corsets, drugstore foundation, scalloped collars and the telfar wallet

window shopping • week 2

I’ve got corsets on the brain. I ordered a couple exchanges from Elsie and Fred, as mentioned in my last letter, but when my new sizes arrived they’d kinda lost their luster. I need to be less enamored with sales and good prices; these were inexpensive, it is true, but they also have zippers, which make them less special than actual, tie-back corsets. How did I not notice that before? I’m returning the metallic pink, because as much as I love pink, this shade is not particularly flattering on me. I’m keeping the floral denim, mostly because I got stuck in it and Lynette had to help me out and I got so annoyed I just had her cut the tag off. At least it was only £10, and while not the *perfect* fit, it’s still pretty. I’ll make it work.

I threw this ridiculous stretchy ruched mermaid dress into my cart at the last minute — again, I fell prey to the delusion that a mere £10 is basically free — and it fits, and is fun! But I don’t need it. Now that I’ve been fully TikTokpilled, I posted a try-on video and now have it entirely out of my system. Back she goes.

Returns have suddenly become so much more pleasurable now that I know the Royal Mail will bring me my return label and take all my crap away for me the day after I request it. The USPS also has this service, in theory (the pickup part, you gotta do your own label), but every time I tried scheduling one back in New York it never really worked. The Royal Mail was privatized a decade ago and the company is now on the brink of disaster, so I would not be surprised if, soon enough, this essential public service is also eroded to the abysmal levels we’ve become used to in the US.

This week I have also purchased foundation, for the first time since I was, I think, 15? I never stuck with it back then, and ever since, I’ve either worn absolutely nothing on my face or Dr. Jart’s color correcting cream. Redness is probably my number one skin concern, next to texture/occasional hormonal acne, and I’ve always had great success with my pal Dr. Jart, even though if I get a little warm or drink one beer or lightly jog down the length of my hallway its effects are almost instantly negated. I am finally, at age 31, becoming more coverage-curious. (TikTok is not not responsible for this.) I went to Boots and asked one of the ladies to color match me and everything. I was doused in Clinique’s new “clinical serum foundation” and it looked awful. Awful! I should have taken a photo. I think she got the shade right, at least, but I could see the makeup, clinging to my pores for dear life, which is why I’ve always avoided foundation in the first place. If you can see it, I do not see the point.

I tried again with NYX and got the wrong shade; way too orange. After being ready to give up again for another 10 to 15 years, I threw drugstore staple L’Oreal true match into my cart at Superdrug the other day, and it’s the most comfortable I’ve ever felt in full coverage makeup. And it’s a third of the price of the Clinique horrorshow, so that’s cool. I still don’t know whether (or maybe it’s just a question of when) I’ll feel the desire to wear it on regular days vs., like, going out-out, but at least I sort of know how to use it now.

That’s it for the week’s purchases. Here’s everything I’m trying not to buy.

Orange and pink corset, Emily Radforth, £60

The COLORS!!! I love love love the 70s vibe to this beautiful made-to-order corset. I was also considering the red faux leather version, but a couple wise friends suggested it might be a little too literal. I think the orange and pink is more whimsical and unique, and just more me. And the fact that it’s designed and created by an independent artist makes me far, far more likely to justify the price. An investment piece, no???

I do not need any more skincare — I DO NOT NEED ANY MORE SKINCARE — but if I were to buy yet another stupid product, it would be these glow recipe dew drops. The reviews suggest it works well as a primer, and I do not technically own a primer. I’m also tempted by the viral E.L.F. power grip primer. Does one need primer???

Shield corset in harvest, Samantha Pleet, £114.00

Isn’t this one so pretty too?? I love that it ties in the front. And Samantha has literally never done me wrong. Even on sale, though, the price is not… great………………

Telfar wallet in azalea, $144

These dropped today and sold out instantly. Just as well. I’d like to get a bag before a wallet — I haven’t managed to grab one yet — but that doesn’t mean I don’t want the wallet, too. Though the hot pink in the wallet calls to me, I have long coveted the small shopper in bubblegum.

Checkerboard knitted vest, Damson Madder, £45.00

On sale from £80. I do think I’d get a TON of wear out of this. Vests are one of those articles of clothing I almost always feel good in because they work whether I’m in a more masculine or a more feminine mood. Very verrrrry tempting.

Petal flower shirt, Damson Madder, £40.00

Wouldn’t Lynette look great in this too?? Can its ability to do double duty justify the purchase….

Flower vase scallop blouse, Damson Madder, £22.00

I know I literally just said I need to not be swayed by good deals but this shirt is so cuuute and a GOOD DEAL! I think I might like the gilet version of this even better. I just learned what a gilet is.

If you have any strong feelings for or against any of the items mentioned, please email me or let me know in the comments. I need help.

See you on Friday!

xxSK