Ask the Editor: What Catches Your Eye?
Jan 12, 2022
This week, I was having a conversation on Instagram with one of your fellow readers. She was lamenting that whenever she goes shopping, she never seems to find the goods. And she asked me how I scour the Internet for great pieces, and what catches my eye when I do.
First, I have a mental list of retailers that I search regularly. Shopbop is near the top of that list. Even if I don’t find what I’m looking for, I usually find a new brand or get a look at the new trends.
The Helsinki tote from DeMellier immediately grabbed my attention. I love when a classic piece, like a leather shoulder bag, has a little something extra. The metal hardware on the straps, plus the sharp, clean edges and unique shape are definitely extra.
Banana Republic has really bounced back after several years of decline. I purchased four pieces from there this fall, and they are all in frequent rotation.
This Silk Tuxedo Shirt (also in tall and petite) with pin-tuck details really takes basics to a new level. You can buy all the button-up blouses you want, but you’ll rarely find one as special as this one. The long cuffs are great, and the collarless style means you can wear it with almost anything. It’ll look great with distressed jeans or tucked into a sleek skirt.
Also, my favorite blazer is back. Grab it on pre-order in any color. I love it so much, I’m grabbing the camel. It does run slightly large.
If there is one brand that I would wear every day if I could, it’s Reiss. They’re having a smoking hot sale right now. You can also find their pieces at Nordstrom Rack. There are only a few of this sleek <$50 boatneck tee available, grab yours quick.
This Reiss Summer Cream Shawl Collar sweater is a showstopper. The variations in the weave pattern make it more interesting that most cardigans. The stand-up collar gives it a sleek look. It’s like the best version of the professor sweater.
These three pieces definitely ended up on my wishlist this week. Every one of them gives the utility of a basic with the pop of something cooler.
{this post contains
Long-time lurker, very infrequent poster – the Reiss Summer cardigan is STUNNING. Any sizing tips, and any chance you think it goes on sale in the near future? Thank you for the heads-up about Reiss at Nordstrom Rack, too!
Agree that Banana Republic has had great finds lately! The ease of online returns also helps
I’ve been surprised with how much I’m drawn to Express. There’s some gorgeous sweater dresses and cardigans for WFH or casual workplaces.
This one in particular caught my eye:
https://www.express.com/clothing/women/eyelet-lace-fit-and-flare-sweater-dress/pro/07825637/color/Wine/e/regular/
Thank you for addressing this question. It was very helpful.
Would you see the blazer runs a full size large, or just is just a bit roomier than typical?
Not a full-size, but roomier.
Abra, if you don’t mind me asking, how frequently do you refresh your wardrobe? As a fashion blogger, I imagine you’re pretty frequently buying new pieces. I vacillate between wanting to buy lots of different pieces because I enjoy new outfits, and being frustrated that there are consequently pieces that I rarely wear. How do you balance?
HI – do you have any comments on the fit from Reiss? I’m typically petite, how do the sleeves and length run? Appreciate any feedback.
Re Reiss for petites: I’m 5’1.
I have 3 Reiss jackets. I needed to shorten the sleeves on one. Some of the sleeve lengths seem really too long, some I can get by with.
Re pants: The waist/hips is likely to fit – but the inseams are long. Plan to hem.
Shirts/sweaters/dresses: Hit or miss. Some extra smalls or 0s/2s work for me, some are just too big and I don’t see how to reasonably alter.
Also – some of the 0’s run very small compared to an American 0 but some are oddly as expected.
(I have spent many hours in the store doing try on’s!)