143 Comments
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

The brand I can’t seem to get away from is Sezane. What cured me of becoming influenced at every turn of my social media was hearing a French friend describe it as the Ann Taylor of France, being sold to the kind of American who will fall for anything French-coded. (Much like your point about Ciao Lucia!)

Expand full comment
author
May 11·edited May 11Author

oh my gosh I love that description !! also I recently connected with the person who runs this blog: https://www.unvarnished.clothing she tries on A LOT of Sezane! She had some negative experiences with Sezane's imagery and angles in ads feeling super different than the clothes IRL. may be helpful to some people

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

Not Ann Taylor!! Hearing that made the scales fall right off my eyes!!

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

I have about 4 things I'm utterly obsessed with from Sezane, and the rest is puzzling to me. Strange colorways, so-so fabrics and cuts are tough

Expand full comment
author

agreed! havent found what i love there. would love to know what you actually love from Sezane!

Expand full comment

I needed to read this because I am SO CLOSE to being influenced by Sezane (the American who will fall for anything French-coded...hi, it's me) but luckily my bank account is proving a formidable opponent to my impulse. I have their cashmere cardigan on my list...i dont even wear cardigans?! I never like how I look or feel in them...why do I think the Sezane one will cure this?!

Expand full comment

11 PM Piss your fucking bed. You make me HOWLLLLL. Even if I am. The angek who won’t by the Amazon dupes. (Which BTW will suck and you will give away.) Most of my ads are cat related but the thing that kills me rn is they all talk about my cats’ mental health— they are “depressed” without the right bed and that’s why they look bored. I thought it was because they’re cats.

Expand full comment
author

hahaha i am dying laughing about your cats mental health ads. im pretty sure they have it figured out over everyone...

Expand full comment

TRULY -- my husband and I cheer them for drinking water.

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

They’re depressed because you bought the cat bed dupe.

Expand full comment
author

🤣

Expand full comment
May 12Liked by Totally Recommend

Came here to say the same 🤣🤣🤣

Expand full comment

I adored every single word of this piece. I’ve also been scratching my head as I see Warby Parker come back up a lot - I think they’re great, I’ve worn their glasses for years, but you’re right, it’s great to think about why/what’s happening. Also, so many brands are coming out with pieces that start at $400. I love clothes/fashion/style, I have discerning taste, am lucky to have a generous budget to purchase clothes from & I like good quality things, BUT, everything costing $400 is not it!!!!! That’s a lot of money!!! I’m stealing your trick of searching on resale sites bc the magic is stripped away. It’s like- you see these pieces and they conjure up a specific moment you would wear them for - and you get a major emotional response, and it’s *the* perfect outfit for *the* perfect moment…but then…how does it translate? Am I wear it to kids soccer games? To school pickup? To my office? Or…are my kids finding a way to pull the strap of a barely there dress to expose something I don’t want exposed in public (they are incredibly good at this). That visualization usually helps me close out of the tab!!

Expand full comment
author

yes, love your visualization tip!! you always have such great ideas.

Expand full comment
May 12Liked by Totally Recommend

Okay yes, the $400 price point for an item of clothing is insanity and is beyond my breaking point. I’ve noticed it more and more (here’s looking at you Jenni Kayne sweater), and it is A LOT OF MONEY.

Expand full comment
author

yup. i dont get the jenni kayne thing?

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

You could seriously write a WHOLE post about stripping the editorialized images from clothes!!(I’m thinking of Doen and Sezane specifically… 🫣!) Isn’t it wild how one photo shoot in Italy can convince people they need the item?! I would much rather spend that hard earned money on a cheap flight to Europe and a bowl of pasta…such a great reminder.

Expand full comment
author

absolutely! some brands really know what theyre doing with the images. i commend them for the mood they've created but ive gotta disconnect the product and experience.

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

I’m tempted by the neverending Sambas discourse and keep wondering if I want them or the various alternatives constantly being suggested 😆

Brands (mainly via substack): Alex Mill, Emme Parsons, Dorsey

Also: fancy supplements like Perelel and Ritual… do I need them?? Are they worth it??

Expand full comment
author

i am also seeing a lot of alex mill and their dancing routines on instagram dont help haha. emme parsons and im so curious about dorsey but im not a big diamond person.

personally i have eaten lots of supplements in my day and find the best thing for me is to just eat a better overall diet but idk! i get sooo many supplement ads and the quick fix feeling is hard to resist.

