So, I finally got around to writing a seasonal list of essential things that I might put my hands on soon.
1) An in-between-seasons transitional jacket
A pretty much self-explanatory item. My Isabel Marant bator coat is too hot to wear during the cusps between cold and warm seasons, whereas the other jackets in my closet only exacerbate the chilliness. I am in love with all the jackets shown in the first row, especially the classic Barbour jackets. Unfortunately, it is a little bit too late to invest in one because summer is approaching. By the time I acquire one, people are probably wandering around virtually naked. Besides, my funds are a bit tight right now so it’s not really my top priority unless something very unpredictable occurs. I think I’m going to wait till the sales, as I might be able to unearth some discounted tidbits.
2) A pair of sandals
I don’t own any summer shoes because sandals have never intrigued me until just recently. My sudden desire to wear sandals is a significant turnabout for my style. At first, I had to figure out my previously nonexistent taste in sandals. I must admit it’s a tricky task, but I ultimately ascertained that I am quite fond of cute sandals with sturdy heels and straps that don’t cut my legs in an awkward way. I really like the sandal style that A.P.C. makes with a few alterations every year. However, it’s more likely that I will purchase the black wide-heeled sandals from Zara. They are very elegant in an effortless way, and vaguely reminiscent of the utterly celebrated sandals from Celine. Sadly, they are currently sold out in Oslo and I’m still slightly self-conscious as to toe exposure. I’ve got to work out this issue before getting a pair of sandals.
3) Wide brim sun hat
I’m not a hat person but definitely not a sun worshipper, I assure you. I need a nice but inexpensive hat for the purpose of sun protection that features a wide brim. The only issue is that hats don’t really suit me, so I’m having such a hard time to find a decent one. Plus, I need a hat that reflects the heat because I have dark hair. Everyone who has dark hair knows how infernally hot it gets when you’re in the sun.
4) Ray-Ban sunglasses
I used to own a pair of prescription wayfarer sunglasses but somehow they shrunk or my head most likely expanded, hence they are way too small for me today. Although I already own a pair of prescription sunglasses from Dior, I want a pair of Ray-Bans because I feel more like myself when I’m wearing wayfarers. I feel a tad awful about not wearing the Dior sunnies often because I simply don’t feel comfortable wearing them. After all, they’re a gift from my parents, which means my parents were greatly involved in the process of selecting sunglasses. Alas, not all highly priced investments are successful. Anyway, otticanet.com sells very cheap designer sunglasses, and you get free prescription lenses. Still, I’m wavering between the wayfarers and clubmasters, though I’m not sure if I’m able to pull off the clubmasters. I just have to go for the one pair that suits my face shape.
5) Tailored shorts
See this post.
6) A black pouch
I have been searching for a while for a small, black pouch to use as a go-to clutch for nights out – preferably an inexpensive clutch that won’t suffer from frequent doses of red wine stains and obsolescence. I’m not sure whether I should go for a bag with straps or a hand-held pouch, which might be impractical at times. The pouch from Comme des Garçons is great but too expensive for something that I’m hypothetically disposed to break. I’m considering buying this pouch in black from Clare Vivier. It’s affordable and I wouldn’t feel a deep distress if I accidentally happen to scratch or spill a drink on it.
AMAZINGI love it allEspecially the shorts and amazing Zara heels (so cheap as well!)
I say go for the clubmasters over the wayfarers. And also you might want to check out the american apparel leather pouches, they come in all colors (including just plain black) and are cheaper than the clare vivier (though I'm a huge fan of her bags in general).http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/
- Daniella: Yes! The shorts are perfect!- Nomadic D: Thanks for the tip, I have totally forgotten about the AA pouches. Though I'm not very fond of the smallest one. There is something off about the design, haha.
Here's a even cheaper version of the black pouch (I own the aqua one and LOVE IT!)http://www.etsy.com/listing/60872248/unisex-black-leather-mini-clutchBut personally I think you might enjoy this one even more!http://www.etsy.com/listing/62589488/portfolio-clutch-laptop-sleeve-black<3 Sarahtheantiquepearl.blogspot.com
These are definitely great spring pieces!! :D http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
- Sarah Dee: Ooh, thanks so much for the tip! i like the first one. I don't like big clutches and I don't really need them as I only bring the essentials when I go out. The aqua one is DIVINE! – Closet Fashionista: Thanks!
My prescription sunglasses are Moscot's, they look very much like the RayBan's clubmaster and I prefer them totally to the wayfarers. My prescription glasses are Cutler&Gross, tortoiseshell wayfarer-like but thiner and lighter, I also love them.
I agree with Nomadic D., the clubmasters are better: they're really polished and chic like the wayfarers but more elegant (as opposed to cool), plus they're really hard to pull off so it's a little more rare to see people with them which makes those who wear them, more singular!
