Sale PSA: A simple v-neck midi dress from Loft, now $45, a chic tank dress from Vince, now $145 (I also like this v-neck dress, now $119), a beautiful draped cardigan from Akris, now 75% off, and cool cotton pleated pants from Uniqlo, now $15.
Today’s blog is all about the things I wish I could wear but for one reason or another, can’t. I wanted to write something about fashion but honestly these days feel like an impostor; I mean, who am I to have opinions about any of this when 18 months into lockdown, I’m still in pajamas? I would like to do better – I like to look at photos of pretty people and their pretty style online, and sometimes I even venture to order something. But there are certain things that I’ve long wanted to wear and have but can’t – here’s a few of them, below.
100% cotton denim. To be clear: I really like how this looks, it’s super French and classic and “I’ve worn these jeans for the last 15 years” sort of vibe. I LOVE how it looks (the lovely lady above is my ideal). But I don’t like how it feels. It’s so stiff and heavy! I recently tried pairs from Everlane and Levi’s, to see if I was missing anything. But they both looked and felt off to me. Those of you who are pure denim lovers: how do you do it? What am I missing? Do they really “break in” after a while?
Golden Goose sneakers. Because as a short person I like that little wedge and think the brand is cool. Over the years I have tried to buy these multiple times but they just don’t work for my foot for whatever reason. I think I also truly need a half size. This mention was brought courtesy of the Purestars, which I also just tried and returned (having heard they fit differently), and they still didn’t work!
Cartier Juste Un Clou: Because I love the nail, have always loved the nail. I have a super bony wrist however, with a large bone on the side that protrudes, and no matter how much I try the head of the nail ALWAYS hits it. I’ve tried every way, including wearing it loose, tight, nailhead flipped, etc.
Sezane: Yes the entire brand. I always browse their site. Have attempted ordering twice. Nothing ever looks good and sometimes I’m disappointed in the quality. And yet I still return to peruse. I’ve realized that they have some really good styling, however for my own purposes I cannot wear super thick sweaters tucked into slim pants, etc.
What are some items you LOVE but you just can’t wear?
24 Comments
Anonymous
September 13, 2021 at 10:18 amI agree with all the points you made! Regarding all cotton denim, I find it great as outwear material cos the stiffness lends structure. But jeans? It’s so hard to break in and even harder to prevent shrinkage in the wash even with line drying. When I do go out, I want to be comfortable in the clothes that I feel my best in.
As for beautiful things? I was in Paris recently and there are so much to buy. But it’s tough justifying another purse (or 2) when I’m basically schlepping nothing. And the majority of folks are wearing comfortable clothes. And sneakers everywhere! So many Nikes and Adidas with big fat comfortable soles. And Doc Martens too! The cobblestones of Saint Germain are a death trap!
As for thick sweaters tucked into stiff denim? Ooh, that’s tough. It’s also not a flattering look for post pandemic weight gain around the belly.
Lise
September 13, 2021 at 2:02 pmI love all cotton denim, but I do think it comes down to the brand {and sometimes leaving it out in the sun to dry}. My all cotton Re/Done denims have been like butter from the moment I put them on. It was like putting on my favorite jeans from high school, but much more flattering;). I can’t recommend them enough. My CQY’s look to me like all cotton {they’re 98%} and they feel awesome.
Kat
September 15, 2021 at 9:14 amI’ve heard multiple raves for Re/Done – I think I will have to try!!
M
September 13, 2021 at 2:52 pmPrairie dresses! I’m short and curvy and they look silly on me. I have to accept it!
Kat
September 15, 2021 at 9:14 amOMG me too
Anna
September 13, 2021 at 5:09 pmOn Cartier Juste Un Clou, which color/metal would you recommend? I can’t decide between rose gold and gold. I have other gold items from Cartier so also not sure if I should just go with matching colors.
Anonymous
September 14, 2021 at 4:33 pmKat, Have you tried the thinner JuC? The nail head is more forgiving than the regular Juc making it a whole lot more comfortable. You also may want to give it a try.
I could see you stacking thie thinner Juc with your classic Love with another thin Love for a full stack.
Anonymous
September 14, 2021 at 10:58 pmI was going to mention the same. The JUC just never looked good on me, but I love the thin one.
Kat
September 15, 2021 at 9:17 amI have tried it but I like the look of the nice BIG nail, ha!
