Things I've Seen & Liked #2
Because I know I'm not the only one being tempted by EOFY sales
At this point, my open-tab count is less “browsing” and more “digital hoarding”. Each page a tempting little portal to something beautiful that I definitely don’t need, but am not quite ready to let go into the ether.
If we’re looking for a scapegoat, the EOFY sales are probably to blame. My inbox is overflowing (I’m guessing yours is too), and somehow, every scroll leads to a new tab (sale item, or no). Consider this the best of the best from the scroll AKA all the items worthy of entering the group chat for closet consideration.
And if you are tempted to click add-to-cart, a few words of advice I like to remind myself of:
Stick to your wishlist (but don’t discount the wildcard - sometimes the off-plan purchases end up becoming some of your best!)
Use the sales as a chance to shop the brands you love but are usually a little out of your budget
Spend where it counts. Think the pieces you reach for constantly, like great denim, coats, boots and knitwear in winter; linen staples, quality leather sandals and sunglasses in summer
Opt for natural fibres first, but remember, does the fabric composition match the item’s intended use?
High rotation = high value. The pieces you wear the most will always give the best return (sartorially speaking)
Most importantly? There will always be another sale or another beautiful thing to covet.
DISSH Suede Jacket & Choc Spot Linen Midi Dress
Suede jackets have been trending for a while, and this looks like such a beautiful iteration. The slightly longer length and dropped shoulder set the scene for playing around with proportions while adding in that rich texture of suede to a look. There’s currently 20% off site wide which makes the price point incredibly palatable (though I think a better style for taller women given the relaxed design). I also fell in love with this chocolate spot linen midi dress; full length silhouettes instantly feel a bit more polished while also giving the illusion of height (whether you have it, or not!). It looks to taper in at the waist slightly which helps to balance out the wide neckline and length. The scoop back detail is chic, too!
Despite being well aware that I seldom reach for a V-neck sweater, I’ve been quietly coveting a couple of styles from &Daughter, the above which just so happens to be on sale. I know that part of the pull to add this into my own wardrobe stems from seeing so many women looking incredibly chic wearing theirs with a crew underneath, adding that sense of dimension through visible layers. Other options hanging out in my open tabs include the Balla sweater (also from &Daughter) and this slouchy version from Almina Concept (side note - has anyone tried their knitwear?).
If I hadn’t recently purchased the Marcella Coat from Henne, this one would’ve been serious competition. With all the browsing, sourcing, and shopping I do, one thing I’ve noticed is that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find coats that are made from 100% wool. A lot of what is out there is blended with synthetics which is why this one from Henne really stood out to me. But not only that, it’s the overall design; clean lines, minimal detailing, and that perfectly oversized silhouette that works equally well layered over tailoring or denim. The toffee brown hue feels refreshing, while still being an incredibly versatile neutral. It’s a simple single button closure and the sleeves look generous enough to fit a chunky knit underneath (if needed). A fun little styling touch would be to tie with a leather tubular belt to get that cinched in effect at the waist.
Minima Esenciales Straight Leg Jeans & Leather Trousers
Repeat to self: you do not need another pair of blue jeans. But if I did… these ones from Minima Esenciales would be very nice. The blue wash feels less typical, and I really like the fit. Straight but not too wide, and a decent high rise. I have an old pair of jeans from Minima Esenciales from three years ago which have far exceeded my expectations on quality for the price, and always draw questions about where they’re from so for me, these would be a no brainer (even better that they’re currently marked down). What is truly tempting me though, are the leather trousers. I used to have a pair from Everlane - a very old style now - which I finally let go of at the start of the year as they were just a little too tight on me. They’re currently 30% off so the price point is excellent for a pair of genuine leather trousers. It’s a great way to bring in some additional texture to an outfit, paired with soft knits and boots now, and loose drapey tanks and heeled sandals come spring.
The Helmut Lang sale is impossibly good. These woollen trousers have been taunting me from my browser as everything about them is alluring; the colour, the thick woven waistband, seamless pockets, silhouette and 100% wool composition. Basically, these are the socially acceptable version of a sweatpant that you can wear to work. Some of my other favourites from the sale include the Cocoon Pull on Jeans, the Apex Zip Sweater and this Shrug Sweater (so fun from a styling perspective), plus I spied that my convertible field jacket is now more than half off…!
Clearly I have a bit of a “suede” blazer fixation at the moment. I feel like H&M often tend to come through with the goods for those more affordable statement pieces, and this looks like a more universally flattering cut. Note the defined shoulder seam, shortened lapel, and less length through the body. Based on the reviews, it’s soft, and for a more intentional fit you can go down a size. One thing to note about faux leather/faux suede anything is that over time you will eventually get peeling. It’s why I think if you can, it’s worth spending that little bit extra on the real deal; besides, plenty great options on the pre-loved/vintage market if you take the time to look!
