What stays, what goes, what’s next - a case for no-fail essentials
etc. new bag from Lie Studio, St Agni Selfridges launch, Toteme fresh drop, coats on nap sale and more
Tail end of winter in London is always relentlessly cold and grey — the kind of weather that drains any inspiration to get dressed. Staying optimistic is what keeps me sane, so I refocus and trigger a wardrobe reset. While new arrivals are starting to drop (scroll to “Etc.” for those), my first instinct is to get ready for what’s ahead. I weed out pieces I haven’t touched in ages, recycle old tees with dignity, and set up a rack for “maybe I’ll wear this” alongside pieces I want to archive forever. It’s oddly therapeutic — much like opening a fresh work journal. Fresh page, fresh wardrobe.
This is also when I shop for essentials the most. I’m not alone, Lemaire cashmere jumper sold out in some sizes on NAP already. And when it comes to essentials, I’m a creature of habit: find a good one, buy it in every colour, keep it forever.
Take the Leset Margo t-shirt — the cut hits in a way that actually flatters (rare), and I have it in three colours. I layer it under knitwear in winter, pair it with my favourite denim and a jacket when it’s warmer. Maybe red for spring? Ordered the Flore Flore long sleeve polo. I want one nearby for layering, or tied at the waist for casual days.
Leset also taught me the importance of a pull-on pant that doesn’t look like a pull-on pant (go one size up). I reach for mine more often than I’d like to admit, and the straight cut version is next on my list.
Another non-negotiable essential — black jeans. Specifically the Phoebe Philo Classic pair, which I’ve been favouring unconsciously. Mainly because they remind me of that 90s jean — the gentle bow in the leg, the eased fit, the way the mid-rise sits without being high-waisted. I’m wishlisting Khaite’s Kerrie in Boone, Ruadh’s The Quinn, the Maria McManus x Agolde collaboration (launching in about a month), and Mother’s Reifler collection for blue denim. And always hunting for vintage Levi’s. Aren’t we all?
Knits are always a hotter topic in winter, but I use them all year round. I’m keeping the this knit close, classic v-neck, I wear it a lot! Just like those lightweight wool Uniqlo mens turtlenecks (if you know me, I’m a big fan—more about it here). Recently added the 440M silk and wool short sleeve to my rotation and waiting for warmer days.
Also thinking about Toteme double wool turtleneck, Lauren Manoogian Koto cardigan, and Lisa Yang Oia sweater in truffle. And The Row’s Ophelia cashmere crew neck that keeps selling out and restocked for a reason — it might be the perfect one. Same with Khaite’s Wolfe v-neck.
Finally, it took me by surprise, but having worn crisp shirts sparingly last year, I didn’t notice that the majority of my shirts need a serious overhaul — apart from Teym mens shirt I got a few years back, which is still amazing. I’m looking at a few re-imagined button-downs: Phobe Philo’s upright collar shirt and Antheros Lief. But my list of demands for the classic white crisp cotton shirt is long: it needs to work under a blazer or on its own, with the right weight and a collar that sits flat. Charvet springs to mind, especially after Matthieu Blazy brought back those references in the Chanel SS26 runway. I find Charvet’s strong offline presence intriguing and hoping to squeeze in a visit during Paris Fashion Week. Maybe will even send a postcard back home!
Speak soon,
Victoria xx
Etc.
St. Agni launched in Selfridges, so us Londoners can now explore in person. Their new arrivals are solid: this suede coffee coat, 90s coded handbag, already sold out in most sizes wool hybrid pants, which I’m patiently waiting for.
Toteme is giving first access to their registered shoppers, the leather jacket with scarf one of the best I’ve seen so far; perfect coat for spring I’m determined to wear very soon.
Lie Studio started dropping new spring arrivals weekly. Very focused on gemstones this season, which is perfect way to add a very subtle amount of colour. Beatrice rings especially, stack them, or wear them one by one — chic. They also made the best minimal handbag — The Grace tote — smaller, every day size interpretation of Eva weekender.
Fforme Lise trench could satisfy all my fringe detail cravings right now. Fringe placement is fairly restrained, not too costumery, it’s just right. Already sold out on their website, but found some here.
Lemaire always for the win with their accessories. In a new drop, buttery leather scarf, comes in small and large sizes.
Still freezing daily, so I revisited NAP sale for coats. Toteme shearling is on there, along with a very classic one from Rohe. The Carven I got last season is now on sale too, and there’s a belted classic from Another Tomorrow worth looking at.
Talking about shearlings, Aflalo might just have the perfect one.
Schiaparelli exhibit kicks off end of March with tickets available at V&A from today. I anticipate it to be extraordinary and hoping to see the lobster dress Elsa Schiaparelli created with Salvador Dalí in 1937 in person.
