Suede is calling!

Aug 05, 2024

You may have already seen this post via Instagram, which I put a lot of effort into and, in hindsight, it would’ve made a great first Substack, however, I’ve decided to post an extended version anyway. So here I am, my very first Substack.

Welcome!! I’m so happy you are here.

I’ve wanted to start this for a long time as I have so much to say and sometimes instagram isn’t the place for long content. This way I can chat forever, which I can definitely do, and get my thoughts and insights across in more detail, and what a better time to start than New Season!!

Writing doesn’t come naturally to me, it actually scares me. I’m not even sure I’m good enough. My strengths lie elsewhere. Give me a garment to make, or a subject to paint, and I’m there. I’m definitely more of a creative. Nevertheless, I won’t let my insecurities stop me writing about my passion.

Anyway, let’s talk transitional, suede and trends. I think it’s the buyer in me that stops me thinking about Summer and more new season when August hits (August means new transitional stock is landing and therefore, Autumn reporting starts) I don’t buy any further summer items, unless I buy out of season. A large percentage of my wardrobe has been bought out of season and I love getting a good bargain. It seems an unnecessary purchase to buy a summer dress when we are going into Autumn, but it’s worth it when the next S/S arrives.

What are our thoughts on Suede? I predict it will be the fabrication of the season, mixed with glass and stone jewellery, which is a continuation from summer.

It’s funny, as I’ve been looking back at some previous outfits and, subconsciously, I’ve been moving into this vibe. Maybe that’s why I was drawn to posting about this Trend/Vibe. I think I could throw a suede jacket over any of these outfits, and they would fit in perfectly.

I don’t want to say it’s a ‘TREND’ as suede is a classic fabric, it has staying power so you won’t regret buying into it. Nevertheless, i get a feeling it will be labeled a ‘TREND’ due to the high volume of people wearing it on Instagram. Which is obvious when you think about it. Some trends are just really obvious due to surrounding factors…

No longer are catwalks or what’s in Topshop's Oxford Street window (RIP) the inspiration for mainstream trends. We now look up to celebrities or influencers who share their latest looks on Instagram. This then results in retailers and designers being reactive to the consumers' ‘See Now Buy Now approach. Take a look at the Khaite Benny belt. A perfect example of this. A few infulencers wear it and now highstreet retailers have reacted to this as the consumer demand is high. It’s now a trend!

Anyhow, I predict this will happen with suede. A obvious autumnal fabric and colour choice for retailers to design, so it will be present in most stores and consumers then purchase.

And then there’s the ‘Boho’ trend, where suede is an obvious complimentary fabric to this vibe.

So, with all this in mind, it will inevitably become a ‘TREND’.

Most of us will own suede in our wardrobe so we’ll all get it out at the same time, making it a trend, so let the trend commence!!!

I have a few suede bags which I’ve absolutely loved wearing this summer, so these will definitely get more wear transitioning into Autumn/Winter.

Alva Shoulder Bag Suede Sand pr

ARKET CURVED SUEDE BAG PR

I quite fancy a jacket, not sure which one yet as I’m waiting for more stock to land, or I might look for a vintage one. However, this Cos one is calling me

COLLARD SUEDE JACKET

Massimo Dutti has a strong suede presence, killing with this suede shirt at the forefront of my mind.

MASSIMO DUTTI SUEDE SHIRT

Whistles and Sezane have some gorgeous suede jackets and ARKET have the best selection of highstreet bags 🙌🏻 and I have a designer wish-list the size of my arm with Khaite & The Row being front-runners. That being said, don’t think I’ll be investing in a bag, I’ll be sticking to the ones I already own.

Below I’ve put a highstreet edit together of all my favourite suede items. Happy Shopping!

Remember don’t impulse buy, think if you really like suede and if it fits into your style, lifestyle and current wardrobe