July's Rotation Report: New, Not Yet, and No Longer
Hello to vintage Elsa Peretti, on the horizon with The Row, and a farewell to Jil Sander... amongst others
NEW TO ME: Elsa Peretti for Halston Minaudière
I already shared this on Notes, but it bears repeating… this might be one of the most extraordinary pieces I’ve found. I’ve been hunting for this bag for years. Years! I’ve found it for sale, maybe two or three times in total, and every time I tracked down an auction listing, it had long since sold.
Full details on the acquisition are here, but in short: this is a rare and special design Elsa Peretti created for Halston in the 1970s. The original design features a double tassel and was intended to be worn crossbody, but the previous owner performed some minor surgical work on the strap, making it into a true minaudière (of which I am obsessed). It’s very petite, so this edit makes sense to me. Some things are meant to be held closely. I don’t intend to let this one go.
Even still, I’m currently exploring options to restore it more faithfully, so I’ve reached out to the Halston Archives team to ask whether they might happen to have any deadstock cord, tassels, or archival reference materials that might inform a thoughtful reaffixing. I will report back on my findings.
WISHLIST: The Row Soft Loafer
I know it’s only just August—New York’s stickiest month… my birthday month (Virgos<3!)—but I’m already dreaming about Fall. In a Central Park walk with a warm coffee, jazz lounge with a martini, tobacco oud fragrance, cashmere back in rotation kind of way.
Summer in the city is fun, chaotic, over-perfumed. I love it. I’m from Florida, heat doesn’t bother me too much, but from October to December, New York becomes more romantic, emotionally charged, and inspired. And so does my closet.
I love cold-weather dressing for the opportunity to indulge oneself in heavier, elegant materials like cashmere, leather, wool… clothing that not only has a visual weight to it, but feels sturdy and protective as you suit up your cross-avenue wind tunnel armor.
I’m heading into my third fall/winter season with these incredibly beautiful Soft Leather Loafers from The Row on my wishlist. They’re ranking high on my secondhand shopping list at the moment… I’m hoping they make their way into my wardrobe come September.
NEW TO ME: Elemis It-List Kit
I’ve talked before about my background in beauty testing as an ex-Sephora marketer. I’ve tried nearly every best seller under the sun, with another round of beauty PR reviews in the works (coming soon). Somehow, Elemis eluded me until a few weeks ago when the team sent over the It-List Kit, a trio of their favorites: Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, and the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30.
It hasn’t been long enough for a proper review on the resurfacing pads, but the moment I opened the cleansing balm and the SPF, I knew I’d found new desert island products. I couldn’t wait for a full post—I had to take to Notes immediately to share.
The fragrance alone sold me. It smells like a five-star spa, in the most evocative, transportive sense. The kind of scent you register during a treatment when the room is warm, the lights are low, and the aesthetician has impossibly good skin… and even when you buy the products they used, it somehow never smells (or feels) exactly like that again. But with these, Elemis nailed it. That rare scent-memory and clean skin quality combo has been fully achieved. The SPF reminds me of a sister scent to The Webster’s South Beach fragrance.
The formulas themselves are lush and sensorial, exactly what I want from luxury skincare beyond the results-driven ingredients. Skin is deep-cleaned in 30 seconds of use. It gets off all of my waterproof mascara. I currently have a houseguest*, and the cleansing balm is so good I considered hiding it to keep it all for myself. But to keep it to myself felt criminal. Some products are too good not to share. This is one of them. I’m a total Elemis convert.
*As I sit here writing this, she came back from washing her face and told me she’s going to buy the cleansing balm. I can’t blame her!!!
WISHLIST: Cosmetic Pouch
For the past two years, I’ve been using an old Chanel Beauty mesh pouch to corral my little luxuries on the go. It’s served me well, but it’s starting to come apart at the seams.
It feels like time (past time, if I’m honest) to invest in a proper leather cosmetic pouch. Something elegant and durable that can hold the essentials and move easily between bags during quick changes. Since I reach for it constantly, it’s surprisingly one of the pieces that dictates the rhythm of my day.
I’ve gathered a few options I’m considering, but I’d love your thoughts, especially if I’ve missed something special or am unknowingly overlooking the one. Open to suggestions, secret sources, or vintage recommendations.
Louis Vuitton Epi Cosmetic Pouch (I looove the prune color)
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Cosmetic Pouch
NEW TO ME: The Row Big Sisea Shirt
Publicly documenting my shopping habits and wishlists like this has helped me to feel more attuned to what I’m building in my closet, and why. This shirt was originally filed under Wishlist in June, so I’m especially happy to welcome it to the New To Me list for July.
