What I'm buying: September 2022

At the start of August I made a pact to not spend on clothing until September. Within the first two weeks of the month I’d failed miserably - I ordered at least two new shirts, a mohair skirt, sneakers, and a few pairs of running shorts. I cite my birthday as the catalyst for this burst of consumer energy, yet once you start it’s hard to stop, especially as the languid heat of summer has us yearning for autumn and the myriad layering opportunities that come with it.

September is also such a social time, as one of the busiest periods in the industry for all walks of the creative life. In preparation for one of the most exhausting and invigorating months of the year, I thought I’d share what I’m eyeing and buying this season. And next week, as a BONUS, I also asked some of my most tasteful friends in my immediate circle what they’re adding to their carts, Magasin-style. What I mean to say is that this is a two-parter, so shop accordingly.

For starters, I simply could not resist Verconiik’s adorable mohair knit pieces - Lindsay Vrcovnik has been teasing her own creations for years and her latest drop was plush, to say the least. I have no idea when I will have an occasion to wear a knit teeny mini skirt, but it brings me joy. The next drop is September 20, so mark your calendars.

Paloma Wool FW22 (image via Paloma Wool)

All I really want to wear is Paloma Wool. When the first part of their AW22 collection dropped I immediately purchased this top, and have my eye on this two-way ballerina skirt and dark green camera bag, which faintly reminds me of Courrèges and seems to be the perfect size for running around the streets during the day. Read: it carries both physical and emotional baggage. How utilitarian.

Acne Studios recently opened their first Canadian store at Yorkdale, and while I generally avoid this location (and most malls, at that), the store is beautiful and worth a visit, if only for the pale pink marble walls (an homage to the classic Acne studios dusty rose), and batik green chairs designed by Max Lamb. Ancient Greek temples (and cave raves?) were the inspiration behind the interior design, made clear by the dancing mannequins that looked as though they’ve attended a glow-in-the-dark rager. While I wished the store had more knit pieces that make Acne so special to me (I believe they’ll be bringing more in as the weather cools), I do have my eye on these satin contrast trousers that make one look as though their boxer shorts (bloomers?) were too high waisted. Also intriguing to me was this knit dress that I believe deserves a matching pair of pants.

Acne Studios at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto

While I love that ballet flats have returned to the zeitgeist (did they ever leave?) and have been tempted on multiple occasions to snatch up a pair of the Miu Miu ones that appeared everywhereeee, the ballerina in me questions the difference between my $50 canvas split sole shoes and these thousand-dollar-plus satin beauties will get stained in a heartbeat. I think this Aeyde pair is more practical and delicate for someone as clumsy as me. Or, for the more sophisticated dancer who has graduated from sewing elastics into her pointe shoes, perhaps this pair will be more suitable.

In more casual news, I caved and bought a pair of Salomon XT-6 FT’s in khaki, because #fallvibes. To pair with them, I am loving the taupe rugby shirt and wide pull-on trousers from KOTN. I also can’t resist these cargo pants produced in Vancouver from my favourite Bohème Goods. If you find that the Orseund Iris ones are ubiquitous and yearn for something else (though I’m forever a fan of the brand), these ones aren’t even out yet. They’ll be available for pre-order on Friday, Sept. 2. Oh, and I also decided that Lululemon flare pants are the most practical pants for transition weather - pair them with a tube top and sandals and you have a surprisingly chic outfit, or a tank top if you’re in your Lara Croft era. If you have your pair circa 2005-2010 it’s time to dust them off as you listen to Deee-Lite. If not, don’t fret, I purchased this pair and they feel divine.

That’s all for now - back next week for part II! Until then, I’ll be scouring Hudson Bay’s website in search of Paco Rabanne on sale.