My 2024 fashion review

· Fashion

It’s already been 5 years since I made this appointment with you to take stock of what entered into my wardrobe over the past year.

It all started back in 2020, when I became ethically and ecologically aware, following my many years of over-consumption as a fashion blogger. Since then, every year, I’ve got into the habit of noting down every clothing purchase (or gift) and listing it on this blog post. This allows me to see whether these acquisitions have been useful, qualitative or not.

It’s already been 5 years since I made this appointment with you to take stock of what’s gone into my wardrobe over the past year.

 

13 NEW ADDITIONS IN 2024 : 8 PURCHASES, 4 GIFTS AND 1 SURPRISE FIND

Compared with previous year (2023 : 13 acquisitions including 8 purchases, 2022 : 9 acquisitions including 5 purchases, 2021 : 13 acquisitions including 7 purchases, 2020 : 8 acquisitions including 3 purchases), I think I remain constant in my consumption.

This year, nothing was “necessary”, as I already have enough clothes in my wardrobe. That said, even if I don’t follow trends that much, my eye is still influenced by current (wider) cuts and the desire to be even more comfortable in my clothes is growing with age (never say never, but I’m thinking of saying goodbye to slim/skinny jeans for good). There have also been a few “passion/impulse” purchases, which explains this moderately pragmatic fashion balance sheet.

Let’s take a closer look at these 2024 novelties, starting with my purchases and ending with the gifts I received.

 

THE BASTILLE VARSITY JACKET

« BAD BLOOD » Varsity jacket BASTILLE 

 

Date of purchase : January 2024 (well… more exactly in December 2023, but received in January 2024)

Why I bought it : The “fan attitude” for one of my favorite bands BASTILLE. When the visual was published online, I had a big crush on this jacket (=the name of Bastille’s first album embroidered on the back, the band’s name embroidered on the chest, the triangular logo embroidered on the sleeve, the color: I explain everything here) and I immediately loved it

My daily use : I have to admit I was a little disappointed with the rendering when I received the item compared with the initial visual, but the quality is still decent. The jacket is lined, carefully embroidered and holds together quite well.

I don’t wear this jacket much because of the Parisian weather, which is sometimes too cold/rainy in winter and too hot in summer, but I was delighted to wear it to Dan Smith’s autumn concert from Bastille at La Cigale. It materializes my love for the band with a clever reference to a jacket worn in the video for the song “Flaws”. The quintessential “fan” purchase. I love it. (Let’s just pray I stay a fan of the band for a long time to come!)

 

 LEVIS VINTAGE JEANS

LEVIS 501 VINTAGE jeans NUMÉRO DEUX

 

Date of purchase : May 2024 at Numéro deux

Why I bought them : The desire to renew my light-colored jeans, which are a little too tight in terms of fit (although I hear the more fitted trend is making a comeback).

My daily use : Like the jeans I bought at Numéro Deux last year, I wear these quite often. The cut is a little looser and boyfriend-ish than the previous two, giving it an even more relaxed style.

 

COMME DES GARÇONS PANTS

Wide pants COMME DES GARÇONS 

 

Date of purchase: September 2023

Why I bought them: An unexpected visit to DOVER STREET MARKET PARIS, a store I’d already visited in Tokyo, New York and London. It’s not the place for bargains, but I’ve always loved going there to get a feel for what’s going on in the designer world. These half-skirt, half-wide-leg pants intrigued me with their cut. I tried them on for fun. The rest is history.

My daily use : Even though it wasn’t at all a planned purchase, I’m delighted to have invested in a garment in which I feel totally me. It’s a strong yet versatile piece, and that’s what makes it so charming. It’s best worn in mid-season, as the fabric is too thick in midsummer and there are too many drafts in freezing weather (try it with tights underneath, perhaps).

 

TROMPE-L’OEIL JEANS « MIRAMAR » RAG & BONE 

Jeans MIRAMAR TERRY WIDE LEG RAG&BONE

 

Date of purchase : July 2024

Why I bought them : Once again, an unexpected purchase. I spotted it on Wendyslookbook‘s Instagram account and was seduced by this idea of jeans that are actually fleece jogging pants. The comfort, the originality of the garment and the slightly wide cut convinced me.