I’ve been haunting this piece in The Row’s Bergdorf boutique for years—visiting, trying it on, leaving it behind, only to circle back again. When I spotted it on eBay and my lowball offer of $150 was processed, it felt incredible and in my bones right. I share
’s sentiment on this being one of the most fulfilling ways to shop.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
I styled it out on my TikTok in an admittedly low energy mood but high energy outfit that I intend to replicate for the foreseeable future.
WISHLIST: Tiffany Bamboo Bangle
Lately, my jewelry acquisitions have skewed heavily toward statement pieces, and I’ve been neglecting new considerations for everyday wear. My everyday bracelet situation has stayed relatively fixed: a Tiffany micro HardWear bracelet, a permanent silver chain I got at an influencer event (lol), and another kind of “permanent” bracelet in the form of a tattoo (by jojcap genius). It’s a good mix, but I’ve been meaning to build out the rotation with something a bit more considered.
One of my biggest personal influences is Adam Burack: Tiffany sales superstar, aesthetic guru, and longtime friend. He’s one of the most tasteful people I know and has an incredible eye. If he wasn’t so incredible at selling diamonds, I’m sure he’d be holding court as Creative Director somewhere. In due time!!!
Anyways, Adam put me on to this retired Tiffany style, and it’s been living in my eBay Watchlist ever since. Adding to the tasteful bamboo motif seen with iconic designs like Tom Ford’s Gucci and Ralph Lauren picture frames, I think it’s a really chic accessory.
NEW TO ME: LESET Margo T-Shirts
It’s been difficult to not wear this t-shirt every day since I got it. I never understood the appeal of investing in a t-shirt. I always assumed it was too temporary, too casual, too prone to stain. But of the few little makeup marks I’ve managed to get on the collar, they’ve all come out easily in the wash.
I took my true size in black and went one size up in white. Both are perfect in their own way. The cut, the fabric, the way it feels… this really is the perfect t-shirt. In the video below, I kept on a tight black wool top so the color peeks through a bit, but with normal wear and my daily black bra, I have no worries about undergarment transparency.
Plus, the store in the West Village is one of my favorite retail spaces in New York. I dream about the rug.
WISHLIST: Marcia Tchikiboum Dress
I’ve had my eye on this dress from uber-French brand Marcia since 2018 after seeing it on Adèle Exarchopoulos in an Interview Mag shoot. She seems to be a longtime friend of the brand, having worn the Tchikiboum dress repeatedly over the years.
What started with Adèle has been resparked by
, and now I have been repossessed by this dress. XS’s can find one here in the midi length for $100. I found my size on Poshmark for $200, but I’m looking for the long version… if you’re a Medium/Large, here’s the midi. Make an offer.NEW TO ME: Else Lingerie Bare Minimal Underwire Bra
I’ve been on a bra journey lately, having detailed my experience with brands like CUUP, Agent Provocateur, Cou Cou Intimates, and now, Else Lingerie. They sent over their lookbook of best sellers and the obvious choice to me was this one.
I’ve worn the bra nearly every day since it arrived. I’ve always loved minimal styles and mesh, but as a D-cup, finding something that’s supportive, comfortable, and minimal has felt nearly impossible. This one checks every box.
Having beautiful daily lingerie is important to me, and the comfort of this bra matches its chicness (not easily achievable). Feels very Devil Wears Prada intro scene to put the matching set on in the morning.
I’ve mentioned how much I’m loving the LESET Margo tees lately, and I think part of that newfound devotion is in thanks to this bra. It disappears under the tricky things: white t-shirts, crisp button-ups… and even when it can’t be hidden, the mesh peeking out looks intentional and styled.
WISHLIST: Cashmere Sweaters
Having been fortunate enough to find my very coveted The Row Sibem sweater last month, most new clothing acquisitions on the horizon have now turned to cold weather dressing. I have spent far too many winters in NYC without a solid sweater collection, often heading out of the house in a cotton long sleeve and a wool coat just hoping for the best. I’m really trying to invest in this corner of my closet as I head into my seventh year as a New Yorker.
I’m open to any and all cashmere sweater recommendations, though I do specifically need a good medium-weight cashmere v-neck. I found this one at GAP two years ago and still wear it constantly in three colorways, but I don’t think it was meant to be worn and washed as much as I’ve pushed it. Looking for a similar fit.
NEW TO ME: Miu Miu Shield Sunglasses
I’m not one for impulse purchases on expensive pieces, but after seeing these on
, I immediately bought them. They look so fabulous on her that I went to the Miu Miu store in SoHo the next day, tried them on, and ordered them on my train ride home. I took the black with dark brown lens colorway.
