I’m on the same sweater train: bought a few of the Gap merino sweater and already have plenty of the J Crew cashmere crewneck ones. The Gap ones work extra hard for me because Atlanta winters are not as harsh and anything thicker, I get too hot 😅
HILLARY the Dieux eye gel + Makeup by Mario concealer combo that you recommended is ELITE!!!! I ordered both at the same time but got the concealer first, and paired with my current eye serum it would pill/not stay put, so I was admittedly a bit worried. But when I got the Dieux eye gel and tried it with that it was MAGIC. Thank you endlessly for this rec.
Hey hey Hillary! Courtney here (aka @courtdalpo on IG/husband was at old Navy/ I would dm you way too much) anyway, taking a much needed break on IG but came here to say, THANK you for the pleated crew skirt rec. wore it today, looked great and can’t wait to wear all year long. Hope you guys are well 😘😘
I get tremendous happiness when I see a “these things are great” email from you. Then I ready my credit card. We live in the Philippines and do a lot of beach vacations so those waterproof totes are actually needed - thank you. Went with some Dieux eye masks for gifts for several people this year - thank you again!
For the J Crew pleated skirt, I read reviews about the pleats “falling out”. May I ask how you wash yours?
Hi Amanda! Those waterproof totes are so darn helpful, and I even sometimes put my cosmetics bag in one if I'm particularly concerned about products leaking onto my clothes while traveling. As for the skirt, TBH I have a really lovely, family-owned, female-run dry-cleaning business by my house, so I've taken it there. In other words: I haven't washed it myself. But I will say that having worn them all a LOT of the last six months, the pleats stay put normally. (Sometimes, on other skirts, pleats fall out over the course of a day for me, but these don't!)
My absolute MVP this year is the Gap split-hem turtleneck in black and white Breton stripe. I reach for it multiple times each week and have worn it everywhere.
I also love the versatility of the J Crew pleated pull-on midi skirt. I didn’t realize it’s available in navy so now that’s next on my list, along with their shrunken cropped crew neck.
I’m curious! When you buy the same item in multiple sizes, is it because you’re styling them differently?
Oh I love that Gap sweater too! I wear it alllll the time. As for the multiple sizes, it's a few things. 1) Styling, as you guessed. In a small the skirt is closer to my natural waist. In a medium it's more low-slung on my hips. Both fit, just differently, and sometimes I'm more interested in one or the other. 2) My weight fluctuates, and sometimes if I really love something and can afford to have multiples, I buy them. That probably sounds bonkers, but it's the truth.
Your newsletters are one of my favorite things in the worrrrrrld. Would you mind sharing what pumps you are wearing with the ALC Pleated Blazer Dress? Thank you!
Yes! They're an older pair of Jimmy Choo heels, that are a bit like the Amita 45? I think mine have a slightly higher heel though. I actually have both styles and love them. Can be worn all day and/or all night and my feet never hurt!
Love this! My favourites this year were the Merit bronzer stick, too many Mother Denim jeans, the black leather common projects that I’ll wear for years, a pair of black cargos from Banana Republic (who I’m loving again / it feels like they’re making a comeback), more cool army green cargos from Aritizia, and a beautiful wool shall collar navy dress coat from the Zara x Manteco collection. Lastly the Prada symbole bag was an exciting purchase and a bag I’ve used more than I ever would have thought.
PS I have been wondering about The Great tshirts so this has solidified now that they are great quality and I need one! Xo
That bronzer stick is amaze, totally agree. What Mother jeans do you like? I'm always trying to find new ones I actually love. Banana is having such a moment right now!
LOVED this! Thanks Hillary! One of my fave things to read, so useful!
Can I ask two questions, please;
1. I’m a curvy petite girl with boobs / hips / tummy / bum - which JCrew style sweater would you say would be best, please? I HATE when they’re elasticated around the bottom hem - does me no favours!
2. Which bra do you wear with that gorgeous reformation dress, please? Does strapless do the job?
Hi Emily! So glad you find it useful. To answer: 1) I would say the cropped one because it hits right at the belly button or a little below, and is fitted but not tight. Just lays really nicely. 2) I don't wear one! The material is double layered (I think?) so it's quite secure. If that isn't your jam, I'd say the Skims bandeau bra, which I think it pretty great. Simone Perele also makes great strapless bras.
