2018 thoughts on clothes and shoes

Yup, still catching up on my 2018 thoughts. Previously: 2018 thoughts on bags and self-care. 

In general, I think I have a better sense of what works for my body and lifestyle. I also think I spend less on clothes than I used to, but I have not backed this up with credit card statement analysis. I have gotten better at returning things on time. Earlier in the year, I was better at reselling whatever didn’t work. I need to get back on that.

I work in New York City. Companies have gone more casual. My office has a business casual dress code with most women veering on the casual end and it saddens me.  With that said, women dress for other women and I’m pretty demotivated to dress nicely! Of course, it is a personal choice on how to dress, but I still prefer to dress nicer. Even outside of the office, when I do go out, people don’t dress up. And it’s not because we’re going to a KBBQ. I prefer to buy clothes that can be worn all the time.

I still love neutral colors, especially black and navy. It’s versatile. I used to really like red as an accent color. Now, not so much. Perhaps forest green is the new red for me?

I. Clothes

Brands I can’t quit

Uniqlo. Still my favorite for basics and the occasional collab. I consider it affordable enough that sometimes I buy at full price. I also had no problems with their e-commerce this year. I prefer to pay through PayPal (and they refund return shipping). My 2018 faves:

• Airism slip (previously). I wear this year-round under most dresses. Sorry, it’s not available… I did wait 4 years for it to come back the last time so I did stockpile this!
• U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt (previously). The Uniqlo U collaboration is recurring and each season has a new batch of colors. I haven’t checked out the new season (just launched) to confirm the fabric weight is still the same but I’m semi-shocked that Uniqlo increased the retail price from $9.90 to $14.90! You can find the past season on sale. New season also has a boxier relax fit version (unsure if it’s the same weight).
• Blocktech Outerwear (previously). However, this is one where I like to see them in person as I do not like the stiffy, boxy ones. Current Blocktech styles.
• Tomas Maier Flight Jacket. I got it in olive green (sold out). It’s on the lighter side for a jacket and perfect for layering, travel. Lots of pockets. This was an unexpected love for a lackluster (to me) collab.
• Extra Fine Cotton A-Line Striped 3/4 Sleeve Dress (previously). My favorite dress of the summer and perfect for those balmy summer days. It also does not require ironing after washing! Uniqlo has brought it back in slightly different colors. It also comes in dark solid colors, but I personally prefer the lighter colors since it’s a bit tenty.
• Light V-Neck Cardigan (previously). Also another summer staple. Hunter green has been having a moment and I couldn’t resist (and it’s a departure from my standard black and navy). Hope they will bring back the style for this spring, but I am stocked up for now.

to shop / {deal alert} ferragamo vara pump in black leather

June 18 Update: If you recently purchased (~10 days ago) a pair of Ferragamos on sale from Bloomingdales, they have an additional 25% off sale (code SAVE25). You can ask for a price adjustment, but don’t wait too long because last time the SAVE25 lasted for one day. They have restocked the aforementioned Vara pumps numerous times even during the day as well as these neutral patent Varina flats in pink bon bon. A steal!

These classic Ferragamo black leather Vara pumps are 40% off at Bloomingdales and 35% off at Nordstrom. Currently, there are only large sizes available but if you’re looking for a pair, I would check back for popbacks. Non-patent Varas and Varinas are much harder to find. I wear the black patent ones all the time for work and have been wanting to get some in smooth leather.

Read on for my brief Ferragamo review and comments on sizing.

to shop / salvatore ferragamo laser cut varina in macadamia review

I’ve resolved to be nicer to my feet. I lucked out and found these Ferragamo Varina flats that I’ve been eyeing in an exquisite lace-like laser cut in a nude “macadamia” shade for a great sale price! (In case you haven’t noticed, it’s that time of the year again.)

to shop / {shop review} repetto, w broadway, soho

I found myself in West Soho one evening, not quite sure where to visit since I rarely go downtown. Then, I remembered the new Repetto store! It’s next door to the Soho Laduree and similar to the Laduree, it’s as if they imported the store from Paris. The store design, layout, selection, and sales lady — all just like the Paris stores! There are so many styles, colors, and lines that are new to the US! There’s also an atelier in the back for custom shoes.

They also carry 4 type of shoe care products at the register (pricey at $20/bottle). After a quick chat with the sales lady, I need to bring in my patent shoes some time to diagnose if the black marks are fixable.

All in all, a must-see for any Repetto fan.

to shop / repetto shopping directory and sales (as of 2016.01.15)

Image: Repetto

Published: January 15, 2016

Here’s a full directory of where you can find Repetto on the internet. It’s been a while since I did a post on Repetto. Overall, less places carry Repetto and sales aren’t as tantalizing as they used to be. Repettos are still one of my favorite ballet flat brands — it wraps my foot the best, but I will be comparing to Porselli shortly. 

Repetto recently opened a boutique in the US (Soho, NYC) and has a L’Atelier for customized shoes. I haven’t stopped in yet. You can also shop from the Repetto US website, however, all items ship from France via express mail and are priced at US retail, and they are not partaking in the soldes that their French counterpart is. In addition, you also have to pay international duty which appears to be collected at point of sale by Repetto. At least you can return via mail to its NYC office… I can only see myself purchasing straight from Repetto if I’m desperate for a style that the other stores don’t carry and this is highly unlikely!