The September Shopping List
Rambling thoughts on Europe and multiple musings on where to allocate spending money, though with no concrete conclusions.
My goodness do I ever love Europe. Every time I return I’m reminded of its luxury, decadence, opulence, excess, extravagance, sheer excellence in quality and men in well dressed suits and beautifully tailored wardrobes and an overall appreciation for the finer things in life.
What spurred this romanticization, you ask? Muesli. No, really. I began writing this newsletter sitting in the Lufthansa lounge at the Munich airport, about to embark on a crazy month full of back-and-forth travels between Toronto and the Rest of the World. And (I’m so sorry, Canada), but the Maple Leaf Lounge could never. Delta One, forget it. I don’t know what it is - I promise I’m not a high maintenance traveller at all. At this point it’s against my principles to purchase anything above economy class for a flight to anywhere other than Asia. So what is it? Perhaps it’s the shower service with staff awaiting to provide you with fluffy white towels. Perhaps it’s the barista who makes me a perfect cappuccino and helps me carry my bags to my seat (chivalry is not dead!). Perhaps it’s the delicious smell wafting from the breakfast buffet that looks absolutely enticing (read: roasted tomatoes, German sausages, potatoes, pretzels, an assortment of biscotti and cookies to accompany my coffee, the list goes on…). And that’s where we come to muesli. Because only Europe can take something as banal (yet comforting and classic) such as yogurt and granola and turn it into the most pleasant and nourishing dish. As I’m spooning a copious amount of muesli into my bowl, a rail-thin, over six foot tall woman piles pretzels onto her plate. That’s when I know I’m in the right place. (EDIT: I later experienced the Air Canada Signature Suite. Though the Maple Leaf Lounge could never, I don’t mind a three course tasting menu before a flight)
Europe, as an outsider, always inspires a return to the finer things in life. I use the term “finer” in multiple facets - firstly, in terms of pleasure or satisfaction; secondly, in terms of high quality. Earlier this summer I experienced both in Europe: the first term manifested in delicious meals and hiking in the mountains, where I truly felt that I’d taken a proper break. High quality were the experiences I had, both material and immaterial. Yes, shopping is better here. Yet high quality also presented itself on the farms we stayed at in Italy, where a nonna prepared breakfast for us every morning and we were served fresh pecorino cheese and cured meats and fruit grown and prepared directly on the property. My negroni at a rooftop patio came with an unexpected curation of light bites to enjoy.
This is what I think it all comes down to, and what I’m taking so long to say: quality = thoughtfulness + time. We really don’t emphasize this enough in North America. Rather, we present it as a luxury, something to relish in and desire, when across the Atlantic it seems to be the bare minimum. It’s value vs. being of value, if that makes any sense. Personally, I’d like to switch to quality being a value.
Let me be clear that holding quality as a value doesn’t necessarily mean spending more money. Don’t forget that the second part of the equation is time + thoughtfulness. Take time to understand your purchases, to comprehend the thought that goes into experiences and things you own so you can speak about them adeptly. Can we speak to things in our life with a sense of care and pride, and understand the “why” behind each one?
I don’t really know what I’m getting at here, but I hope at least some of this made sense. I’ve spent some time mulling over quality things I would like to/have incorporated into my life, and I’m excited to bring them back to this newsletter with the usual roundup of things that I’m loving lately.
BARI: A GUIDE
“BE HAPPY YOU ARE IN BARI” are the words aggressively emblazoned upon the city’s ferris wheel (why do all cities seem to have a customary ferris wheel?). And I certainly was happy to be in Bari, celebrating a friend’s wedding. I’d never actually been to the south of Italy, and I felt like I was in a completely different country. The food - the seafood - the energy, the piano piano of it all. Here are some of my favourite spots:
This was the most requested name drop. I find a consignment/vintage store in every city I’m in, especially if I’m in Europe. Nothing excites me quite so much as the thrill of the hunt. Bari, while known for its food, is not necessarily a Mecca for shopping. When I originally looked up “vintage stores,” I found a selection akin to what reminded me of a Kensington Market shop in its nascent stages. That is, until I stumbled upon GF Luxury Vintage in the Madonella neighbourhood. It ended up being one of the most interesting vintage stores I’ve ever been to - upon entering I was confronted by several giant, sleek, onyx black jaguars, acquired via auction from what I believe is the original house of Gucci. The story goes that there was once a Chanel boutique in Bari - upon its closing in 2014, there was still a vast collection of archive pieces which were subsequently bought in entirety by the owner of GF Luxury, who kept them in her personal collection and at her boutique. By the time I visited the store in 2023, only about 10% of that original collection was left. Highlights among the rare and beautiful collection were a pair of white, crochet capri pants from the early 2000’s that were far too small for me to fit into (though I could see Lily Rose Depp pulling these off), a sheer black tank top with Camellia brooch (which came home with me!), and so so many good bags and dresses.