My daily use : This pair of jeans from the Miramar range is an amazing feat of magic in its own right, and when I wear them, my friends and family are astonished and amused. The elasticated waistband (like a pair of pyjamas) makes you want to give up all clothing constraints (you want to wear nothing but these for the rest of your life), but they still look as “cool” as a pair of classic jeans. The trompe-l’œil aspect is quite stunning (=the fake printed buttons, the fake pockets/braguette) and the maintenance easy. Even if this purchase wasn’t essential, I don’t regret it at all, given how often I wear these fake jeans.

 

THE ASPHALTE WHITE SHIRT

Teeshirt ASPHALTE

 

Date of purchase: August 2024

Why I bought it : I already have two white T-shirts in my wardrobe (one from Sézane and one from Les Sublimes) but I wanted to invest in a slightly stiffer cut.

My daily use : Having bought it at the end of summer, I haven’t worn it much yet, but I like its cut and thickness, which means I can wear it without a bra underneath: Total freedom! (…when I tell you I’m looking for comfort at all costs haha)

 

THE BASTILLE TOTEBAG

Tote bag « AMPERSAND »  BASTILLE 

 

Date of purchase : November 2024

Why I bought it : The desire to have a small, useful and inexpensive concert souvenir.

My daily use : Even though there’s no shortage of tote bags in my closet (especially as this is almost all I use on a daily basis), I’m glad to have one in the colors of Bastille and the sublime AMPERSAND album. I’d have preferred it to be thicker, but then again, you can’t ask too much of the quality of products sold at concerts (although I’d absolutely love it if this kind of product were better thought out in terms of both design and quality/durability).

 

TOY STORY BANDANA

Bandana TOY STORY DISNEYLAND PARIS

 

Date of purchase : October 2024

Why I bought it : On a trip to Disneyland Paris, I stumbled across it in one of the park’s boutiques. I found the print both sober and original, which speaks to the Toy Story fan in me.

My daily use : I bought it mainly in anticipation of my future visits to the park, to complete my Woody/Jessie outfit (you know that dressing in a Disney theme when I go to Disneyland makes me enjoy my days there even more), but this bandana is also useful for everyday life.

 

THE RED CASHMERE SWEATER LES SUBLIMES

Cashmere sweater LIV LES SUBLIMES 

 

Date of purchase : December 2024

Why I bought it : In the summer of 2024, I had gone out to buy a linen suit I’d spotted with the brand, but once I’d received it, the cut wasn’t nice on me. So I sent it back, and instead of refunding it, I wanted to keep a voucher that I could use later on the site, just to support this French brand. I later fell for this red cashmere sweater (cashmere sweaters are what I wear most in winter, and having one in red completed my collection).

My daily use : I don’t yet have enough experience to tell you about the quality of the product, but so far, after one wash, it’s holding up well. It pilled slightly at first, but this seems to fade over time and with each wash. Its color allows me to brighten up my winter outfits.

 

THE NEW BALANCE SNEAKERS 

Sneakers 990 NEW BALANCE

 

 

Date of purchase : January 2024 pour mon anniversaire

My daily use : I had repaired a pair of gray New Balance sneakers last year, but my boyfriend thought it would be a good idea to buy me another pair, new and with a different design this time. I wear them very regularly, alternating with my old pair, and am pleased with their comfort and versatility (they go with almost everything) but am disappointed by the quality of the inner lining, which is already starting to wear out on the back of the heel (as with the leather Converse last year). I’ll probably have them consolidated at a cobbler’s.

 

ROTOTO SOCKS

Socks ROTOTO

 

Date of gift : February 2024 by my friend Sylvain

My daily use : These socks from a Japanese brand are ideal for indoor use because they’re so thick. So I don’t wear them outside, but when I’m hanging around the house, they’re perfect.

 

 

THE VINTAGE STRIPE SHIRT

vintage mens shirt CAMISSETTA 

 

Gift date : May 2024 by Chloé from Numéro Deux

My daily use : An unexpected but useful gift, as I wore this shirt a lot in summer and autumn. It’s a vintage mens shirt with an oversized straight cut, so it’s perfect to wear with my vintage Levis 501 jeans.

