Disclaimer: If you're on a no-buy or if shopping content triggers you into unwanted shopping, skip this one and I’ll see you in the next post. This one’s all about the stuff. Delicious, well-designed, friction-adding stuff.
Another note before we jump in, if all you want is names and locations, Google Map links are at the end. Scroll to the bottom. Ok, now let’s GO!
I am about to wrap up a 2.5-week trip through Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Lille, and Paris. Aka the land(s) of delicious waffles, GORGEOUS typography, and excellent grilled cheese. While I was there, I shopped. Not in the tourist-take-my-money way (okay, except one 10-euro pair of shiny sandals), but in the I’ve thought deeply about this item, its price point, its origin story, and what it adds to my closet kind of way.
In this live, I shared every single thing I bought. Fashion, accessories, and even a cafe tee that I’ve already worn backwards on purpose. I also talked about:
Why buying in Europe can save you hundreds (the TL;DR: taxes and import markups).
What was on my wishlist (Jacquemus clutch ✅, Miu Miu boat shoes ❌, Chloe jelly sandals 🤷🏽♀️). P.S. No affiliate links here. Everything I bought on this trip was with my own money, chosen with care (and occasionally, with wild delight). If you’re curious about a specific piece (fit, size, where I found it) ask away in the comments. I genuinely love helping with that kind of thing.
How I think about friction when I shop. Does this add a texture or mood I don’t already have?
The joy of finding something only because I wandered down the right alley.
And that one ring I can’t stop staring at. (You'll see it. You’ll understand.)
The goal here is about remembering a place through its design. Supporting creators I admire. And adding pieces that will become tools I can use, play with, and style into new stories.
A few highlights from the live:
A brown croc Jacquemus clutch that feels like a graphic object in motion.
A Dries wrap skirt that channels my mom’s saris and still somehow feels totally me.
The softest Margiela tabis in the elusive Bianchetto finish (yes, I almost screamed in the store).
A handmade gemstone necklace from a woman I randomly met while walking to get a brownie. Serendipity is real.
A suede square necklace with a comb inside that makes me look like a stylish tour guide, apparently.
That one ring from Antwerp that is art.
So check out the rewatch! Feel free to jump around. The chat was lovely, the storytelling was chaotic, and the savings were Cam (from Modern Family) levels of satisfying. (You know the one where Cam invents girl math: “40% off, 40% off, 40% off!”)
If you're curious about styling any of these, I’ve got posts coming. If you want to see how I think through shape, texture, and friction, you'll like what's next.
If you enjoyed this post and want to support me, the best way is to like it, share it with a friend who’d geek out over fashion, friction, and a good croc clutch as much as we do, or restack. I appreciate your support!
And since someone on FB asked me, here’s a shopping map:
Mini Shopping Map
A quick breakdown of where I shopped what:
Brussels
Prada brogues: The shape! The aged brown! No regrets.
STIJL: Found that poetic Ann Demeulemeester lace collar. Tiny detail, big drama.
Antwerp
Dries Van Noten Flagship: Wrap skirt, statement necklace, unexpected flats. Antwerp’s fashion scene lived up to the hype.
Lera Treyger Studio: Where I found my art-as-ring spiral and that suede square necklace with a comb inside.
MoMu Fashion Museum: Didn’t shop here, but left deeply inspired.
Jewelry boutique next to Yellow Window Cafe: Handmade necklace that replaced my pandemic-era Instagram mistake.
Lille
Printemps: Scored the Jacquemus croc clutch I had been stalking. They had it hidden in the back. Ask and you shall receive.
Mu Café: Had the best grilled cheese and came away with a CUTE graphic tee.
Paris
Maison Margiela: Finally found the elusive Bianchetto tabis. In my size, no less. Side note, I found the SA to be nicer here than the flagship also in Paris. And the collection was the same.
Sidewalk stand: 10-euro shiny “Birkenstocks” that I’m calling my flight shoes. They spark joy.
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