Wonderful job. In an unrelated matter, but kinda "fashion adjacent," I neatly folded my 2 shirts, 1 hat and one bumper sticker and put them in an Elmo basket with a note and 3 thin stalks of stinky, dying flowers with a note saying "Taking out the trash." I drove to HIH and left the basket in the front seat of her van. I emailed photos to a substack notice from you. Not sure if you received them or not. If you want them, let me know and I'll be happy to text them to you. :)
OMG I must’ve just missed you! I drove by there to see if she was there and I saw the van parked in the back. I got out and took pictures and I saw the basket. I thought she might’ve left it in there! I saw there was a note wrappedaround in there.
You should have added to the care package. She was always talking about sending gift baskets... I can't throw away clothes but didn't want to donate them cuz I don't want her to get free advertising. She called either Emilie or Denise "trash" so that's that I called her stuff. I'm a a mom and a Nana and her cruelty struck a nerve with me.
And if I may share my outsider’s perspective: it seems like HIH/Apartment built her brand on the crossover between “pop culture deep dives” and where it intersects with breaking through to the news cycle. (One of the main reasons I “used” to enjoy following her) The past year or so, it seems like much of those pieces were handed off to you or other writers.
Your pieces are what I’ve enjoyed most while she was on the campaign trail, so please keep it up and don’t stop. You do an excellent job here and I look forward to all these articles. They’re entertaining and fascinating.
There are many of us here that appreciate you sharing your truth through all the drama. Thank you. 🙏🏼
The other part of the article that I found intriguing was the “handmade in America” concept. This really should make us pause. Why doesn’t our country promote pride in American goods like Italy does?
Recently I attended a family formal wedding and could not find a dress in the stores as the formals all resembled bridesmaid dresses. I took my 25yo black beaded gown in for a minor cleanup, and the seamstress said vintage dresses like mine are all the rage right now and fetching high prices in resale stores. My 1999 gown was better made than anything I saw new, despite it also bearing a "made in China" tag.
Have you seen the documentary on cheap clothing on HBO - Brandyn Hellville? It's unreal to see ocean property filled with cheapass clothing. I'm rethinking what I purchase.
I have the cutest “Burberry” trench style/raincoat tailor made in the color navy from Shanghai, to name one. It was $30 in 2014 I think. Lovely gift from my spouse.
He FT on What’sApp to pick the color, material while he was there. It was crazy when he called. Gave my exact measurements to the tailor and he picked it up the next day. No “Burberry” tag but the shorter style coat is adorbs, fit perfect. Burberry lining is undetectable to anyone Ik of. Luv it
I hope that consumers en masse can now see through the marketing of luxury brands for the absolute scam that it has been for decades. Heritage luxury houses have used their history of quality craftsmanship to dupe consumers into thinking that their current offerings are still made the same way. Now people know that the $5000 LV bag cost $20 and was machine-made in China. I learned this last year because I read a book about it, but most people (and myself before the book), fell for the marketing. I wouldn't want demand for fakes to be the death of luxury fashion. Rather, I'd like to see demand for genuinely Made in Italy (or wherever), genuinely handmade goods to skyrocket. It's a great time for makers on Etsy or smaller brands to flourish.
Another great article. I have a few designer bags; it’s the only thing I buy that’s designer. I have to admit I love my designer bags (what that says about me isn’t flattering). I am happy to see big brands collapse though- maybe at least bring them down to being somewhat affordable. I don’t think I will actively seek out fakes but if I found some that were well-made, I would buy some! Especially now, knowing the market will be flooded with fake anyway.
I used to care about being on trend, but now I avoid trends. Now I just want classical style that can stand the test of time. I struggle with affordability of quality pieces though, and I just no longer have time to hunt for hidden gems. Would love suggestions.
I love Michael Stars for casual short sleeve tops and sleeveless tank dresses, all solid colors and made in the USA. They occasionally do 25% sitewide and that's when I load up.
Very interesting! I really like the idea of owning clothing with a seam allowance to adjust for a changing body. I also wonder if would have been more conscious of weight gain if I want given so much leeway with spandex 😕
Wonderful job. In an unrelated matter, but kinda "fashion adjacent," I neatly folded my 2 shirts, 1 hat and one bumper sticker and put them in an Elmo basket with a note and 3 thin stalks of stinky, dying flowers with a note saying "Taking out the trash." I drove to HIH and left the basket in the front seat of her van. I emailed photos to a substack notice from you. Not sure if you received them or not. If you want them, let me know and I'll be happy to text them to you. :)
Savage!