 

THE VINTAGE FIND : THE 80/90s GALERIES LAFAYETTE COAT

KORN PARIS FOR GALERIES LAFAYETTE Coat

Date of this find  : Autumn 2024

My daily use : Sorting through a family wardrobe led me to discover this coat, which obviously dates back to the 80s/90s (I’ve already talked about it here). In 100% virgin Scottish wool and small brown chevrons, it matches my entire wardrobe and has great sentimental value.

 

TO SUM UP

As I said in the introduction, there’s not much in the way of essentials in my 2024 acquisitions, but more in the way of “sentimental” purchases. The majority of purchases were driven by the desire to wear a piece of what I love (musically or cinematically). In spite of everything, I’m satisfied with this balance sheet, since I know I’ll be using everything that entered my dressing room in 2024. However, disappointed by the quality of certain products (New Balance, concert merchandise…), I’m still keeping an eye on the origins and materials used to the maximum.

For 2025, I don’t have much in the way of a quest, except perhaps the acquisition of well-cut wide-legged pants in noble materials, if I happen to come across any. But what about you? What did you fall for this year? Are you satisfied with your results?

Happy & healthy 2025 !

· Art, Illustration

I’m writing less and less on the blog, but tradition is tradition! I can’t miss our annual greeting card event.

I initiated this in 2018 and every year since, I look forward to mailing my greetings to twenty of you.

 

HEALTHY & HAPPY 

For me, 2024 has been surprisingly “crazy & sparkling”, as one of my 2024 greeting cards predicted, as I’ve had the opportunity to see/hear almost all my favorite artists in concert and experience some beautiful, sparkling moments. I don’t know what 2025 has in store for me, but as long as I’m healthy, I’m in!

In any case, I wish you all the best for 2025, and for finding inner peace in the midst of life’s turmoil.

The last few years have shown us that nothing can be taken for granted. Let gentleness, comfort and joy be part of your life, to counterbalance any shocks. I hope that happiness will radiate in and around you in 2025.

 

MY 2025 GREETING CARDS

This year, I wanted to celebrate something I’ve always loved: pretty mail!

3 destinations dear to my heart on these fictitious postage stamps and 2 different stamps on them (which also reflect what I like to do). I hope you enjoy these nods.

 

YOU’VE GOT MAIL ! 

And to complete the circle, these cards need to be sent by post (with real stamps this time!). So I’m delighted to sign cards that I’ll be mailing to 20 of you.

To try to receive one, you must :

  • Leave me a comment below
  • Tell me which stamp reflects you most (the musical or the epistolary one)
  • Tell me about your wishes for 2025 (maybe this will help make them come true!)
  • You have until midnight MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2025 to do so.

I’ll then choose the 20 people to whom I’ll send my handwritten wishes. May inspiration be with you! Thank you for being with me after 18 years online. I love growing up and growing old with you. Happy New Year to you <3

 

Nadège chevaux (commentaire du 1/01/2025 à 9h50)
Julie (commentaire du 1/01/2025 à 9h54)
Lôr (commentaire du 1/01/25 à 9h59)
sandra (commentaire du 1/01/25 à 10h18)
anaïs (commentaire du 1/01/25 à 10h41)
Zoé (commentaire du 1/01/25 à 11h41)
manoray (commentaire du 1/01/2025 à 12h16)
marion (commentaire du 1/01/25 à 12h35)
Élise (commentaire du 1/01/25 à 13h11)
Poline (commentaire du 1/01/25 à 14h20)
Anne-Marie (commentaire du 1/01/25 à 14h52)
adrienne Fouquet (commentaire du 1/01/25 à 16h07)
Lilie_Berlie (commentaire du 1/01/25 à 16h10)
Margot (commentaire du 2/01/25 à 12h54)
sylvia (commentaire du 3/01/25 à 10h03)
Séverine (commentaire du 3/01/25 à 11h59)
Quelhas Yolanda (commentaire du 3/01/205 à 12h26)
audrey (commentaire du 4/01/2025 à 1h41)
Elodie (commentaire du 4/01/25 à 7h06)
karene (commentaire du 5/01/25 à 10h49)

The books I read in 2023

· Art, Culture

Throughout the year 2023, I continued my journey through books. A few years ago, I couldn’t concentrate on more than a few pages of reading. It’s clear that gradually immersing myself in easy-to-read Japanese books was a catalyst for holding my attention longer, truly enjoying turning the pages, and diversifying my reading!

