Edition 29: Wardrobe Staples

What even is a top?

Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.

This week, I’m answering a few more questions about ~fashion~, which are a stupid amount of fun for this shopaholic. Urban hiking boots, an extremely specific wallet, Barbour jackets and a tricky type of top. Let’s get into it.

Meghan in Boston: “My question is around "tops." What is a top. Why is a top. I want to understand tops. I feel like there has to be a middle ground between t-shirt and sequined cut-out early aught's "going out" top, but I do not know what it is. Button-ups often feel too stuffy (although I know they can work when done well), other "tops" insist on draping in ways I don't understand, etc. I want a top I can wear with jeans that will elevate my look but isn't trying too hard, you know? (Not that there's anything wrong with trying hard.) To complicate this is that I have a toddler and a newborn, so my body does not really belong to me. I need something I can nurse in and that isn't so delicate it can't withstand a messy handprint, and don't want to spend a ton of money because, well, it's a top. Whatever that is.”

Meghan, this is a very good question. You’re right — there’s a weird grey area between the more defined “top” sub-categories (t-shirts, sweaters, proper shirts, “going out” tops). To be honest with you, I don’t even know what to call it but I suppose the closest thing would be “blouse”, which feels antiquated. I do understand, though, that it’s important to find some middle ground with something that you can easily transition from day to night, but that isn’t dry clean only or difficult to wear. There’s gotta be something in-between summer linen and winter knits, right?

I’ve got a few examples that are under $200, from vetted, ethically manufactured small brands that will last and be easy to care for. What’s nice about a statement top is that you can just throw on your favorite jeans or basic trousers and you’ve got a put together outfit! Minimal styling necessary.

Amour Vert is a great place to start for more sustainable, not-too-trendy, fairly priced clothes. They have lots to check out in their “tops” section, and a great sale happening right now. I love this one, which reminds me of the iconic Gucci Flora print:

Nikki Chasin is one of my very favorite indie designers. She makes clothes with lots of personality that are actually easy to wear and do real-life things in. This crinkly fabric is her signature and I can personally attest to the fact that it washes and wears well. You could wear this in warm weather, but also with a cute jacket or cardigan in the fall/winter:

This silky tie top from Rujeta Sheth could easily be dressed up or down. This brand is new to me and has so many lovely items.

I think you’ll like Paisie, which is a British brand (available via Wolf & Badger) that does gorgeous, affordable knits that are extremely wearable but still feel cool and modern. They also have some tops made in woven fabrics, like this flattering and fun wrap blouse:

I’d advise you to look for interesting fabric textures and patterns in shapes that make sense to you and feel good. You don’t need to wear something that’s complicated or fussy to look put together! A really interesting fabric in a boring shape is way better than an interesting shape in a gross fabric.

I’ve found that assembling a small selection of shops and indie designers that I trust makes clothing shopping a lot easier because I always have a reliable starting point. Especially when it comes to gray area categories, I find it to be helpful. Here are some of my favorites to keep an eye on, even if just for inspiration, or to get later on sale:

Maria Stanley, Nikki Chasin, TOTEME, Mara Hoffman, Rachel Antonoff, Steven Alan, Rejina Pyo, Rosie Assoulin, Dries Van Noten, La Double J, Rachel Comey, Merlette

Favorite big website with looooots of brands to explore: Wolf & Badger, The Outnet

In conclusion, this is how I would define the term “top”: An article of clothing worn on the top half of the body, usually consisting of the following categories: t-shirt, sweaters (knitwear), proper shirts (wovens, button-ups). Within these categories are different styles, for example: “going out” tops, day-to-night tops, blouses (this means something woven and billow-y to me).

Lisa in NYC: “I know what I’m looking for - I’m going to get a Barbour jacket but I’d love to hear the good, the bad and the ugly? Is it warm? Are the sleeves too short? Do you get it waxed regularly? So much to consider!”

These are very important questions! And I have answers. First: for those who are unfamiliar, here’s a brief history of Britain’s favorite heritage sporting outfitter. Though they were designed for rugged outdoorsmen, these days they’re most popular for their everyday weatherproofness and effortlessly aspirational Sloane Ranger look. You can’t go wrong with a classic, and I personally think that Barbour is a classic worth investing in.