Also, sorry - please may I ask - I just moved to Canada🇨🇦. From western Europe!
and for winter, the ENTIRE outfit is “the coat”. I caved and bought the aritizia super long puff in black - I also had to buy those ugly Ugg proper snow boots (waterproof).
How do I look cute in this weather?! Or do I just accept that I can’t, and, as my co-worker put it, I have to “not die” in the cold?
I’ve got a moon face 🌝so beanies look awful on me, plus the beanie / scarf combo make my curly long hair so matted! First world problems but any suggestions gratefully recieved as I feel like any semblance of my old style is impossible!
Fellow moon face here! TBH super cold weather isn't my forte, as the majority of my knowledge is based on the 5 years I lived in NYC. BUT! Have you considered a balaclava? Refinery29 did a story on a Toronto editor with curly hair who tried one and liked it for her curls. Boots-wise, I've always been a LL Bean girl for snow. The black-on-black trad snow boot is pretty good? And Sorel makes some good options too, specifically the Caribou and the Joan of Arctic.
So glad to finally get a couple reviews (from you) on the Sezane shoes. I’ve been holding out for a while since I wasn’t sure how the fit and comfort level would be. Thank you! ☺️
Honestly I couldn't love them more. It's a little sad, but I never expect shoes to fit and feel good straight out of the box (I have funny feet and am just used to blisters/breaking shoes in), but these were perfect from minute one! No blisters, totally comfortable, and cute too! I wish they made them in more colors!
Just in time for J. Crew’s cashmere sale launch this morning! 👏🏻
OMG IT IS FATE, I didn't even know about this!!
I’m on the same sweater train: bought a few of the Gap merino sweater and already have plenty of the J Crew cashmere crewneck ones. The Gap ones work extra hard for me because Atlanta winters are not as harsh and anything thicker, I get too hot 😅
The Gap ones are so good I hope they keep making them in new colors. They're the new Tippi, IMHO.
HILLARY the Dieux eye gel + Makeup by Mario concealer combo that you recommended is ELITE!!!! I ordered both at the same time but got the concealer first, and paired with my current eye serum it would pill/not stay put, so I was admittedly a bit worried. But when I got the Dieux eye gel and tried it with that it was MAGIC. Thank you endlessly for this rec.
Oh I'm so glad you did the Dieux + Mario combo! I was so delighted when it worked well for me, and I'm thrilled to hear you had success too!
Hey hey Hillary! Courtney here (aka @courtdalpo on IG/husband was at old Navy/ I would dm you way too much) anyway, taking a much needed break on IG but came here to say, THANK you for the pleated crew skirt rec. wore it today, looked great and can’t wait to wear all year long. Hope you guys are well 😘😘
HEY!!!!! Oh my gosh, thank you so much for letting me know! I'm so thrilled you like it. I get so much use out of it too, glad I'm not the only one!
I get tremendous happiness when I see a “these things are great” email from you. Then I ready my credit card. We live in the Philippines and do a lot of beach vacations so those waterproof totes are actually needed - thank you. Went with some Dieux eye masks for gifts for several people this year - thank you again!
For the J Crew pleated skirt, I read reviews about the pleats “falling out”. May I ask how you wash yours?
Hi Amanda! Those waterproof totes are so darn helpful, and I even sometimes put my cosmetics bag in one if I'm particularly concerned about products leaking onto my clothes while traveling. As for the skirt, TBH I have a really lovely, family-owned, female-run dry-cleaning business by my house, so I've taken it there. In other words: I haven't washed it myself. But I will say that having worn them all a LOT of the last six months, the pleats stay put normally. (Sometimes, on other skirts, pleats fall out over the course of a day for me, but these don't!)
Might just give it a whirl then.
Travel-related, this packable backpack is the best thing to toss in the luggage. It always gets used! https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=1123978
The other 11/10 thing I bought this year is the Activist Manuka honey mask. Very calming and hydrating.
My absolute MVP this year is the Gap split-hem turtleneck in black and white Breton stripe. I reach for it multiple times each week and have worn it everywhere.
I also love the versatility of the J Crew pleated pull-on midi skirt. I didn’t realize it’s available in navy so now that’s next on my list, along with their shrunken cropped crew neck.
I’m curious! When you buy the same item in multiple sizes, is it because you’re styling them differently?