- Alexia: I love the glasses from Cutler & Gross, but otticanet.com doesn't sell Cutler & Gross, and honestly I can't afford another pair of highly priced sunglasses.- Flavia: I understand your opinion, though I'm a bit more partial to that "cool" and nonchalant air. That said, are the clubmasters supposed to make your face look bigger? Haha! Not sure if I can pull them off!?
ohh,strange that you don't have a pair of sandals.. maybe is due to the fact that weather, even in summer, is not so hot?? i think that zara's one has a really nice style,it can fit yours! i have two wide brim hats, one white to go around the city center, the other one a natural straw hat that has same shape the third you post.. it's very comfortable because it's wide only in the front!! really useful!!
- Paola Dal Lago: Hmm, it's more like because I tended to wear ballet flats or brogues during summer. Summers in Norway are very hot but comfortable. And do you know the name of that kind of hat? It's my preferred style because, as you said, it's wide only in the front so it doesn't look overwhelming.
Yes, I get that, as a matter of fact I have a pair of wayfarer (folding, mate) because I really loved them in breakfast at tiffany's :) and because they always fit everything and add a twist. But I also wanted the clubmasters, however they look awful on me because I have (natural!) high arched eyebrows and I don't like them peeking over the top of the frame… But you should try them and see!
- Flavia: I know! They do fit everything and adds a nonchalant air to all outfits. Anyway, here is a photo of me trying on the clubmasters. Are they supposed to fit this way? I have a feeling that this photo is a lie, my face is much broader in real life.
I think they fit you perfectly, your eyebrows are great for this type of sunglasses because they're "light". Also, since you wear darker colors, the gold outline works very well. But I suppose the wayfarers look good as well and they have the quality of making the face more oval/thin (although broad face isn't something I dislike). Either way, they're both flattering, for those with the right eyebrows.
Love those a.p.c sandals. And I really recommend investing in a Barbour – I get a lot of wear out of mine when i'm back in the UK!http://herribbonsandherbows.blogspot.com/
I'm with the others whose vote is for the Clubmasters. I think they're cool and chic! By the way, those APC sandals are ADORABLE!!!
Adore all these items – I got a Barbour jacket last summer when living in London and they are so classic and useful! My only feedback would be that the ones with a belt can be a little annoying as you can't tie the belt back so easily as with a trench. If I could do it over again I'd get a beltless style..
nice list. the zara heels are lovely! i have rayban wayfarers with prescription lenses. mine are the smaller version (not the "classic" ones, which are too large for me, but perfect for most people; i have a child-size face, lol). perhaps you have the smaller version, because i'd bet the regular-sized pair would work for you. or could you get yours re-shaped to fit better? i'm sure you know, most glasses stores have a heating machine to shape your frames for a personalized fit.just a few thoughts… :)
I got a clare vivier pouch custom made last year, in black patent with yellow lining. I love it. It's light and durable. Re: sandals, Vanessa Bruno makes nice ones, as does Marc Jacobs. My go-to pairs are from a Greek shop called melissinos though – I found it in Athens, but they have a website too – http://www.melissinos-art.com/eng/sandals.htmlExtremely comfortable and affordable.
it's better, i lived one year in denmark and still in june i was freezing.. i wanted my boots!!:) about the hat it hasn't a precise name, in english is straw hat with peak ( by the way in italian we use the same words, there isn't a characteristic name!) i use it a lot but only when i know i stay in a place, if there is wind it flies away ^^ and i don't like to have a ribbon under my chin..
I was going to suggest Claire Vivier, but you already on it ;) And her leather looks "smooshier" (softer with more of a grain) so it will be less prone to scratching. Despite living in a tropical climate virtually my whole life, I only bought my first pair of sandals a few years ago. And I still had to gradually build myself up to doing more than a peep toe.
De svarte Zara sandalene er veldig fine på bildet, men ser ikke ut på foten desverre (tærne stikker ut foran). Hadde tenkt til å kjøpe dem selv, men endte faktisk opp med de brune Zara sandalene i stedet :) Hva slags antrekk bruker du i regnvær? Jeg flytter fra Oslo til Bergen til høsten, og er derfor på desperat utkikk etter en nogenlunde chic alternativ til alværsjakken, (Ikke akkurat en enkel oppgave). Takk for Super blogg, liker veldig godt retningen bloggen har utviklet seg i! Keep up the good work :)
Great list! I wanted a straw hat too, but soon found myself caught in a dilemma when it came to how I would transport the hat in a suitcase and how it might get damaged…and where I would put it while inside. I think one of the great losses of society is the loss of the hat as daily wear. It would be great if we could bring back hat racks! That said, I would be careful regarding the shape if the brim since that can effect how easily the hat gets blow away. There's nothing worse than spending a hot summer day running after a hat in high heeled sandals!
