2021 FROM A SHOPPING AND STYLE PERSPECTIVE

I don’t have any resolutions for the new year. I’m just rolling with whatever comes my way. That’s been my motto for 2020 and 2021 and its worked so far. Instead, I’m taking a moment to reflect back on 2021 from a style and shopping perspective. I think with the changes in socializing, working, traveling, really everything, came a new mindset on what I chose to wear and buy. I’ll share a couple of examples from the last year that shifted my approach on new purchases and getting dressed.

Most noticeably, I embraced quality over quantity. A closet overflowing with clothes and shoes became annoying with little of it getting much use. I made a commitment to wear the pieces I loved most, which made it very easy to identify the items that just take up space. The jackets with the perfect fit, the dresses that make me feel good, the coziest cashmere sweaters now take up valuable real estate in my not so large closet. This is still an ongoing work in progress but I’m making a dent.

The purchases I made were more thoughtful and intentional and often filled a void in my wardrobe. A Khaite top I could have easily overlooked became the most preferred piece to wear under jackets. The texture adds so much interest and immediately elevates everything it’s paired with. Additionally, I promised myself to step out of my comfort zone and splurge on color. A lavender Chanel bag was definitely a stretch, but now it’s become one of my favorites. Other pops of color were introduced with a poppy red Bottega Veneta bag and a few jackets – one in emerald green, and others in peach and purple.

I delved into the world of online vintage shopping snapping up a couple of beautiful Chanel pieces from Kern 1. The owner, Tami.  is very selective and only offers well-cared for, exceptional Chanel clothing. The beautifully packaged pieces arrive with a personal handwritten note about the history of the item and why it’s special. In a world where almost everything is available with a click of a button, purchasing vintage has brought the fun and excitement back to shopping. It takes both patience and luck, but when you’ve found a winner, a sense of appreciation follows. This thrill is likely carried over from my flea market and antiquing days when I enjoyed the hunt for unique finds to bring home.

Speaking of home, I added some decorative pieces from Astier de Villatte to my small but growing collection. Again, I think the sourcing and limited availability is part of the satisfaction of acquiring a new AdV piece. In town, A’maree’s has the best selection. The store is the most beautiful I can think of with exceptional inventory housed in an iconic Ladd + Kelsey building on the water. Stopping in for Astier or just to browse the collections is an experience on its own.

I keep a running list of design and fashion books I’d like to add to my collection and drop hints around the holidays. It’s now become a tradition to spend the lazy week between Christmas and New Years delving into these gorgeous books before they hit the shelves. This year’s highlights include the interior design work of Rose Uniacke, a collection of Peter Lindbergh’s iconic photographs, a history of Chanel and cookbook from Bavel restaurant (a must in downtown L.A.). Sitting by the fire and going through the stack of books with my new Maison Louis Marie candle (No. O4) burning has been my favorite pastime this last rainy week.

A final observation. I’ve returned to wearing jewelry. I can’t say why, but for several years I took a break from donning anything more than my wedding ring on a daily basis. As part of my theme of wearing the things I love, I’m embracing the memory attached to pieces my husband gave me from our travels or commemorating milestones. This sentimental feeling is carried over to a lovely stone from my mother I had reset in a simple necklace after she passed away in May.

Moving forward into 2022, I plan on continuing with these more intentional shopping strategies. Buy better, buy less, buy vintage and find personal value in the things I add to my closet and home. Maybe, I have a new years resolution after all.