" I just can't find..."

I enjoyed the requests received while the Passage was shuttered over the summer; here's a roundup of my responses.

Plus-sized jeans that don't look cheap

A woman who signed as "May Queen" said the jeans she had ordered from a plus-sized retailer had cheap construction, and asked where to find better quality for a woman who wears a US size 20.

Photo: SeasaltCornwall.com

The English company Seasalt make durable, classic clothes. May, a Canadian, has to contend with international shipping, but eventually ordered Hallworthy jeans, made in sizes UK 6 to 28. At about $CDN 150 per pair, they hit the high end of her budget but she says they are exactly what she hoped for.

A sun hat that isn't summery

You're right, Jill O. from Oregon, women need sun protection all year. If you live in a temperate climate, that means a brimmed hat that is warm enough for at least mild winter.  The trifecta of sun, cold, and wind makes for a hat-shopping challenge.

Left: The tweed deerstalker is a fall-to-winter option; this hat, made in many sizes, is from Lock Hatters of London. You can find cheaper models, but I fell for the grosgrain ribbon on the dogs' tooth tweed. Price, £145. Also see the Good Times Deerstalker, an insouciant version redolent of the mystique once wielded by hats.

Top right: With lower UV intensity, often all you need is a good brim at the front. Lilliput Hats' "Enfield" is the perfect peak hat and comes in many fabrics. I especially admire this tart violet. If you don't see what you like, they'll send you swatches for more options; price, $CDN 75.

Bottom right: The Irish Walker at Henri Heni has hidden earflaps that fold down, useful when you're out on a gusty day; price, $CDN 145.

"He asked me to choose and I'm stuck."

Donna's partner wants to celebrate an anniversary with a ring. They have been together forty years and mark the night they became lovers. She was paralyzed by choice, if the twenty-some photos she sent were a clue.

So, I had to get the juicy details. An October weekend canoe trip in Algonquin Park with their university gang. She had her eye on him, so uncharacteristically accepted the invitation to sleep in a tent and eat beans from a can. Starlight, song, glances across the bonfire, and a bit of theatre with them trying to act as if he'd spent the night in his own sleeping bag.

My suggestion, the Dorothée Rosen Maple Wrap ring in 14k gold, set with a sapphire. (Also available in silver.) The ring is made with an impression of a single maple leaf, just like those that blazed colour on that unforgettable weekend. Perfection. 

Photo: DorotheeRosen.ca

A friend pondered a wedding outfit

Not that my friend B. needs any help whatsover, but it was fun to consider what she might wear to an early-September casual evening wedding in NYC, when temperatures might still be steamy. 

For me, it is all about the fabric, which elevates the simplest cuts and honours the joyful occasion. She has a great eye and has sewn for decades, but for those of us who resort to RTW and as an example, I showed her this Itajame hand-dyed silk top from House of Wandering Silk. She has the ideal colouring to wear the lilac and ivory palette. (I also suggested a berry lightweight linen top with a gold zari border, now s/o.) 

Photo: House of Wandering Silk

B. had the bottom layer, a skirt or easy trousers, and an enviable jewellery collection to wear with such a top, including marvellous vintage Mexican silver pieces. However, she eventually decided to forego the gathering, due to concerns about the coronavirus variants, and pressing family obligations.

And someone did ask about pearls

A man who found me through a comment on his partner's blog wanted to buy a pearl pendant (no chain needed) that "is not boring" and said, "I've only seen white ones in (his city)."  

Photo: Druzy Design Gallery on eBay

The challenge was his budget, $100. I suggested he bump it up a bit but what a pearl, a South Sea baroque in a soft yellow with iridescence. It was $US 119 but worth that to get a plush size, almost 12.9 mm x 13.6mm. The bail is 24k vermeil over silver. From the highly-respected pearl and gemstone dealer Carolyn Ehret of Druzy Design Gallery on eBay.  

He dithered. A week later it was gone, but a similar one was listed, and by then another $40 or so was okay with him. 

Before the pandemic, I had gently avoided personal shopping requests (though ask me about pearls and you'll get a rapid response!) But over the summer, the scouting felt like solving a small puzzle.

I jumped into each of these discussions with pleasure, because they represent community, comfort, and celebration, all of which we need. Those are criteria for what is in the Passage's windows, though one person's necessity is another's luxury.

Funny how the times have changed my attitude!