To answer your questions about Barbour’s waxed cotton jackets: No, the sleeves are not too short—mine are always rolled up, actually. Yes, it is warm — just the right weight for fall/spring, but I wouldn’t wear it if it’s below 40 degrees.

What’s great about Barbour is that they have a robust maintenance and repair program, so in theory, your jacket should last forever. They offer re-waxing for just the cost of postage, and can make any repairs and alterations you might need. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I’ve never sent either of my Barbours in for a re-wax. I have a heavier navy one that is worn a maximum of 20 times a year and is in great shape, and a lighter one from a 2018 Margaret Howell collaboration that I wear almost every day in the fall. I’ve promised myself I’ll actually send it in at the end of the month because it has several small holes, and is not longer water-resistant!!

Tip: there are stateside Barbour shops, and an online store where the jackets are sold at $400+. This is a great item to get if you’re visiting the UK as they’re about $100 less expensive. My last purchase was through a small boutique in Norway. Even with the cost of shipping, I saved over $100, and got to support a cute independent business!

All of that said, I absolutely recommend Barbour if you’re looking for a hard-wearing, versatile jacket for transition weather and wilderness activity. My favorite thing about them is that they have a million pockets — enough that I can go to the farmers market and have separate pockets for my phone/keys, credit cards, cash, and shopping list. Keep an eye out for collaborations! Barbour does lots of them! Currently, there’s a line of very branded jackets and clothes with Ganni.

Katy in Swarthmore, PA: “I have a much beloved wallet that I received as a gift in about 1999 or 2000. It's a red leather Kenneth Cole bi-fold that snaps closed, and it has an integral clasp change purse, with one divider, on the side. It's about 4.25" x 3.25" when closed. I have had the snap repaired by a cobbler once already, but it's really starting to fall apart now, and I would like to replace it with something similar. The most important elements for me are the compact size when closed and the integration of a generous change purse. I prefer snaps/clasps to zippers, if possible.”

First of all, congratulations on using the same wallet for 20 years! It’s a huge feat to get such use out of an object. This is what we should all aspire to. Readers: you can take more than shoes to your cobbler! They can do snaps, zippers, bag reconstruction…basically anything to all leather goods. Now, let’s get you a lovely new wallet!

The type you’re looking for is called a french wallet. I searched high and low for one that has a coin pouch with a snap/clasp (not a zipper) and this is the best one that I found: the Le Foulonné Wallet from Longchamp ($290). It’s a tad bigger than your current one (4” x 4.25”) but definitely has the potential to last you another 20 years.

Depending on your budget, you might consider this small saffiano leather option from Prada, which is the smallest wallet I’ve found in this category (3.5” x 4.25”). It’s $$$ but should be easy to find at a steep discount on a resale site like The Real Real or Vestiaire Collective. Saffiano leather is a treated, textured leather that is VERY durable and will hold up really well over time.

I hate recommending only big designer brands, but the truth is, they tend to know what they’re doing with small leather goods, and I have yet to find comparable small brands with the level of detail required for this particular request. I’m of the opinion that this sort of stuff should never cost more than $400 max, but it’s usually easy to find these styles like-new on secondhand sites.

FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

This time last year, I was having lunch with my friend Kyra in Fort Greene and afterward she insisted on taking me to a shop she was sure I’d love called Kordal. She was absolutely right, and in that shop I found the exact pair of boots I’d been looking for. The only way to describe them is urban hiking boot. They’re the type of boot you can go off-path in on a drizzly walk through Prospect Park, but also one that you could wear to dinner. I’ve written a lot about shoes here, and I’m sure you know by now that I value quality and style in a shoe, but also want to be able to walk 10+ miles in anything I own. These boots are it, and best of all, they’re made by a small Spanish company with dazzling brand ethics and manufacturing values. The Naguisa Abra boot is recently back in stock in all sizes at Kordal for $274, but you can also get it directly from the brand, where there are many other fab boot styles to choose from. I’ve got my eye on the Raso in black :)

Is there a product you’re looking for? Submit your request here. I am taking next week off, but I’ll be back in your inbox on November 18th! xo Caroline

Thumbnail photo: The Ruta top by Nikki Chasin