 Things” because I felt like that would be cheating…as I already declared my eternal love for it two months ago. But here she is, in case you missed our Polos newsletter. She’s the best in the game. And how great is this fully black-on-black look? Would you take me seriously when I asked you for the price of that Jonas Wood over there? I think so! The PANTS with Alex Mill’s Alice sweater <3, a Kallmeyer belt. Belgians.
With a dash of mint and some serious neckwear for an effortless, just thrown on but stand-out-in-the-crowd office holiday party. Throw on your tuxedo jacket to take it up a notch. You have one by now, right!? The PANTS with an Apiece Apart silk blouse, tuxedo jacket, strappy sandals and Dorsey necklace.
The PANTS. They’re good with a little skin! The lace trimmed cami is by Rohe, an up-and-coming Dutch brand. And with a little nautical dinner jacket over that if you get chilly. Thom Browne shrunken blazer with gold buttons. But any navy option will do. I just like the mismatch of the lace-y cami, navy dinner jacket and black suiting pants. All topped off with an old Chanel brogue. But the Khaite booties would work here too.
How you will see me in them most often, to be sure. This December. And January and February and March. And then swap out for a t-shirt in June, July and August. The PANTS. Lisa Yang sweater. New Balance tennies. Dorsey necklace.
A Tweedy Blazer
A tweedy top layer is such an easy and excellent way to break up hero pieces, know what I mean? No longer does your statement skirt walk into the room before you do, because it has been tamed! I particularly like the extra old-manishness of this one. It has straight sides, a slight boxy fit and patch pockets. I’m wearing a size small. The silky lining of the sleeves is dreamy. The body is also fully lined for warmth in a light cotton, but to be honest, I’ll probably cut that part out.
For your travel days! The BLAZER with High Sport pants, Toteme t-shirt (Also this Cos one), grey wooly socks and Birkenstock felted Amsterdams (which I believe are discontinued and I had to VPN my way onto the European Zappos a few years ago to find. Sigh.) You will have to stick with the Boston, not terrible!
To winterize your most fun floral skirt. The BLAZER shares its wintery texture with the floral (helpful to use a floral on a dark background) making the final product festive. The sheer tights and patent strappy sandals don’t hurt. Celine skirt (but what about this one or this one!?) Maria McManus black t-shirt. Wolford fishnets. Celine sandals (but try these or these.) Sophie Buhai earrings.
There is a trick to wearing a tweedy blazer with tailored trousers. And that is to lean in to super feminine accessories. It’s all about the balance, remember. A big bow. Fishnet stockings. Strappy sandals. A delicate little gold charm necklace. These are the heroes that make tailoring romantic. The BLAZER with a Toteme t-shirt and pants. Wolford fishnets. Sandals. Gigi Burris bow. Foundrae necklace.
I call this one: The ExBoyfriend. When you want to look great. Show a little skin. Look a little too cool for school. But not like you really thought about it. You’re just wearing an old man blazer for crying out loud! The BLAZER. With a Refine jersey button down. Citizens gaucho jeans. Saint Laurent boots. Sophie Buhai earrings.
How to not let your kilt walk into the room before you do. Tell me I am not an amalgamation of every 1996 catalog. In a GREAT way (IMO!) The BLAZER. Kallmeyer t-shirt. CDG kilt. 18 year old American Apparel polka dot tights! I’m extremely proud of the fact that I managed to keep these in tact this long. But you can find a similar version here. Chanel Mary Janes. But look, Tory did a great version!
A Seemingly Simple Turtle (But of course…there’s more than meets the eye)
The ribbed turtle. Such an important element in a winter wardrobe. Yet if you get claustrophobic with things touching your neck (like me) or are sensitive to itch (like many of you!) it’s not so simple. We need something fitted, but not so tight it rides up at the hips. Something that feels luxe but ultimately can be worn again and again on the daily. I am here for Alex Mill’s take, the Christy. It is super soft. A weight that can be worn solo or under bigger layers. And with a body shape that is ribbed but not elastic. Then there are the finishes: the little slit in the back of the neck so it can sit high high up without getting tight (which also allows it to roll over into a fold easily if that’s more your style) and little rolled edges at the end of the sleeves. No detail left unturned. Now to the outfits:
The turtle solo, as a complete top. On second glance I kind of look like Santa here? Not no. I’ve tucked my hair into the turtle ala early aughts Phoebe. Pro tip: I have it tied in a super low pony inside my shirt so it doesn’t just fall out and get messy around my face. The TURTLE with Apiece Apart pants, Khaite belt and Emme Parsons boots.
In classic catalog fashion: put your turtle under your slipdress and throw on a knee high boot. I’m practically at Dean & Deluca on lower Broadway in this outfit. Are you a Ben or a Noel? The TURTLE with an Organic slipdress, Officine Generale blazer and Ann Demeulemeester boots
With your extra special vintage jacket that I hope you bought even though you didn’t know when you were going to wear it. The TURTLE with a vintage YSL jacket. B Sides jeans, fishnets, strappy sandals and The Row power clutch
The many faces of a winter micro mini. For some reason I deeply felt this look needed knee highs. So the simple look at left. Adding a blazer if it’s just not enough clothes for your comfort level (TBH it's probably not enough for me to actually wear out) and with boots at far right - for an even heartier stance. The TURTLE with a Dior mini (here is a great alt) Hue knee high stockings (these are tights material, not cotton sock material!), Maria McManus blazer, Miu Miu slingbacks or Ann Demeulemeester boots
The ultimate 90s leading lady look. The TURTLE with Kallmeyer pants, Emme Parsons boots, The Row bag
Ok now take that look above and add the tweedy blazer and a tartan scarf and you’re the same leading lady…on her way to Balmoral.
