Everything I wore for Christmas in NYC + other updates
2024 feels good, so far
It’s the second day of 2024 and I feel strangely calm.
I note that this calm is strange as my life is, presently, in complete flux. Professionally, I cannot make a call on going back to work full time post leaving Imperfects or continuing to invest in building a business of my own. Personally, my early 1900s house has no insulation (in addition to a termite problem) and it’s currently 54 degrees indoors as I write this, Wemple and I might be moving across the country or we might not and my sewing machine just broke (annoying).
We all have these sorts of everyday problems, little to annoying problems that can rankle the feathers, but today, I am choosing to remain calm as we wade into 2024 because ultimately, I am grateful to be here, healthy and have agency to make my own decisions.
I’ll spare you a continued Eat, Pray, Love diatribe and tuck into what we’re really here for, it’s, Everything I Wore for Christmas in NYC + other updates.
Before we dig in, I would like to note, I usually mood board my inspiration for a trip prior to packing, then I begin short listing fashion with my cat, Jasper, it’s a whole process, that takes days - to me, it’s dress up bliss.
Kitschy sweaters downtown
I danced semi-professionally for a chunk of my life, and during that time booked a lot of hours onstage in productions of the Nutcracker. This Nutcracker sweater is one of many I have in various colors. It’s perfect for Christmas in the city, and has a Napoleon Dynamite vibe to it that’s positively infectious.
Monochrome uptown look plus a vintage Ralph Lauren necktie
Wore this to dinner at the Polo Bar on Christmas Eve Eve. The look is comprised of some of my favorite pieces ever. Let’s break it down:
Coat: Ralph Lauren Collection, See below
Upper: Organic by John Patrick
Tie: Vintage Ralph Lauren (c. 1970) from Crowley Vintage
Trousers: Ralph Lauren Collection
(Mine are no longer available as I purchased them vintage but here are a similar pair)
Shoes: Talbot’s Black Suede tassel pumps
Two prized coats from Alexander McQueen & Ralph Lauren
I found this incredible Alexander McQueen tweed and fur lined coat vintage two years ago. It is one of my most complimented pieces of all time. It looks smart over sweats, jeans or a floor length gown. There is nothing it cannot make better. When I wear it, I always feel like Michelle Dockery playing Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey.
I’d like to note that this purchase is one of my greatest Vintage Finds to date, in that I scored it for less than $500 and it fetches upwards of $10k in the vintage market regularly, see here for reference. Write me for all your vintage sourcing needs (lauren@21stand18th.com).
If you would like to shop vintage McQueen outerwear, see this TRR edit
This Ralph Lauren shearling coat is perfect. When I said these are my two prized coats…I was not joking. Ralph Lauren currently does not have any of this coat or its double breasted twin, for men or women, available across any of their brands (typically you see a shearling coat from them in Polo, RRL or Ralph Lauren Collection). If you see one vintage or second hand, snap it up ASAP. This coat is incredible warm, beautifully made and will be in my wardrobe until I draw my last breath.
High top Converse and GH Bass loafers
High top Converse are the work of the heavens. I perennially forget how much I love these shoes until I find myself walking a lot in a city and realizing I don’t have any blisters because these are high tops and the canvas is perfectly worn in. I will wear these forever, go get yourself a pair now. Zappos ships in a couple of days. I wear the classic Chuck Taylor All Star - don’t be taken in by the craziness of platforms and heels that is currently available.
GH Bass Weejuns have been in my closet since…perhaps I was born? I would have to phone a friend ie. my mother to confirm. The point is, I don’t travel anywhere without my classic Weejuns in black or the Super Lug with horse bits, mine are no longer available but here is a similar pair with tassels. If you don’t currently have loafers in your closet, let’s remedy that.
These Imperfects jeans, St. John knit trousers & a vintage Anne Klein skirt
I have a lot of Imperfects pieces. After all, one doesn’t help build a brand and not walk away with loads of its product. As I have worn almost every single piece of apparel Imperfects has made to date, I can confidently state my closet staples from the brand are their 329A Jean in ‘67 patina and the Courier Pant in Shipyard Canvas. I take a men’s size 26 in both.
