One of the reasons I initially loved Substack was the unhurried approach to creating. In this day and age, to have good style I believe you have to slow down, approach buys sustainably and focus on good quality, long-lasting materials. I believe in buying pieces that will last you years, not just one season. It is this unhurried approach that has served myself and my clients well. Taking care, transcending what’s in fashion for longevity while keeping an eye on future trend-forecasting too.
The problem is, that doesn’t always translate to weekly edits. Often I find myself overwhelmed with a feeling that I should ‘push’ more product in order to engage followers. The best thing about Substack is that I don’t have to! I make the rules! One of my first ideas was to reject the idea of affiliates by replacing it with a flat monthly/yearly subscription. It was important to me that when you buy something I recommend - I’m not earning off of it. Personally, I didn’t want to be beholden to advertising or paid partnerships and have to pick product based on monetary growth or because a PR told me to. I am sincere in my work and believe that having a well-edited wardrobe is a fundamental key to enjoying a good quality life. This partly comes from volunteering at the charity Smart Works (previously named Dress For Success) in London back in 2011 where I saw the impact that a well-made suit or handbag had on a low-income woman’s confidence in going back to work. Today, I spend time with too many clients stressed about their wardrobes, over-purchasing and ‘keeping up’ with the trend cycles. I also firmly believe that we all need to consume less in order to enjoy more. This, in theory, goes against sending you a multitude of products to purchase each week. I’m still mulling over how best to edit and send you recommendations - so far this Substack page has been completely organic in it’s growth - something I am extremely proud of.
Early summer is a funny period in the capitalist calendar. Most forward-thinking editors (and shoppers) are already purchasing key winter pieces for AW24 while on holiday but if you’re a conscious shopper, you will have had your eye on some key pieces from last season. Sale time is the best time to edit and curate your wardrobe at more affordable pricing. Popular trendy styles will usually sell out immediately but I’m more interested in the under the radar items that I know will last the next decade. For this reason, I’ve selected two key pieces only and styled them with current buys.
Drink To Dries
Whiles Dries Van Noten may have just taken his final bow, I’m surprised that his kaftans have flown repeatedly under the radar. Firstly, it’s an easy entry price to Dries (not to mention from one of his last collections) and in classic Dries off- beat Antwerp style, the prints appear painterly yet with his signature two-print clashing twist. I particularly love the cornflower blue and rosey red print as it’s a classic colour combination that screams longterm elegance to me. The cut is beautiful with a curved hem and thoughtful neckline. Made of 100% cotton it’s breathable and with care, will last you forever. I’d much prefer you buy one exquisite kaftan than four poorly designed high-street polyester versions.
Styling advice: I would style this kaftan (1) with a terracotta bikini that picks up on the underlying tones in the red print and also acts as neutral base. We can thank (2) Sienna x M&S for creating the perfect set this summer. I love the idea of staying jewellery free with this look (less beach boho, more city poolside chic) keeping it modern and letting the shapes do the talking. These (4) Ancient Greek x KIMALÉ (a sustainable brand from Irène Mamfredos who crafted her vision via Balenciaga) sandals are like sculptural jewellery for your feet. A (5) black raffia bag from Loewe (I picked this for the shape but ideally you find one locally produced on holiday) and (2) Celine’s coveted Triomphe metal sunglasses in silver smoke completes the look.
Mrs. Prada’s Go-To
I am currently writing this while sweating in balmy thirty degree heat so the irony is not lost on me that recommending cashmere seems somewhat insane. However, the very best gems are found truly off-season. If there was one jumper that could tie your entire wardrobe together forever it would be a grey, drop shouldered oversized 100% cashmere sweater. I love this Khaite Camilla jumper for its perfectly charcoal shade of grey, lengthy fisherman ribbed cuffs and overall ‘borrowed from the boyfriend’ feeling. Most of all, I love the hip skimming length which will pair perfectly with next season’s must have statement skirts. A grey cashmere sweater is, after all, Mrs Prada’s iconic go-to uniform for years now.
Styling advice: This truly is a year-round purchase. Take with you on the plane to double up as a layer when the temperature drops. I spend a lot of time by the North Sea in Denmark and temperatures fall drastically even in the height of summer. This is the type of outfit that would work well in a windy beachside. Layer with (3) Toteme’s monogrammed silk shorts (silk acts as an insulator regulating your body temperature) a classic white tee (5) and Tod’s (6) Gommino driving loafers (which incidentally are all what you want to wear while driving in a sandy car!) This season’s must-have accessory is really a piece of wearable art. The crocheted shell necklace (4) made by NYC based jewellery brand RENATA.Q taps into true heritage craftsmanship and is a reminder to buy slow and thoughtfully. For a high-low finish, I’d top it off with this season’s (2) cocoa hue’d summer hat from Zara Home.
Two thoughtful buys you will own forever, styled with current pieces (that arguably, you’ll also own forever!)
I’m curious about your thoughts with paid partnerships and over-edited selections of product. Substack is such a thoughtful space, I’m intrigued to hear your thoughts.
xC
I appreciate not being bombarded by too much clickable link content - I agree it seems too pushy and disingenuous. Even unenjoyable. The reason people follow your Substack is they appreciate your style and POV, and your time in providing that is worth paying for a subscription IMO.
Love both edits Camilla! All solid pieces to enjoy forever. A slower more thoughtful approach to styling and shopping is what we all need as opposed to the feeding frenzy it can sometimes feel like. Thanks for articulating it so well.