What We Want to Have Now: 08.16.2023

By Janet Kelly

EVEN THOUGH it’s still very much summer, we’re all programmed to think what’s ahead. Caught between this season and the next, here’s a somewhat random list of what’s on my radar this week:

If your jean supply, like mine, is due for a refresh, I’m considering these three: Ayr’s new Frenchie has a mid-rise, a straight leg with a slight crop and a relaxed fit, all things that appeal to me in an everyday jean. It also comes in three washes—a medium blue (see above), a creamy off-white and a rich black. A similar option and way less pricey is Uniqlo’s ankle-length, boyfriend tapered jeans. I also have my eye on a pair of high-rise, flared jeans from Gap, which I like for its figure-flattering silhouette.

Banana Republic’s denim midi skirt ($160) would be an excellent addition to a wardrobe that works for summer but also can move smoothly into fall, depending on choice of footwear and tops. I much prefer this length to the ubiquitous maxi that’s difficult to wear for most of us mortals. Fitted through the waist and hips, the A-line skirt gently flares from hip to hem.

I’ve squeezed out the last few drops of Drunk Elephant’s bronzy color wash, but I’m inclined to purchase another. Using self-tanner on my face results in an unattractive blotchy look, but adding just a smidgen of these “sunshine drops” (with hydrating oils) to a moisturizer or foundation gives my pallor a boost of subtle color. It sells for $38 at Sephora.

I’m a sucker for Printfresh’s happy patterns and colors. I’m adding this quilted, oversized, puppy-printed pouch (5.5 inches wide-by 10.5 inches long-by 7 inches high) and its colorfully striped companion (4.5 inches wide-by-8 inches long-by 5.5 inches high) to my holiday gift ideas list for my granddaughters, my pet-loving friends and for little old me. I’d use them for tools like eyelash curler and other beauty supplies, but they’re also good sizes for packing lingerie in a suitcase or keeping underwear organized in drawers at home. The pair sells for $88 and is available in three other prints.

It may be based in Irvine, California, but the OluKai company’s footwear is inspired by Hawaii, the ocean and “the feeling of bare feet in wet sand.” Ahhh. Made of supple leather, these strappy Waiau sandals (available in silver and gold, too) comfort and support feet with contoured footbeds. They sell for $120 at Nordstrom.  (Want to help recovery efforts in Maui? Donate to OluKai’s tax-exempt foundation, Ama OluKai.)

I love my white sneakers, but for something a bit more formal for fall, think Audrey in Loeffler Randall’s Leonie ballerinas. Made of soft lamb leather with a padded footbed and Mary Jane strap, they’re also available in pink and tan. They sell for $250 at Tuckernuck. Something less expensive? Zara’s square toe bow-tie ballet flats are $49.90.

What would Jane Birkin have thought about Dragon Diffusion’s Grace small basket? For one thing, this one is far sturdier, handwoven from leather instead of wicker. For another, its interior (34cm width-by-23cm height-by 16cm depth) would probably have more comfortably accommodated her essentials, maybe a drink and book as well.  A hand-sewn St. Christopher medal inside the bag promises to help traveler’s travails. In today’s environment of canceled flights, horrid weather, etc., who couldn’t use that? Almost sold out on multiple sites in this dark green but available in caramel for $365, in navy for $376 and in black for $358 on Farfetch.

Clare V’s cotton poplin Phoebe blouse is on the spendy side ($245) for sure, but that lips print on a blush-color background is so darn cheery, it’s irresistible. I’d amortize the cost by wearing it as much as possible all fall and winter—with jeans and a blazer.

Even if my sandal season will be over in a couple of months, these L.L. Bean Maine Isle sandals are too adorable not to put in my shopping cart so I can wear them in the waning days of this summer and all summer 2024. They sell for $19.99 at Zappos.

They say you can’t go back to what you once wore. Ha! Cristalle by Chanel was a longtime favorite fragrance of mine, and then, just like that, a few years ago, it was no longer available. Now, just as mysteriously, it’s back—in an eau de toilette concentrée spray (the eau de toilette for $140 is already sold out). It’s technically a floral scent with notes of magnolia, but citrus and jasmine cut the sweetness for a fresh, green fragrance that’s perfect for summer—or for me, anytime of year. It sells for $165 at Chanel.

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