MARCH: ALL THE THINGS
Wrapping up the month with what I bought, wore, have my eye on, and the silhouette that's making everything look fresh...plus, new COS picks and what to watch.
Well, March flew by. I feel like so much and yet so little happened. It was both a busy and quiet month. Looking back, I spent a great deal of time planning on upcoming things for the year, so while a lot of work went into the month, there wasn’t a lot of action. I’m detailing a Portugal Guide, which has turned into a time consuming project, while at the same time tweaking the details of my upcoming trip. I shopped a little and focused on bottoms for the easiest update to my wardrobe.
I recently discovered a Madewell jean that is so incredibly comfortable (and well priced), I bought it in three washes. It’s their Superwide-Leg silhouette in what Madewell refers to as Airy Denim - a super soft denim that moves, flows and simply hangs well. Whenever I talk about a wide leg pant, I receive comments saying they’re only for a tall frame. I disagree, and think it all has to do with styling. I’m not alone in this as Madewell offers petite sizing in exactly this silhouette. I purchased the standard length and they skim above the floor - ready to go with summer flats. If I wanted to wear with a heel I’d get a second pair in the tall size, but I already have that look covered with Mother Denim in several washes. In the photo above, I’m wearing the Billings Wash which is a basic faded, light wash. The other washes I purchased are Concho (old-school vintage looking) and Essex - a super dark denim with gold top stitching. They’re 100% cotton but not rigid or stiff. For sizing, it depends on how you want to wear them. I like them to hang a little off the waist so I went with a 27 in the two faded washes. I sized down in the super dark because I want to wear that wash as a more tailored fit, high on the waist, to pair with shrunken jackets (back to those again!) or the matching cropped top.
The faded Billings Wash and super dark Essex Wash are currently on a double markdown for a crazy low price. Additional sizes here but not with the markdown. I don’t obsess over high or low denim brands. To me it’s all about the fit and what I want to wear at the moment. I’ve had jeans from Zara and J.Crew to Khaite and Chloe. They’ve all been good.
Studying my wardrobe, I’ve decided bottoms are the current game changer in updating a look without much effort. A barrel-leg - just the name makes them unappealing - is tricky, but workable. It’s all in how and where they taper. I’m experimenting with a style from COS in a soft cotton, with an elastic waist and lots of volume.
Of course, with this much volume, they’re incredibly comfortable. It almost feels like wearing a full skirt. I’ve tried on a few different tops and the only styles that work are either cropped and fitted worn out like the jacket above or a slim fitted knit tucked in.
Once I get the formula down with pairing exactly which pieces I already own with this silhouette, I’ll be on my way. I love the deep slanted pockets and their placement towards the front of the leg. I took a size 6, although a 4 worked too. I wish COS sizing was predictable. It’s not, and very frustrating. Because their shipping speed is slow, I often buy two sizes if I think an item is popular and will sell out.
An easier, less dramatic way to go with volume is sizing up on a classic, relaxed style pant. I shared a drawstring utility pant from Vince in my Packing For Spring Travel post. It’s available in other colors including navy and sage green. They’re comfortable, lightweight and great for travel. I wish there was a matching top to create a set. Speaking of sets…
Sets speak to the practical side of me, especially for travel. But, I also love the look of head to toe color anytime. I’m eyeing another CO set in either black or white plisse cotton to wear to summer events and for travel. I can’t over state how handy the Toteme embroidered silk pajama set has been for me. After wearing the top and pant often, I added the short. They all run very large.
At this very moment, I’m adding to cart a lightweight striped set I discovered Laurel Pantin wearing on Instagram.
Where have I been? I’ve never heard of Haven Well Within. Super great pieces for lounging at home, or running around town, and of course travel. Lots of sets too.
More sets…I have several of the linen pieces form COS - shorts, shirts both long and short sleeve, pants. They are great at home or away. It’s a collection I keep building. In general, shorts look good to me when they’re part of a set, even a blazer. I like to project a more pulled together look if I’m wearing them anywhere other than for exercise.
And while I’m talking about COS, I just ordered a few more pieces:
And I’m considering these two dresses for toss on and go ease. Everything from COS marked with an asterik is included in their 25% off Friends & Family Sale…ending today.
The dresses, short sets and skirts are great additions to my Packing For Spring Travel Guide:
THE MARCH WATCH LIST:
An ongoing list of shows recommended from family, friends and newsletters, followed by a quick comment if I’ve watched. I’m running out of shows so please let me know if you have anything to add.
I’m Still Here AppleTV
White Lotus Season 3 Max (feel like the comedy aspect of the first season is missing)
Apple Cider Vinegar Netflix
A Rainy Day In New York Peacock
Goodrich Max
Dope Thief Apple TV (good but a bit gritty)
Lee Netflix (Very good. I wasn’t familiar with Lee Miller before watching the film and loved learning something new.)
September 5 Paramount/Prime (Another opportunity to learn about a moment in history I was not informed about. Very good!)
Somebody, Somewhere Max (Just started…funny, warm, sad and good)
EASY SHOPPING:
The ShopMy site has become an easy place for me to save and share a lot of the links I create for posts. I just added THE MONTHLY EDIT where I’ll break the links down by month so they feel more timely. THE BEST OF MARCH is complete and I’ll continue to add to THE BEST OF APRIL throughout the month.
You can also access a newly created PACKING GUIDES section with two separate “shops” - CARRY ON & FLIGHT MUSTS and PACKING.
ah swoon
I’d love your ideas for black tie in NYC end of this month? I’m 5’4”?