Nili Lotan 5 Pocket pleated pants | purchased secondhand via TheRealReal
Zady alpaca sweater (gift from Zady to review) | medium
Vince platform oxfords
James Perse mini canvas tote
I got these Nili Lotan pants a while ago from TheRealReal using some credit I earned when I purchased my Golden Goose sneakers and promptly put them up on slowre to sell because they were too small. Fast forward several weeks and now they fit. They’re a little tight in my thighs but with wear they’ve softened and loosened up nicely. Still a little snug, but I really love the fit/shape on me, so I’ve decided to keep them.
I’d always wanted to try Nili Lotan pants, but was concerned (rightly so as it turns out) that they would fit very small in the legs. They do. These are a linen/cotton blend, so they stretch enough to be more comfortable, but now that I’ve tried these, I think I’ll pass on trying more. And her clothes are SO EXPENSIVE. Probably (mostly) justified, because they’re beautiful and utilitarian, and I’m certain fit some body types impeccably, but I’ll stick to trying to find them secondhand.
Speaking of too small, I put my Vince warren platform sneakers up on slowre today, and may end up putting these Vince oxfords up too. I just got both pairs too small I think. These seem to fit better than the Warren sneakers though, so I’m still trying to wear them while I can. I just would have been better off going with my true size (8) in the Warren sneakers. The sales associate at Vince when I bought them mentioned that she’d seen most customers take their true size, but I ignored her. Ugh. I still make more shopping mistakes than I’d like too because I’m rather too emotional about shoes/clothes/etc.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the alpaca Zady sweater I’m wearing is 40% off now with code WINTERSALE. All the colors seem to still be available only in L and XL, but I highly recommend it. I’ve had it for a couple years now and I always take it when I travel because it’s a great not-too-warm but warm-enough layer, and very easy to wear. It’s a very “classic” style which makes it pretty much a no-brainer in terms of how to wear it; basically with anything and everything.
Finally, a word about the James Perse MINI canvas tote I’ve been carrying every day for a while. I love it. I got it around Thanksgiving last year because they finally came out with this smaller version; I’d kept thinking about the small tote, but every time I tried it in the store, I just found it overwhelming for something I wanted to use everyday.
The bag is partially structured, but still soft and sort of slouchy. I carry it most often by hand, or in my elbow, but it’s super-easy to sling over my shoulder too (the straps are long enough). When you set it down, it mostly keeps it’s shape, even when empty, as you can see here:
(I literally dumped it out on the floor to take this picture. Obviously.)
I recommend it highly, either for an everyday bag, or for a beach bag, or summer tote, or whatever. Yes, it’s expensive for canvas, but totally worth it IMO, especially if you’ll carry it daily. I haven’t found that it’s gotten dirty enough to clean yet, but you’re supposed to just spot clean it with a damp cloth, and I would probably use a mild detergent if needed also. I’m thinking of getting a darker color for next fall/winter, but for spring/summer coming up, I love this lighter color.
Curious about you carry around on a daily basics?
I was thinking of buying those Nili Lotan pants on Slowre just because they looked so good on you, but decided I didn’t want to risk it if they ended up being too tight in the thighs (my perpetual problem with pants and jeans). I then looked up Nili Lotan since I wasn’t familiar, and holy cow, the prices are so high! True that everything is so beautiful, though. Sorry the Vince oxfords are too small. That’s the worst when you go with the wrong size out of emotion even though intellect has a slightly different take. Happens to me all the time. I’ve had my eye on those platform oxfords and a very similar version from Tods for a while now. I might settle on these near dupes from Summit though, http://www.summitwhitemountain.com/summit-shoes-belinda-black-italian-leather-oxford.html?___store=summit_store_view, since the price is easier for me now, and they’re Italian leather, so I’m sure they feel very nice too!
pretty much what you see there:
CdG square wallet
CdG large pouch
a couple of baggu reusable bags
sunglasses
random stuff, snacks, hand lotion, lip balm, etc.
today for example, i also have my denim jacket in there, a package from slowre to mail, and my laptop, so it varies day to day. that’s why i like to carry a big bag, also to add random things i may pick up while shopping so i don’t have to collect more bags.
those summit shoes are great! and the company even has a “sustainability” section 😉
Those pants look great on you! It seems Nili Lotan pants tend to have a very short rise, which is tough for me with a long torso. They also look quite slim through the legs (which I am not). Her clothes are beautiful and I love the style overall. That being said, I can’t get over how much her prices have risen over the years and I don’t think they are worth it. Her sweaters have become outrageous and the quality just isn’t there. I splurged on a cardigan a few years ago and although I did wear it a ton, it just didn’t wear well. Loads of pulling, etc. I still keep an eye on eBay and the Real Real for her pieces, as I love great basics…Just not willing to pay full price!
Hi Grechen
This outfit is an Ahhhh- so comfy and tre chic- this cut does look really good on you, Im going to try them on. I love Nili pants too and only get anything by her when she is having a sample sale. Which is another way to get her stuff new at a more reasonable price. You would love her slouchy cropped pants, I will wear them and put it up on Instagram to show you, I also like her khakis with the elastic at the ankle. So Michaella don’t give up! Her fit is almost like a Juniors in the pants I always have to go up 1 or 2 sizes especially for length.
Grechen where would you look for Nili second hand, The RealReal? I need to do some homework and find good vintage stores in NY – It used to be so easy, in the 80’s- 90’s just head down to Canal Jeans for any cool used clothing.
Best
Those are super-cute and really GOOD dupes!
I don’t see where the pants are too tight on you, but then, I have no reason to doubt your judgement. You’ve never lied before! 😉
We have free-standing Nili Lotan store in East Hampton, and every.single.time. my husband and I go to the movies, I make him walk with me ever so slowly by the window! He calls it “the store with nothing in it” since she definitely has that minimal vibe going. I’ve gone in, but not much would work for me, fit or $$$-wise.
I’m glad you clarified what was in your bag…With all the talk about being a Libertarian, that “baggie of greens” had me curious. Haha!
haha.. it’s GRANOLA!!!
they’re too tight in the thighs – i don’t feel it really until I sit down. anyway, the fit when sitting is sort of odd, since the crotch is dropped, but not too dropped…so they’re not great if i’m going to be sitting a lot. only good for walking around LOL – not the most versatile piece in my wardrobe LOL
😉