I really want a Barbour and those navy A.P.C sandals. I would really recommend the Comme des Garçons pouches, they are so well made and leather is a lot more hard wearing than it looks and quite thick, but the Clare Vivier ones are really nice as well.
I absolutely love the first jacket. The glasses are nice as well.Great post!x
great picks! i agree the CV clutch would be a perfect clutch for going out. so funny that i just posted on something similar in terms of spring accessories. :) i'm already mourning the fact that it's too warm to wear my trench now that it's warmed up to the 70s here.
Regarding the clutch, you might want to check out this etsy seller, I love her simple leather pouches and they are very well priced.http://www.etsy.com/shop/MPsen?ref=seller_info
cutehttp://mrsjuliajulia.blogspot.com/
Hi fleurette, i have the navy quilt barbour jacket and i love it. its perfect because it keeps you warm on windy or rainy days but can yet be worn on warmer days. i bought it in london, but my wax jacket (barbour utility) i ordered at country attire. i can really recommend this page, becuase they sell the jackets a bit cheaper than the british high street prices (which are already less than in continental europe) and they have a really fast free shipping. the wax jackets are about 100 euros cheaper than in germany, so maybe you can save some money there, too! xx anne
J'ai acheté une veste Barbour classique verte en début d'année et je l'ai énormément portée c est un très bon investissement. Je fais du 36 et je l'ai prise en taille enfant XL (ce n est pas la plus grande taille enfant) sur le site anglais Country attire, du coup je ne l'ai payée que 100 pounds, en plus la livraison se fait en 48h. Je suis vraiment très heureuse de cet achat car les vestes classic beaufort pour enfants sont plus courtes que celles pour femme et c'est parfait pour mon mètre 63!Bon dimanche :)
You know that I'm a big fan of Clubmasters! I'm glad you found a site that you can get cheap sunglasses from in Norway; I hadn't realised the UK was so comparatively cheap. As for hats, I struggled to find one until I went to the mens department. If you haven't, I recommend trying mens hats on too as they are usually less fussy and there are a selection of sizes.
Great post! Where are the beige sandals from? x
Jeg blir alltid så glad når du kommer med nye innlegg!Har du prøvd Barbour-jakkene? Jeg hadde egentlig lyst på den nummer 4 (international-modellen) der, men så prøvde jeg den på og beltesaken var litt merkelig. Vanskelig å forklare, men jeg fikk ikke jakken helt til å funke. Tror kanskje jeg heller vil ha Beadnell eller Bedale (om jeg får tak i den i 30). Sommeren i Norge kan jo bli ganske kald (spesielt om kveldene), så jeg tror du ville få brukt jakken mye, selv om du ikke får anskaffet den før juni/juli. Dessuten kommer jo høsten fort :P
Go for the Wayfarers; I have had a prescription pair for around two months now and I cannot remember how I used to live without them!
I absolutely love your blog! You have really changed my vision towards my wardrobe. I have known of your way of building a wardrobe for long, and my style have always been very basic and simple. But I have always failed in my attempts to only buy a few things in really good quality, which has resulted in a huge basic wardrobe, but in poor quality. But you have given me hope again:) Now I truly believe I can do it thanks to you. Your guides are brilliant! And thanks for the great music suggestions. Or though I have to ask where is this saturdays list? I miss it:)Jenny /artkind.blogspot.com
I've been reading your blog for a while however I have never taken the time to comment which I apologise for. You approach to style has really inspired me and made me realise how disposable I have become with fashion, you've also inspired me to take a more long-term sustainable approach to my wardrobe and buying so thank you!I really love your spring selection, the pieces are so consistent and seem true to your style. Barbour jackets are on my list to buy however I'm not certain now is the right time to purchase, although I've been scouring vintage stores and have seen a few lovely styles. I agree with your need for a hat, as someone who doesn't take to sun well I've been looking too. There have been a few styles I like in h&m however sometimes h&m can seem far too common for me to actually want to purchase. As for the sunglasses debate, in my opinion I prefer the Clubmaster. I remember a few years ago the Wayfarer being all the rage but in ways it disheartened me to ever buy a pair as everyone was either wearing the Wayfarer or a cheap interpretation. Also, I feel the Clubmaster has a far more classic feel with its frame and lenses and would prove to be a far more satisfactory buy. Once again, Love your blog and I look forward to reading many more of your posts!
