By C.J Harte
1) Prada bucket hat
As much as I would love to dress head to toe in Prada, I am not a millionaire; also, there
is such a thing as too much of a good thing. For me, an outfit should always have a
statement piece or maybe even two. But when one drapes oneself head to foot in a
brand, you can end up looking like a Russian drug dealer and not in a good way. It is,
ultimately, a bit gauche.
I love the angle of its brim and the neatness of the general cut. It is made in a material
that if you end up deep on the dancefloor, you will not end up with a ragged, sweat-
laden rag on your head; you can keep your cool whilst getting hot in the grind. Also, it is
not out of place at a nice brunch when you are wrapped in linen and dishing the tea. I
have commented on this little number so much that it is a mainstay in my wardrobe.
Also, you get much better sun protection than just a cap.
Also, the hat is unisex, so if the price is a bit steep, maybe you can go halves in with a
significant other. Just don’t blame me if you fight over whose turn it is to wear it out!
2) Linen Slim Fitting Kobe Pant in Bone by I Love Ugly.
I bought these pants to step away from my dated indie-sleaze skinny jeans and have
never looked back. I am obsessed with these pants, so much so that I feel compelled to
ration wearing them. Not that I have to, as they are so well made and feel much more
durable than straight linen pants. I liked these pants so much that I ended up buying two
other pairs of pants from this label. The off-white cream adds an air of luxury, and the
textured fabric is divine.
Also, they are a New Zealand label with excellent customer service. Do yourself a favour and buy a pair today.
3) Barbour Jacket
Everyone needs a light autumn jacket, and when I think jackets, I struggle to get past
anything Barbour. Barbour is an English luxury and lifestyle brand founded by John
Barbour in 1894 that designs, manufactures, and markets waxed cotton outerwear, ready-to-wear, footwear and accessories under the Barbour and Barbour International
brands. They are the brand most Lords and Ladies choose to swan about on their
Saltburn-like estates. They are THE ultimate sophisticated Gentlemen’s jacket; starting in
the UK, they also spawned Barbour International.
I own two of these bad boys, but you won’t be able to get the ones I have. I bought my
two jackets at a tiny second-hand boutique in Rome that sells both Barbour and Barbour
International Vintage Apparel. They don’t sell anything but Barbour, but if you are in
Rome, stop by 23 Via del Leoncino, say hi for me and pick yourself up a bargain.
The best thing about Vintage shopping overseas is that when someone stops you in the
streets and asks you where you got it from, you can say Rome baby and watch them
melt into the pavement with jealousy.
4) Le Specs Velodrome Black
I can’t believe I paid so little for a pair of Le Specs! Is it too soon to start thinking of the
festival season? Nah! These glasses are just the right price for lets-get-silly-at-music-
festival, no f**ks given. They are both fun, functional and priced for oops, I don’t know
where I put my glasses.
I like to run two pairs of sunglasses. One allows me to be sun-smart whilst I am getting
messy, so I can enjoy myself knowing that I won’t need to remortgage my flat if I need to
replace them. The other pair is important, so you look like a million dollars when you are
walking down the street with the girl and man. They/them of your dreams are dangling
on your well-shod arm.
What of this other pair, you may ask? They are my statement sunnies. You may get to meet them next time if you play your cards right 😉
5) Pablo by Curionoir
Proof that the best things do come in small packages. Everyone should have their own
signature scent. Scent is scientifically known to be one of the best promoters of
memory. It’s true, look it up! If you want to be memorable, choose your scent and
choose it well.
I love the description from the website; it conjures up visceral feels;
“Clean, clear whites of his eyes, cigarette in hand, warming skin, veins pulsing, gold
band, intensity with gaze, lines on the face.”
Purrrrrrs! Take me now, PLEASE!
Bon Appetit!
C.J. O'Harte is a non-binary fashion blogger with a deep love for slow fashion and timeless style.
C.J. explores the art of curating a wardrobe filled with high-quality, versatile pieces that reflect individuality and personal expression. With a focus on thoughtful fashion choices, C.J wants to inspire others to embrace a slower, more intentional approach to dressing, where each piece tells a story and adds lasting value to their wardrobe.
C.J. Fab Five is a monthly amuse-bouche and haven for those looking to cultivate a unique and enduring sense of style.
Give C.J a follow on Instagram if you're interested in seeing more of their style.