There’s a lot that I like in the Marle sale, many of which have been sitting on my longstanding wishlist, like these wide leg jeans in an earthy rosemary hue. The cut is everything I love in a denim silhouette right now; high-waisted, and falling into a soft, easy leg. Though truly it’s the colour that really makes them feel special. That washed-out, dusty olive tone that sits somewhere between sage and khaki, endlessly versatile but far from basic. What’s interesting about taking a step back and looking at the pieces you’ve been quietly coveting over months, is that often you can start to see some visual themes emerge. Like the similarity between the above jeans, and these wool trousers from Helmut Lang. Perhaps something we can think of as a reminder that your taste often speaks before you’ve consciously defined it. Also catching my eye: the relaxed shorts in the same rosemary hue. Same tone, different mood, I’m imagining these paired with a low kitten heel and breezy tank for summer.
Side note, if you’re looking for a similar fit but more affordable option, I’d recommend these from H&M. Tried and tested; H&M denim in general is excellent value for money - I bought these in size AU8.
My most recent open tab? These leather flip flops from Everlane. Granted it’s winter. My fingers and toes have mild swelling from chilblains, and the last thing on my mind is wearing any sort of open toed shoe. But, one thing I know from my spring/summer most worn is that a good flip flop was something that featured heavily on repeat. Jandals (or thongs, as they’re so lovingly referred to here) are synonymous with Australian summers. They basically go hand in hand, so a reasonably safe bet to buy even off season. Truly, I just love the design. It feels a bit old-worldly in an organic way. I love how the slightly thicker straps add more weight to the foot than something like this from TKEES (classic but what I’d consider a very dainty option), and also, that squared off toe detail adding a modern touch.
VRG GRL Khaki Wool Blend Jacket & Black Sequin Skirt
It’s been a long time since I’ve ordered anything from VRG GRL, and safe to say, I started a bit of a mindless scroll through their full catalogue after seeing so many chic women styling this skirt (also love the matching top, too!). Definitely a bit more of a daring fashion moment, but easily tempered with a little slip in black underneath (I’d do a black mini), or you could pair it with a longer tunic length knit for modesty. I attend very few events which require this level of formality - or sequins in general - yet I still find myself trying to justify space in my closet for this one. A “had to have” moment, for sure! The wool blend jacket on the other hand makes a bit more sense for me. I’m especially drawn to the longer length, the abundance of buttons, and that minimal yet sculptural waisted silhouette. The colour is a great neutral, too.
Balzac Paris Chocolate Cotton Knit
Chocolate brown has fast superceded all else in my closet as my favourite neutral to wear. It’s lower contrast than wearing black, and to me always feels a bit more inviting, while adding that rich layer of depth to an outfit. And I mean look, how good is this knit? I love the various knitted panels as they add a lot to the tactile quality of this piece. Currently lingering on this one as while relaxed crew neck knits aren’t in short supply, it’s the details that make it a stand out.
Immediately giving Toteme vibes, I really love the idea of this top. Being a double faced wool, it has a bit of structure to it, in a similar vein to what you’d expect from a coat in the same fabrication. There’s a slight cocoon to the back, and pockets on the front. Little details which just feel a bit more heavily designed and interesting, yet minimal at the same time. It’s hard to make a judgement without feeling something IRL, but being blended with lyocell I would imagine that this would be quite soft on the hand.
Vibi Venezia Velvet Mary Janes
I’ve been umm-ing and ahh-ing over these velvet Mary Janes for the longest time. Something about them feels slightly off-beat in a way that I’m always drawn to; perhaps it’s that visible stitch detailing, or the combination of velvet and grosgrain ribbon trim. Having never seen these in person, it’s hard to get a sense of whether they’re actually just a slipper, or a shoe that you can wear out. Is the sole woven cotton? And if so, how durable are they? I’m not really in the market for a new pair of “house slippers”, but the 40% off discount - along with another 30% off with code EX30 - has been taunting me every time I open my browser.
Tibi Tropical Wool Collarless Blazer
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t combed through the Tibi sale on multiple occasions. Opening endless tabs to check stock availability, mull things over a little more, consider options. At this point, I’m still yet to make a purchase. In that hurried rush which comes when you find out the sale is live, I very nearly ended up ordering the Winslow Sweatpants, which I own in the navy crispy nylon (and love). But took a step back and reminded myself that I already had a great pair of grey sweatpants, and they’re on such low rotation that these would probably end up suffering the same fate. Which if I have one piece of advice to impart during sale season, it’s not to fall for the things you will never wear. Blazers or slightly tailored jackets on the other hand, are on high rotation. And the design of this is interesting; it has ease but doesn’t feel sloppy or slouchy as the fit is quite streamlined. Also this is such a funny detail to focus on, but I really appreciate when the buttons perfectly match the colour of the jacket. Shows a level of care in design, and attention to detail.
Going to wrap things up here - despite having so many more open tabs to share - as otherwise we’d be here all day (and I’d have no excuse to finally close some of these tabs 😅). What have you been bookmarking, adding to cart, buying and coveting recently?
Own a pair of vibi’s in the cotton and def can be worn outside. But more like running errands, grabbing a coffee — not an all day shoe IMO
I have the Khaite cardigan dupe from Almina Concept and I can report it is excellent!