The List: A Modern Tom Ripley, Portugese Pencils, and Bode Seersucker
Are Van's slip-ons back?
I binged Ripley this weekend — a show that, predictably, oozes style — which sent an aesthete like me into overdrive. Down the rabbit hole I went, hunting the special objects so prominently showcased onscreen: Dickie’s baby Hermes typewriter with the telling letter ‘e,’ which I’d stock with creamy A4 paper from Smythson and perched next to a Mangiarotti maritime clock. A sinister Flavio Poli Murano glass ashtray in all its beautiful heft. A Leica M11 Rangefinder for documenting the Atrani dreamscape. Tasteful Kent Wang Browline sunglasses for days spent sailing with Marge. A heavily fetishized Montblanc Meisterstruck 149. Certainly a Caravaggio book. And, of course, a humble Picasso.
It got me thinking about what might be on Dickie’s (and eventually, Tom’s) desk today. I feel like he’d be a David Netto guy. I think a Futagami brass tape dispenser would suit, maybe with an alabaster cup of Portuguese pencils from WMS&Co and some edged pads for jotting notes. A chic letter opener for trust statements, perhaps some ceramic bookends for small tomes and notebooks. Maybe Tom would take Dickie’s watch to the esteemed folks at Watchmaking Project for servicing after that salty boat encounter.
It’s all fun to think about. I’m not the only one.
did a wonderful exploration of the show’s interiors and explored Marge’s floaty Amalfi wardrobe in-depth. I could easily see her wearing something like this Doen number with the K.Jacques collaboration.Here’s what else caught my attention over the weekend:
Our in-person encounter with Phoebe Philo’s wares has me excited about clothes in the way I wanted to be when she initially dropped them online. The more I chew on it, the more I’m convinced that these are clothes not fairly assessed until they are seen and worn rather than perceived online. It also reinforces the reminder that purchases like this are a mistake (for me) — I get influenced by something that looks fantastic on a friend and lose the context of my own closet. I am guilty of always seeking the dopamine hit of something new. I’m constantly exposed to so much stuff that I get bored and glaze over. But when something jumps out at me, that novelty moves me to possess it when, most of the time, all I really need to do is admire it. This is great for my job because I’ve developed a built-in bullshit filter for shopping that allows me to pass along only the good stuff to you. But I could probably edit my wardrobe to 40 pieces and be fine. A little bored, but fine. I’m seasonally compelled to do exactly that, and I’m in the mood right now to unburden myself of excess. I don’t need more shit in my life, to put it bluntly. If it comes into my house, I want to immediately know its use, where I’m putting it, and how to care for it. And when an image comes along like the one above, I get that good jolt and remember the clothes that feel most like home to me. A collared shirt, a black trouser, a smart sandal.
Speaking of thinning out, what’s a girl to do with barely-open perfume? I have many and only use a few. Is there a way to recycle or reuse I’m not aware of?
Our friends at Roz Hair have kindly extended a discount code: JESSGRAVES for 20% off site-wide. It expires 4/28. I recommend the shampoo/conditioner duo, the hair oil, and the volume spray.
Todd Selby has a fantastic new book out, and you should order it. You’ll see lots of familiar faces within!
I like this leather bolo phone wristlet from Ossa.
I guess Van’s slip-ons are having a moment? Morgan Stewart sporting the checkered pair sent the IG girls into a tizzy, and now Jennifer Lawrence has been papped in a black pair. Jaime Mizrahi, please weigh in! Maybe this summer’s sneaker isn’t a sneaker at all.
Goop invited me to Casa Cipriani’s swank spa for a facial with their new 72-Hour Hydrating Water Cream. The launch is perfectly timed, right as I’m about to shelve the heavy moisturizers for a few months in favor of something lighter as humidity comes back into the air. I held off telling you about it until I tried it for a few weeks. Had to make sure it didn’t break me out, did what it promised, etc. I like it worn under sunscreen on those work-from-home writing days when I’m not seeing anyone but still want to do something to take care of myself.
Another skincare product I’m tinkering with is the new-to-market Dr. Diamond Metacine combo. Too soon to tell with this one — I want to put my chest into it if I’m going to recommend a $200 serum. But let me know if you’re trying it, too. I want your thoughts.
Maybe it’s the Southerner in me, maybe it’s just the Masters vibes tapering off, but I have a soft spot for seersucker. This cool (literally) white seersucker Bode jacket is exactly what I’d wear to Augusta National.
Now that the weather has warmed, I’ve been thinking about what to plant in my tiny yard this year. Aside from the requisite herbs, I’m leaning towards all kinds of butterfly plants—wouldn’t it be dreamy if I pulled that off? My own little butterfly garden! Fridays from the Garden has a tiny section of suggestions that I’m pulling from. I may have to bring a wagon to the Green Market plant ladies if I’m going to pull this off. If you have a green thumb, please drop into the comments!
How do we feel about capris?
I’m into capris and having fun styling! But def have to be styled a certain way for me, I need something oversized on top so it’s just the legs part out, and a shoe that’s elongating whether a small heel or a beige mesh or else I look even shorter. The tan pair I have from toteme is also more elongating than traditional black imo.
You've made me so excited to watch the show! I am such a loyalist to the 1999 film with Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow that I had planned on not watching the show. However, your links and descriptions have inspired me to give it a watch! Also I AM A BIG CAPRI ADVOCATE- LET'S SHOW OFF THOSE CALVES!