For 2024, I’m particularly in the holiday spirit. I’ve always loved Christmas, but this year, the second we began rolling out Christmas content at work, the first notes of Patti LaBelle’s famous “This Christmas” performance ring in over and over in my head. Something about its ‘80’s flair and chaos makes me particularly nostalgic. I also love the original by Donny Hathaway and sang it passionately at my friend Brigit’s fabulous holiday party.
It is also my first year not working in luxury retail during Christmas or sheltering from COVID. I am free to be merry and bright. Hug your Sales Associates this Christmas - performance expectations are high and the economic uncertainty has not been great for traffic. And also, the retail dust and fluorescent lighting is probably speeding up their aging process.
In the dressing room at Seconde Vintage.
This month, I allowed myself to reach into my pockets and spend a little on some warm, winter clothes I can wear to the office without worry. In the winter, I love button-up cardigans, knit skirts, and easy layers that are comfy and simple. I have to fight the urge to not wear black all the time to match my grumpy, sunlight-deprived mood. I rediscovered Uniqlo, finally giving it a real shot and falling in love with their basics. This red cardigan is my new favourite. Uniqlo is a must for winter.
I also picked up the skirt and belt. The knit is Filippa K (another brand I’m obsessed with) and has little pockets (not pictured) that are reminiscent of ‘90s Miu Miu. During my mall trip with Yassine last week, I almost caved and bought a similar belt from Zara, and then like a sign from heaven, I found this nearly identical Italian leather belt for almost the same price. My score of the month - I love a low-slung belt on the hips.
More BTS at Seconde.
Every purchase is justifiable if it’s something I can discern as office appropriate.
I’m also on the hunt for a great fur coat. I’m thinking of treating myself to this one but I was looking for something lighter in colour. I’m also crazy about dyed furs in crazy patterns and unnatural colours. I would love to do a hot pink or something.
I’m always taking pictures of the architecture in the city. I loved this ruched gold curtain behind this glass door embedded in marble. My passion for a city is always measured in how much mystery is perceived in places I’m not allowed to go.
I’ve also added barware and cocktail supplies to my shopping list. As some may know, I’m obsessed with shopping for my home. These little coloured liquor tasting glasses captured my heart. Which one are you?
We had our holiday party at work. It was so great to see everyone dressed up. There is a rumour I had three cups of mac and cheese at the snack bar but I won’t be addressing that at this time.
Molly and I at her birthday party.
I love a birthday girl in a gown. Molly’s party was so great because I got to wear my massive gold coin and chain and a new wool Armani blazer I pilfered from my dad. One thing that is so fabulous about Toronto are the themed dive bars I wish my city had more of. I felt so comfortable and at home here, but also a connection to a different, past self, the version of me that lived in Toronto. I then learned I felt so comforted because some of the decor was purchased from a dear dear friend of mine, which is great because she has the kind of great taste you don’t come by often.
Molly’s hair.
I’m so grateful to be inspired by the way my friends dress. I love their vintage, feminine style that just always includes a little heel and a little purse. It’s so different, so much more opulent and dedicated than other vintage trends going on. It feels so organic and so atmospheric. These are the kind of friends I’ve always dreamt of.
Some little shoes.
There is so much more to be said about this but I just love a little shoe. Over the past 3 years, there’s been such a shift towards a “Carrie Bradshaw” style of dressing that is more detailed than the Yeezy-informed minimalism of the late 2010s. I felt so lost in the 2010s trends, and I think right now, in fashion, there are so many things to be excited about. Trends are fine if they’re fabulous.
Anyways, I love a pointed toe sticking out of a blousy pant.
Carrie and her situationship kissing.
I’m watching Sex and the City for my millionth time through and it still shocks me how with each watch there are still so many new talking points and outfits to be discussed. The relationships and the looks can be hotly debated even over 20 years later. Now, we have more language to describe the intricacies of the relationships on the show. I’m still disappointed they tried to position Big as Carrie’s soulmate after his constant disappointments. How can a woman, and such a woman’s woman in style and look at that, with her free-flowing hair and hopeful spirit be so tied down to a man that dimmed her sparkle every time? And how many women justified a rendez-vous with an unremarkable emotional and spiritual liability because Carrie did it and it sort of worked out? Let me digress.
I would also love to know where they’re finding all these investment bankers.
