No. 18 - Books, Philo-esque knitwear and a chat with Alina Brane
Dear reader,
I hope you had a lovely holiday break and a marvellous start to the new year. Like every January, I find myself longing for spring, a wardrobe of less layers and a home filled with less things. There’s no better feeling than kicking out that dried up Christmas tree, tidying up the house and deep cleaning all of the wardrobes and cupboards. I love starting the new year on a clean slate, making space for whatever 2024 has in store.
Speaking of clean slates, as you can see, this week’s newsletter looks slightly different than normal. That’s because I’ve moved over to Substack. I’m not going to bore you with the details, but after a series of problems with my previous email provider, I’ve decided to abandon ship and try Substack instead. Please have patience with me while I figure out the ropes over here!
I know winter is going to be here for a while, but that doesn't mean you can’t start preparing for your spring wardrobe. Below you’ll find some of the things that are currently on my wishlist, a book recommendation, a simple styling trick as well as an interview with the lovely Alina Brane. What better way to start the weekend?
Love,
Carolina
THE MOODBOARD
Necklace, Cos. Perfume, 19-69. Leather Blazer, Cos. Sweater, Arket. Earrings, Rosenblaum. Book, Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. Lipstick, RMS Beauty. Boots, Arket. Trousers, Arket. Bag, Massimo Dutti.
WHAT TO READ
My first read of the year was Caroline O'Donoghue's book The Rachel Incident. Someone on Goodreads dubbed it “a Sally Rooney novel on an effective antidepressant” and that pretty much sums it up. It’s a poignant coming of age story about love, friendship and the struggles of finding your way in the world.
THE INTERVIEW
This week I’m launching a new segment called Aesthetically Speaking where I pick the brains of some of my favorite aesthetes and tastemakers. First up is my dear friend Alina Brane, Concept Designer Women’s RTW at Arket. She provides the best trend reports, has an insane eye for auction finds (do yourself a favor and check out her beautiful home) and is one of the most well-dressed people I know.
I always start my day with 20 minutes of transcendental meditation followed by 40 minutes at the gym during workdays. Long walks during the weekends.
My beauty essentials are Dr.Ceuracle Hyal Reyouth Toner adds hydration after washing my face. Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense Serum is the only serum getting my skin through Swedish winter and that is saying a lot! La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ is the best night cream I’ve ever tried and a great budget favorite of mine. Ceremonia’s Aceite de Moska takes care of my scalp and Virtue’s Restorative Treatment Mask is the best treat for my hair. I’m also dying to try the Reome Active Recovery Broth.
A recent project I’m proud of is the 240 Mulberry Street women’s collection for GANT, a premium studio capsule that honors authentic sportwear and great quality – one of the last projects I did at GANT before leaving for Arket and apparently Taylor Swift’s new favorite collection.
A book I often recommend to others is Joan Didion’s a Year of Magical Thinking. One book to rule them all. No link here, go support your local bookshop.
One item that is on my wishlist would be Proenza Schouler’s Square Perforated slippers in white from the SS24 collection (I’ll race you to the stores in April when they drop).
A podcast I’m listening to is Made not Born, by Alison Chadwick. About learning to lead for creativity.
Something I think we’ll see more of in 2024: Tailoring is coming back in a soft, more contemporary way and we will talk a lot about the phenomena modern uniforms and how that simplifies the life of the modern woman, take a look at the SS24 Carven collection to nail the look. The silhouette becomes neater after years of exaggerated oversized fits. Slim pants will slowly grow in trend. Khaki green will become a new important neutral, as will grey denim. Charm and humor will, as always, be the most important accessories.
The artist I listen to most is Bach according to my 2023 Wrapped.
The best advice I ever received Be kind to everyone you meet. The older I get the more I realize the truth behind this cliché.
My go-to source for inspiration is always art.
The item that got away: Still dreaming about this painting. Missed online auctions are the worst.
Someone I’d love for you to feature in Aesthetically Speaking is Anna Teurnell, founder of TEURN.
ON MY MIND
BAUME DES MUSES ’Tis the season of dry, cracked lips and my weapon of choice is Baume des Muses from BULY. It’s made from natural ingredients and comes in the most beautiful case monogrammed with your initials.
BRIGHT SOCKS I screen grabbed this photo from Christie Tyler’s Instagram story the other day. I just love that pop of bright blue and will definitely be stealing this styling trick.
PHILO-ESQUE KNITWEAR COS arguably makes the best knitwear on the highstreet, and I have my eyes on this one. The fit kind of reminds me of Phoebe Philos covetable knits from her time at Céline, except for a fraction of the price.
ANKLE BOOTS These boots have been on my mind ever since they dropped on the website. Sleek but not boring, and with a sculptural heel that’s not too high.
Love to see you here on Substack now 🥰
Love the new segment, Carolina! ✨And that you’re on Substack now 💘