Heres what I absorbed during this week: there is so much stuff. Stuff is everywhere. We are inundated with stimuli - how do we sort through all the noise?
I was having a conversation with my friend about the overly saturated influencer industry, and how we are frankly bored with the notion that brands lease creators to plug out the same type of content in a way that feels impersonal. The result is a mosh pit of content that all looks the same, and feels cheaply produced.
The thing is that cheaply produced work is what tracts. I’m not sure why, or what that says about us as humans, but it’s deeply unexciting. And I’m not innocent here - time and time again I find myself giving in to saturated and neon edits that I would never create of my own authority. On the one hand, I have to put food on the table and I thank my lucky stars that I’m even here. I have the best job. On the other hand, I must question why I’m being asked to perform a version of myself online that doesn’t resonate with me and, by extension, my community?
I’m seeing the same thing over and over online. I’m asked to do the same thing over and over online. When I have the luxury of time to create what I want, I feel an immediate sense of freedom and simultaneous disarray - what am I supposed to do in the first place?
This is the noise I refer to. How do we discern what is actually good, what is worth investing in? At the end of the day, I live for sourcing things that I love. How do we create a balance of authenticity and commerce?
All this beckons the larger questions: what is the necessity of the influencer, and why are they important? I’ve been grappling with this myself as there are more and more people working full time in the creative space. What is our purpose, and what affords certain individuals longevity in an increasingly fickle world? What am I doing here?
At the end of the day, my job is to sort through the noise. We live in an attention economy, and my job is to process the stimuli, to categorize what is worth devoting time, thought, and perhaps money to. Isn’t it crazy, at the end of the day, when you think about it? There is so much stuff, and I’ve declared it my duty to rummage through it. That’s the importance of tastemaking.
My approach to my work never really aligned with trends, which is likely what causes a good percentage of the frustrations I have with the industry. But it also allows me to step back and see what I think can withstand the fleeting, clickbait moments that are so tempting.
So what am I devoting my time to, and what do I find is worth sharing?
I’ve felt overwhelmed with narrowing this down, because for a while, the answer was, more often than not, not much. Material goods, much like the content produced around them, feel more or less the same as of late. Seeing incredible styling on runways, such as at Tory Burch or Khaite, have revived my sense of excitement.
Call it the return to work, or the end of a lazy summer of dressing, but I’m ready to go out and look good. These sweet next few months afford palpable layering opportunities and the return of boots to the fore of my wardrobe. I’m starting to see a future ahead of flip flops and jeans (can you believe it!), and it has me giddy.
Here’s what caught my attention during my time in NYC, and what I spent my money on recently. Disclosure: I am fortunate enough to receive generous gifts from brands, and some of them are included here because I think they are worth mentioning and have become staples in my life. For today, we have lots of basics like denim and footwear. Upcoming in future newsletters: jewellery, coats, and (fingers crossed) bags.
Anyway:
The first thing I did upon arriving in New York (after a lunch at Temple Bar, generously provided by the Pandora team), was run to 140 Wooster St. to purchase Maison D’Etto’s Macanudo, a long sold out fragrance that is now available for pre-order online. I was chatting with the brand earlier in the year and we were singing the scent’s praises - it’s named after a very special horse, and possesses undeniable notes of vetiver, hay, neroli, and the feeling of footing on soft grass. Macanudo thrives in humidity, and it’s become a favourite amongst clientele. While preorder ships at the end of September, if you wish to be ahead of the curve, it’s available immediately at the Wooster St. popup (open until the end of the month).
A few months ago I had no idea how to wear my Jamie Haller Easy jean. For such a name, figuring it out seemed to be anything but easy. It turns out I am just a prude when it comes to trying new styles and need to be eased in with baby steps as I explore new silhouettes. The Easy jean is meant look like it’s riding low, with the fabric bagging at the bottom. I wore these multiple times in New York and felt fabulous. I recommend sizing down.
Another pair of incredible jeans for those who don’t necessarily subscribe to the straight baggy leg: consider the Levi’s X-tra Wide Barrel Leg. I’d ordered (and returned) a similar pair from Frankie Shop a couple months ago - while the silhouette was perfect, I wasn’t tall enough make it work. I find that the Levi’s iteration works far better for my height (5’5). Edit: I wore these jeans in Toronto and was asked no less than five times in one afternoon about where I sourced these jeans from.
I went to a Monica Vinader x Kate Young party at Monsieur last week (did you know that Baz Luhrmann helped design the interior?) and Kate was so elegant and chic in a simple long black dress, obviously from Khaite.
I immediately found a secondhand Alice dress from The Row in a few sizes up and found it created a similar effect - however I love the oversized sleeves and plunging neckline of this similar one from Toteme. I think that this is such a great dress to wear in a pinch when you need something timeless, elegant, neither too dressy nor too casual, and cool. Wearing a column dress just feels so empowering and effortless.
I love how influential a stylist is, not just on their clients, but on those who come across them. They often exude a quiet confidence because they have complete control over their image - it’s their job. Kate’s energy was no different, and she was truly so gracious and kind.
I asked her about her favourite piece she designed for Monica Vinader, and she immediately highlighted the enamel bangles (in previous collections there was a black enamel bracelet, and for this collection it’s striped tiger, matching the tiger beaded necklace). The process of mixing metal and stone in this way is complicated, and making it look seamless even more so. The result, however, is so worth it. My favourite piece of hers is this onyx ring, which reminds me of a much more affordable Sophie Buhai piece. I’ve worn it every day since getting it.
