Consider Yourself a Shopper #29: The Row Jubin pants have some stiff competition!

We also discuss my latest book shopping spree, the fragrance everyone keeps asking me about, and more!

Happy Sunday, everyone! Before we dive into this edition of “Consider Yourself a Shopper,” I have a few housekeeping notes:

• I have decided that the newsletter will now come out at noon, so make sure you are checking your inbox around that time:)

• After much configuring, you can now find “Lunch Break” on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify! However, there are a few details to note. On Apple Podcasts, you can access free episodes and previews, while on Spotify, full-length episodes are available via a specific link. Paid subscribers, you’ll find that link at the bottom of this letter for your convenience. I am working on uploading the free previews to Spotify as well, and will keep you all updated on that. The next episode comes out this Thursday and features none other than

  Lawrence Schlossman
  , so stay tuned for that!

  (I also have a favor to ask! I love creating “Lunch Break” and have had the pleasure of interviewing some truly amazing people. I’m excited for you to hear these conversations, but I’ve realized I could use some extra help. If you or someone you know has podcast experience in any capacity, please get in touch!)

• Next Sunday’s letter will be an AMA (Ask Me Anything), so if you have any shopping questions, need styling advice, or just have a burning question for me, feel free to leave a comment, DM me, or send a message in the chat!

• As you all know, I love to shop, which is exactly why you’re here, haha! I have a particular passion for vintage and secondhand finds. Recently, I’ve fallen back into some old habits of routinely ending my nights by updating my various wishlists(sorry, Liana :/). One night, while scrolling through all the newly added Chanel items on TRR, I thought, "Wouldn't it be fun to show people what's on my wishlist?" So, I created a shop that I will update monthly with all my secondhand finds straight from my wishlist. This way, you can get a little peek behind the shopping curtain!

• Lastly, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been fortunate enough to be featured in a few posts by fellow Substackers. If you haven’t had a chance to check them out yet, please do! A huge thank you to

  Ali LaBelle
  ,
  Hey Mrs. Solomon on Style
  ,
  Diana Tsui
  and
  Carly
  for highlighting me in their letters this week!

  • At The Table With: Jalil Johnson (A special thank you to Nicky for creating a really delicious menu that I hope we can make come alive at some point!)

  • 5 experts. 10 looks. How not to feel like sh*t when it's hot as f*ck

  • Goodbye MATCHESFASHION, You’ll be Missed

  • Is this how you roll in Flavor Town?

Now, enough with the logistics. Here are the things in my home, in my cart, or simply on my mind!

See you all on Thursday!
XX

JJ

---

Away Luggage

Away luggage.

As most of you know, I am traveling to Paris this September for Fashion Week. (Here's my shameless plug: if you work for a brand, retailer, or a publication and would like to collaborate, let me know! I'm building out my content schedule for fashion month, and it's going to be really exciting.)

As a result, I need new luggage. Not necessarily a whole new set, as I recently got the Wille Norris x Away hardshell carry-on, and I’m really obsessed with it. It's impressive how much it can hold! But I realized that I need a new large suitcase because I've had mine from Bed, Bath, and Beyond for five years, and it has seen better days! So, it truly felt like kismet when Away generously offered me something from their new Softside line. I have to admit, I'm a little torn on what to choose. There are so many great options, but I can only pick one. I’ve been loving the poll feature, so I thought I would get you all to help me decide or at least narrow down my choices.

The first order of business is the size.

I mean they always say bigger is better, but in the game of luggage does size matter?

Left: The Softside Medium. Right: The Softside Large.

The second state of affairs is the color

The safest option would probably be black, but is that too dull? Should I be a bit more adventurous?

(Side note: Do I need this Micro Everywhere Bag as well?!?!)

A Charming Weekend Upstate

Matteau Fisherman Drawcord Pant

These pants are giving my The Row Jubin pants a run for their money. As soon as I posted a photo of myself in them, there was a flurry of likes and questions asking who made the pants. Well, the answer is Matteau!

This summer has undoubtedly been the summer of the white pant for me, largely because of how crisp and fresh they make an outfit look. With these particular pants, I was worried I would overheat, especially since the city was once again embroiled in another heatwave. However, I am happy to report that my legs felt perfectly fine walking up and down the hot New York streets. What makes these pants fantastic, much like The Row pants, is that they feature a drawstring. While a drawstring typically brings to mind sweats and lounge wear, both The Row and Matteau add a level of sophistication to this humble feature.

The appeal of a drawstring is that you, the wearer, get to decide where it will sit on your waist, which makes me believe these pants would look good on everyone. If you're on the shorter side, you might need to get them hemmed, but I think it's a worthy investment. On the topic of Matteau, I also got this perfect tank and the Breton stripe shirt of my dreams!

