Fashion is supposed to be FUN.
lookalikes, london shopping, and long-sleeves.
An incoming text from my mother always sends my heart racing. It could be anything. Horrible news about a family member, a Facebook link to a video I saw on TikTok 6 months ago, or even a 2-minute pocket-dialed voice note (no one pocket-dials anymore, except my mother). This time, it was this:
This has unlocked a new form of identity crisis for me - at once flattered, horrified, and confused that my mother thinks I could win a Harry Styles lookalike contest. Alas, I did not enter the competition (if you’re curious to see the contestants, BRICKS did a fun video on the event). We will never know who the truest lookalikest is.
Speaking of things that didn’t happen in London…
I was properly devastated to find the HADES shop in London closed. Evidently it was just a pop-up and not an all-the-time location. I’ve had it in my “London Must See” Google Maps list for months. Torturous. Where else can I try Tilda Swinton’s face knit into a skirt? or a cardigan with cigarettes for buttons??
On the topic of English brands to know…
I love *discovering* a new designer only to learn everyone has already heard of them. At Dover Street Market (we were there for the scones first, the matcha second, the shopping third). I kept returning to Renli Su’s rack, totally enamored with her windswept romantic pirate princess vibe. Every piece was interesting, expertly constructed, and joyfully rule-bending. She’s a new favorite of mine!
While we’re talking about new favorites…
She’s not new, but she’s new to me. Sororité Vintage has incredible finds. Each piece is girlier, more nostalgic, more Carrie Bradshaw than the last. Footwear is really where she has wizard-like sourcing skills and if she has any pumps left in my size on my birthday, I’m adding to cart. Two pairs that stopped my scroll dead in its tracks recently are these René Caovilla butterfly heels and these Manolo Blahniks with dice.
Re: secondhand finds…
I tried on this Jean Paul Gaultier long-sleeve at a shoot a few weeks ago and was surprised how much I loved it. The patterned sleeves made me nostalgic for similar shirts I wore in the early 2000s. To me, that design element is very Lizzy McGuire, but she was my main fashion influence in those years so a lot reminds me of her.
While shopping in London I stumbled across this 90s button-up top that perfectly filled the JPG-shaped hole in my closet. It’s one of the only things I bought during the trip, and certainly the only thing that wasn’t Uniqlo HeatTech.
In truth, I do an insane amount of browsing but very little purchasing these days. I’ve been feeling somewhat bored by the in-store offerings I’m seeing. Everything looks… kind of… the same? And listen. I can appreciate The Row on an individual product basis. I know a beautiful coat when I see one. I appreciate the business acumen that goes into creating a viral handbag. But as a whole? Do I want to live in The Row’s universe?? I want to be wowed, entertained, and/or inspired! Fashion is supposed to be FUN. Sigh.
One thing making me happy these days:
This woman on Tiktok bakes something inspired by Noel Fielding’s sweater after each episode of the Great British Bake Off. Can you imagine stepping foot into his closet?? A fuzzy, psychedelic paradise!!
xx Ruby