I had already compiled this reading list last year to catalog the novels I had read in 2022. I am once again engaging in this exercise. This year, I read less, with 18 books compared to 24 in 2022.

I don’t pressure myself about the number. The essential thing is to take pleasure in reading, and that was certainly the case for me!

 

READING IN ORIGINAL LANGUAGE

The novelty of 2023 for me is that I started reading quite a few books in English (Thanks, LN, for the push!). My English isn’t 100% fluent, and my language skills mainly come from high school, movies/series/pop songs. So, I’m delighted to have been able to attempt reading novels in English and to immerse myself in the story.

I found it to be a very good exercise to read in the original version to enrich my vocabulary (the dictionary is never far away in case of doubt) and to stay as close as possible to the author’s intention.

So here’s my ranking by categories, as last year. This post might give you some ideas and add to the number of books on your to-be-read pile. Feel free to share your opinion here if you’ve already read one or more of the novels mentioned; I’m curious to see if we have the same feelings about them.

 

MY FAVORITES

 

VIEILLE PEAU by FIONA SCHMIDT
My favorite of 2023, which should be read from a young age. This brilliant and funny essay by Fiona Schmidt explores ageism and explains how society subtly directs women at each phase of their lives, insidiously instilling a fear of aging. It’s not a guide on “aging well” or “how to stay young.” It goes much further, allowing for a serene look at who we are and who we will become.

ATTEINDRE L’AUBE by DIGLEE
A magnificent story by my friend Maureen, who had already dazzled with her pen in her previous work, Ressac, in 2021. Here, the book is just as intimate but with a different approach as it delves into the life of her great-aunt Georgie, a whimsical, passionate, and mysterious character, as well as into the lives of the women in her family. All of this helps to (re)define (among other things) her vision of coupledom and her life expectations. Subtle and moving.

DAISY JONES & THE SIX by TAYLOR JENKINS REID (Read in english)
This book was a gift from my childhood friend LN, convinced that I would enjoy this story. Bingo! I loved it! The story is structured as an interview with a fictional 70s musical group (inspired by Fleetwood Mac), which makes reading in English quite easy and fluid. The adapted television series and the album of songs are delightful additions to extend the pleasure. I even dedicated a special post to the novel/series/album on Instagram if you want more details.

THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by TAYLOR JENKINS REID (Read in english)
Continuing from Daisy Jones & the Six, I wanted to explore more novels by Taylor Jenkins Reid and turned to this one. Once again, it’s about a fictional star, a 79-year-old actress, giving an interview to an unknown journalist Monique Grant. Through their exchanges, we explore the star’s past with her 7 husbands. Secrets and twists abound. I’m not surprised that the novel is once again being adapted into a feature film… To be continued!

THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES (THE HUNGER GAMES) (Read in english)
My favorites seem to be novels that have been adapted into films or series! Here, the prequel to the Hunger Games saga, which I adore. I wanted to read the novel before going to the cinema, and I have no regrets about either the reading or the viewing (I discuss it in more detail here on Instagram). Perhaps I should have read it in French because the action scenes and war-related terms were quite difficult to understand in the language of Shakespeare, but I still loved discovering the youth of the villain President Snow on paper. The film adaptation is also one of my favorites of the year.

 


GOOD MOMENTS OF READING

The line between a favorite and a good reading moment is thin, but I had to make a choice to rank my different feelings.

 

THE ISLAND OF MISSING TREES by ELIF SHAFAK (Read in english)
My first book of the year read in 2023 and in English! A little adaptation time was needed to move fluidly through the pages, but once past that, I was captivated by this story of impossible love between a Greek and a Turk during the Cypriot War in the 1970s. A dual narrative (including that of a fig tree) that is subtle and rich in emotion, which will also appeal to nature lovers.

LOOK OUT FOR THE LITTLE GUY! by SCOTT LANG (Read in english)
Upon the release of the 3rd film in the Ant-Man saga: Quantumania (spoiler: it’s not at all up to par with the first 2 episodes), I learned about the parallel release of this book written by the main character of the film, Scott Lang (played by Paul Rudd). I found the idea brilliant since this book (actually written by Scott Lang!) appears at the beginning of the film. So I was curious to see what I could find in it and was not disappointed. The character’s tone is impeccably reproduced throughout the pages, describing all the adventures of the Avengers saga in a humorous and Ant-Man-specific way. However, it’s best reserved for Marvel and Ant-Man fans since this novel is extremely meta, but that’s what gives it its charm.

