Balloons, For Legs? Groundbreaking.

Happy 20th edition of For Your Consideration, Blisters! If you’re new here, FYC is the framing for our newsletters that cover a lot of topics all in one go. Instead of one meaty entree of an essay, think of this as a smattering of smaller appetizers, presented by waiters carrying tidy silver trays for your consideration. Indulge as you wish!

Onto today’s first topic: a trend I’ve been wear-testing for quite some time as a bona fide hater of 99% of fitted, rigid pants. Balloon pants are back in a big way, and while I don’t love every iteration — drop-crotch harem pants look a bit wonky on me, and billowy bloomer pantaloons feel too costumey — I’m intent to see this trend through. Largely because of how damn comfortable it is!

If you’re one of those I Only Wear Clothes That Flatter My Figure folks, you might have to sit this one out. The billowy, blasé fit is what makes balloon pant feel cool. That said, styling with more structured elements is often what makes the look intentional for city wear (Although I love them equally as much fpaired back to a bikini on the beach. See pairs from Sigal and Farm Rio as Exhibits A and B).

If balloon pants feel too whimsical, style with a structured blazer or top and very pointy shoes. If the issue is that it looks like too much fabric for your frame, go for barely-there strappy sandals and a strapless top or thin tank.

It can take a bit of trial and error to figure out your perfect balance, but when it works, it works.

I had this trend on my spring/summer radar for quite some time before it made its way into the contemporary market, but it wasn’t until February that I realized the look would be sticking around for fall and winter.

Yes, they’d been all over the Spring/Summer runways of Etro, Altuzarra, Balmain, Michael Kors, Brandon Maxwell, and more, but the February shows went on to prove balloon pants also looked great in jewel tones and thicker fabrics, paired back to structured jackets and pointy-toed boots.

I remember whipping out my phone to snap a photo of the above silky mustard-colored pants as they made their way down Cinq Á Sept’s runway. At Chloe and Dior’s Fall/Winter 26 shows, similar silhouettes followed suit.

TL;DR: This is a year-round look, people! Prepare your closet accordingly!

If you’re planning to buy, pick up at least one pair in a colorway or material that can be transitioned into autumn, so you get the most bang for your buck. There are lots to consider, so LMK if you want a full-fledged edit or some styling ideas when summer winds down.

While technically more of a flowy barrel-leg than a true balloon, my go-tos have been these By Anthropologie lace-hem pants (styled in the collage above and in our next topic below). The brown color will definitely be versatile come fall, but I’m also hoping to get my hands on the black.

Did you notice Monday’s ‘fit worked its way into that balloon pant collage? If so, you might’ve been momentarily distracted by my top — an Aperol orange, tissue-thin silk patterned tunic with clear sequins and bell sleeves from Tory Burch (paging What Should I Wear?) nabbed for $56 bucks via The RealReal.

So good, right? I’ve been on the hunt for some lightweight, long-sleeved summer tops, and I recently locked in on just how many of these tasteful tunics TRR has in great condition for ~$30-$80 apiece.

Here’s a few in various sizes for y’all to peruse. If you want more options, simply type “Tory Burch tunic” into TRR’s search and filter by your size:

TBH, My TheRealReal saves in general have been hitting lately. I go through months-long phases of scrolling and hearting before I can commit make any purchases, but in the last two weeks I also nabbed a great Pucci tee, a gorgeous onyx pendant, and a crispy white McQueen blouse.

Below, a look at a few more recently-hearted picks. I need to control my checkout urges, so I won’t be mad if you buy ‘em instead. Just send me pics of how you style whatever you get!

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And here’s why I need to stop placing impulsive purchases on TheRealReal!

I saw a video on TikTok about the ongoing sale at Printemps, and I had to go downtown and scope it out for myself — especially after learning that the Jacquemus crochet Turismo was in the mix. I debated this bag during my bridal era, but couldn’t justify the pricepoint for non-leather.