An important aside: Kate Young was just in Toronto for TIFF, and cited Pho Linh as one of the best meals she’s every had in her life.
My main investments this fall have been in footwear. The dilemma with living in Toronto is that the grounds are barely walkable for so many months of the year - the weather is just far worse. I’ve shelled out more than enough money on the following staples:
Low black pumps: don’t be fooled, this is more than a flight attendant’s pump. I needed a low, closed toe pump that would pair with anything and be comfortable enough to walk a decent amount of steps in. I love my Manolos, but sometimes a slingback is not what I’m looking for. I’ve been eyeing Jude shoes for months now, and bit the bullet on these pumps. The curved heel is perfect. I recommend going up a half size.
Impractical day-to-knight wedge sandals: the only thing impractical about these Etro wedges I purchased is the heel height (also available in a beautiful Bordeaux shade). But I can immediately confirm that, because of the wedge heel, these are far more comfortable than my YSL Vendome pumps that I so deeply adore. For a slightly more practical (read: lower, and less expensive) version, consider these Pêche wedge heels (looking veryyy similar to Alaia) that I also just ordered. The former is good for when you’re taking a taxi to a chic evening, and the latter is for walking.
Every year I find myself investing in a pair of boots, only to have them beat up by vicious kernels of salt that pollute the sidewalks in Toronto year after year (I find sand equally effective in de-icing the sidewalks, and safer for sweet pups!). I just invested in Khaite boots, which were sold out in store and online but conveniently available at Italist for an unbelievable price (edit: sizes seem limited there now, but there are plenty of sizes available here)
I said it before and I’ll say it again: I love how New York reignited my outfits and forced me to get dressed beyond my usual weekend uniform. Below are some of my favourite outfits I’ve worn this month. I fear it’s been a while since I’ve practiced this exercise of deliberate dressing, but as we are officially out of vacation mode, the study is necessary.
1.
Activities/tasks: Pandora’s Talisman Collection launch event in NYC
Outfit description: Prada jacket (vintage), Oriane 1986 trousers, Saint Laurent Vendome pumps, vintage Chanel bag, Pandora Talisman necklace
Notes: Pardon the unacceptably dark lighting, but the tailoring of these pants is exceptional. I haven’t heard much about this brand, but they launched a few weeks ago and the fit is divine. My legs looked so elongated (though I did have to get these hemmed). I’ve literally never worn such a classic trouser in my life and felt this incredible.
2.
Activities/tasks: Seeing the Superfine exhibit at the Met
Outfit description: Siyazu jacket, Leset tank top, unknown label skirt, and Dries sandals
Notes: If you have the chance, you must get to the Superfine exhibit in NYC. Read every plaque. Absorb every little detail of this exhibition. I loved it.
This skirt is sadly one without a tag - I found it when I was on vacation in Japan earlier this year, and I believe it’s a local Japanese designer. However, it received so many compliments that I decided to find similar ones for you. This Dries skirt provides the same drama, and this (longer) lace version is equally eye catching and can be worn in so many ways (with a sweater, with a tank top or t-shirt, styled the same way as me, etc. etc.).
3.
Activities/tasks: Running around events
Outfit description: The Isla dress worn as a shirt, Chanel bag, Aritzia trousers, Kate Young x Monica Vinader tiger’s eye necklace
Notes: I’m not a mini dress girl so I’m not exactly sure why I ordered a mini dress, but I think the beauty of the 21st century is the freedom of rebranding a clothing’s purpose. This is not just a mini dress, but a tunic. And it feels exceptionally classy to wear it with cropped trousers. The Isla is a new brand that I think is worth keeping an eye on!!
4.
Activities/tasks: Attending River Crossing’s Perfumer H workshop
Outfit description: Victoria Beckham skirt, Essen evening sandals, T. Line shirt, Mana by Ezgi necklace, Loewe bag (found one here)
Notes: This was the chicest outfit I’ve ever put on after a plane ride. I love T. Line shirts - the cuffs of these are best worn unbuttoned if you ask me, and the crop is perfectly unfussy. I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to wear this Victoria Beckham skirt I found at VSP, and the tan colour really worked with the red shoes. I also recently subscribed to the belief that all bags should be carried with an air of nonchalance, and this renewed my love for this suede puzzle bag.
If you haven’t heard of Perfumer H, it is akin to Maison d’Etto in terms of chic understatedness and sophistication. Their scents feel like what the Olsen twins would wear, and I’m particularly infatuated with both “Incense Water” and “Dandelion”. Toronto boutique River Crossing carries an array of their perfumes, candles, and incenses (new to me!).
5.
Activities/tasks: paying my tax instalment (lol)
Outfit description: Leset tank, Remain Birger Christensen skirt (similar here and here), Tanchen bag, Monica Vinader necklace, Aritzia belt
Notes: This look was inspired by
’s recent piece on leather skirts. I’ve had this skirt for years and it constantly returns into circulation each fall. I love the possibility that it can be an “everyday” or “casual” piece - this exists in tandem with my belief that we should make mundane everyday tasks into occasions. Hence, I wore this outfit to the bank to pay my taxes.That’s all! Wishing you the loveliest week - the weather is gorgeous in Toronto.
Sash xx
Love your take on this world of stuff and noise we live in 🤍
Beautiful girl x