Expand full comment
author

ooh thanks!! I'm going to have to save this one to read mindfully :)

I just remembered another wellness-y thing!! jolie showerhead...

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

So much Dorsey everywhere!

Expand full comment
author

yes, everywhere!

Expand full comment

same. I feel like if I finally buy a pair of them, next month there's gonna be an updated version which make mine look outdated if that makes sense!

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

I’m laughing, laughing, laughing straight to the comment section to join in the fun of this conversation!! I keep getting pushed Brooke Callahan and her cute red pants! I shall resist because I really don’t need a pair of pajama pants in a fun color but I appreciate the hustle going in to the Pinterest strategy.

A few fascinating points you made;

1. Checking in BTS when we start to see brands pushed particularly hard and question the value of the product.

2. I love looking on resale for products that are overpriced. Firstly they are nearly always overpriced for resale but they also look worn-hard-put-up-wet which calms my nerve to BUY.

Expand full comment
author

see i dont even know brooke callahan! those are cute but yeah ... dont need

love the worn hard put up wet calming your nerves 🤣 i find it soo helpful!

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

Ohhhhhhhh this equestrian reference!!! Love love it “worn hard put up wet” 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

One of my husband’s favorite expressions! ROFL

Expand full comment
deletedMay 13
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

Dannnnggg I didn’t want this for you but also relieved that the many times I almost hit purchase didn’t pan out.

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

proud to say that my retail resistance (5 and a half months now!) has become a full out rebellion. now i see those "new" pieces and think about what might already be in my closet... #WINNING #IHAVEENOUGHIAMENOUGH

Expand full comment
author

love to hear it!

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

Mine’s DONNI. I think they found me via the knockoff High Sport universe but now they haunt me like a phantom.

I wonder if there’s a quadrant diagram here of brands that hit these categories…

sustainable : bad for environment

high quality : not great quality

cheap : expensive

fashionable : meh

It feels like no matter which choices you optimize for as a consumer, you’re screwing yourself in another category. Resale seems to be the best bet, but I’m sure there are issues there (I’m hearing The RealReal is not a sustainable business model…)

Expand full comment
author

donni loves me too :)

yeah ive thought a lot about this idea you put so well into the quadrant diagram...something to explore there.

and yes im sooo curious how these resale places will sustain esp as many sellers on the realreal seem pretty dissatisfied!

Expand full comment

Resale not being sustainable - there are a lot of thoughts in there. Worth a real deep dive. But if you watch the Brandy Hellville documentary, a lot of the clothes that end up in trash piles (mountains!) are also from resale sites that just never get sold.

Expand full comment
author

yes plz do a deep dive! would love that!

Expand full comment

I’m in Donni’s chokehold too! During High Sport gate, I explored (and clicked on) the brand often and they know it…

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

It's so funny which ads reach some people and not others - I have never even heard of Ciao Lucia. I get ads from every swimsuit startup under the sun because I was looking for one in March (I actually clicked on most of them and still couldn't find what I want, I guess the trend is now to flaunt your cellulite instead of shorts or skirts as bottoms but no one wants to see my 50 year old upper thighs). I am seeing a lot of Doen and Sezane, even though I have not found anything all that interesting for the prices. I have been trying to filter out the cheaper, trendier pieces and focus on fewer, quality pieces, but I am struggling with this. I have some wonderful high quality pieces from Alex Mill, and I recently splurged on two full price pieces from them. They are nice, high quality, timeless, but they are not the "keys to my entire outfit" or anything. And the prices! Is it just the new normal, $90 for a t-shirt, $150 for a blouse, $250 for jeans, $300 for a dress? And the alternative is fast fashion that you will be giving away next season? I do buy a fair amount secondhand, but then there is the issue of not being able to return if the fit isn't quite right. I think I was happier when I could go shopping, try on 25 things, leave 24 in the dressing room and buy one piece that fit well on me - not a model on the beach.

Oh and FYI, I have had an Owala for years and I loooove it. So much so that I wasn't even tempted by the Stanley craze. I haven't bought another brand since. (Ok, even still, I check out their "drops" and new colors like I can drink out of more than one at a time LOL).