Great selection, would highly recommend a Barbour but then I do live in the rainy UK! I too want a wide brimmed sunhat but find it difficult to get a suitable shape for my face. I suffer from toe exposure fear so I'll be sticking to my French Sole flats for Summer!xhttp://millyfellintothewardrobe.blogspot.com/
I'm with you on the Ray bans. Tried others over the years but I keep going back to the Wayfarers- nothing else feels right! It's comforting to know that I've found my perfect pair, though. Truly irreplaceable- and they will always make them.
You can find a great affordable alternative for the CDG pouch here: http://www.vdc-boutique.com/vdc-pour-la-liane-/588-pochette-plate-en-cuir-noir-taille-1-n-vdc-pour-la-liane.html
Bonjour !Peut etre aimerais tu les pochettes nat et nin http://nat-nin.fr/category.php?id_category=3J'ai la patty en noir que je portais pour mon mariage hier, elle est vraiment classe ! Mais il y en a aussi des plus petites. En tous cas ton blog est tres sympa, tu es plus parisienne que pas mal de francaises ! J'adore ton style.A bientot Charlotte (Paris)
I was wondering what your spring wardrobe would look like :)
A.P.C make the best sandals, I always to to get them on sale. I never find any other sandals that I like, except for one Shofolk pair. I wish I could pull off a panama hat, but I don't think I can.
I saw the picture of you with the clubmasters, in the comments they're very nice on you, and the flash of gold is perfect.Also I decided to stop ratiocinating and started a (temporary?) style blog, after reading yours. Hopefully it'll help me find my way into the style jungle.It's funny how blogs have become extensions of my mind, a full-fledged intellectual tool, like an idea warehouse :)
I LOVE the APC wedge sandals! You have inspired me to do my own spring/summer wishlist!
Love the barbour, I would have thought it too functional and not pretty enough for your taste
The Clubmasters make me think of "Mad Men", which I'm mad about :)I love looking at La Garconne's spring/summer selections for warm weather dressing ideas, there's always the perfect weather appropriate things but still in their signature boyish-cool vibe. Too bad their price range is mostly out of my reach, but it does give me dressing/shopping ideas.
In general I like your selections, but I would absolutely buy the APC sandals over the Zara ones. The APC shoes are endlessly classic and really quite lovely. The Zara ones remind me of that awful film version of Great Expectations with Gwyneth Paltrow. But perhaps that's just me. I also feel that sandals, almost more than other kinds of shoes, should be comfortable. Summer is about effortless beauty, first and foremost.I love your hat selections.. I too am on the hunt for the one hat that will protect my complexion and improve my summer outlook!
very nice list! Well, you know how I feel about that APC sandals, hehe. The Zara ones are nice, but I think they look terribly uncomfortable. Sandals are much harder on your feet than say boots, so I would opt for the most comfortable versions you can find.
Hi, first of all i love your blog, i am so glad i found it. Can you please link me to the blog of Jeanne in this post: http://www.deadfleurette.com/2011/02/style-talk-on-monday.html#commentsshe seems like the coolest person ever, and i really don't want to miss out, thanks:)i want a barbour jacket so much by the way, they are so classic.
I love those Zara sandals! But I would have even likes them more when they would have been made out of real leather instead of PU. Going to try them anyways.. x
Hey, thanks for all the comments! I've read them all and I will answer them soon :-) Thanks for being the best readers!
No, no, no. Don't get any of those sandals. They're way too mumsy. Consider Trippens instead: http://www.trippen.com/en/index.htmlI have the Tangos, which I realize would not be your style, but they are high and super-super-comfortable, so I think any pair you would choose would be very comfy. Designed by a podiatrist, so they're good for your feet — and they look fantastic. Please, none of this old lady stuff!
I love the utilitarian feel of the jackets you picked out. They never go out of style and are practical for day to day.I have a pair of clubmaster and I have to say they are the best sunglasses ever. I didn't think I could pull them off at first, but I loved them instantly when I tried them on. I truly think they flatter and suit many face shapes. I also prefer the metal framing over the plastic-y feel of they wayfarers.I also love the thick strap sandals. I always find it quite sexy when the much of the feet are exposed in a pair of simple sandals like the ones here (http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lja5bsOmLQ1qbn13ao1_500.jpg). There's a demure elegance to them that I love.
I guess a couple of people mentioned Clare Vivier first. I've been eyeing her pouches and bags for a while. I need a little black bag that goes with everything and she has a fold over style that I really like. :D
I bought the tan Zara sandals at the weekend, I know I'll wear them loads.
u have such a lovely blog! everything is so simple and chic! xxo
Nice list! I have a pair of new Clubmasters for sale (1150 kr). Pop in to my blog if you are interested.
If you're looking for an affordable version of the Comme de Garcons clutch, I have a leather pouch from American Apparel that is very similar. It cost me about 60USD and is real leather (as I know quality is important to you) =)
Nice Jackets collection listed above….