Ultimately, I determined the discount on the Turismo bag not worth it (40% off is nothing to sniff at, but I still couldn’t commit to the splurge). While browsing, I saw a plethora of other viable options, from Marni shoes to Toteme bags to Ginori pieces I’ve only seen marked down at their annual sample sale.

Printemps is quick to discount still-trending product to make room for fresh inventory, so their sales usually have a better selection than the average department store clean-out. That said, there’s no set time frame for how long the deals will last. If you’re in the area, I suggest popping in to browse. Grab an orange blossom matcha at Café Jalu while you’re there.

I vlogged my shopping experience here, but I’ve included a look below at a few pieces marked between 30-60% off in-store, none of which I was able to find all that heavily discounted online.

1. Jil Sander Red Tangle Shopping EW Tote, usually $2150

2. Marni Platform Clogs, usually $995

3. L’Objet x Ruan Hoffmann WiFi Off Plate, usually $825

4. Jacquemus The Berlingot Bag, usually $1450

5. Ginori Large Square Change Tray, usually $335

6. Marni Leather Ballet Flats, usually $485

7. Fornasetti Vase Pensèe, usually $1300

8. Ginori Iris Blue Egg, usually $555

9. Jacquemus The Raffia Turismo, usually $1650

10. Jil Sander Goji Bamboo Mini, usually $2290

11. Toteme T-Lock Large Suede Shoulder Bag, usually $1750

12. Jacquemus The Small Crochet Turismo, usually $1990

13. AEYDE Betty Leather Ballet Flat, usually $445

Have you been inundated with “5 Things That Are Worth The Money” videos on TikTok and Reels this week? Same! I’ll probably film one at some point, but it got me thinking about the categories in which I’m actually curious about what’s worth the money. Bras are always at the top of the list.

And so, I yanked my favorites from my intimates drawer to bring you five bras that are worth the money. Do we share any favorites? Let me know.

• Intimissimi Pretty Flowers Daniela Balconette: My most full-on “bra” bra that provides ample support without being ugly. Nice wide straps, solid cups, and pretty lace detailing. I wear a 36D, which is not my normal size, but for some reason, it works perfectly.

• Victoria’s Secret FlexFactor Lightly Lined Balconette Bra: This bra just launched and I’m already obsessed with it — which makes sense, because I recently discovered that balconette bras fit me best. I love how smooth and lifting it is. Future all-time favorite pending. I wear a 34DDD.

• Thirdlove 27/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra: Not my usual style, but a great T-Shirt bra when needed. I wasn’t sure I necessarily loved this, until I noticed myself throwing it in my suitcase for every single trip, trusting that it looks good under everything. I wear a 34E.

• GAP SecondSkin Bralette: This is the bra I throw on with PJs, sweats, or around-the-house clothes when I don’t want to go braless. It feels like nothing and does even less, but I really love it. I wear a Medium or Large and both fit fine.

• Soma Bold Floral Lace Unlined Balconette Bra: This is another favorite for me, because the balconette silhouette genuinely makes my boobs look their best. My only gripe is that the lace is not undetectable underneath thin or tight-fitting tees. But when it’s right, it’s so right, hence why I have it in multiple colors. I wear a 34DD.

1. Prior to visiting the Soho Dries Van Noten boutique back in February for a party, I was not adequately familiar with their game. Funky accessories galore! This kooky electric blue and snake print bag is out of budget, but it gives me major serotonin.

2. The raffia Darryl Hat from Cult Gaia is on my Want List, but TBH, it would look better on a blonde. The contrast would really pop.

3. Best believe I have an alarm set to shop H&M’s collaboration with Brazilian fashion girl Lívia Nunes when it launches tomorrow on July 23. This lace set is too good to pass up!

4. Contemplating these Toral denim moccasins for fall. Early stages. I’ll keep you posted on if I press Add To Cart.

x BGF