Expand full comment
author

i am struggling with finding fewer quality pieces as well. ive been super curious about alex mill so thats really good to know. completely completely agree on just trying 25 things and leaving 24 in the room! it did the trick. and thanks for the Owala intel haha!!

Expand full comment

Totally love my Alex Mill too!

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

Echoing the owala love. I found it at a target randomly 2 or 3 years ago and do truly love it. The sip straw is a game changer for me and it keeps things cold without sweating! Plus it fits in my car cup holder but also can fit in my bag. I only bought multiples because I’m the queen of leaving my water bottle places. Otherwise one water bottle is enough.

Expand full comment
author

wow good to know! also the queen of leaving water bottles ha!

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

I’ve had an Owala for a few years, too! Taking the (rare) opportunity to feel ahead of a trend…but still find it hard to resist the cute new colors that keep coming out, haha.

Expand full comment
author

tastemaker! youre right that the color combos are great...maybe ill take the color combos and apply them to an outfit or tablescape or something.

Expand full comment

Will also say I’ve been a fan of Owala long before the trend - I love the ability to sip or have a straw and the straw not be exposed. I have two that I’ve kept for years and I love them

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

I would love to hear your thoughts on what brands actually provide good quality for the price (even if $$$!) for those times when I do actually need to make a purchase. What is actually worth it?!

Expand full comment
author

yes im working on a post like this for you!

Expand full comment

Yes pleeeease!!

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

For casual clothes I like Imogen and Willie. I heard of them from the menswear guy on twitter (Derek Guy - Dieworkwear)

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

Every consignment shop in LA BULGING w Ciao Lucia, Doen, reformation & Sézane.

I’m in LOVE w really high quality/super worn-out clothing.. my faves.

Whilst.. *

these things looks like RAGS.

It’s sobering & completely steers me clear from purchasing any of these lines, new or used..

*had to pull out a “whilst” as vacillated bw an “and & a “but”

My hard hitting ads: DÔEN, Donni & jamie haller (purchase from both.. but not thru IG.. too confusing) TWP xo

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

Hearing your report on consignment stores in LA is a true was to de-influence me. The idea that people are shelling out $400 for a dress to turn around and give it to a consignment store makes me realize it AIN’T worth it!!

Expand full comment
author

you crack me up. RAGS.

hows your experience with jamie haller? ive been so curious and tempted over the other loafers choices.

Expand full comment

Haha. RAGS. Dishrags. Raddedy Anne. Truly. Jamie haller shoes, any & all, on the other hand are ENTIRELY splendid & beyond compare.

I am a bit agnostic on the sizing, as i fit 39/40 perfectly & they are so soft that they conform to one’s foot .. so even (sockless.. 🤔 dehydrated on a “small foot day” the 40’s aren’t clanging around like a more structured shoe. Also.. I wear in all settings: sidewalks, city-erranding, plane travel, work things, outdoor terrain (like non-hiking but walking around in parks, stables, grass. I switch up my shoes a lot.. so they get rest 🤣 in between wearings.. but I have rid my shoe-drobe of so many other shoes in favor of JH. 🥰

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

I keep getting served Doen content - I love love love their stuff, but most of it is WAY too overpriced for a sheer linen dress. Funny you mentioned Alemais - I have one linen dress I purchased on sale from the brand last spring for a wedding and I adore it, but it would be tough to purchase at full price. Do you feel like nowadays, there are only price points like Gap, Old Navy, Target or insanely priced brands like Sezane, Doen, Alemais, Ciao Lucia? Can you think of any brands that target that "in-between" price point...$100-$300?

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

i think maybe j.crew and madewell fall in the middle, esp on sale?? i find even banana republic’s prices have skyrocketed.

Expand full comment
author

yeah i was thinking the same!

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

I was shocked recently to see how much Banana Republic had gone up! 😳

Expand full comment
May 12Liked by Totally Recommend

I was really disappointed that Madewell’s sunglasses went from $50 to $75 in less than two years. ☹️

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

Yeah, that's a good point!

Expand full comment
author

constantly seeing doen. i got a shirt in a thrift shop the other day and the material was soft but feels a little worn and pilly? i like it! but i dont think i would feel comfortable paying full price for it. however, i know they have sustainable practices and limited materials so i feel like a brat saying it? i'm interested to educate myself more on what is "worth it". The inbetween really does feel like j crew/madewell...but that aint sexy is it? even though in a lot of ways they look really similar to these other smaller niche brands.

