Five Great Things
A field jacket that solves all your (vertically challenged) problems, argyle for everyone, a cargo pant I don't hate, Club Monaco goodness and scratching the pink Prada itch.
Welcome back to 5 Great Things, the backbone of this newsletter that tends to go off the rails (in the best way, of course!) Today, five things that have been getting lots of play in my wardrobe and might make your October more fun too. Shall we?
Argyle
But specifically, argyle that has NO black in the mix. Something about these softer grey argyles make me feel like they are NOT school uniform cosplay but a totally regular pattern for fully grown adults. Not that I’m against dressing like I go to catholic school, there is nothing I love more in life than school uniforms. But just like…these feel easy to throw on and look casually interesting.
Club Monaco…party suit?
Guys!!!!! I stumbled on this little suit last week while looking for shirting for a client, and I had to see it for myself. Bought it on the spot, 25% off, woo! If someone were to ask me if this suit was vintage Saint Laurent I’d say YES! JK I love shocking people with a deal. But I mean, tell me this doesn’t look straight out of Desert Vintage? I’m in love with her. The boucle is a little matted down giving it the right kind of “old” vibes. I can’t wait to wear her with sheer tights and these Emme P boots after the first frost. I’m wearing a size 4 in both the skirt and the jacket. I probably should have gotten a 2 in the skirt because the fabric has a good amount of give. But I’ll live.
Flowy floaty cargo pants
I’ve been fighting the cargo wave here for at least a year. Vehemently in the “not all trends are for everyone!” camp. However, I think I have found my cargo pant. This matte silky drawstring pant from Ciao Lucia is the perfect weight to attempt this trend. First, because the softness ensures the pocket doesn’t add bulk and the drawstring adds an additional detail to take some of the pressure off of that big pocket. They’re not actual silk, which feels important to mention. They are a synthetic blend. And for some reason, I really like how non-precious that makes them. Like, I wore them to a parents cocktail night for my kid’s school with a fitted Dior blazer and cashmere t-shirt (below) and they felt just the right amount of “not fancy” to balance it all out. Long winded way to say, I super duper endorse these! I bought a size small. Probably could have gone XS. But I like the look with a little too much fabric.
That pink Prada silk that I just can’t get over. But have to.
In the fall 2024 Prada show, there laid a slip skirt so dreamy, I immediately said to myself, this is it! This will be my piece of Prada in 2024. How expensive could a drawstring silk slip skirt be!? HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA. I was ready to part with a good sum, but I was not expecting the $5,500 price tag when it finally emerged. So while I have come to terms with the fact that it will never be mine, I still find myself craving pale pink. So I was extremely happy to have stumbled on Datura’s drawstring (raw) silk skirt earlier this fall and have been mixing it in right along. I have been enjoying the stiffer fabric with the ruffled trim paired back to my big Prada-ish (Kallmeyer) leather jacket, sweaters and blazers. And if the midi one just seems like too much fabric for you, I also love the shorter a-line version.
A field jacket that isn’t every other field jacket
When Filson told me they were launching a women’s collection I didn’t get my hopes up. Most “heritage” brands stumble on women’s product. So you can imagine my excitement when they finally sent me images of the inaugural collection and it looked good. I asked to test drive this jacket, pleased with how it looked on the model…but still not ready to give it my stamp of approval. I asked if they would send one for me to test drive and they obliged. And it has more than delivered. Here are the most important factors that give it an A for design and functionality:
1. The shape is flattering AND interesting. It hits on my upper hip (I am 5’5”) and therefore doesn’t swallow me. When wearing baggier pants, like the white Bottega Veneta pair below (that I found on The RealReal, immediately spilled on and then read the tag which said do not wash, do not dry clean…I put them on delicate and hung to dry and they are FINE, a sidetracked PSA for you.) a baggy jacket can sometimes be too much. It’s just too much fabric and I (we) can look silly. The proportions on this jacket are flattering, but don’t loose their design compass in creating something wearable. For those of you under 5’5” or simply like jackets to hit a bit higher so you can wear wide leg pants, this jacket is a great option.
But wait there are more reasons for it’s wonderfulness. Huge pockets: a big yes for going to the playground sans handbag (or maybe you’re just walking the dog!?) A double zip: you know how that swoons me. Dolman sleeves: so you can slide it on easily over sweaters! And most importantly, the same fabric treatments and little finishes that are granted to the men: an orange lining, corduroy collar and waxed cotton. It’s the most thoughtful field jacket I have come across. So kudos to whoever you trusted to create your women’s line Filson, it’s awesome!
And that’s all for today friends. Go enjoy some fall festivities before we are hunkering down indoors for months on end.
Yours TRULY,
Becky
That jacket and that pink skirt!
I found the Filson coat and it was delivered yesterday! I have to say - it is PERFECT. Thank you for showing it and this coat will last a lifetime. I hope they restock so more of you can try it. The fit is flattering and those pockets! When I retire, I want to be like those elegant British ladies who are out in all sorts of weather, walking their dogs or whatever. And I will wear that coat with pleasure because it’s the kind you don’t need to ever replace.