Anonymous
September 15, 2021 at 3:42 pmKat, how about the Bvlgari Serpenti in all pave? It has a similar look to the Juc, but no nail head. It is another stunning piece to try and a good alternative to the juc if you haven’t checked it out yet.
Kat
September 16, 2021 at 8:43 pmThis bracelet is gorgeous!
Kat
September 15, 2021 at 9:15 amI love Cartier’s rose and yellow equally so this is so tough. If you have other yellow gold I might just get yellow too…but I think rose + yellow Cartier looks equally nice. I am no help!
ML
September 13, 2021 at 6:33 pmI have just recently done a full switch to all cotton denim. I was wearing it a bit here and there before but much preferred denim with some stretch – but something changed and I really love the wash and the look and feel of 100% denim. Everlane and Levis are actually huge favorites of mine along with Agolde. Maybe you want to go up in size? 100% denim is not comfortable when it’s as tight as stretch denim. Play around with sizing some but they do stretch out with the first wear, and I like that look. Then it goes back when you wash them (I don’t dry mine though). And I try to follow the rule to only wash every 6-10 wears. I never make it to 10, but 6 is doable :). Give it another try! I love Levi’s ribcage ankle straight and Everlane’s 90s cheeky. Agolde any cut, though I love the Jamie, is also fabulous.
I am obsessed with golden goose sneakers and have a few pairs – I hope you find a style that can fit your foot!! maybe some of the high rise ones could work? Slide, francy or even midstar? then it wouldn’t matter quite as much if it’s a little big.
What I love but I just can’t pull off? Harem pants, boho dresses (which you often feature and I just can’t do), deep vnecks or scoop necks, and jumpsuits. I look ridiculous in all of them, and feel so silly!
btw – I feel the same as you about Sezane. I have only seen a couple of things and the quality I just didn’t love. but the whole internet seems smitten by them and so many fashion forward people I respect love them, so I keep perusing and thinking about trying. And then don’t.
Nish
September 13, 2021 at 10:56 pmI love the Ribcage jeans too. I have two pairs – one I bought a size larger, and one my exact size, and love both pairs. I haven’t seen any shrinkage or anything. They were so comfy and looked so good from the get-go. I have pretty much retired my stretch skinny jeans now.
Kat
September 15, 2021 at 9:16 amAnother vote for ribcage! Okay I’m going to try these too!
Kat
September 15, 2021 at 9:16 amOkay I’m going to try Agolde next. I’m ALREADY going up in size (for pandemic weight gain…I wonder if I need to go even bigger, lol)
Jeannine520
September 14, 2021 at 3:05 amThe Tiffany bone cuff. It’s maddening. I have a small wrist and it just doesn’t sit right on me. I’ve tried so many times because I’ve had my heart set on it but it’s not to be.
Turtlenecks or even mock turtlenecks. I feel claustrophobic like I’m being swallowed by my shirt. I think for them to look the way I want a really long neck is required and as a petite it’s just not gonna work for me.
Winged eye liner. Absolutely can’t make it work.
Strapless bras. I find them both incredibly uncomfortable and unflattering.
DVF wrap dress. I’ve tried so, so many times. Very unflattering on me and I hate the feel of silk knit.
Anonymous
September 14, 2021 at 10:59 pmI also love the Tiffany bone cuff but it was overpowering on me.
Anonymous
September 15, 2021 at 4:32 amSame! I have teeny wrists. The Bone cuff felt like a shackle. I did try the Peretti “love” cuff – much more comfortable
Kat
September 15, 2021 at 9:17 amLOVE the bone cuff but feel the exact same way, it’s so sad as I love the look. And same to strapless bras!
Sara
September 14, 2021 at 2:03 pmI love cotton denim and looks more modern than jeans with lots of stretch. Golden Goose is worn by too many private school teenage girls in new york city. V necks or any plunging neckline doesn’t look good on me.
Anonymous
September 15, 2021 at 2:48 pmTry Agolde jeans for Amour Vert. They have a great 100% cotton version.
A V A
September 16, 2021 at 2:55 pmHi Kat,
I can’t wear white or cream colored clothes as I will invariably stain them somehow within minutes!
An interesting read I thought you would enjoy as well as your readers – the article in VF about Diet Prada and D&G’s lawsuit against them.
x
A
Kat
September 16, 2021 at 8:43 pmWOW another great article rec! Thank you!!