I've always wanted to wear a beret, but I couldn’t dare to wear one until a few months ago.

Then finally, when I saw Wes Anderson's latest movie (go see it, it's a real laugh), I saw the actor Owen Wilson wearing one and it made sense. I did some research and learned that it was a Laulhère. I wanted one. I stopped by their shop in Paris, tried on a few models and then decided on a beret with a leather headband, in a navy blue merino wool, and I asked to have a reduced head width – making it more military and less "French". This is the advantage of brands having their own manufacture, you can change some small details. Since I got it, I wear it all the time !

The scarf I'm wearing is from a thrift store, Son & Image in Paris, it's the first thrift store I went to when I came here a few years ago. I buy a lot of second hand. It’s cheaper and you have access to lost cuts or patterns. Most of all, it has less impact on our planet. This one is made out of a good old Scottish cashmere. I like the Royal Stewart tartan pattern, the red is very bright, the cashmere keeps on getting softer and softer.

Because I often have cold hands, I’m wearing here a pair of gloves from Agnelle. In my opinion,

one of the best brands taking "quality/price ratio" to another level for this product. They are made in France, in a deer leather that ages very well, with a cashmere lining. I had another pair from them but lost them, I bought the same ones over again, why change? This model doesn't allow me to use my phone when I wear them (unlike other models from them). It's not so bad, even if I realize how much addicted I am to them... On my wrist I’m wearing a Nivada, a watch from the 1970s. The brand doesn't exist anymore, I found it second hand at a good price and immediately fell in love.

My tote bag is a useful purchase from Shakespeare and Co. It is very practical, inexpensive, with thick cotton canvas…for all those reason making it my favorite totebag, maybe also because it is my favorite bookstore in Paris: the book selection, the history the atmosphere, the sofas and the cat that walks around... You have to go there at least once!

It was relatively cold on the day of the photoshoot, that’s why I’m wearing thick cotton twill chinos. They are from Casatlantic, a small brand that only makes trousers and shorts

in Morocco. It was created by Nathaniel Asseraf (one of the buyers of Swedish thrift store Broadway and Sons), this one is a reproduction of a pair of trousers from the 50's he found. So it has all the features I was looking for: high waist, straight cut and tabs on the sides. 

I have to confess I’m not very fond of wearing a turtleneck and a scarf at the same time…that is nevertheless exactly what I’m doing here ! The rollneck is from Sunspel, it's a staple and is made from a fine merino wool navy blue color. I was gifted this garment a few years ago when I was working in fashion.  

The jacket I have is one of my favorite purchases of the last few months, I keep coming back to it. It is from the 60's, from a brand that unfortunately doesn't exist anymore. I found it through an American who collects Ivy pieces, it was too small for him, perfect for me. We had and exchange via PayPal, I prayed for it to go through customs, and it arrived two weeks later. I love the style, the faux three button, the flawless lapel roll, no padding, single back slit, a bit of room to the chest, two buttons on the sleeves, semi-lined. I even found a Union tag inside, the one from the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. I spent an hour getting lost on sites referencing the types of tags to date it (mine is between 1962 and 1976 if you must know).

With this outfit, I’m wearing a pair of Red Wings, their Blacksmith model in greasy leather. They were given to me a little over a year ago. They are very suitable for the Parisian weather and they pair with a lot of garments in my wardrobe. They have become my go-to boots. One day I would love to replace them with a pair of cordovan boots from Alden, maybe for my first trip to the US?

Lastly, I’m wearing an original M65 parka from the US army. One I've been looking for a while. It was always either too expensive, or in bad condition, or not in my size... This one I found in a thrift shop in Toulouse, underneath a pile of big coats! It dates from the early 70's, I love its aluminum zip which contrasts with the green canvas and I love the story behind the piece, the image it conveys in popular culture. It was in perfect condition when I bought it (at a very decent price), I didn't hesitate very long and I don't regret it. It is very practical (this is an argument that often comes to my mind) I can wear it with just about anything.