Monbouquette Orbitini Drop Earrings

I’ve been on a big drop earrings kick ever since Becky mentioned them in her letter. As she pointed out, compared to studs, drop earrings offer a bit more excitement. Additionally, there’s something quite mature and sophisticated about pairing dramatic drop earrings with a casual outfit. Furthermore, if you want your jewelry to stand out, drop earrings are more noticeable. There are so many statement pieces in this style, like those from Monbouquette. I discovered this brand while curating my first collection for At Present. The first item that caught my eye was their reversible cocktail ring. Then, as I explored their earrings, I was impressed by the tactile nature of the pieces. Most Monbouquette designs incorporate elements of versatility and playfulness, making them natural conversation starters. With these earrings, you can choose whether the studded ball sits closer to your ear or your jawline.

I’ve also received many compliments while wearing these, and for the past week or so, they’ve been my go-to "event earrings.”

Outfit ideas to get you through summer! (PT.2)

Metier Cala 42

Recently, I was asked about work bags, which got me thinking, "Do I need a new one?" While I no longer go into an office, I still carry a bag when running errands or handling returns. Although I adore my Boat and Tote, after three years of use, it could use some R&R. For me, the two most important factors in a work bag are size and quality. I need a bag that can endure my busy lifestyle for at least three years and can carry everything I need and more.

With that in mind, I'm willing to invest in a high-quality work bag because I know I'll use it almost every day for several years. That said, there are plenty of affordable and durable options available, so you don't have to break the bank to find a great one! I'm particularly fond of the Metier Cala 42 bag due to its long, rectangular shape, which I know will accommodate all my daily essentials. Plus, I imagine it would double nicely as my personal item on flights. I also love the color. While we might be in the midst of a "brat girl slime green" summer, I'm really feeling the yellow.

It's worth mentioning that I don't believe in buying a new work bag for every season. However, having a designated summer bag makes sense to me. When I worked in an office, and even now, I often set aside my trusty L.L. Bean tote in favor of a straw bag like this one from Etsy or perhaps something in linen like the Metier Perriand Weekend. My current summer “work bag” is this one from Cesta Collective. Initially, I worried my belongings would fall out due to its shape, but I’m happy to report that I’ve stuffed it to the brim, and everything has stayed in place. (You can use the code Jalil-10 to receive a discount on this bag or any other Cesta Collective products!)

Kuumba Made Arabian Rose Oil

I've mentioned this before, but lately, the first thing people ask me when they see me is, "What are you wearing?" Clearly, I haven't learned my lesson about gatekeeping, haha, so here it is again. Over the past few weeks, the heat has made almost entirely ditched perfumes in favor of oils. However, I recently started using a fragrance oil from Costa Brazil, and I’ve been absolutely loving the combination of the two oils.

Muji Rain Coat

If you read last Sunday’s letter, you know that I'm currently on a bit of a Muji kick. I went back this week in search of the raincoat I saw on Somsack, and to my dismay, they no longer had the yellow color in-store. Luckily, the yellow color is still available online, so I snagged one in a large. I also bought it in dove grey, which I think is probably one of the best shades of grey you can buy.

While trying on the coats, I noticed they somewhat resemble The Row Dune jacket, at least in terms of silhouette. If you're looking for that kind of shape, I recommend buying two sizes up from your usual size. I typically wear a small/medium in menswear, so I bought both the large and extra-large. The large hits right at my wrist, and I imagine the layering capabilities are limited. I could probably wear a button-down and a thin sweater, and that’s about it. On the other hand, the extra-large goes past my fingers, and I know I could wear a bulky sweater and a shirt and still have room for more. It all depends on what you're looking for, or you could be like me and buy both sizes because choosing the best size was too daunting!

(There is also a burgundy option for the jacket, but it’s not a great shade. I think it's quite lackluster and a little sad, so I would opt for anything other than that version of the jacket.)

Books

I've been on a major book kick lately, primarily in terms of acquiring them rather than reading them. As a slow reader, I like to fully immerse myself in a book, which means I can't zip through them quickly. This often leads to me buying more books before finishing the ones I have. Here’s a snapshot of what’s on my reading list:

• Triumph of the Yuppies: America, the Eighties, and the Creation of an Unequal Nation by Tom McGrath - I've mentioned this book a few times, so I won’t delve too deeply into it here. However, it provides a compelling perspective on why America is in its current state regarding media, politics, and industry.

• Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed by Maureen Callahan - Wow. I am only 30 pages in, but this book is not for the faint of heart. It is quite graphic, and although I’m just at the beginning, I’m already questioning whether the author will achieve her intent of “revealing” truths about these men, which I believe are somewhat public knowledge, or if the rather garish retelling will muddle the message about a family embroiled in endless trauma.

• The Wedding by Dorothy West - I immediately picked this up when I saw it was set in Martha’s Vineyard. I’m planning a trip to the Vineyard later this year, possibly right after returning from Paris in September. Interestingly, I bought this book around the same time as the one on the Kennedys. I haven't started it yet, but I know that West was a part of the Harlem Renaissance and wrote her first novel at forty-seven. This book explores family struggles involving race and class against the backdrop of Martha's Vineyard and a wedding. (I also discovered this was a movie!)