Hey friends!
Surprised to see little ’ol me in your inbox? Well, I'm putting the pedal to the metal on my New Year’s resolutions, and one of them is reviving this newsletter.
2023 was a boom year for fashion substacks. It seemed every other editor decided to start one, which admittedly, gave me cold feet about Material Finds. Who am I, a non-editor, to write about style? I'd close my drafts full of half-baked ideas and move on – struggling to develop a regular cadence of writing because I was intimidated.
But then, a few things shifted my perspective.
I was reading Ziwe Fumoduh's “iconic” book of essays, Black Friend, and found this quote she shared from Ira Glass about the creative process:
"For the first couple of years you make stuff, it's just not that good. It's trying to be good, it has potential, but it's not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. We all go through this. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap and your work will be as good as your ambitions."
That clicked. I realized that this newsletter is a source of joy, an outlet, and a way to materialize and share my point of view. It's also provided an opportunity for me to connect with so many of you. I want to close that gap—to make my work as good as my ambitions, so in this new year, I’m going to give my newsletter another shot (imposter syndrome omitted).
And here we go.
I usually spend January scouring the internet for deep discounts on wish-list items (often in vain). This year, I'm instead focusing on purging anything that no longer sparks joy or suits my current needs. I'm taking stock of my closet: what could use some care (like dry cleaning, repairs, or alterations)? How can I mix and match existing pieces to create fresh outfits that feel exciting?
While the fashion industry recovers from its post-holiday hangover, I'm revisiting my personal sources of inspiration by doing activities like watching old films on Criterion, flipping through art books and magazines, combing through images I’ve bookmarked. This quiet time allows me to focus on my own desires and creativity, so I can generate fuel for the year ahead.
In that vein, instead of my usual round-up of monthly finds, I want to take a moment to reflect on the very best items I purchased in 2023. These are the pieces that became my go-to's—the ones that made me feel confident and made getting dressed easier.
My Best Purchases of 2023
A. Brown Robe Coat, Acne Studios, $400
In Copenhagen, I splurged on an Acne chocolate brown coat (with a hint of red) at their Archive store. Beyond being a travel memento, it became a staple for everyday style. The dramatic length and collarless neckline elevate it beyond other brown coats, making it a true statement piece.
B. Heather Grey Joggers, American Vintage, $100
Shopping American Vintage in Europe is always a delight for their cozy, premium basics (imagine my joy when they opened a store in the West Village). These straight-leg, clean-hemmed cotton sweats are a dream come true: no shrinking; just pure well-designed comfort. This pair is sold out but these are other great options: Skims ($72), Gap ($60).
C. Silver Running Sneakers, Asics, $140
Silver sneakers: essential, not optional. After struggling to style my impractical (but beautiful) Wales Bonner court sneakers with their cumbersome tongues, I found salvation in these Asics. They’re versatile enough to go from the gym to dog walk to the office, easily pulling an outfit together–even when I'm picking up poop.
D. Navy Vest, Zara, $90 (on sale for $35.90)
TikTok won me over with this vest. Usually, my Zara purchases end in a dismaying return pile, but this one was a solid win. It effortlessly pairs back to jeans, and its versatility shines through in styling: buttoned or open, with skirts or shorts, anything goes. The vest was a 2023 closet staple, but I have a feeling it's staying put.
E. Classic Wayfarers, Ray Ban, $171
I know what you're thinking: Is it 2006? Hear me out. The Ray-Ban Wayfarer is a timeless classic for a reason. Its understated silhouette has stood the test of time, making it the perfect everyday pair of sunglasses. Did I feel awkward walking into Ray-Ban’s empty 7,600 square-foot flagship store in Soho to purchase these? Will I wear them until I eventually lose them? Yes and yes.
F. Elastic Strap Ballet Flat, The Row, Expensive
After ages of coveting them, I miraculously found these ballet flats from the Row at a deep discount. They've already surpassed their price-per-wear and are the perfect outfit-finisher I managed to wear through the year (they are very cute with socks in winter). And thanks to the buttery lambskin, they're insanely comfortable too. Sharing some affordable options that look similar: Everlane ($155), Jeffrey Campbell ($120).
G. Leather Metal Grommet Skirt, Saks Potts, $415 (on Poshmark)
This grained lamb leather skirt from Saks Potts was a wild card. I saw it for the first time at the Saks Potts store in Copenhagen, and although grommets aren’t my usual taste, there was something about the skirt that spoke to me. It's a standout piece, not a frequent flier, but elevates any outfit tenfold. I styled it with a white tank and heeled thong sandals in summer; tall boots and a slim turtleneck in fall.
Thank you for reading!
I’m looking forward to the year ahead and sharing more of my finds with you. Please let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to see me write about.
Until next time,
Kristine
Welcome back! Appreciate your taste and sensibility :)