The Lo Down: 1/29/26

High budget, low imagination...

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Fashion

Birkins?? They’re everywhere I look.It feels like every influencer - whether they have style or not - is suddenly caught up in the hype (just as Samantha Jones was in 2001 - everything is cyclical). When an item becomes this ubiquitous, it starts to feel less special. Lately, I’ve noticed a real lack of individuality across so much “fashion” content - the Birkin, the 12 different versions of the same Missoni set worn on every day of a Eurotrip, that ratty Miu Miu fleece…it’s simply a high budget copy-paste with no soul.

I’m certainly not knocking you if you have one, or if owning one is a dream of yours. What I am pushing back on is the idea that personal style should function primarily as a status signal. Style, at its best, is personal, expressive, and fun - not a visual resumé of your bank account.

Instead of chasing a trend that feels increasingly overrated, I think your money is far better spent building a bag collection with actual range - pieces that show taste, personality, and restraint. A collection of unique bags will always be more interesting than flexing a single status symbol everyone has already seen (and quietly wonders whether it’s real or fake anyway). Below, my picks for investment bags across a range of price points - including several great options that won’t destroy your bank account.

Under $500: suede shoulder bag (my top pick in any price point), a luxe chocolate leather bag that looks expensive, versatile book suede tote bag, and an under $100 option

Under $700: an expandable design with adjustable side panels for versatility, a chic little ladylike bag

Under $2500: the most fun option, classic pochette bag with gorgeous stitching in taupe or cream, a chic little pop of color for good measure, the perfect tote with a little flair

Splurge bags that are still a fraction of the price of a Birkin: this Ferragamo tote, this carry all with a lived-in vintage feel, a timeless forever bag, and a gorgeous neutral that you won’t see anybody else wearing

For more of what’s in my closet, what I’m currently obsessing over, shopping guides & more, check out my ShopMy. Looking for some personal style advice? Whether it’s for curating a flawless vacation wardrobe, hunting down the perfect shoes, or finding the best basics for your closet, I’m here to help—just reach out!

Movies & TV

My personal ranking of the Oscar best picture nominees, in order of how much I enjoyed watching them, not by how I think they rank in terms of award-worthiness (which, honestly, feels like the only metric that matters anyway). Linking all of the films currently available on streaming.

1. Marty Supreme

2. Frankenstein

3. Sentimental Value

4. The Secret Agent

5. Sinners

6. Hamnet

7. F1

8. Train Dreams

9. One Battle After Another

10. Bugonia

Current Obsession

These UGG boots have been my go-to for navigating the snow piles and slush this week. The extra bit of height is a lifesaver when dealing with murky puddles of questionable depth, and they pair just as easily with leggings as they do with denim. The branding is also subtle enough that it’s not immediately obvious that they are Uggs, which I like.

On My Radar

Manhattan Vintage Winter Show (Fri-Sun at Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea)

Stephanie Temma Hier’s exhibition Swan Song at Anton Kern Gallery

It’s Broadway Week (2-for-1 tix on certain performances) and Restaurant Week thru 2/12!

Ambassador’s Clubhouse, a buzzy Indian restaurant from London, is opening in Nomad on 2/11. It comes from the same restaurant group as Berenjak & Gymkhana (a restaurant that lives rent free in my head), so I’m very hyped about this opening. Reservations are already avail here

Until next week -

xo

Lo