LA TANA DEL POLPO
There are a few places for food in Bari that the locals regard as institutions - this is one of them. Directly translated to “cave of the octopus,” you’ll always find a line or crowd outside this hole-in-the-wall gem. For lunch, get there early - their primi piatti street food pasta always sells out first thing. Other than that, their octopus sandwich is incredible. In Barese cuisine the method of tenderizing octopus is such that they (excuse the graphic description) beat the (already dead) octopus on a rock, rather than hang them to dry (Greek method). The result is a very delicious, perfectly tender delicacy. If you’re with a group, try the raw seafood platter. It’s a very large aluminum tray filled with seafood that was probably just caught a few hours ago.
CAFFE BORGHESE
I went here nearly every day during my trip. I was recommended another cafe, but this place had the best coffee and pastries in the morning. Giuseppe, the owner, was so kind and chatty. It’s a great spot just outside of old Bari to people watch. Later in the day, it’s a great spot for a drink.
GELATERIA GENTILE
Some of the best gelato I’ve ever had. I went here twice in one day. I will say, stick to the gelato - I had caffe granita here and it was sub-par. While the flavours change, I particularly loved the Crema Antica and Frutti di Bosco flavours. I generally based my choices off of whatever names I hadn’t heard of/seen frequently before. (Edit: since writing this, I’ve noticed they actually have a location in New York as well)
WHAT I’M LOVING LATELY
Fashion month makes this section of the newsletter exceptionally difficult. How are you supposed to narrow down an exorbitant selection of newness? I tend to steer clear of trendy things, which sometimes makes me feel like I’m falling behind in this circus of an industry. Out of all the fashion weeks, New York seems the least exciting to me - it seems to have been stuck in a rut for a number of years. This year I’m so pleasantly surprised by a number of fresh faces and brands. Michelle del Rio held her first show in Brooklyn, which I was sad to miss but looked absolutely stunning. I’ve written about her pieces in a previous newsletter, but I’m hoping this show marks a foray into more readily available RTW. You’ve likely heard enough, far more credible information on Peter Do’s debut as CD of Helmut Lang, but I would like to say that I’m keen to see how Do’s style evolves and matures with upcoming collections. A lot of monochrome red looks in multiple shows, including that of Khaite and Proenza Schouler and Tory Burch (the usual suspects). Big fan here and I’m looking forward to channeling that aesthetic for fall. And Mansur Gavriel’s stripes confettied the streets of NYC in a most joyous and cheerful display, with a gorgeous table scape by one of my favourite dinner party icons, Blanca Miro.
Some things I’ve purchased lately:
Maguire’s ballet flats are no stranger to my closet. I had a golden yellow pair that became a summer staple. They sported a girlish bow and were very beginner ballerina. I love them dearly still. However, as we segue to fall, I find myself steering slightly away from fluffier, girly cottage core in favour of sleek, streamlined, sexier silhouettes, trading in my beginner ballet dancer flats for pointe shoes. I purchased this pair of cream ballet flats that remind me of the effect we wanted to create with ballet shoes, which is, to say, create an extension of the leg. A little more coverage, a little less fuss - I have these flats in white but am considering adding other colours to my collection
I caved and purchased Comme Si boxer shorts (which I will obviously wear as regular shorts). I prefer the more unisex, old European style of their branding as opposed to the more logo-centric Homme Girls boxers (though I love both)
Pandora’s newest collection of lab grown diamonds are exceptional - I’m really loving how the brand has evolved since its charm bracelet days of yore. The infinite collection is my favourite, especially for its languidly looping and feminine (though not too traditional) shapes.
My heart (and my wallet) are rationalizing this purchase by considering it a divine signal of sorts: I recently caved and purchased a rose pink vintage Chanel bag at Desert Vintage. Hear me out - it’s been at the store every single time I’ve visited this year (and I’ve made it a point to stop by the store), and this time I nearly freaked out when I didn’t see it on the shelves. Upon further inquiry, the bag was tucked away in storage. It was still there! I took it as a sign - it was meant for me. Right?
Other Desert Vintage finds include this sultry, low-rise long skirt with a side slit (not visible here) from Chloe. She’ll get lots of wear. Though I didn’t leave the store with this turtleneck (albeit so very tempted), I believe it found another home as it wasn’t on the racks the next day.
My friend Sam has the perfect Marni tote. Not quite the shiniest patent finish, but not matte either. I decided I needed a luxe functional tote, and I settled on this number from Mansur Gavriel with a ballerina pink interior.
Other essential every day bags include this gorgeous Suede shoulder bag from Flattered, reminiscent of a Bottega hobo bag but without the exorbitant price tag. Flattered makes excellent mid-designer investment pieces, and this bag was truly a closet hero this past season. The suede allows it to seamlessly transition into fall.
Mejuri’s Pyra Collection is, in all honesty, a great dupe for the Chanel Coco Crush collection. If you aren’t prepared to spend for Coco Crush ring, perhaps this $128 version will suffice in the meantime.