LESSON OF THE EVIL by YUSUKE KISHI
My first Japanese thriller: I appreciated being swept away by the chilling story of this high school teacher with two faces. It’s not perfect (as I mentioned here) but you easily get caught up in the intrigue and action (sometimes very unhealthy and violent, be warned).

KLARA AND THE SUN by KAZUO ISHIGURO
A book that questions the human relationship with new technologies, featuring Klara, an artificial intelligence robot adopted into a rather peculiar family. The atmosphere is particularly strange and cinematic, so much so that the novel will be adapted into a film soon.

THE WOMAN IN ME de BRITNEY SPEARS (Read in english)
You probably know of my particular fondness for Britney Spears since the early 2000s. So, I had to get her memoir. I was very happy to read it in English, to have a more raw and less cheesy transcription than in French. You’ve probably already read the essentials in the press, but reading it in full allowed me to better understand what poor Britney may have felt/endured during all those years of guardianship and overexploitation. (I discuss it in more detail here in this post) Her poignant testimony and reflections on misogyny in the music industry deserve to be read.

BREASTS AND EGGS by MIEKO KAWAKAMI
A very short book that observes three generations of Japanese women and their relationship with femininity. A concise and straightforward snapshot of Japanese society..

POÉTIQUE DU JAMBON-BEURRE by FRANCOIS SIMON
If you enjoy listening/watching the famous food critic François Simon’s chronicles on Instagram, you’ll love devouring his words in this book paying homage to the famous sandwich, pretext for an analysis of culinary trends and habits, ranging from Japanese cuisine to more local dishes. A gentle book that stimulates the senses, which I’ve already discussed here.

THE POWER OF NOW: A GUIDE TO SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT by ECKHART TOLLE
This wasn’t an easy read as it requires holding on before delving deeper into Eckhart Tolle’s explanations. There are things to take and leave in this book, but it deserves credit for providing me with some avenues of comfort during a complicated summer period.

THE GREAT PASSAGE by SHION MIURA
A novel that pays homage to words, cuisine, and the feeling of a job well done. The action takes place in the world of Japanese publishing, and it’s light reading.

 

THE BOOKS THAT I LIKED MODERATELY


THE LIBRARY OF SECRET DREAMS by MICHIKO AOYAMA
Although it was quite enjoyable to read, well-constructed, and some aspects reminded me of Ito Ogawa’s La papeterie Tsubaki (though not as good), I must admit that I’m a bit saturated with cozy Japanese novels overflowing with good feelings and feel the need to move away from the theme of bookstores, stationery, restaurants, or cats (very, very (too) common in Japanese “feel-good” novels).

THE KING OF GYOZAS by YOKO HIRAMATSU and JIRŌ TANIGUCHI
A book in the same vein as A Sandwich in Ginza (it’s the sequel). Text and parts in illustrated comics by the master Jirō Taniguchi, recounting the gourmet discoveries of regional dishes from Japan. The dishes described, mostly based on various types of meat, are sometimes a bit redundant and unappetizing.

 

THE BOOKS I DIDN’T LIKE

SNOW COUNTRY by YASUNARI KAWABATA
Perhaps too much praise had been given for me to fully appreciate it? The descriptions of landscapes are poetic, but I felt great annoyance towards the main male character, an aesthete, poet, but too passive and with an unappealing dated behavior (In his defense, the book was written in 1948). I found it impossible to project myself into the story and the romance mentioned without regularly rolling my eyes.

MALIBU RISING by TAYLOR JENKINS REID (Read in english)
The third book by Taylor Jenkins Reid that I read might have been one book too many! Once again, the same theme of fictional characters from a famous Californian family. A sort of spin-off of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” since one of the characters from that book appears in Malibu Rising. Here, I felt little attachment to the members of this family whose fate changes during a “celebrity” party in Malibu. Surfing, the “fine sandy beach” ambiance failed to charm me.

 

PS : The photos in this article were taken during the “Mise en page” exhibition at Le Bon Marché by Sarah Andelman (formerly Mrs. Colette), dedicated to bookstores from around the world and the universe of books and publishing, all complemented by giant installations created by the artist Jean Jullien. (English translation by Quiterie)

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