20 things I wanted to buy in New York

Please get them and let me live vicariously through you.

May 18, 2025

I was just in NYC last week and so much has happened since then that it feels like a lifetime ago. As you’re reading this, I will have just arrived in Italy, where I’ll be for the next two weeks. That means no newsletter or blog next week, but I’m hoping I’ll be back on June 1st full of pasta and spritzes, with some major life updates as well. Until then, I’m making up for it with a very robust look back at everything I eye-f*cked while shopping in New York. P.S. this is going to be a long one, so you may need to click through to Substack to read the entire thing (it’s worth it, I promise!).

Take heed: all stylish women in NYC were carrying big slouchy shoulder bags like these.

Toteme monogram top $540

I saw no fewer than 10 women wearing some version of this top, either on its on or as a matching set. I. Am. Now. Obsessed.

Dries van Noten Soie Malaquais Eau de Parfum $365

Of all the gorgeous things in the new Dries van Noten boutique in Soho, the perfume was one of the more accessibly priced things. All of the scents smell fantastic, but this woody rose was my favorite (it’s on the far right).

Banana Republic linen midi skirt $120

Speaking of Dries, this skirt looks like his, but surprise, it’s Banana Republic! They had a lot of cute things in store, so expect a deeper dive on that in the future.

COS Curved Hinge Bangle $49

I’m now kicking myself for having not bought this, because the gold is sold out online (it’s still available in silver).

Zimmermann Coco Tunic Midi Dress $1,050

I knew better than to go inside and photograph this dress lest I fall in love with it, and whoa was I right because oof, that price. I love Zimmermann, especially when they stay away from frills and poofiness, and this dress literally stopped me in my tracks.

Mango Openwork Knitted Jacket $139.99

Whew, I had to follow that one with something way more affordable. Zara gets all the glory, but Mango usually has a lot of really good pieces—this jacket looks way more expensive than it is.

Mango Studded Shoulder Bag $69.99

Mango also does a good dupe, and while I hate to do this to my favorite designer, this is an excellent Isabel Marant knockoff. There’s also a larger version.

Isabel Marant Etoile Tianny dress $795

Back to things I can’t afford, I may have already featured this dress before, but I’m still obsessed with it (and patiently waiting for a sale) so here it is again.

Toteme suede thong sandals $450 & T-Lock Bag $1,390

I saw several pairs of enticing Toteme sandals last week, but this heeled red suede thong is the one that’s been living rent-free in my head. As for the bag, I’ve been eyeing this one for awhile, although I’d go for leather over suede when it comes to a daily bag.

Matiere Premiere Santal Austral Eau de Parfum $220 & Chambre52 Cuir à Corps $210-$280

The new Printemps store downtown is worth a visit for many reasons, but especially for the perfume department, which is filled with a bunch of elite niche brands—and other than the champagne bar, it’s the only place I saw people actually buying things. These were my two favorite scents.

Aesther Ekme Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag $267.50 (on sale from $535)

Ooh! The bag on the left is inexplicably on sale for 50% off at Saks right now, so I linked you there. And if you don’t buy it, I will—it’s gorgeous!

& Other Stories Fringed Leather Sandal $129

How cute are these! I own a similar pair from Chloé that’s getting up there in years; these have a much more manageable heel and the store had them in a a range of colors (they’re only available in ivory online).

Gap Rainbow Straw Tote Bag $59.95

This bag caught my eye as soon as I walked into Gap (to check out the Doen collab, which was mostly wiped out). Isn’t it such a fun vacation bag? Definitely still thinking about this one.

Karla Colletto Twist-Front Swimsuit $311

Speaking of vacation, I really wanted to get this swimsuit for mine; it’s made for D+ cups and as someone who’s a few sizes above that, I can attest that finding a suit that fits well is always a challenge. This brand comes highly recommended by TIBAL, so you know it’s worth it.