The TURTLE, as another excuse to wear sheer stockings. The must have accessory of the season. This Alex Mill vest ain’t bad either. With a Kallmeyer skirt and belt. Sheer tights. Chanel Mary Janes, but again…Tory to the rescue.
De-Charming A Charming Little Cardi
This cardigan. It’s practically vintage. IDK if you’ve ever bought vintage knits but…the smell is unbearable. It’s the one category I almost never buy second hand. So I was immediately drawn to this little tart. BUT, the thing about this extremely adorable little cardigan is, it’s the kind of thing that I really really like at first glance. And when I like something too quickly, I have to take a pause. It usually means it’s obviously girlish or preppy. And styles that so immediately give off those vibes can look too earnest on me. It’s why I can’t really wear Simone Rocha. I LOVE it so much, but on me I truly just look like a third grader. Are you following? Anyway, I thought it would be fun to present a challenge for our last piece. I wanted to make this sweater seem anything but school-girlish. Let me know how I did?
For when you aren’t going to take your coat off but you still want a little personality to shine through. This one is for all those hockey moms who sit at the rink day in day out. :) But also, for the holiday ice skating party, or bonfire or event you just wanted to stop by and give a kiss but “No no, I’ll keep my coat, I can’t stay long!” The CARDI with an Officine Generale coat and boots (another great option). Khaite jeans and Gucci bag.
SHE IS GOING FULL HAM! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT! Please someone invite me somewhere with dark green walls and rich mahogany railings! The CARDI with a Talbots skirt! Polo belt. Miu Miu slingbacks.
Ok, so still at school here…art teacher? (Erika G. yes or no?) but I already wore this and loved every second of it. The CARDI with Citizens jeans. Maria La Rosa socks and Birkenstocks. Also, how is it that this is the first time I thought to use this as a chair!?
And last but not least, she has reached her Fievel Goes West era. Let me explain myself. This outfit is not bad with corduroy pants, but I liked the idea of playing with shorts and sheer stockings with this cardigan. Because the pants make the whole thing so classic. This little bit of skin gives our sweet little sweater an edge. Plus, with the knee high boots I don’t think I’ll be too chilly! The CARDI with a CDLP t-shirt, Miu Miu shorts (but how about these?), Emme Parsons belt, sheer tights and Ann Demeulemeester boots.
And a final thought - a brilliant idea (if I do say so myself!) - should you want to gift any of these items to a deserving friend or family member, send them the link to this letter! It will be like two gifts in one: what to wear AND how to wear it! You could also send them a gift subscription…but now I’m just getting greedy.
Welcome to December everyone! Don’t drink too much! :)
P.S. Because this is an equal opportunity 5 Things, and because I LOVE the holidays!!, here is a bonus list of five gift worthy Alex Mill pieces for your dad, brother, brother-in-law, cousin you picked for Secret Santa, nephew, etc. The five most dashing men’s pieces on the site that he will wear, and you can steal!
5 gift-worthy mens pieces. Clockwise from top left: Chamois shirt in Trekking Green. I love that this feels sort of preppy, sort of outdoorsy. Casual. Not schlubby. It’s a great shirt. A Donegal sweater in navy. Will look great with a classic crewneck tee or an oxford cloth button down peeking out of the neck. The men’s version of the fisherman above, duh. GLOVES! Extremely elegant (with a touch of classique Bean) Perfect to carry the Christmas tree out to the curb with! Honestly, this is the style of gloves men should be wearing. Just put the phone away! I love them. And my favorite…which I might actually get for myself, their OMNIGOD collaboration barn jacket which appears to be a fascinating hybrid nylon/cotton mix. I’m a sucker for great techy fabrics and this one is no exception.
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What a great newsletter! I’m an avid catalog lover-I still keep a pile of 2000 era J. Crews for reference and remembering a time when simple but well-made utilitarian classics were always available. The perfect pant, the turtleneck, the blazer and your perfectly funny references. Chefs kiss to you-Fievel, the green room with mahogany railings. I just couldn’t love it more. You should have been on Elaine’s’ staff at J. Peterman!! 💕
I kept scrolling thinking “this is my favorite outfit” and then I’d do another zip and I’d find another favorite 💜. Love the styling. more ways to style a fisherman!
For the folks at Alex Mill reading this letter, I love your clothes, for lots of the same reasons Becky noted! Been a fan since 2019. My husband has a note in his phone that says “when in doubt, buy Francesca something from Alex Mill”.
What a great newsletter! I’m an avid catalog lover-I still keep a pile of 2000 era J. Crews for reference and remembering a time when simple but well-made utilitarian classics were always available. The perfect pant, the turtleneck, the blazer and your perfectly funny references. Chefs kiss to you-Fievel, the green room with mahogany railings. I just couldn’t love it more. You should have been on Elaine’s’ staff at J. Peterman!! 💕
I kept scrolling thinking “this is my favorite outfit” and then I’d do another zip and I’d find another favorite 💜. Love the styling. more ways to style a fisherman!
For the folks at Alex Mill reading this letter, I love your clothes, for lots of the same reasons Becky noted! Been a fan since 2019. My husband has a note in his phone that says “when in doubt, buy Francesca something from Alex Mill”.