I found these St. John navy blue knit trousers on The Real Real last year and they are excellent in every season. Extremely comfortable yet the knit fabric and color are chic enough to wear in a formal professional or mildly dressy dining setting. They’re also the best airplane lowers, you always look put together without sacrificing any comfort.
PSA: reminder, leggings are not pants and should not be worn outside of the gym. PSA #2: If you come across well priced vintage St. John knits, the proper knitted pieces like trousers, polos, skirts or sweaters - snap those babies up. St. John is the best kept secret on TRR right now, staples for life. Believe me or don’t.
I would probably not shop at Anne Klein today. However my mother gave me this Anne Klein wool skirt from the late 80s and it’s incredible. Anne Klein was originally founded in 1968 and the original sensation grew into the high street brand of today we know for blazers and polyester dresses and skirts. This black midi length wool skirt is NOT any of that - it’s incredible chic, made in the USA, lined, fitted and the wool is high quality and keeps you warm in the winter. Perfect for NYC in December.
Turtlenecks beneath men’s shirting
This is something we should all be doing during the winter. I wear a thin, fitted turtleneck made of cotton or a cotton blend beneath a 100% cotton men’s button down shirt. Here I am wearing Maison Labiche and Ralph Lauren. Because of the layering, I tend to always wear this style tucked into higher waisted trousers or jeans to preserve my female figure.
Whimsical bolo ties
If you know me or have ever passed me on the street, you know I wear a lot of bolo ties. I love Prada’s men’s bolo ties and recently made a collection of bolo ties for 21st & 18th, they will be for sale soon. If you want one now, write me: lauren@21stand18th.com. This bolo tie is inspired by who other than, Marie Antoinette.
A Fisherman Vest from Cras that’s loud in all the right ways
There is a Danish brand called Cras, they rock. Their pieces are bright, vivid and generally made of recycled or responsible materials. I love you Cras, sponsor me.
This vest has a billion pockets and sewn on rhinestones which is so 4th grade Lauren Lynch. Everywhere I wear this piece, Santa Barbara Whole Foods, Copenhagen, JFK airport, red eye to New Orleans, even Paris - people compliment me, it’s like a conversation calling card.
Additional NYC notes:
Where I stayed: Nine Orchard (The best hotel experience I have had in NYC, it’s a wonderful downtown establishment where they have quality and hospitality just figured out. Doesn’t hurt that it’s beautiful and a classic for celebrity sightings)
Where I shopped: Angel Ramos (visit his West Village studio for ready to wear or make an appointment for custom), East Village Hats (amazing Milliner and team here, they have everything from your everyday headwear to race day confections - excellent for gifting), Ralph Lauren men’s and women’s mansions (Madison Ave), Nordstrom Men’s Store (Columbus Circle)
Other Updates
21st & 18th is becoming a podcast!
WIOW1, the history segment that started it all, is becoming a podcast. WIOW the podcast will feature conversations with creatives, entrepreneurs, experts, historians and curators in conversation with me. Ensure you’re subscribed to 21st & 18th’s Newsletter below to be notified when our first podcast episode is live!
Vintage Finds TV
Vintage Finds, your favorite segment, is headed to a screen near you. Vintage Finds TV will debut on YouTube this month and feature an edit of vintage finds I recently purchased, a brief history of the pieces and the ‘why’ behind the acquisition. Vintage Finds TV will feature me, and sometimes guest hosts. Subscribe on to our channel on YouTube to be notified when our first episode drops.
21st & 18th Shop
Original books and stories plus bolo ties and more. Monitor our website for more.
21st & 18th Newsletter
21st & 18th’s Newsletter will be served up weekly. If you are a free subscriber you will receive the following emails from me 4 times per month. If you are a Patron and member of 21st & 18th House (Less than $4 per month if paid annually upfront), you will receive all 21st & 18th Newsletter segments as well as access to our offline Slack community.
2024 is going to be fun - let’s get it.
Sending you my best for this new beginning,
LLW
WIOW stands for 'What I’m Obsessed With’