WHEN TO SPLURGE AND WHEN TO SAVE

Totally unrelated to this week’s newsletter, but we couldn’t let you miss this: the Alaïa Perfo ballet flats—made from a single piece of leather—that we mentioned in our latest newsletter and have eagerly awaited since Pieter Mulier first posted them on Instagram last February are finally available.

Charon: Last week, I recommended a pair of Weekday sweatshorts to a friend, who has become fixated on the luxe version from The Row that we featured in a previous newsletter. Admittedly, we both had reservations about how the Weekday pair would measure up—an arduous, if not impossible, task. She texted me, "It feels like downgrading from business to economy class." I replied, "More like relegated to the cargo hold, really." But honestly, spending €1,140 on a pair of (fantastic) sweatshorts just isn’t realistic, is it?

Now that I’m back in The Netherlands and preparing for my return to South Africa, I’m trying to figure out what I really (want to) wear. As a perfectionist—also known as a Virgo—I demand nothing but the best from my clothing. These days, even a pair of cotton underwear feels like an investment. With skyrocketing prices, striking a balance between luxury fashion aspirations and practical, mindful spending has led me to reconsider when and how to spend my money—and when to keep it in my pocket.

MAISON MARGIELA Navy elbow patches sweater (or here), LA COLLECTION Fitted blazer, COS Barrel-leg joggers and KHAITE Marion sandals (similar here)

So, how do I justify investing in sweatwear—something you typically wouldn’t splurge on? Ever since spotting the sweat(ish) trousers from Look 37 in 16Arlington’s Spring 2024 collection (which I haven’t been able to find for sale anywhere), I’ve been on a relentless quest for the perfect pair of tailored joggers. This week, I finally found a barrel-leg pair from COS. They do run slightly large and, as expected, are shorter than advertised (iykyk, but they might be perfect for those on the shorter side), yet somehow they still work. However, there’s a strong chance they’ll end up at the bottom of my suitcase due to fit concerns. 

MARIE ADAM-LEENAERDT Spiral cotton-jersey wrap midi dress, TOTEME Organic cotton-jersey T-shirt, DRIES VAN NOTEN Straight leg sweatpants and DRIES VAN NOTEN Knotted midi-skirt

In contrast, Dries Van Noten’s straight leg sweatpants or Carter Young pleated sweatpants offer impeccable value (and length) for the price. And with that, I think I’ve just convinced myself of their worth.

While expensive doesn’t always mean better and affordable doesn’t always mean inferior (think Baserange, Uniqlo, Fruit of the Loom, Havaianas, and vintage finds), I’ve come to the conclusion, once again, that buying items that merely gesture toward the one piece I truly desire simply won’t cut it. That’s when I choose to hold onto my cash.

A well-considered, high-quality piece brings me peace of mind—that’s what I define as luxury. It’s the luxury of not constantly searching for replacements, the satisfaction of seeing those carefully chosen items in your wardrobe, and the effortless confidence of stepping out feeling well-dressed.

Seasonless Satin

PHOEBE PHILO Asymmetric dress in stucco silk-satin

Even though I’m not sure what I’m getting myself into with a 3-year-old running around mostly covered in peanut butter, I’m drawn to satin alongside my sweats. Quick note: Satin refers to the weave used to create the fabric, rather than the material itself. Silk satin is the most traditional and luxurious, as seen in this jaw-dropping Phoebe Philo Asymmetric dress. The satin shiny surface, which feels seasonless, is a perfect way to ‘break’ up an outfit when combined with leather, poplin, or wool. Focusing on comfortable yet stylish bottoms, I see myself wearing these for the rest of the year: The Row Encore midrise satin flared pants, Leset Barb pants (or here), Silk Laundry Black Bias Lounge Pants (also love these), Anne Bing Aden silk satin pants, or Loulou Studio Black Alera Trousers.

To add another touch of satin shine to your wardrobe, opt for Le Monde Beryl satin ballet flats in black or beige, the Khaite High-rise satin pensil skirt (on sale) and this pre-loved La Collection scarf bag.

MAISON MARGIELA Layered knit vest, HAVAIANAS Dark brown slippers, LESET Barb satin wide-leg pants (or here) and HODAKOVA Boot clutch

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