Oh I love that Gap sweater too! I wear it alllll the time. As for the multiple sizes, it's a few things. 1) Styling, as you guessed. In a small the skirt is closer to my natural waist. In a medium it's more low-slung on my hips. Both fit, just differently, and sometimes I'm more interested in one or the other. 2) My weight fluctuates, and sometimes if I really love something and can afford to have multiples, I buy them. That probably sounds bonkers, but it's the truth.
Your newsletters are one of my favorite things in the worrrrrrld. Would you mind sharing what pumps you are wearing with the ALC Pleated Blazer Dress? Thank you!
Yes! They're an older pair of Jimmy Choo heels, that are a bit like the Amita 45? I think mine have a slightly higher heel though. I actually have both styles and love them. Can be worn all day and/or all night and my feet never hurt!
Thank you!
Thanks for tip on the sweatshirt. It’s exactly what I’m looking for. How’s the sizing?
IMHO it's a more fitted, smaller cut. I usually wear a 4 or 6 in tops/jackets and I wear a M in the sweatshirt.
Love this! My favourites this year were the Merit bronzer stick, too many Mother Denim jeans, the black leather common projects that I’ll wear for years, a pair of black cargos from Banana Republic (who I’m loving again / it feels like they’re making a comeback), more cool army green cargos from Aritizia, and a beautiful wool shall collar navy dress coat from the Zara x Manteco collection. Lastly the Prada symbole bag was an exciting purchase and a bag I’ve used more than I ever would have thought.
PS I have been wondering about The Great tshirts so this has solidified now that they are great quality and I need one! Xo
That bronzer stick is amaze, totally agree. What Mother jeans do you like? I'm always trying to find new ones I actually love. Banana is having such a moment right now!
HK always with the 11/10 hot takes. Can’t miss!
Ahahhahahahahhahahahha
Thank you! Love your recos. Always look forward to reading them.
LOVED this! Thanks Hillary! One of my fave things to read, so useful!
Can I ask two questions, please;
1. I’m a curvy petite girl with boobs / hips / tummy / bum - which JCrew style sweater would you say would be best, please? I HATE when they’re elasticated around the bottom hem - does me no favours!
2. Which bra do you wear with that gorgeous reformation dress, please? Does strapless do the job?
Hope you and yours have a lovely Xmas! Xx
Hi Emily! So glad you find it useful. To answer: 1) I would say the cropped one because it hits right at the belly button or a little below, and is fitted but not tight. Just lays really nicely. 2) I don't wear one! The material is double layered (I think?) so it's quite secure. If that isn't your jam, I'd say the Skims bandeau bra, which I think it pretty great. Simone Perele also makes great strapless bras.
Thank you!! 💖💖
Also, sorry - please may I ask - I just moved to Canada🇨🇦. From western Europe!
and for winter, the ENTIRE outfit is “the coat”. I caved and bought the aritizia super long puff in black - I also had to buy those ugly Ugg proper snow boots (waterproof).
How do I look cute in this weather?! Or do I just accept that I can’t, and, as my co-worker put it, I have to “not die” in the cold?
I’ve got a moon face 🌝so beanies look awful on me, plus the beanie / scarf combo make my curly long hair so matted! First world problems but any suggestions gratefully recieved as I feel like any semblance of my old style is impossible!
Fellow moon face here! TBH super cold weather isn't my forte, as the majority of my knowledge is based on the 5 years I lived in NYC. BUT! Have you considered a balaclava? Refinery29 did a story on a Toronto editor with curly hair who tried one and liked it for her curls. Boots-wise, I've always been a LL Bean girl for snow. The black-on-black trad snow boot is pretty good? And Sorel makes some good options too, specifically the Caribou and the Joan of Arctic.
Thank you! Ooh hadn’t seen that article - will check it out 😊
As always, love your recommendations! Thank you for this lovely newsletter! It brings a smile to my face every time I see it in my inbox.
Awww thank you, this delights me!
So glad to finally get a couple reviews (from you) on the Sezane shoes. I’ve been holding out for a while since I wasn’t sure how the fit and comfort level would be. Thank you! ☺️
Honestly I couldn't love them more. It's a little sad, but I never expect shoes to fit and feel good straight out of the box (I have funny feet and am just used to blisters/breaking shoes in), but these were perfect from minute one! No blisters, totally comfortable, and cute too! I wish they made them in more colors!
Thank you for all of your faves!
Always my pleasure! Thank you for reading!
I too love those pouches !
Legit changed the game for us. Swim/beach days are totally different now!