Hello from Florida!
This week, I am visiting my sister in St.Petersburg/Gulfport Beach, which is by far one of the weirdest places I have ever visited. My first impression is that it’s a mixed bag of retired power lesbians and thirty-somethings making street art while on mushrooms. The beach is beautiful, and there is a Salvador Dalí museum (largest collection of work?!) that I'm hitting up tomorrow. You surprised me, Florida!
Packing for this trip got me thinking about the heroes of our wardrobe. With a decent amount of traveling under my belt, there are things I know will end up in my suitcase. I could dedicate a whole newsletter to travel heroes, but for the sake of broadness, I thought, why not share my hero items of 2023? I purchased a handful of things last year that have woven their way into my weekly rotation.
Let’s start with the hardest part of a wardrobe. For me, this would be jeans. I have always been a fan of Rachel Comey, but 2023 became the year I realized the majority of my jeans are from her. I have a dark and light pair of her Elkin Pant that are worn frequently. The adjustable back strap allows you to wear them higher or lower on the waist, becoming a very versatile staple. You can also find them popping up on Noihsaf from time to time and she has two bi-annual online sales.
The other pant hero that made its way into circulation has been from the obscure “hippy-dippy” line Bella Waera. Her wide leg harem pants are so good I went on to purchase a second pair. The weight of the linen/cotton blend is nice and heavy, and the price point is beyond reasonable.
I upgraded my winter coat to this wool gem by 7115 by SZEKI. I cannot tell you how many boxes this checks off. It’s oversized enough to fit over sweaters, extremely warm, and makes you look chic AF. I am not seeing it on their site anymore, but they have similar options. In general, they know how to make a damn good coat.
Lastly, for clothes, this vintage denim button-down has been one of the most worn tops since I purchased it a year ago. Very 90s Gap, and the vintage denim works buttoned up for preppy vibes or as an easy throw-on over a tee or dress if you want to channel Leleina from Reality Bites.
As far as non-wardrobe heroes go, KU washi paper is my favorite incense. You don’t need to worry about overdoing it as each leaf emits the perfect amount. I love the geranium scent. Tiny things can be heroes too.
Last year I wrote about my love for Monastery Made while it still felt like a secret, and now I see it’s making the rounds on socials and substacks. I still vouch for their attar balm and rose cleansing oil. Great stuff!
Would love to know some of your heroes! Drop me a line and let me know what life-altering purchases you made last year that you're still reaching for. Don’t underestimate the power of a hero, my loves, because when..
A hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
-Mariah Carey
Thanks for being here,
xxxKate
