As Seen On Social Media: Zendaya’s black bag, Gracie Abrams’s earrings

Zendaya: simple and expensive

I had a request come in for a “simple black” bag like the one Zendaya is carrying in these photos. The reader rightly guessed it would be pricey and it is. This is the Flamenco Bag from Loewe - the mini is $2900 and the regular size is $3550. Designer bag, designer price. And I understand the appeal because I’m currently inspecting the Chocolate colour. 

But well-made leather bags without baubles and monograms that aren’t in the thousands are within reach – a few weeks ago, a reader reminded me of Erin Templeton, a Vancouver designer with a brick-and-mortar shop in Chinatown. The byob is exactly the kind quality minimalism that feels like a grownup forever bag. 

Gracie Abrams’s earrings

I have to confess I don’t know a lot about Gracie Abrams or her music but a request for the earrings worn here (second slide) sent me on a quest. 

I’d describe those earrings as art deco, but don’t quote me, I’m not an arts major. She is styled by Spencer Singer (on Instagram @jenny.shoo.pumps), who works closely with the hot pop girlies including Billie Eilish and Charli XCX. A very influential stylist with a very low-key social media footprint, he also works with Lily Rose Depp. 

Back to the earrings: I think they are vintage. Now that might seem like a cop-out because I can’t find them (I can’t!) but it also tracks with Gracie’s looks, which are upscale boho; lots of textures and knits and lace. Nylon did a story on their collaboration and it tracks. Even the Chanel pieces they choose are not the typical tweed, but macrame.

The good news is, browsing art deco earrings is thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended. Look at these – pretty close to Gracie’s, right? 

A Shrinking Lamp

Before I get into a request for home décor, I have to be clear that I am a furniture SNOB. I spend a lot of time at home and to me, the fabrics and textures and shapes of furniture are even more important than my clothes. If my house is out of order, I am out of order. And I can’t live well and comfortably around things I think are ugly.

For that reason, I don’t have a lot of furniture. Not in a “my home looks like a mausoleum” Kardashian way, but if I don’t absolutely love, love, love something, I don’t bring it into my home. I don’t have a coffee table. I can’t deal with a pedestal stool or kitchen runners. The art is bought one piece at a time, years apart. I’m a picky asshole.

So with that attitude, I went hunting for this lamp from Shrinking – it’s in Jessica Williams’s (Gaby) apartment. I don’t have a screenshot, but it’s a drum lamp with a textured base and orange shade. The closest I could find was this Crate & Barrel lamp and this One King Lane lamp has a similar shape, but the base is orange. Not an exact match because set designers are maniacal geniuses who pull together pieces from all over the place and design the pieces they can’t find. 

But back to Jessica; her wardrobe on the show is great and her wardrobe in real life? Even better! (All pieces are tagged in the post.)