#61: A Year in My Closet

Superlatives and regrets from 12 months of shopping and getting dressed.

Happy holidays, and merry last email of 2024. I’m writing this as my clams soak, vongole-bound.

Earlier this morning I ‘accidentally’ bought eight antique champagne coupes (the goal was to do a charity shop scan ahead of tonight’s festivities, for which we were under-glassed, but my favourite neighbourhood store’s proprietor offered me a deal I couldn’t refuse). I’d wager a guess that my reckless festive spending is my way of grappling with good old end-of-year existentialism. But there are worse vices than well-priced glassware.

Speaking of shopping, while maxing out my screen time allowance I’ve seen several 2024 fashion questionnaires—L’étiquette round-up was a coup for the magazine, which has a painfully chic readership;

Ruby Redstone

’s ‘My Closet Wrapped’ is predictably fabulous. So I figured I’d do mine, and put this morning’s strong cup of coffee to good use.

Before we descend into the depths of my closet, thank you for reading Floss this year. It’s been so fun writing to you, and I’d love to know what you’re keen to see more of in 2025.

My best purchase: three come to mind. The Yohji Yamamoto pleated top I got at Ragtag in Tokyo (so flattering on the body, with its cowled neckline and slinky fit, but feels like a t-shirt); and my Tembea canvas baguette tote, which is begging for a good wash at this point; my beloved Extreme Cashmere bandana, which has either been wrapped around my neck or folded into a coat pocket since I got it.

My worst purchase: a tie between two items I bought online in the months after we got engaged, both of which I’m in the process of re-selling (if you’re looking for vintage/second-hand bridal get in touch). One is a pair of classic Chanel cream sling backs, the other a vintage lace gown. Both are absolutely stunning but don’t quite work: the heels are slightly higher than I, a kitten-heel-at-most girl, feel comfortable walking in; the dress is a touch warm and large for me, and when considering the option of tailoring it I realised it just didn’t feel right. Lesson learned, I got ahead of myself (and in-person try-ons are crucial) but hopefully we’ll find homes for them in the new year.

The brand I wore most: to absolutely no one’s surprise, Flore Flore. I wear their tees year-round, under jumpers, during pilates, to sleep in, to lounge in.

Below the paywall you’ll find: my most-worn item, my biggest splurge, and other observations from my year in getting dressed.