Welcome back to Volume 5 of my Le Journal where you will find recent musings, interesting links to read, weekend sales that are worthy of your attention, plus a French-inspired look with a New York State of mind for the week ahead. And don’t miss my Rue or Runway find below.
New York Minute | No Buy February
Last week, I shared that I was doing a “no buy February,” and wow, that got a lot of attention! I would urge you to try it. It has been extremely insightful, as it has forced me to take note of my closet, what I wear often, what was ready to go to consignment, what was ready to donate, and what just needed to be tossed. It really forced me to take inventory of my closet, which helped me identify what I need moving forward to fill in a few gaps or what needs to be replaced. Check out this post 8 Tips for Editing Your Closet.
I have my eye on a few investment pieces I will try to find on consignment. While I am one to really focus on quality as I have gotten older, I also equally love scoring a great deal on quality pieces. This Burberry coat is high on my list as are these Gucci loafers. But here’s the thing: these Quince loafers look almost identical to the Gucci ones, plus they are leather. So is it worth the splurge?
The Quince loafer on the left is just $79, while the Gucci Jordaan loafer will set you back $1025. It’s such a similar look at such an affordable price for an Italian leather loafer. Quick tip: always look for leather or vegan leather shoes. When you buy the one-off pleather or fake leather shoes, they tend not to last long and crack. I own some, but it is less than 10% of my shoe collection. You can find leather or vegan leather shoes at affordable prices.
I have also been eyeing this Jenni Kane boatneck cashmere sweater, which would be perfect for Spring and Summer. Yes, cashmere is perfectly suitable for warmer weather. In fact, I rarely leave my house without a cashmere sweater in warmer months as I find shops, cafes, airports, and planes colder than I can tolerate. Jenni Kane is much harder to find on consignment, so I will most likely splurge on this sweater, knowing it will be in my wardrobe for years. If splurge-worthy cashmere isn’t in your budget, again, this one is similar for $89 or this one for $148.
The Little Things!
I recently booked a trip to New York City and leave in two weeks, and I find myself eagerly anticipating this sojourn. While I am a native New Yorker and a frequent visitor, the city’s appeal remains constant. There is a distinct sense of joy in returning home. We will be staying at a hotel that is new to me, and have secured a dinner reservation at the renowned Ye Waverly Inn, which I will share in detail upon my return. It is an iconic restaurant, discreetly located on the cobblestone streets of the West Village, and one I would recommend to any visitor. I have not been there in quite some time, so I am excited to return.
What I’m Reading and Listening To
I have had several of you ask for recommendations on books, cookbooks and any podcasts I am listening to.
I’ve recently immersed myself in Ina Garten’s memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, and I’m simply captivated. She is, without a doubt, a true trailblazer for women. To witness her, in her late 70s, recount her experiences navigating a male-dominated professional landscape with such fearlessness is truly inspiring. It’s a narrative that deeply resonates with me. I feel a profound sense of gratitude to women like Ina, who paved the way for my own corporate career. And at just $21, it’s a worthwhile read.
This past Christmas, a cherished friend, an exceptional chef in their own right, gifted me Tieghan Gerard’s Half Baked Harvest Cookbook. I’ve found the recipes to be somewhat elevated, yet surprisingly easy to recreate. While I do find pleasure in cooking, I readily admit I am no Ina Garten, and thus appreciate recipes that are both sophisticated and accessible. If, like myself, you enjoy exploring new culinary avenues, this cookbook has become an indispensable resource in my kitchen.
New York Minute | Weekly Styled Look
I love a classic and timeless look and wearing cream jeans over white. I love white denim, but I find that white against my skin tone is not as suitable unless I have self-tanned. My legs are so white that they are almost blue! So tanner is a must these days, as I rarely head outside without sunblock. I swear by this self-tanner and this body sunblock, which gives me long wear, even when playing tennis.
SHOP THIS LOOK
Catch Up on the Blog…
Wishing you all a lovely weekend!
Until next time,