This is the grey jacket. If you’ve been following along closely to my New York trip with COS, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Grey wool, boxy fit, cropped length, it’s truly the perfect layering piece and I wear her often. I have it. My friends have it. You want it. It’s this jacket. And it may or may not be sold out in grey, but there are two other colour ways, and the potential for it to be at stores. I will say that sizing is a bit strange - I have an XXS and I am most definitely not an XXS. All that to say, if there are sizes available in store, make sure you try it on first so you can get the right fit.
Someone commented on my IG post that “buttermilk pastels are now patent under me” and I can think of no higher honour. I love butter. Call me a dairy girl. I’ll mix butter AND olive oil any day, whether it’s in cooking or in my clothing colour palette. And I am a very big fan of the butter yellow knit set that I wore to the COS show. I would say bottoms are true to size (S), and tops I would size down (XS). The whole look is just under USD$250. I wore the skirt more low waister so it draped against the floor (I settled on it being an Uber-everywhere outfit), but you can wear it more high waisted/tea length.
I am so, so in love with Berlin-based jewellery brand Tamle. Founded by two brothers originally from Tel Aviv, Table merges the most beautiful organic shapes and sculptural designs into their gorgeous collection, made to accompany your every day wardrobe. I indulged in this lapis blue necklace, and wore it nearly every day in Bari.
On my Wishlist:
Loewe Home is now available at Holt Renfrew. That’s right, you no longer have to venture to New York to acquire the greatly sought after tomato candle. I personally am interested in collecting them all, especially Cucumber, Oregano, and Orange Blossom. Run, don’t walk.
That being said, I’m still bound and determined to incorporate the extra large Tubereuse candle from Diptyque into my living room as I slowly tweak the furniture to my liking (I’m inspired by Desert Vintage’s beautiful store interior).
French icon Leia Sfez just launched The Oblist, another artfully curated business for home goods (think Gohar World, but beyond the tablescape). Broadly speaking, I want everything. It doesn’t help that I’m also in the process of furnishing my new place - I feel extra compelled to whip out the credit card (“it’s not clothes! Therefore it’s justifiable!”). Below are a few of my favourites:
This Octopus Plate: perhaps it’s the recent return from Italy, or the state of denial I’m currently in about the end of summer, but I’m very much a fan of this beautiful dish, and everything that Popolo makes, for that matter
This charming tin breakfast set from Studio Formbart: it’s been a long time since I’ve craved a single soft boiled egg for breakfast, but this might just be the catalyst. The soft organic “legs” of each piece remind me of Senufo stools, which I am very fond of.
How chic would it be to have an entire tablescape of these mismatched, Mediterranean-inspired placemats by Gergei Erdei?
I don’t smoke, but this three-dimensional ashtray makes me wish I did
Something about my dating history screams that I need this plate
How ornate and elegant is this beautiful Ola Lewczyk candle? I’m never one for saving the nice candles for special occasions, but for this one I just might
Corali’s jewellery pieces are something out of an ancient ruin not yet discovered, and I say that in the most awe-inspired way. Every organically shaped metal-work is a piece of art, evoking nostalgia for a lost craftsmanship. This beautiful confiture spoon is no exception - the dainty leaves and razored edges are a spectacle to behold
I am on the hunt for new lamps for my room (the industrial sconces simply aren’t going to cut it), and I love the curves on these hand-carved Romie Objetti lamps. Other lighting gems that I’m envisioning for my place include this Violane d’Harcourt ceramic tile sconce that will look like an art piece hanging from the wall, and/or this subtle sculptural number
Okay wait on second thought these vibrant and colourful lamps from Casa Veronica spark so much joy.
Though I so badly wanted to, I cannot justify spending USD$5000+ on The Row’s Christa top. Perhaps I’ll scour the internet for an Etsy dupe one day, but in the meantime I am in love with the Sandro lace bustier from Beaufille, which, though not the same material, I would style in a similar way. I simply cannot make up my mind between white or black. For those vehemently opposed to anything strapless, consider the long-sleeved Kubrick blouse.
I so desperately cling to the hope that one day I’ll have the need and disposable funds for the Nita dress from The Row. I tried it on at Holt Renfrew in August and I think about it once a week. I highly recommend sizing down for this piece, as it’s strapless and you want it to sit snug.
In a dream world I have a different nice coat to wear every day during the very long, very drawn out Canadian winters. However, as that is not the case, I find myself gravitating more and more towards investing in a beautiful wool coat. I love the silhouettes and tailoring of the Adeline coat from La Collection, and hope to add it to my closet in this lifetime. Or at least one of its iterations, as it comes in multiple fabrications.
That must be enough for one week. We all have credit card limits, and bills to pay. And I have a flight to catch. In next week’s dispatch: the beauty files, cultural things etc., and perhaps a playlist. Ciao for now :)