Expand full comment

You said it perfectly - madewell and J crew are great for everyday pieces or work clothes, but I just don't find myself emotionally moved by their "fancier" clothing. It aint sexy at all! I have a Doen dress I purchased on sale a while ago and I love it and think it is excellent quality - maybe I just need to educate myself more on what is "worth it" as well!

Expand full comment
May 12Liked by Totally Recommend

It’s a hard sell buying simple dresses for $300, but as a Dôen die hard, I really believe they are worth it. The reason I’m a die hard is because they are extremely ethical and work towards using only good materials made in factories without harmful chemicals and clean energy. I have really dived deep into their commitments in sustainability and people (and actual progress!) and can really say they are great. I also love their feminine pieces and wear them all the time.

Expand full comment
author
May 12·edited May 12Author

i agree that walking the talk is a big selling point for me. im glad to know you really think they are worth the price!

Expand full comment

As a former employee I would actually say their business practices are actually quite unethical. Just take a look at their Glassdoor reviews. However, I do think the quality of the clothing is quite superior to something like Ciao Lucia.

Expand full comment

Thank you for doing that deep dive!! I love it when companies actually live up to their claims of sustainability.

Expand full comment

Uniqlo for the win. 🥇 great quality for fair price & the “u line” designed by Christian LeMaire is beautiful quality/way nicer than, say, (trigger warning.. ‼️ 😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️) Frankie Shop, alex Mill & the like)

Expand full comment

Pick the pebble beach and pasta every time!

Expand full comment
author

100% . lets put this on a pillow and sell it on etsy 🤣

Expand full comment

Experience trumps more clothing. Everytime!!

Expand full comment
author

always

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

LOVE the practice of finding pics of ‘desired’ items on resale sites to get a clear picture of the item. And I never considered how fonts and web design impact the price point—the old navy swap above was mind blowing! I’m constantly seeing ads for Jamie Haller and Rachel Comey and the Knicks. Lol. I love all three, they don’t need to blow up my feeds!

Expand full comment
author

yes the fonts really get me! and the novelty of certain brands for sure. do you have jamie haller loafers? thats the one thing im like wait...everyone seems to actually love these. is the hype real?

Expand full comment

Ha, they are a bit overhyped (and priced!) for sure. They’re beautiful shoes but not great for NYC day to day. I think the designs are beautiful though.

Expand full comment

Kara, curious - I was thinking of getting a pair of the soft loafers as sort of a ballet slipper alternative. A nice slip-on shoe that can be a little casual or a little dressy, but not for like constant walking all over the city. I haven't seen them in person but would they work for that?

Expand full comment

Hi! idk, I have a pair of the ballet slippers. Second attempt with them, had to size down because the toe box is really wide (and I have sorta wide feet). The loafers look even wider to me so I'm not sure how they would fit, but nervous that they'd look like clown shoes on me. (I am really sensitive abt looking like this tho so it could just be a me thing). I think the ballets are great for a shorter excursion out but, for me, are not great for a work day. From what I've seen IRL of the loafers they are beautiful! A shop person had on the black and white ones and they looked great with jeans and a button down.

Expand full comment

not weird, I have my own things I'm worried about when it comes to footwear of all things!!! But this is helpful, thank you! Also I was going to do oxblood but now I'm like, do I do b&w??? ha

Expand full comment

ha! I would, personally, go oxblood. it's such a gorgeous color. I'm too dumb to style the b&w I fear.

Expand full comment

I don't think i've answered your question at all!

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

I know these are popular BUT Rothy’s bombard me every day — I know they’re supposed to be comfortable but they are so unattractive?! Why would I ever buy a black shoe with a blue accent stripe on the heel? 🤢

Expand full comment
author

100% they are really ON us! so much that i had a temporary moment of insanity last fall and considered the clogs. everyone was saying how comfortable they were but they are unattractive? i also see rothys thrown into thrift store/consignment shoe bins a looot!

Expand full comment

I read somewhere that the cost cannot be more than like $10 so I cannot.

Expand full comment
May 11Liked by Totally Recommend

The Ciao Lucia-Old Navy experiment!!🫠

Expand full comment
author

haha right?

Expand full comment