some things I want

Photo: The Sartorialist

I've resolved to maintain my subdued pace of shopping from last year, but there are a few things that have been lingering in my mind for a few months now so I thought I’d just jot them down so I can mull over them and see how I feel in a couple months.

A loose jumpsuit
I’ve been trying versions of this since 2016 and never found one I liked enough to buy. Jumpsuits have always been tricky for me because I like at least a 30-inch inseam, but I also have a long torso. Plus I don’t like ones that have an elastic waist, and I don’t like ones that look too utilitarian. I want something with an overalls vibe, but I don’t want anything in denim because it would too hot and heavy. And I don’t want anything overly cropped. I'm not asking for much, aren't I?

I may join the Elizabeth Suzann bandwagon because her Clyde jumpsuit checks all my boxes (Linen! Sleeveless! Loose! Available in Tall! Pockets!). I do like that her pieces are available season after season so I can make a considered decision instead of plunging in and buying because I’m afraid it won’t be back next season. I've also been stalking the internet for a secondhand one, but I guess there aren't a lot of navy or black large/tall Clyde jumpsuits on the resale market.

Thoughts on ES?

Wide-leg jeans with high waist
Been on the fence about this one because I do have a pair of pretty good ones from Uniqlo (11 years old this year) but they were purchased during the low-rise jeans era and I've always felt I would love them more if they had a higher rise. I want a dark-rinse pair with a “trouser” feel, and crucially, I don’t want them to be cropped. So far, nothing has caught my eye except these, but they're too large at the waistband and would require tailoring to fit right, so I'm unconvinced. Suggestions welcome.

High-waist pull-on shorts from Uniqlo U
This is a specific want. I spied them in their S/S 2018 lookbook and it's perfect timing because I've just had to patch my unravelling denim shorts, and I do want a fresh pair to rotate with. Shorts are my weekend staple and I like these for being high-waist for a change, and for having what looks like deep, roomy pockets. Not sure about the elastic waist though - I love pull-on things but sometimes they look a little clunky. Will have to wait till March before they hit stores though.

Meanwhile, isn't the woman's style in the photo above lovely? I love how it's a simple, no-frills look, yet it's not at all ordinary. You'd might look twice if if you passed someone in that outfit on the street.

Comments

Jocy said…
On the jumpsuit, have you tried Ilana Kohn? They're make from linen. I have a few of her items and they work really well in humid climates. It's also sale season on her goods, though maybe the winter line is much heavier.
Yiran said…
- I really admire ES as a concept and a brand but most of her clothes don't fit my lifestyle and climate.

- For jeans, have you considered Margaret Howell Painter Jean? It's probably exactly what the woman is wearing in the Sartorialist photo. Either that or Worker Jean...
Alix said…
How about Imogene + Willie's Catherine jeans? https://imogeneandwillie.com/catherine-indigo-rigid
I am a huge fan of this brand and their denim quality is outstanding.
khaylis said…
Agree re: Ilana Kohn for her perfect jumpsuits. Black Crane also does great linen roomy jumpsuits for their S/S collections - I read in an article that Solange bought 4 BC jumpsuits in different colors and used it as her uniform while traveling on tour (can’t think of a more perfect endorsement than Solange living in these jumpsuits!)
Ammu said…
All very sensible -- you know how much I love my jumpsuits -- they are such a great alternative to dresses and require so little thought.
Seconding the Black Crane recommendation -- I have never tried the jumpsuits but have two painter dresses from the label and they continue to look and feel fantastic, more than two years after I bought them. And I wear one virtually every week.
lin said…
Pret a Porter P: COS clothing always looks rather uninspiring on their website, I wonder why. In any case, those indeed have a tricky fit and there are loads left on the sale rack...

Jocy: I've considered Illana Kohn in the past! But it was either style being a little too wide for my tastes, or too cropped. I'm a constant stalker of their wares, but not pulled the trigger because international shipping is expensive and I'm worried about it not working out.

Yiran: I've long been drawn to ES because her fabrics are perfect for warm climes! But none of is cheap and I hadn't yet found something I wanted to try that badly.

You're right about the jeans being MHL! They're kind of my "back-up" want - it has a stronger workwear feel and I'm still not 100% I want to commit my next denim buy on that look. I do like that it's been available for a few seasons and I hope it'll still be around the day I decide I want them!

Alix: Wow thanks for the tip, these look amazing, even if worn intimidatingly tight around the hips on the model. These are precisely what I'm looking for, and it's very encouraging that you can attest to their quality.

khaylis + ammu: will definitely check out the Black Crane suggestion, thanks for the tip. i admire the look of their stuff but i always feel more reassured when it's tried, tested and approved by people!



Anonymous said…
I haven’t tried Elizabeth Suzann’s Clyde jumpsuit, but I really like her linen Clyde pants! The fabric feels substantial enough to hold up as pants, despite being linen.
-Alice
Anonymous said…
Oh meant to add, if you have not discovered the Instagram account SellTrade ES yet, you can put yourself down as “in search of” an item, and possibly snag it second hand (and cheaper).
-Alice
Archana said…
My landlord is a retired electrician and he has his old jumpsuit. Its unbelievable as to how fashionable he looks when he wears it while doing house hold work / gardening. Makes me regret giving away my old engineering suit from my electric workshop days. Also, I never liked my karate robes when I used to learn the martial arts. Now, I wish I had it around to wear as a jacket on top. These things only connect backward. I never had to creativity to upcycle these garments.
lin said…
Alice: thank you for the SellTrade ES suggestion! I have actually put myself down on their ISO list, but no luck yet. fingers crossed...

Archana: I have a dress with a belt very much inspired by the kind you see on judo or karate robes - it makes me feel a bit Jedi warrior whenever I tie it around me.
S said…
My go-to is a Reformation version I got a few years ago, still a fave. Been looking for another jumpsuit because they're just so good to travel with. I love the ES version! Wonder how the fit would be as I have a longer torso too.

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