Current Status: Unpacking & Shopping
Things have been super busy here as I unpack and settle into Brooklyn. I moved across the country with only a few choice pieces of furniture, so I’ve had to buy a lot of stuff, from a bed to desk to couch. Many things I looked at are not available for months (even 6 months for big items like a couch in the color I initially wanted). The supply chain issues feel personal now!
It’s a bit of whiplash to go from trying to downsize and get rid of as much as possible in preparation for the move, to now spending so much time shopping and acquiring things. When I was packing, I tried to make this calculation of what was “worth” moving. Dish rack I’ve had for many years that was getting rusty in some spots? No. Stain remover for laundry? No. (In general, I didn’t move liquids, afraid that if their containers broke in transit, it would cause a mess.)
I erred on the side of getting rid of things. But my partner was more of the mind of keeping things, and this led to some fights over what to keep. Maybe I was a little overzealous about it, because now on the other side we have to rebuy some things, and that takes time and effort.
Also, there’s just always things you need when you move to make a space work. This means that I’ve been doing a lot of research on everything from small items like dish racks and hangers to furniture like ergonomic office chairs. Maybe I’ll write about some of these things. I mean, might as well put the research I’ve done into some posts, right?
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My Fall Wardrobe Wish List
Clockwise: Everlane jeans, Jenni Kayne cocoon cardigan, Vetta sleeveless midi dress, Curator SF cropped cardigan, dr. Liza heels
Even though I generally like shopping, all this shopping at once for the apartment feels like work. And yet, this hasn’t stopped me from making a wish list of items I want to add to my wardrobe. Thinking about my wardrobe feels more emotionally rewarding than thinking about housewares and furniture. Although I love housewares too and they can also reflect your personality, much of the housewares shopping at the moment is driven by practical needs. Clothes feel more fun.
A list of wardrobe wants:
1. I want to add to my collection of straight leg jeans. I’m using the word collection very loosely here as I mostly wear one pair of jeans these days, my Everlane Way-High Jeans (reviewed here). I cut those short so they’re cropped, which is cute. But it’s not as practical when it gets colder (and it’s getting colder). I am now eyeing Everlane’s Japanese Denim Cheeky Jeans (which have the original cut, not the ’90s ones). But I’ll have to wait for a restock since my size in the wash I want is out. I’ve also been checking to see if I can find them secondhand.
2. Blazer. During my closet purge, I got rid of most of my blazers, except for one cropped one that only works for certain outfits (usually a high-waisted skirt). The majority of them were either low quality and showing wear or were too small and didn’t fit. I’m looking for a classic, versatile piece. This might be a bit of challenge because of my petite proportions. I’m willing to wait to get the right one with a good fit.
3. Black midi skirt. This has been on my list for two years now. Just a simple black midi skirt. Why are the simplest things hardest to find sometimes? I’ve faved a couple of Eileen Fisher ones on Poshmark. But it’s hard to know how they’ll fit so I haven’t made a move on any of them.
I have to say, I am very tempted by the Vetta Two Piece Sleeveless Dress, which can be worn as separates. It functions similarly to the Two Piece Midi Dress, which I’ve reviewed, in that it detaches into a top and skirt. Because the top is sleeveless, perhaps it won’t have the fit issues that I encountered with the Two Piece Midi Dress. Maybe this is my answer to the black midi skirt?
4. Trench coat. I also have my eye on this convertible trench coat from Vetta. Do I need this? Probably not. I have a black trench coat from H&M that I’ve owned for ages. It’s in surprisingly good shape for a low-cost fast fashion garment. And this seems like a more lightweight spring item. But I’m really taken with the fact that the Vetta trench is convertible and you can remove the bottom half and wear it as a short jacket too. And I love the gold color.
5. Short black cardigan. There’ve been many times when I put on my navy Everlane ReCashmere Varsity Cardigan (which I wrote about here) and wished I had it in black. Everlane doesn’t make it anymore, so I’ve been searching for it secondhand. But so far, I’ve only found someone asking full retail for it, and I refuse to pay full retail for a second-hand item that can’t be returned.
6. Cropped red cardigan. I’m also very tempted by this cropped cardigan from Curator SF in the brick color. This ethical brand is running a 25% off sale now.
7. Cocoon cardigan. Yes, I’m on a sweater kick. Fall just makes me want to wrap myself in a large fluffy cardigan like this cocoon cashmere cardigan from Jenni Kayne. On the one hand, it’s pricey. But on the other hand, I’d wear it forever?
8. Now that I live in New York do I need a long down puffy coat for the winter? Everytime Jil Sander does one of her +J collections for Uniqlo, I covet the long down coats. I love the style, but also it’s fast fashion and I don’t know what’s up with Uniqlo’s practices these days, especially when it comes to sourcing cotton. There are other brands that make long down coats, of course, and out of recycled materials too. Like this Everlane Duvet Puffer.
9. Black heels. I got rid of almost all my heels when I moved because most of them were not comfortable anymore. But, I still want to wear heels now and then. Thinking that these low dr. Liza heels might be the answer as this brand has generally been comfy for me with its orthotic insole and there are sales this month. (See my review of the flats and the booties.) There are some fun colors, but black is probably the most practical for my wardrobe.
First Photo: Adam Dillon/Unsplash
I don’t think I’ve had a chance to say welcome to NYC yet! I have a few friends who moved in recent months and are trying to buy furniture, and it sounds like a huge pain with several months’ wait for some things they want, including a couch.
As a longtime NYC resident who generally isn’t too fussed about being cold, I think a longer down coat (knee-length, rather than full-length is adequate for me) or puffer is a necessity. Walking around most parts of Manhattan, I find the wind can really cut right through wool coats when it starts getting into the lower 40s Fahrenheit or colder. I don’t find it necessary to really seek out the warmest possible down coats from more expensive brands, though.
Thank you! I’m excited to be here. Glad to have your insight as a longtime New Yorker. The supply chain issues definitely feel more pronounced when you’re shopping for furniture. I’ve had to make some adjustments to my original plans just to have usable things. I’m not waiting 6 months for a couch!