There is no reason to buy sunglasses for full price because EZ Contacts exists. This isn’t an ad, though I wish it was. I’ve purchased plenty of (authentic!) designer sunglasses through them, including my beloved Oliver Peoples Davris, for ~50% off.
WISHLIST: Investment-Grade Moisturizer
While there are plenty of products in my bathroom, only a few make it into my everyday routine. A simple, minimal step approach works best for my sensitive skin, and I’ve come to believe that investing in your moisturizer is one of the most worthwhile things you can do for your skin. I’m currently in between investment-grade moisturizers and weighing what’s next. Still undecided, but it feels like time to commit to something serious again.
If you’ve tried any of these, let me know your thoughts before I take the jump into shelling out $$$.
Biologique Recherche Creme Verte Espoir A.R. - Formulated for sensitive, rosacea skin (hi), “it acts on broken capillaries, visibly reducing their appearance to decrease the extent and intensity of chronic redness.” Sounds perfect for my skin type.
La Mer Crème de la Mer - I haven’t tried La Mer yet, which is a personal oversight. It’s one of the most iconic luxury skincare products on the market, and by all accounts, it earns the reputation. The results, the loyalty, the mythology. It’s on my list.
Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream - I first tried this through PR while leading an influencer campaign for Tatcha two years ago, and the scent stayed with me. The idea of layering it with the Elemis SPF and cleansing balm is kind of sending me into a sensorial spiral. I wish I could bottle all three and wear them as a perfume.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream - Iconic. Many well-educated luxury skincare girls I follow always seem to have a bottle in their vanity mirror.
NEW TO ME: Velvet Frog Closure Jacket
I’ve shared my extensive TRR shopping rules and regulations (highly recommend checking them out if you’re anything like me and always hunting for quality fabrics and designs at a deal) at length. That post evolved into my ongoing series for paid subscribers on Driving Shoes: a near-daily roundup of TRR new arrivals under $200.
During a recent hunt, I found this PERFECT velvet frog closure jacket for $40 and didn’t hesitate to check out (not waiting for a 20% off discount is a true sign). I’m already certain this will be a staple for me as the weather drops.
Similar options:
WISHLIST: Vintage Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses
As a devoted ballet lover and member of the NYCB Young Patrons Circle who is sometimes lucky enough to attend twice a week, I’ve come to cherish the rare closeness of the orchestra seats. Focusing in on the dancer’s expression or footwork adds a deeper layer to the performance and storytelling that is truly transcendental.
For those of us who carry this affection for the stage, a pair of opera binoculars are an old world luxury that make for an incredibly opulent accessory to pull out of the tiny handbag I’ve brought with me for the evening, regardless of the tier I’ve managed to secure tickets in. I’ve had my eye on a few mother of pearl options under $40 here, here, and here.
NEW TO ME: Olympus Mju I Film Camera
I finally got a film camera this month and I honestly can’t believe it took me this long. I took a photography class in high school, back when I was using a far more complicated camera and developing my own film… I feel very fortunate that we had a dark room available at school.
I’ve always felt that most things look better on film. Cooler, chicer, more alive. There’s a softness to it that just feels right. In a vain way, film makes your skin look flawless.
I picked up an Olympus Mju Infinity Stylus on eBay for $125 and now keep it in my bag at all times. There are plenty of affordable options floating around—just make sure it’s listed as fully functional before you check out. It’s a great point-and-shoot option: compact, automatic flash, no real technical skill required.
WISHLIST: Lands’ End Women's No Iron Button Front Shirt
I’m a sucker for anything personalized and low-maintenance, so this $40 (plus $10 for embroidery) no-iron button-up hits all the right notes. Monogrammed initials and zero steaming speaks to me. I just need to figure out my sizing before I place the order; I definitely want a more tailored fit here than my oversized The Row Big Sisea.
RESELLING:
I talk a lot about what I’m buying, but I think it’s just as important to share what’s leaving my closet. Closet circulation is essential, not just for keeping things edited and wearable, but for giving back to the same secondhand economy so many of us shop from. It’s important to stay mindful, and letting go of pieces thoughtfully is part of the process.
SOLD:
Jil Sander Ponyhair Flats
The Row Hugo Mules
7 piece TRR drop off
33 piece References pick up (more on my favorite fashion-insider way to resell here)
ART OF THE WEEK
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—no extra cost to you, just a way to help support Driving Shoes and the time spent down rabbit holes. If you’re interested in getting started with affiliate links, use this sign-up with ShopMy for an extra 10% commission in your first 6 months x
+1 for Augustinus Bader Rich Cream. And it's true (at least for me) that it's the only cream you need. Though now I have the eye cream ... and the face wash ... and the body oil. It's a well-moisturised slippery slope.
Omg!! So honored to be featured, I think you are just brilliant!!