Where did last week go?
Document your life; document your outfits
Every year, between Christmas and the New Year, I make a review of the year coming to an end. It’s an act of gratitude. It’s a time for reflection.
There are many templates, guides, and recipes for a successful end-of-year review, so that anybody can partake in this beautiful ritual. I typically assign a couple of afternoons to really go in depth with the material at hand. My favorite part is not really reflecting on specific questions but rather going through every single photo that I’ve taken during the year, documenting anything from small to bigger experiences but also things that no longer matter. This is a very hands-on activity, which has a practical purpose of tidying up my photo album.
But above all, going through everything I’ve documented with my camera throughout the year provides so much insight into all the good that happened to me - all the travels, new restaurant visits, get-togethers with friends or family, mountain hikes, and then, of course, all of my outfits.
As part of the ritual, I will definitely also be going through my weekly outfit reviews, that I talk about here on Substack. Some weeks pass by so quickly. Weeks turn into years. I don’t want them to disappear from my consciousness unnoticed; unreviewed…
So how did I show up to the world this past week? Let’s dig into it day by day:
Monday
It was so much fun to start the week with a color injection in the form of this green, fluffy jumper. I bought it 2nd hand with exactly that intention. To add it to otherwise quiet, basic shades creates immediate interest and modernity.
Those of you following me also on Instagram were equally thrilled about that green jumper during my outfit planning live:
If you’re on the lookout for a similar jumper, here are a couple of preloved options:
from Samsoe Samsoe (like my own jumper), slightly different shade and classic pattern from Ralph Lauren, a slightly different option that in itself is rather contemporary and chill but will also work fine as that Tibi Ring 4 color going so well with all the Ring 3 colors. And finally another lighter green but still more screaming version here.
The yearly review is also a great opportunity to take a closer look at my closet. Here, I don't even have a dedicated wardrobe edit in mind, although the Christmas and New Year holiday is actually the ideal time to look at what's working and what's not in my closet.
But no, what I ideally have in mind here is the mere review of what I've been wearing and how I have been styling my outfits. Maybe also what has been added to the closet and what is no longer there.
I often take pictures of the items that I put on sale - especially when I sell the items online. Again, this gives me a chance to understand whether selling an item was actually a good idea.
Off to Tuesday
Finally! I found a preloved blazer vest that I wanted to take home with me. I hadjust bought this one at First Class 2nd Hand consignment store - one of my favorite ones in Copenhagen. And yes, I’m brewing on an article about some of my go-to 2nd hand stores in my home city. Stay tuned and do remember to subscribe to be notified when new articles are being released.
I’ve managed to find some interesting preloved options for you. I wonder what you think about them. Here are three great options from Max Mara: one, two and three.
Wednesday
It was the embodiment of the Danish word ‘hygge’ - i.e. something cozy, nice, pleasant. BTW - even books have been written about the concept of hygge. As an expat, meaning somebody introduced to what hygge is all about later in life and not from birth, I would describe it as a way of creating a pleasant, spirit uplifting or joyful element to basically any big or small activity to enjoy it and be grateful for. Saying that something is hyggeligt (adjective) or that you hygge (verb) means that you’ve enjoyed it; that you had a good time.
An outfit can actually also be hyggeligt :) …but of course.
And this is exactly the vibe I was after, wearing a huge cashmere cardigan, my favorite suede cropped pants and suede sneakers.
If you like my suede leather pants from Stouls, I did manage to find some alternatives on Vestiaire Collective: a light beige one, an orange one that I find really cool for that brighter Ring 3 color option here, and then two black options: here and here.
And you see, hygge is actually how I approach a wardrobe edit, when I need one. I also create the best, most cozy, and calming environment around me while doing my yearly review, to really feel grounded, focused, and open to the wisdom coming from the exercise. I light some candles, play soft music, and make myself a cup or glass of my favorite drink to set the mood.
If you're curious about how I do my wardrobe edits and need more details about that process, I've already written about it here. This process not only helps me stay organized but also brings a sense of closure and readiness for the new year ahead.
Thursday
Completely different vibe. I really wanted to wear my leather biker jacket as my ‘blazer’. The top is actually two long sleeve t-shirts worn over each other - white one underneath and a black sheer one on top. I’ve worn this combination before and I really like the effect. The second picture provides some more close-up. So keep on scrolling.
Apparently I like closing my eyes when I take these outfit pictures. ;) …anyway, what I want to show in the below photo is how well a grey wool sock works with the beige of the sneaker and the ecru of the pants.
I’ve tried hard to find some options of the suede beige sneakers for you. I think these, these and these have a very similar vibe.
On Friday I actually managed to create two different outfits - one for the day at work and the second one for an outing with my girlfriends. For the work outfit I really wanted to force myself (yes, sometimes this is what is needed) to use my preloved wool overshirt from Jil Sander. As on Thursday, I tried with a combination of two shirts over each other. It worked. I liked it.
Again, I added a pearl and this time also a chain necklace and of course my silver boots. The pants are black denim.
Now off to Friday night outfit. As you can see below I did keep the boots on. They are such an easy to style piece. A basic according to many. It was actually a favorite during my styling session with Allison Bornstein, which I had back in October. If you also follow me on Instagram, I recommend my own highlights from the session that you can find here.
If you prefer a longer review, Xue, from Style in Progress, has just generously shared her own experiences and links to other reviews here on Substack as well. Highly recommended - both Xue’s article as well as a session with Allison Bornstein.
So, yes! I kept the silver boots for my Xmas dinner with the girls :) To stay true to myself I decided for a full suit look. I am so, so happy to finally have a whole suit from Tibi. I bought the pants new some 2 years ago and have only recently found the Liam blazer that goes with the pants 2nd hand. I’m actually also wearing a black, nylon top from Tibi as well. I know. Don’t judge me. For additional interest, I went for my statement necklace and pearl earrings, plus a Bottega belt. The bag is from the Glam Slam series by Maison Margiela. I felt so, so good in this outfit. I really sensed that I nailed it. And I’m happy that it’s an occasional feeling I cherish a lot. It’s also a way to truly celebrate the occasion that I’m dressing up for.
As to the dinner itself we had a blast of a meal at Donna, in the very heart of Copenhagen. Highly recommended.
So, that’s it. This is where the last week go. It was a good one. It’s all documented and will be part of my end-of-year review.
What a wonderful week of outfits!!
Stellar outfits! How awesome that you finally reunited your suit pieces! I love a statement suit like that!💜