The "Cool Girls" Did Not Approve Anything On This List

Greetings, Blisters! I thought of you last night when I wore my green Jacquemus Duelo slingbacks to dinner and walked home with an actual blister on my right foot. You are so much better than the real thing!

Onto today’s topic…Lately, it seems as though tHe CoOl gIrLs are hell-bent on ruining individuality. Not only are we meant to shop only the trends with their inconsequential stamp of approval, but they’ve co-opted and corrupted everything from the word “chic” to the Mini Kelly. Everything they touch is giving me the ick!

I should clarify, really, that actual cool girls are not the problem here. The issue lies in the marketing of people, places, and things as Cool Girl Approved.

This should not be enough to convince you to buy a thong sandal you’d otherwise never consider, or a thousand-dollar handbag that looks cheaper than most elementary school pencil cases (I’m looking at you, The Row ‘90s Bag!)

I’m all for being inspired by stylish women, but getting full-on influenced into piece that would otherwise never make it into your online shopping cart? It’s a recipe for sartorial disaster. You’ll be left with a closet full of clothes you don’t want to wear, swearing up and down to anyone who will listen that they made you feel “cool” at the time. Sure, Jan!

What’s cool in my book right now may or may not be formally Cool Girl Approved. I’m vibing with punchy colors and satisfying color blockings. With simple apparel silhouettes contrasted by statement-making accessories. With deep purple, cherry red, banana yellow, sky blue. OK, Yves Klein blue, too.

With midi skirts (always!) and kitten heels and sunnies that leave a lil’ mystery!

Below, a list of items on my radar that All The Cool Girls probably don’t give a shit about. Some of these are things I’ve recently purchased or been gifted, others are buys I’m currently debating, and a few likely won’t make it into my cart at all. That doesn’t make them any less cool in my book!

The Freda Salvador Carmela Pump in lime tiger haircalf is one of the best block-heel pumps on the market right now. No further explanation needed.

I’ve worn this COS Pleated Cotton-Linen Maxi Dress in yellow three times in the last week or so, including to dinner last night. I love the drop-waist silhouette, but I also like tying a sweater or blouse (or scarf, if you’re that kind of girl) around the waist to nip in and transform the silhouette.

Sirene is a brand newly on my radar, largely due to the captivating hand-painted watercolor cowrie print they’ve put on a few new styles, like the Cordelia Midi Skirt. I have absolutely nothing like this in my closet.

I want this Simon Miller Tassel Boxy Clutch in moss green bad, but if you continue your scroll, you’ll see I already own a totally different bag in the same color. Can it be justified?

I finally pulled trigger on the Simuero La Costa Bag in blue, and I’m so excited I did. What a dream piece! I unboxed it on socials here, if you want a closer look.

I do really well at H&M when I’m shopping certain locations (mainly Herald Square and 111 5th Ave). The selection is extremely hit or miss, but every season, I end up with a few higher-quality basics that work so well in my wardrobe, you’d swear they were COS or Tibi. This Tie-Neck Shirt in red could be one of them. The button placement, funnel neckline and tie detail really elevate an otherwise versatile shape.

Ugh, this is a hard shoe to ignore. Scanlan Theodore’s Pony Mule in cobalt has me totally captivated, but I am a girl with a lot of feathery, fluffy, furry shoes as is, and I feel like my wardrobe may be maxed out. But if I find them in the wild, try them on, and they’re comfortable…I can’t promise I’ll resist.

I did a little video haul showing off some special pieces of costume jewelry from my late great Aunt Joan’s collection. I’ve been styling big beaded bauble necklaces and chunky clip-on earrings with pretty much all my outfits since! This is your sign to raid your grandma’s jewelry box.

Get this! I almost purchased this Fendi Soft Small Baguette in electric blue inlaid hagfish on my honeymoon, but I showed restraint because I wasn’t sure I loved the shape. This morning, it went up on Vivrelle, and I’ve rented it for the season. Will I end up buying direct from them? It’s a real possibility…

Boden sent me this fabulous Carmen Lace Trim Cotton Top in French navy, which makes me feel like I’m cosplaying as both an American Girl doll and a Vera Bradley duffel. In a really, really good way!

Leave it to Hades Wool to dream up the perfect skirt — sold out in my size! This would’ve been a no-brainer for me, and I wish I’d pulled the trigger earlier. Highly recommend a browse through their site if you want something unique and well-made.

Did ya catch my Tibi sample sale haul? My big find was a silk gazar jacquard hoop skirt from the runway, which looks a lot like the Tibi Silk Gazar Jacquard Pencil Skirt in navy multi, but with the aforementioned hoops for a more sculptural shape. Will be styling soon!

Strathberry did their big one when they dropped the Mosaic Nano in lime suede. This is probably the only time I stand by wearing suede in the summer, and I’ll definitely be transitioning her to fall, too. Also — with a big chocolate brown fur coat in the winter? Swoon.

Stay “Cool”!

x BGF