2021 Year-End Spending Review: Stars and Dogs
I almost skipped the 2021 review, because who bought anything? Not so fast, honeybunches, turns out I did, in both practical and emotion-driven bursts.
A surprising star
The vest was current-looking but not design-strenuous, and warm enough for me from through December. January and February are frigid here, so it's taking a time out, but returns in March.
Star: Silk velvet top
A purpled-blue and bronzed-green silk velvet top, made by Toronto boutique Motion. I wear it with jeans, but it dresses up with a skirt or trousers. I like the loose but not baggy cut and the elbow-length sleeves. Fabric like this—the dots are woven, not printed, and recessed, like devoré—is hard to find at any price point; it has the odd charm of a Dries van Noten piece. Price, about $CDN 130.
Lesson: It is too easy for me to hunker in genericland; adding some unusual garments breathes life into trusty basics.
Jewellery: Two hits and a miss
Here's a good buy you've already seen: the MPR "Tear" earrings. One reader said she thought, "she's in trouble now", but I am relieved to report after frequent wear I see no bends or breaks; they are ultralight but strong.
Lesson: I can no longer wear earrings over 10g/pair; lighter is better. (These do not even weigh 1g.) Some of my old favourites are now comfortable only for a few hours.
Woof! A pearl mistake, which I knew I was making...
There's a Chinese pearl dealer on Etsy—Wen Pearls. Out of curiosity, I ordered a pair of 13-14mm grey off-round CFW studs because I wanted to see what $US 10 with free postage would deliver. About what you'd expect: the size is there, the lustre is acceptable on one but on the other, there's a sizeable dull patch toward the bottom, which you can see below—that white blob is not a reflection, it's thin nacre. On the ear, it is definitely visible.
I gave Wen a 1-star review with specific feedback because the listing did not describe this flaw, calling the earrings "AAA" which is an arbitrary rating, as there is no internationally recognized grading standard for CFWs. But come on. My review was not posted on their site. It would have cost me more to return them than they cost, so I donated to a thift.
Lesson: Maybe another pair from the lot would yield one good pearl that would match, but I'm not supporting this business. I got exactly what I thought, but if unaccustomed to shopping online, step away when you see ecstatic reviews for vendors who charge extremely low prices.
...and a fabulous recovery
You know who has them! This is an astonishing 35mm freshwater keshi from Kojima Pearl that flashes and dances on a glamorous yet earthy ring. The simply-set pearl, 35mm long, shows vivid rose, green, and bronze iridescence even in low light. It was on sale last summer and I decided, it's time. Shown, detail of pearl, and ring on my hand.
Lesson: Kojima remains my benchmark for both the beauty of the pearls and integrity of the company—this ring is but one example.
Star: Bookish scarf
From Eric Bompard's January 2021 sale, a quirky silk plaid square scattered with a surrealist selection of books and gloved hands, a collaboration with French interior designer Vincent Darré—my kind of accessory.
Lesson: For silk squares, I usually buy 35 in., but the smaller 26 in. is a good indoor size, especially tied cowboy style, filling in a v-neckline. Smaller than this is too tiny for me, but may suit petite women.
Only okay
This Everlane ReNew Channelled Liner jacket was bought on sale early last spring; it did the job for what I needed: a light but warm and washable layer for morning walks. In rain, it's fine with an umbrella. I like the big exterior pockets, and just slightly v'd neckline; I dislike the tape running down the front interior of one placket. But it's just okay, and not a stitch more. (Sale price, about $CDN 130.)
Everlane describe this as a "travel piece" that packs small—but it does not, compared to those light down jackets that roll into a stuff bag.
Lesson: I looked at versions (Lululemon, Van's, Madewell, Lavenham, J. Crew), and wondered whether delight could be squeezed from any. The times foster this kind of overthinking; it's a question of budget and which details you prefer.
