Everything I’m Buying This Summer
Charon's wardrobe isn't in crisis exactly, but it's definitely in negotiations.
Charon: In one week I’m heading back to the Netherlands for the summer, ending a months-long fashion fast, and mentally cataloging everything I’m going to buy (maybe I should try Excel). Six months postpartum, two kids, living on a farm outside Cape Town, in a country that has completely captivated me but remains a fashion desert. The parameters are clear: I need things I will actually wear, which means they need to work for a life that involves more gravel than cobblestone. Here is what I’m buying.
You might think I’m dying to be in a proper shop after all those months, but I don’t do well at IRL shopping. I’m anything but a spontaneous buyer. I need to do my research, to feel certain I made the best possible choice (Virgo uhu), and a physical store completely messes with that. Which is basically why I created The Ceiling. That said, I will make an exception for the Christen flagship store (or should I say cathedral) on Rue de la Paix in Paris, right next to my first modeling agency, which practically still pays for my shoe hobby. Some things come full circle.
Let's start with shoes
The most important wardrobe category, and during a fashion crisis, the easiest one. They fit no matter what, and if you do it right, they'll lift your most boring outfit. So I want everything Christen, but what of it actually works in real life? The Tabi ballerina (more sizes here) has been high on my list, but I have two pairs of ballet flats that I love (Maison Margiela white Tabi ballerina’s that I have for years and Phoebe Philo’s gathered leather ballet flats, occasionally in stock at Mytheresa), so I'm not sure I can justify it, much as I want to. Instead I might go for the Edge T-Strap sandal in chalk. I'm in need of a mid heel sandal after wearing my Khaites non-stop (similar here). The T-strap is just different without being odd. Besides, I'm a white shoe person (in brown here), so I know I won't get sick of it. I will definitely try to get a pair of Christopher Esber Jo thong flip-flops too. Currently sold out in my size, but I am aiming for the nude see-through ones for that bare foot illusion. They probably won’t earn their seat in my suitcase for obvious reasons, but I have to try the Maison Margiela heel-less pumps.
Summer knits and tees
I have completely lost myself in the Versace low-pit knits. Why did they let go of Dario Vitale so soon? The Spring Summer 2026 collection was the definition of summer fun. Rumor has it he's heading to Armani. I guess I have to get it while I can, and will snatch a grey or red knit, both on sale. I love the polo too (also on sale), but I don’t see it working with my wardrobe. A little less joyful at first sight but infinitely wearable is the Toteme knit merino dress I ordered on sale and waiting for me in the Netherlands. All my favorite T-shirts are listed here, but I do want to add a more seasonal one. I can’t wait to get my hands on this Toteme ribbed V-neck. Trying not to overthink it, because I may have been quietly judgmental about Breton stripes, but I suddenly see this long sleeve working too.
Bottoms
Pants shopping when you are postpartum and 1.79m is confusing. So I'm keeping it sweet and simple for now. After at least 589 wears and a pregnancy, I need a new Reyem wide-leg pair (they make them in tall now too). I already own the charcoal shorts, but I'm considering the charcoal wide-leg for days when the black mood isn't completely there. I will try the black bermuda too, styled with an oversized knit or sweater for an everyday look. The balloon pants are a keeper. I want white and black jeans and I am convincing myself to skip the time-consuming substitute game, and go straight for Phoebe's white drop jeans and black classic jeans. During my pregnancy I wore these COS jeans in white (or try these) with the hem down, so they were long enough. COS bottoms are generally too short for me, but I'm going to size up these wool semi see-through trousers and give it one last try.
Shorts are where I have stronger opinions. So much less serious, and they work with everything from a heel to a flip-flop. I had these Neeve Posey shorts on repeat, pregnant and all. On my list now are Phoebe Philo’s carpenter (these from Margiela were on my list but sold out, Willy Chavarria and Carhartt both make a pair in a similar vibe) and dark khaki track shorts (there are substitutes here and here on sale), Maison Margiela grey wrap shorts and Hoda Kova pillowcase shorts. Fear of God makes these really great black drawstring shorts, pricey but they will go with anything.
What I will let go
There are a few things in my wardrobe that no longer work. For starters, my black Margiela Chelsea Tabis (in shiny leather here). I was about to resell them last year but couldn’t bring myself to do it. I haven’t worn them since, so it’s time. Same goes for my vintage Ferragamo hobo bag. Neither makes sense in a country where it is almost always sunny and the dress code is largely set by the outdoors. Both pieces feel too formal and out of place. The Loewe goggle sunglasses were made for this life, but are going anyway. I wear them too little, and I’m making room for the Phoebe Philo Half Bombé sunglasses, or something similar (contestants are the Loewe speed shield and Toteme’s shield aviator so far).
Bags
Bags are where I spend the most, so they have to work harder than everything else in my wardrobe. In the past I had one bag for several occasions. Being a mother living a life that goes from desk to beach to dirt road has complicated that. I think I’m still trying to invest everything in one bag when what I actually need is several. That’s the most expensive realization I’ve ever had. The straps of The Row Idaho XL kept snapping while carrying my laptop, so I only have my canvas KASSL on current rotation (similar here). I need something to fill that gap, and I don’t have a candidate yet. Other bags lingering in my mind are The Row Alma in black raffia and the N/S Park in textured leather, the shiny leather does it for me. In my previous life I would have hunted down an Agnes without hesitation, but it doesn’t suit this continent. Phoebe Philo’s Gig bag works in both worlds, but I’m not convinced on her bag game just yet. I have heard mixed feedback, and the bags feel somehow flat in person. I will report back when I have figured myself out.
This is where I am. Not fully figured out, but closer than I was. Either way, style newsletters are coming up, so you’ll see what actually made the cut.
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I wish I were as precise and focused as you are! I know I might try three alternatives before I make the real purchase – spending double as a consequence… thank you for the inspiration!
So many open tabs!! Hope you enjoy being back in the Netherlands.