THE LESS EXPECTED

Here and there, not everywhere - a theme to pursue when fashion fatigued.

In search of new, interesting and less expected pieces to add a bit of mystery to an outfit. An item that makes me look twice or isn’t immediately identifiable by brand. That’s the goal. This post is a compilation of my finds. Un-promoted items buried a little deeper than the first page on a site. They haven’t saturated the market, yet. For anyone seeking something a little different, look past the bestsellers and dig around the underexposed finds.

sunglasses, shoes, brooch, bag, necklace, image: Celine

An appreciation for unique items has been steadily rising to the top of my wish list. I still love timeless, classic pieces as the core of my wardrobe, but am interested in sourcing and layering in things I haven’t seen a million times. Logo-less pieces come to mind. Vintage too.

St.Agni’s oval frames answer to the logo-free aesthetic I like. They’re striking in their simplicity and not super familiar. Understated and very cool. Dries Van Noten levels up the mesh shoe trend with an edgy sneaker accented in suede. The contrasting sole and laces pull it together. Brooches are an easy item to add personality to an outfit. Vintage or new. I love the beaded and silk carnation from Erdem and wish I would have snapped it up in green the moment I saw it. Inspired by an old Celine campaign, I went to task sourcing vintage Celine jewelry. There are some fabulous resale finds. This necklace being one. Also check out this studded cuff and the leather knot featured in the ad above. More praise for Celine, but this time in the newest bag release, the Camille 16. I don’t like bags without some type of closure and hate zippers, so many previous iterations on this shape have not interested me. The new Camille 16 offers security and a minuscule logo I can deal with. Two sizes are available in black, tan, and white or sand.

bag, sneakers, necklace, flats

Can you identify this bag? If not, that’s a good thing. I’m intrigued by the quiet design, again with no visible logo. There are two sizes and a few colors including one in dark brown suede. They are all beautiful, functional and priced between $805 and $985. Other styles from the designer are equally fabulous and start at a little over $500. That’s rare in today’s market. The tan sneakers and shearling lined suede ballerina are tweaks on familiar classics, again with brand labeling hard to pin down. Collared necklaces in metal have been making the rounds and I love them, but they can take a breather while this rock crystal and leather beauty makes its own statement.

sweater, top, necklace, pants, shoes

As I was collecting items for this post, I realized how many items are from Jil Sander. For some reason, the label has been off my radar. The wrap sweater and red pumps are both Jil Sander and would add interest to any of my frequently worn uniforms of basics. I sourced similar sweaters at a friendlier price such as these - Isabel Marant, Rohe, Altuzarra. I like the drawstring detail on the otherwise classic pleated pinstripe trouser and the twisted stripe fabrication on the sheer top. Both are interesting without looking contrived. A freshwater pearl necklace stands on its own with what I see as a “laurel leaf” repeat. Don’t read the designer’s description referring to it as “chicken feet”.

dress, necklace, top, bag, sandal

The LBD gets a funky update with a laser cut layered fringe detail hem. A looker at a great price. More layered details in the form of a cream pleated top. I’m not one to go strapless, so I’d wear this under a cropped jacket with a bit of the white hem hanging out, or under an oversized blazer. Charmed necklaces are not new but I like the ease of a pre-selected set. I’d travel with this piece and leave my fine jewelry at home. Other sets include this, this and this mega charm option. Another Jil Sander bag rises to the top. This is my current favorite and I may have to snap it up. The nod to vintage is not lost and looks incredibly chic fabricated in crinkled, padded leather. This is good. Celine’s elegant interpretation of a humble river sandal has my attention too. If it’s as comfortable as it looks, it could be the replacement for my beloved Birkenstocks. Maybe.

shirt, jacket, tan bag, black bag, shoes

My favorite TWP top (the ruffled Patti - I have in navy and ecru) is newly introduced in a microstripe cotton with the addition of a tie. In blue or lavender. I’m still deciding which color I prefer. The common jean jacket feels upscale when rendered in a clean, dark denim wash from Lemaire. Zero visible hardware adds a modern edge with styling versatility. Also from Lemaire is a ruched leather pump inspired by traditional ballet shoes. Really beautiful and unique. I’d love to see this produced with a shorter, 2” heel. And more from Jil Sander…the tan soft fold over tote and the black knot strap bucket. I’m drawn to the simplicity, functionality and micro logo on both of these designs.

This post has more than the usual number of pieces I want to add to my cart now. I guess that speaks to my current interest in finding that special item that hopefully isn’t on everyone’s radar.