OMG I must’ve just missed you! I drove by there to see if she was there and I saw the van parked in the back. I got out and took pictures and I saw the basket. I thought she might’ve left it in there! I saw there was a note wrappedaround in there.
You should have added to the care package. She was always talking about sending gift baskets... I can't throw away clothes but didn't want to donate them cuz I don't want her to get free advertising. She called either Emilie or Denise "trash" so that's that I called her stuff. I'm a a mom and a Nana and her cruelty struck a nerve with me.
I’m a mom and an Oma! I wish we could post pictures on Substack!
I love your writing Emilie.
And if I may share my outsider’s perspective: it seems like HIH/Apartment built her brand on the crossover between “pop culture deep dives” and where it intersects with breaking through to the news cycle. (One of the main reasons I “used” to enjoy following her) The past year or so, it seems like much of those pieces were handed off to you or other writers.
Your pieces are what I’ve enjoyed most while she was on the campaign trail, so please keep it up and don’t stop. You do an excellent job here and I look forward to all these articles. They’re entertaining and fascinating.
There are many of us here that appreciate you sharing your truth through all the drama. Thank you. 🙏🏼
I feel the same way! These articles are fun, current and thought provoking.
The other part of the article that I found intriguing was the “handmade in America” concept. This really should make us pause. Why doesn’t our country promote pride in American goods like Italy does?
Agreed! That part stood out to me
Recently I attended a family formal wedding and could not find a dress in the stores as the formals all resembled bridesmaid dresses. I took my 25yo black beaded gown in for a minor cleanup, and the seamstress said vintage dresses like mine are all the rage right now and fetching high prices in resale stores. My 1999 gown was better made than anything I saw new, despite it also bearing a "made in China" tag.
This could literally be a 10 part series. What about what these microplastics are doing to our health and also the environment
Have you seen the documentary on cheap clothing on HBO - Brandyn Hellville? It's unreal to see ocean property filled with cheapass clothing. I'm rethinking what I purchase.
And the documentary The True Cost
https://youtu.be/rwp0Bx0awoE?si=fOVlyPEnTz7k3tQW
This is perpetuated by the idea that we cant wear the same outfit over and over
Excellent point. No one actually notices.
Vintage alllllll the way
I have the cutest “Burberry” trench style/raincoat tailor made in the color navy from Shanghai, to name one. It was $30 in 2014 I think. Lovely gift from my spouse.
He FT on What’sApp to pick the color, material while he was there. It was crazy when he called. Gave my exact measurements to the tailor and he picked it up the next day. No “Burberry” tag but the shorter style coat is adorbs, fit perfect. Burberry lining is undetectable to anyone Ik of. Luv it
I hope that consumers en masse can now see through the marketing of luxury brands for the absolute scam that it has been for decades. Heritage luxury houses have used their history of quality craftsmanship to dupe consumers into thinking that their current offerings are still made the same way. Now people know that the $5000 LV bag cost $20 and was machine-made in China. I learned this last year because I read a book about it, but most people (and myself before the book), fell for the marketing. I wouldn't want demand for fakes to be the death of luxury fashion. Rather, I'd like to see demand for genuinely Made in Italy (or wherever), genuinely handmade goods to skyrocket. It's a great time for makers on Etsy or smaller brands to flourish.
Another great article. I have a few designer bags; it’s the only thing I buy that’s designer. I have to admit I love my designer bags (what that says about me isn’t flattering). I am happy to see big brands collapse though- maybe at least bring them down to being somewhat affordable. I don’t think I will actively seek out fakes but if I found some that were well-made, I would buy some! Especially now, knowing the market will be flooded with fake anyway.
While I may not be able to afford luxury brands, I am definitely more mindful of what I wear. I’m talking organic cotton, linen, wool.
Time to get rid of the polyester fabrics!
I used to care about being on trend, but now I avoid trends. Now I just want classical style that can stand the test of time. I struggle with affordability of quality pieces though, and I just no longer have time to hunt for hidden gems. Would love suggestions.
I love Michael Stars for casual short sleeve tops and sleeveless tank dresses, all solid colors and made in the USA. They occasionally do 25% sitewide and that's when I load up.
There's a 30% friends & family sale right now!
I need to look into this brand! Never heard of it
Long lasting, wash and hang dry.
Very interesting! I really like the idea of owning clothing with a seam allowance to adjust for a changing body. I also wonder if would have been more conscious of weight gain if I want given so much leeway with spandex 😕
*wasn't given
Amazing article! The videos were so
Informative. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. So beautifully written .