6 Designer Items On Their Way to My House Post-Christmas Sale
Despite my protests otherwise, I love a sale. I particularly love a sale on designer fashion that I have been coveting for months (best believe there are many).
As freedom is the enemy of creativity, I have one fashion rule going into 2025: every expensive item that I purchase has to be office-appropriate.
With that in mind, here are a few (hopefully lovely) things on their way to me after a fabulous series of post-holiday sales.
Things I have been pining after for quite some time:
1. Church’s Burwood Oxford Brogues
Since spending time in a “business formal” atmosphere (yes, such places do still exist), I have fallen in love with classic men’s shoes. They make me feel part Katharine Hepburn, part Don Draper. They also assuage my fear of toppling over in stilettos (which I will be conquering in 2025).
What I love about the Church’s Burwood Brogues: The deep brown and shiny-ness. They will look fabulous with a dark blue denim (see Net-a-Porter’s great styling) as well as navy trousers, which is their primary use-case for me.
Challenges: Candidly, brown in a corporate setting can be difficult to pull off as navy and black are much more commonplace, particularly in womenswear. Since I cannot wear brown and black together under any circumstance according to my boyfriend, I will also need a suitable work bag to pair with these shoes.
2. Alexander McQueen Single-Breasted Wool Blazer in Grey
What I love about Alexander McQueen blazers: Alexander McQueen is one of the only lines that is getting blazers right right now.
I am obsessed with the flap pockets, the curved hem, and the slim fit. I have been waiting with baited breath for the day that oversized, square shouldered blazers go out of style since the day that trend started, and I am pleased to say that slim fit is back as of the end of 2024.
Challenges: Candidly, I prefer the Prince of Whales check pattern version (see above). I am also going to have to be particular about the pants I wear with my charcoal version (black definitely. Maybe navy).
3. Nili Lotan Anais Belt
Yes, yes, I know $390 for a belt isn’t exactly competitively priced. But one thing I’ve learned is that cheap accessories and cheap shoes will make or break an outfit. You can, as I do, wear Dior wingtips with Everlane pants.
What I love about the Anais Belt: It’s perfect. Not so thick as to look awkward with workwear nor too thin as to look strange with jeans. The gold buckle is interesting enough to catch the eye, but not so interesting as to be bizarre and trendy.
In general, I am a big fan of Nili Lotan’s classic pieces. Plus, they are actually work appropriate.
Challenges: The price
Things I bought impulsively:
4. Nili Lotan Jeanette Top
What can I say? I love Nili Lotan.
What I love about the Jeanette Top: Strong shoulders, the epaulettes, the gold buttons (I do not like silver detailing, which doesn’t work with many of my shoes), and the workwear-inspired pockets.
Challenges: Nili Lotan sizing can be inconsistent.
5. Evi Grintela Carine SL in Red Stripe
As a lover of a cinched waist and a long dress, I was shaking after I discovered Evi Grintela at Scarpa, a high end boutique in Virginia.
I went home and spent a good hour perusing Evi Grintela’s website, to discover many, many dresses that I love (and I believe would love me back). The first of these is the Carine SL in red stripe.
What I love about the Carine SL: Pretty much everything. The length (I’m 5'8"), the slim stripe, the belt. It’s giving Mad Men (office appropriate yet feminine).
Challenges: If I have to return this, it’s going to be awful since I’m importing it from Greece.
6. Evi Grintela Valerie Midi in Vichy
As black and white plaid is my kryptonite, I couldn’t resist buying a second Evi Grintela dress.
What I love about the Valerie Midi: The check, the slight oversize with belt combo, the black and white Liberty fabric… Evi Grintela, where have you been all my life?
Challenges: Again, returns.
Fashion Predictions for 2025
I am cautiously optimistic about fashion in 2025 as it seems that the height of Y2K insanity is abating and we may be seeing some mid-2000s stalwarts return, such as Olsen-esque boho.
Fashion trends I’m expected (and excited for)
- Slim fit blazers
- Skinny jeans (gasp!)
- Ties
- (More) shorter heels, though I prefer a step beyond a kitten heel
- Dusty pink
- Leopard print
- Mary-Kate and Ashley boho and indie-sleaze
Fashion trends I am dreading
- Skirt pants
- Easter-colored workout gear
- More Y2K
- More pants that drag on the ground
- Capes
What trends are you looking forward to/dreading in 2025? I’d love to hear in the comments.
