Tack Shop: Aemilia Madden's 7 Winter-to-Spring Obsessions
From sailor collars to NYC summer in a bottle.
Welcome to Tack Shop, a shopping column where I (or friends of Clotheshorse) curate a mélange of interesting, fun, delightful things you can invest in.
This week, meet Aemilia Madden, my friend and Brooklyn-based editor, writer, and brand consultant.
The first time I met Aemilia Madden was probably close to 10 years ago, at what I remember was some sceney, strangely lit NYFW party in the midst of a February snowstorm. I was running late and in preparation for being perceived, had smeared a heavy dose of Ruby Woo (it was the era) in the back of a bumpy taxi. Despite my best efforts, the lipstick had apparently stained my top row of teeth — and the first (and only!) person to tell me was Aemilia! I’ll never forget it. She was smart, stylish, and truly freaking cool in the sort of way that only native Oakland, Californians can be. And as this little fable attests, so, so kind. That’s just who she is!
Aemilia, like me, has spent a good chunk of her career working at a handful of digital publications, most recently serving as senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report, where I had the good fortune of writing for her on occasion. In 2022, she struck out on her own and now specializes in feature-writing in the fashion and lifestyle spaces while also consulting for a range of brands behind-the-scenes as an editorial director, strategist, and copywriter. Her bi-weekly Substack, Taeste Bud, is a special read and was one of the publications that made me want to start my own thing here. For even more Aemilia, you should follow her on Instagram, too.
With spring on my literal mind and on the theoretical horizon, I’m so grateful Aemilia agreed to share seven of her recent winter-to-spring transitional obsessions-slash-fantasies with me. You can read them below!
xx,
Maura
Kallmeyer Avery Cropped Jacket in Antique Brown Petina Lambskin ($1,920): I saw a few friends at this season’s Kallmeyer show arrive in the brand’s suede jacket and I was immediately smitten. It has this patina and pebbly texture that almost gives it a vintage worn-in look, and the cropped fit hits perfectly at the waist. While it's cold I imagine styling it under a longer outer layer like a trench, and then transitioning to wearing it solo later on. Yes, it's a steep price point, so for now it's squarely on the wish list, but I’m not sure I’ll pull the trigger.
Ormaie 28° (starts at $98): I just visited the studio of this brand Ormaie when I was in Paris, and I was shocked at how the scents had such a transportive quality. Normally I just spritz on something that smells sexy as I walk out the door to a fancy dinner, but smelling these I could imagine the exact place the perfume wanted me to be. This scent took me right to NYC summer — florals wafting on a warm breeze, sitting out in Brooklyn having a glass of wine at night. It’s getting me in the mood!
Dôen Matilda Dress ($328): I’m starting to think about dresses again! After months of my go-tos languishing in my closet, I’m getting antsy knowing I’ll be able to break them out soon — first with tights, then bare-legged. I’m a sucker for a sailor collar, so this little number from Dôen currently tops my want list.
OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker and Cold Brew Coffee Maker Paper Filters Bundle ($51.50 from $55.98): As someone who loves cold brew year round, I finally got myself together and bought an at-home coffee maker so I can brew my own. I look forward to the first day warm enough for me to enjoy my morning coffee with the windows open.
Swedish Stockings Svea Premium Tights in Dusty Blue ($40) and Jil Sander Black High Heeled Sandals ($650): On the Fall/Winter 2025 runway, I love how Tory Burch styled slightly-sheer tights with heeled sandals. A pair of powder blue tights have been on my shopping list for a bit now, so it might be the right time to pull together this transitional look.
Vintage Gold Leaf Sweater Clip ($37.72): I’ve been thinking about finding myself a vintage sweater clip on Etsy. They’re used to keep a sweater or jacket secured around your neck when you aren’t wearing it with your arms in the sleeves. Coming from the Bay Area, I’m used to dressing in layers since temperatures can fluctuate, and I like the idea of having a chic way to half wear my outwear without having to ball it up and carry it under my arm.
Nike Therma-FIT ADV Repel AeroLoft in Jade Horizon ($152.97 from $190): I’m a big outside runner, but it’s been so frigid the last few months, I’ve had to take a pause. As things start to warm a bit, a down running vest is the transitional piece I love to throw on over my long sleeve top or pullover, it adds the right amount of extra warmth. Also, since it’s relatively thin, it can pull double duty under more fashionable looks when I need warmth without bulk.
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