The secondhand score
Everything in this collage was worn with pleasure except that black Asian-print skirt, centre. I have no idea why not, but busted myself down a half-grade because even if secondhand, I ought to wear a purchase. The only retail item, the white tee at lower right, is no longer available because the wonderful Aude Le Dubé has pivoted from clothing to books— but her bookstore, DeStiil, is also a treasure.
No regrets except for those cheap studs. It was an odd year; I resisted sweatpants and house slippers but barely touched a good half of my wardrobe. As a result, I was tempted to do a major purge, but these are clothes I enjoy, so I'm keeping them awhile. But no A; an A year means every item was worn regularly.
And you? Any lessons learned, from decisions both good and not so great?
Comments
Okay so last year I bought three Katrin Leblond jersey print tops which I would score A. Love the colours and patterns and they are perfect for all the in between weather we now have. Also a pair of short waterproof suede La Canadienne boots - also A and on sale! Third purchase was lightweight black pants and waterproof sneakers for a trip to Southeast Asia that got cancelled. No rating since I haven't worn them. That's it. I did buy a bunch of stuff for the house and the garden.
Like you I didn't wear half my clothes last year, maybe we'll have more opportunities in 2022.
Some years back I had that kind of skirts, but now find them too ruffly. Are you going to find a home for it, whether among friends or a charity shop?
I haven't bought much this year, and a lot of my time seems to have been spent getting rid of things from my wardrobe rather than adding to it.
My epic clothes purchase fail for 2021 was definitely the H&M oversized vest that I bought in the winter. I wore it a lot at first, and I liked it, but the yarn wore badly and it was soon no longer fit to be seen in public. Well, you gets what you pays for...
Much more uplifting was my Bompard sweater (first ever purchase from this brand). A camel v neck, which I bought in XL so that I could wear it as a 'sloppy Joe'. It was a steal in the sale, and I wear it with great pleasure.
Other good buys were three identical sleeveless white shirts (again, sale buys) which layer brilliantly under all my sweaters and striped T-shirts.
I also got a pair of black Barbour ankle-height wellies. So good! They are a neat style and, from a distance, look just like normal ankle boots. As a Brit, I really love a nice wellie ;)
I was intrigued to see you mention Lavenham jackets - in the 70s/80s I used to wear the ubiquitous Lavenham jacket by Husky of Tostock (also a Suffolk business). I can't work out whether there's any connection between the two businesses, but the new styles are certainly very interesting.
Jane in London
I did purchase some casual clothes, mostly loose cotton pants, and a top or two, when I realized that my spring and summer were going to be occupied with cancer treatment and I was not likely to sew much; I did sew a couple of things. Most of those garments got heavy wear, are now to big and have been either donated or added to a pile for repurposing, and idea of which I am increasingly enamored. The two most expensive pieces I bought (most were from an online store called marketplaceIndia, but these were not) were the two pieces I did not wear, mostly because between the time I bought them and the time the weather was hot enough for them they were already too large. The fabric is nice though and I hope to redeem them and elevate some of my own self-annoyance. There was a fall purchase that falls into that same category: by the time the weather turned, the garment was unwearable, but it, at least, can be altered.
I also went out, after my hair fell out, and spent roughly $100 on six pairs of cheap large dangly earrings, mostly to see if I would like wearing them. I did enjoy the look; most broke, but that is not a problem because I considered them an experiment that would eventually be tossed. This year I will look for lightweight dangles, so I consider it the purchase a win. There is one pair of those earrings I still wear.
I used to have a sleeveless puffer vest, which is an almost perfect winter coat for much of the season in Knoxville. That also became unflatteringly oversized and has been donated. But I will look for a nice replacement this year.
I purchased a couple of Pendleton merino wool sweaters and lightweight under shirts to wear to reduce the need to launder. Who knew short sleeve shirts would hit supply chain shortages? A couple of pearls from Kojima rounded out the purchases for the year. Overall, I think your purchases are reasonable and they continue to serve as lessons to us all. Climate change ?? has brought short, intense cold weather and 50 degrees F in between in January. Post menopausal changes, climate and aging challenge my wardrobe to keep up.