I keep an A5 yellow legal pad next to my laptop.
Pen to paper, I jot down whatever catches my attention. Things I’m searching for, things I want to check later, things I want to order. It works better for my brain than 453 open tabs ever could.
Eventually, what lands on the paper turns into a shopping diary. And from that diary, I filter one level further to decide what actually deserves a spotlight in my weekly edit, here on Substack.
I want to get to the why — why something is worth your attention, your time, your money. If anything, I want to make getting dressed and getting ready simple enough that you can spend your actual quality time elsewhere: with the people you love, out walking in the sun, cultivating your passions, following your interests ❤️
I’m fully aware that the hours I spend browsing online or in-store (so you don’t have to) are worth more than any AI recommendation could ever be (those never quite land right anyway). And sure, when you browse on your own, you’ll find campaign images and e-comm photography. But do you realize how helpful it actually is to see something worn by a normal person (like me & my colleagues) in front of their mirror, or out and about, living their life? We are here to bridge the gap between what you’re looking for and what brands are actually making.
When people ask me what I do, I say I am a filter: I filter what’s signal and what’s noise. My mission, as a style writer, is to make getting dressed and getting ready simple and enjoyable.
I believe every day is worth using and wearing your favourite things, and I hope you find something for you in this week’s edition. When something is thoughtfully made, it’s energy you can feel. That’s what I filter for, and what I put into this weekly edit: Things I want to buy this week.
Enjoy!
10 things I want to buy this week
#1
Swimwear you can live in. 1. The Retreat Suit 2. The Weekender 3. The Fast Track Suit
I have to tell you because if you’ve been considering upgrading your swimwear for the many summers to come, now is the time. 30% off until August 17th with this link, and an additional 30% off on sale styles. The one-piece comes in regular length and long torso, which I think will make some of you happy! The colours are all beautiful, so many options. As a reference, I’m wearing a size S regular in the one-piece, and S top and XS bottoms in the sets. More pictures in this letter.
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#2
The perfect tee. I mean it.
A basic tee is the hardest thing to get right. I have thoughts! And I have more than a dozen white tees in my wardrobe, but this new one beats them all. It’s everything I want in a white tee. It’s not a crisp optic white, rather slightly but perfectly off-white. It’s the perfect length, no need to tuck it in: it makes it look really modern. On my frame (I’m 158cm with balanced leg/torso ratio), it hits at the hip bones. The weight is substantial: it’s not flimsy, it’s not see-through. The sleeves are flattering, not too close to the skin. And if you pay attention, you’ll see the back is slightly longer than the front. It also falls perfectly on the shoulder. Oh, and the neckline is sturdy, I can tell it won’t stretch out. And the price? Honestly, it should be more, because it’s so much better than the competitors. Designed in Tokyo, made in Korea using the best (and most expensive) cotton possible.
It comes in white and in black. I’m that close to ordering an extra white and a black one. The only thing is that the brand only made 100 of each — one size — and they have just 40 of each ready to ship in the US and 10 of each ready to ship in Europe. So, for this one, paying readers get first access to the link, in the footnote of this letter, after the paywall1. Your priority lane:
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#3
Well, the perfect pants to match that perfect tee (and everything else you already own)
The Everywhere Pants are back in stock, and they look so good on everyone. I organized them according to my personal preferences from left to right (umber, black, fawn), and I’m sure it’s the kind of pieces we want to buy in all the colours available. But I’d start with one, the one that you would want to wear tomorrow, and have no problem styling with your existing wardrobe. If you are looking for a perfect tee, the brand has one for you, available from XS-XL, and recommends “grabbing one in each size to switch up the look”.
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#4
Pre-Fall essentials! Ballet flats!! 1. truffle suede 2. black nappa 3. navy/black python embossed
I mean, ballet flats, jeans or tailored trousers, and a white tee, and you’re ready to go. I have 3 pairs on my radar right now: the truffle suede (for earthy tones), the black nappa (polished, timeless, chic) and the navy/black python embossed (unexpected) — wow! You can absolutely follow the size guide, it’s been very accurate for me so far.
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#5
Red bags! The mesh tote!
I spotted the red mesh tote in Joyce Lee’s stories and I can’t stop thinking about it and how much I’d use it, on a daily basis. To the post office, to the grocery store, to the market… And then I saw this new Small Arc bag that would work perfectly with the mesh tote, and it seems to be a cross-body bag, a shoulder bag and a clutch, and you know how much I love when things can do more than one job…
Speaking of red bags… This one, down below, is dark red, which is totally different (!), but convinced me of the power of a red bag with a simple outfit:
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#6
Preparing for loafers season!
I know I just mentioned ballet flats, and I’m very much a ballet flats person, but this pair of croc-embossed black loafers stopped me in my tracks! They give that Rubirosa’s vibe without the trip to Paris. I’ll go in-store to try them on (and report back). This is also a reminder to keep an eye on the New Arrivals tab, as Arket is usually the best for Pre-Fall and Fall.
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#7
Even better IRL!
You first saw this tee in this letter, 9 things I want to buy this week. I’m so happy to report back: the JOAEN Tee is excellent. I’m wearing it in washed black, size XS, but I could even wear a size S to make it into a mini dress. I just had to steam it after unpacking it (it comes from Australia!) and it falls perfectly oversized, the cotton is thick, the neckline is beautiful, modern, interesting. Really, really good! I’ve been wearing it a lot with short shorts (like this white poplin shorts from WNU). It also comes in off-white, and I’m seriously considering it because I love the sculptural fit.
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#8
I’m sorry, but wow! This back is perfect!
Okay, don’t panic, this one is available to pre-order, shipping in 3 weeks. It’s from the girls at TURN Paris (a by-appointment salon in Paris, with amazing vintage pieces and their own growing collection). Too late for peak summer, but it just feels like a forever original piece that you haven’t seen everywhere. I love the cobalt blue the most, but it also comes in white!
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#9
Is it a work bag? Is it a mom bag? Is it a travel bag?
It's all of it! After my letter on Work Bags, I realized this one is a great recommendation that was missing from the original edit. Why? Well, it's light when empty, it has a double shoulder strap, it fits a ton, it's not too precious, and it has a full double zipper... I tried it in store, and I would have already bought it if I didn't already own such a great mom/work/travel bag!
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#10
5-minute foolproof make-up routine
Okay, this is my favourite ‘gift with purchase’ currently available, with every MERIT order over 75€/100$. I placed my first MERIT order exactly a year ago. I use my bronze balm, my minimalist stick, and the brush no.1 every day, and I can’t believe I still haven’t run out. I’m really tempted to get the new mascara in brown. The Everyday Set is a good place to start. I can’t resist a good baseball cap, especially when it says It can wait!
More in this video, everything I used is linked here.
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Okay! You made it! I’m absolutely pleased with this shopping edit, so I’m gonna leave it here for now.
What’s your favourite pick of the week? What should I order? What do you want to order?
As you can see, every letter builds on top of the previous ones.
Things I’ve previously included in What I Want To Buy This Week eventually made it past the indecision phase and my many abandoned carts, and I do my best to show you what I ordered on Instagram (in stories) or on Substack. I think a try-on is always so useful… So keep following!
Past issues (including some try-ons!)
Always give yourself the best,
Missed an email? You can read all of my past newsletters here.
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Paying readers get the link to the Perfect Tee en avant-première, here:
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