The List: Red Mesh, Espresso Silk, and Other Toothsome Treats.

Off with your head, January deprivation!

January can be a bummer. The prevalent dreariness doesn’t lend itself well to feeling energized. I’ve seen a glut of content around wearing the clothes you already have, which in theory is a lovely challenge, but in practice, January is the worst time of year to feel inspired by your own closet. I’ve tried not to flood you with content this month. I feel like the vibe is to back off a bit and let everyone enjoy being inward.

Instead of going cold turkey on shopping, I’m in favor of a little treat. Punctuating a rotation of heavy coats with a bargain from The Real Real or a new earring can galvanize a cold morning. We’re already choking down salads and throwing our money at other depressing things like Equinox. So why vacuum even more joy from an already killjoy month?

Life is about balance, not deprivation. Since the inception of this newsletter, I’ve preached buying fewer, better things, taking good care of them, and wearing them often. With that mindset, you can balance your shopping decisions year-round without fear of overconsumption.

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• The arrival of Proenza’s S/S 24 runway items has ushered me down a resale rabbit hole. Remember these incredible shoes? They feel so now in their peppy shade of cherry. I also love these white mules — especially because they clock in just above a hundred bucks. I’m still very into red. I pre-ordered this mesh pouch, too.

• There is SO MUCH CONTENT right now about cleaning out your closet. It’s January energy at its very height. I succumbed to a purge myself, and the first round of those items is now available for sale on Basic.Space, if you’d like to shop my closet.

• I predict Jasmin Sparrow’s Amélie earrings will soon be as ubiquitous among a certain set of women as High Sport pants and the Interior Bruno sweater. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I predict these delightfully strange Tory Burch earrings will soon be on my person. One of my most anticipated Feb runways!

  

  

  Photographed by Acielle/ Style Du Monde, via Vogue

• The men’s shows have kicked off in Milan, and while we don’t generally cover menswear in this newsletter, the street style ahead is worthy of your attention. Leopard over double-denim? Inspired! Playful! Elegant!

• How rich-looking and cozy is this boucle sweater from Jenni Kayne? (JESS15 for 15% off, btw.)

• Dianna from Crown Affair has been leading a new-year dive into The Artist’s Way on TikTok, which I have enjoyed following along with. It’s been a good segue into my new calligraphy hobby. Penmanship is back, baby.

• I’m heading to LA next weekend with a group of girls to celebrate and love on Olivia of Chava Studio, who is hosting an event with our friend

  Laurel Pantin
  . I’ve ordered this slick black button-down for the occasion. I love the simplicity of the styling here, shown only with a watch and a pair of workhorse High Sport pants.

• Speaking of smart collars, La Ligne’s Jane Polo Sweater is a winner. I have it in my true size. It’s been a reliable pinch-hitter with black trousers and jeans. La Ligne gave us a code: JESSGRAVES10 for 10% off.

• Did you know the CIA has a creative writing group?

  

• Turns out, I need espresso-colored silk pants and velvet Dries sandals.

• Nordstrom has wildly deep discounts on Interior, I’m not speculating why. But this trench and these boxers are a steal.

• Thank you notes! To

  Erika Veurink
  for including me in her newsletter style series, to
  Jalil Johnson
  for prodding me about my coffee table, to Glamour and
  Lindy Segal
  for sharing my two cents on "affordable ‘It’ bags,” and to
  Emilia Petrarca
  and Elle for asking me about one of my favorite New York traditions, The Row sample sale.