Despite my musings last year, I don’t think my winter aesthetic has coalesced into a fully standalone concept. After a strong showing in 2022, this was briefly frustrating to me. But then I remembered that winter is my least favourite season, I spend a lot of time at home, and by the time winter is in full swing – i.e. right about NOW – I am already dreaming about spring fashion. So, I am fine with my winter style merely being a carryover of my spring/summer/fall aesthetics. I have started to think about how I want to tweak those in 2023, and that’s giving me plenty to mull over.

But one thing that I am having fun exploring now, and which is relatively new, is black and white outfits. You may have noticed that I started experimenting with such graphic b&w pattern mixes at the end of last year, but I’m sticking with it for the next while. I haven’t been drawn to all-black outfits for a few years now, but the addition of white (and pattern mixing) is making me reconsider black. It’s also a combination that feels very wintery to me, which makes this the perfect time to experiment. I wouldn’t call this a whole aesthetic – I have no desire to wear only black and white for months – but it’s a vibe.

Here is some of the vintage fashion inspo I’ve been accumulating as reference material:

And here are some of the outfits I’ve been creating:

You will notice that these outfits reflect, for the most part, my other aesthetics; which is why I don’t consider this its own style, per se. Put differently: it’s a different medium, not different content. Like black and white film versus Technicolour. It tests my creativity, though, which is always fun.

For the most part, I am trying to stick with pieces that are already in my closet; I don’t want to go too wild buying new b&w patterned items because I am not sure what kind of longevity this “trend” will have in my life. When I am adding pieces, I try to make sure they are things that will work with some of my other vibes/aesthetics. Examples include: white button up shirt, cottagecore-ish sweater, preppy-ish blazer. I did buy a pair of boldly patterned pants that might not be super versatile … but also might be. One thing I am learning about black and white graphic prints is that they go with a surprising variety of other things.

I did not have this on my bingo card for 2023 a few weeks ago, but this year is already showing a tendency towards the chaotic — chaotic good, so far! — so I am not surprised to find myself embarking on an unexpected new project. But a super fun one! I think you know my feelings about the role of instinct in creative expression; well, my gut has been telling me lately that I need to get back into writing. Proper, creative writing, that is. (To me, this blog isn’t about writing; I use words to communicate about stuff, but it’s the stuff that’s the focus here, not the words.) I had initially toyed with the idea of a podcast, but my enthusiasm in that direction far outstrips my technical abilities.

So I am writing a newsletter!

I have a Substack and everything. You can sign up (for free) here: adinaj@substack.com

I am not entirely sure what the long-term future of this newsletter will be BUT, for now, I am running a “limited series” recapping Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels. Yes, I — the person who doesn’t read romance novels and has a heart colder than ice — recently became obsessed with this saga. And when I become obsessed with something, I like to talk about it … at length … and pore over every little detail. So that’s what we will be doing for the next 2 months-ish. There are 8 books in total and — as a little surprise — I’ve already done the first one! You can go read it right now!

Ok, small print: it’s not the actual first book in the series; we are doing this out-of-order, but I promise that will not significantly impair your enjoyment. I, too, read them out of order and I lived. Also, expect a very healthy dose of snark in these recaps — heart of ice, and all that. I don’t have a “lovey-dovey” setting; but I do aim to crank the “funny” one all the way up. Hopefully you will agree that I succeed.

New issues drop every Sunday — find them in your inbox and see you over there in the comments.

Details: J. Crew shirt, Topshop pants, BR belt (all thrifted), upcycled jacket made by Prairie Trail Goods

Thoughts: This wonderful coat started life as an April Cornell reversible quilted gilet I thrifted one day. My incredibly talented friend, J., who is the genius behind Prairie Trail Goods, kindly agreed to add some sleeves for me. She creates special pieces out of thrifted textiles, and I have a few of them in my closet. They always get so many compliments! I love her eye for colour and pattern mixing. This coat is a case in point; I love the juxtaposition of materials and colours. It makes for a lovely topper that can elevate many outfits.

Details: Everlane sweater, Toni T dickie, Jones NY jacket, Ralph Lauren skirt (all thrifted), Zara boots (retail)

Thoughts: Back on my black & white kick! Admittedly, this is a LOT of pattern, but it makes my brain very happy at the moment. I am trying to be judicious about how many b&w patterned items I add to my closet — trying to be judicious about how much I buy in general! — but I couldn’t resist this cropped jacket after all. It has so much potential! Just like this skirt, which has become one of my faves over the last few months. It has a sleek, minimalist vibe that fits my current 90s nostalgia but also feels very modern.

Details: French Connection sweater, Echo scarf, BR belt (all secondhand), BR pants (retail)

Thoughts: I did something I haven’t done in a long time: I bought a pair of pants at retail! A friend brought these Banana Republic wide-wale corduroy trousers to my attention just in time for me to take advantage of a good year-end sale (they were $55 down from $200). I had to get them because they’re the exact style I’ve been hunting for months: high waisted, palazzo-cut wide leg. I had hoped to find the denim version, but corduroy is always welcome. I ended up having to get the petite version (my size was sold out in regular length) and I think it was for the best. This inseam is perfect for me to wear with flats and low heels, which is what I mostly wear these days.

Details: Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo shirt (thrifted), Talbots sweater (Poshmark), Babaton skirt (thrifted)

Thoughts: This was just a cozy, simple outfit but the sweater pattern makes it more interesting than it might otherwise have been. I liked the contrast of textures here, between the thick wool and the soft, pleated chiffon.

Details: Zara dress, Le Chateau vest, no label cardigan (all secondhand), Zara boots (retail)

Thoughts: I was originally planning to only wear the dress and the cardigan, but at the last minute decided to throw in an extra pattern for fun — enter the vest. I’m in a “chunky shoe” moment right now so instead of a more delicate pair of flats, this pair of stomping platforms felt right. I feel like this has a bit of a 90s grunge flavour which I really dig. Maybe it’s time to play some Pearl Jam 😉