Lipstick on the Rim – “Buy, Save, Splurge, or Skip: Winter Style Hot Takes”
Podcast: Lipstick on the Rim
Hosts: Molly Sims & Emese Gormley
Date: February 17, 2026
Theme: Winter fashion must-haves, where to buy, save, splurge, or skip, and hot takes on current trends.
Episode Overview
Molly Sims and Emese Gormley, best friends and beauty insiders, devote an episode to delivering their candid “hot takes” on winter style. They play a lightning round of “Buy, Save, Splurge, or Skip” across wardrobe staples, handbags, shoes, and accessories, all while infusing their signature wit and unfiltered opinions. The episode is packed with memorable anecdotes, specific brand recommendations, and their distinctive friendship dynamic—a perfect guide for anyone updating their winter wardrobe or looking to shop smarter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Setting the Stage: Outlet Mall Anecdotes & Shopping Philosophy
- Molly shares how her shopping habits have grown more intentional, focusing on “fewer pieces, more intention”—pieces that are versatile and staples (03:02).
- Both hosts agree on the thrill of outlet mall finds, noting memorable scores at Celine and Chloe and reminisce about their love for off-season shopping (04:30–09:02).
- Quote (Emese): “The coats that I've had for years, they're the...girl math maths on all of them.” (07:47)
Buy, Save, Splurge, Skip: The Categories
1. Coats
- Consensus: Splurge on at least one great coat.
- Key reasons: You wear it every day; it's often your visible “outfit” in winter climates.
- Buy a good puffer and also look for off-season sales for luxury coats.
- Recommendations: Isabel Marant, Totême shearling, Celine, Massimo Dutti, Mango, Quince (06:28–09:21).
2. Bags
- Consensus: Splurge—but there are fantastic options at lower price points.
- Investment bags like Row's Idaho and classic Chloe peacoats noted for longevity.
- Lower-priced brands to watch: Manu Atelier, Little Liffner, Janessa Leone, Hunting Season, Gabrielle, Monsieur (09:28–10:59).
- Quote (Molly): “Things have spilled...like, it's all leather. You can take it and get it shined up and oiled. It stands the test of time.” (09:40–10:01)
3. Shoes
- Consensus: Buy fewer, better pairs. Comfort is key—expensive ≠ comfy.
- High-low picks: Dolce Vita, Margaux, Vianney Milano for velvet Mary Janes, Le Monde Beryl, Scarosso (16:25–17:38).
- Brands called out for being “designer quality” at accessible price-points.
- Essentials: Dark tan sandals for spring, versatile boots.
- Quote (Emese): “Expensive doesn’t necessarily mean comfortable.” (16:27)
4. Denim
- Consensus: Spend on fit, not just trend; find what’s flattering and stick to it.
- Wide range of favorites: Vintage Levi’s, Kate, Pistola, L’AGENCE, SLVRLAKE, Agolde.
- Brands for petites: Nell Atelier, Nili Lotan, Nan Collective for tailored fit (18:43–21:25).
- Note: Skinny jeans considered “out,” straight legs are the new classic.
5. Basics (T-shirts, tanks)
- Consensus: Splurge for the perfect tee; “Kate” is the go-to for both.
- Essentials: white, black, ivory, navy tees and tanks—Toteme and Lisette also recommended.
- Quote (Molly): “There’s nothing better than a great white T-shirt, a belt, a great pair of jeans. Nothing chic.” (21:41)
Rapid-Fire Segment: AMA & Trend Hot Takes
Listeners’ Questions / Poll (30:26–35:39)
- Athleisure outside gym: Thumbs up, but don’t do it daily.
- Shoes: “Buy fewer but better pairs”—get a great ballet flat, a tall boot, and Hunter boots for function and style.
- Barrel jeans: Both in favor, with caveat: “The right barrel”—not overly exaggerated (31:43).
- Adidas tennis shoes: Still chic, especially black Sambas. Socks are “in,” especially from Falke.
- Underwear: Both thongs and granny panties have their moment, depending on outfit/context.
- Bag Controversy: Disagree with the idea that Row bags are “stupid.” Molly raves about hers’ longevity; Hermes bags defended as classics (33:13–34:32).
- Skinny jeans: Out. “I love a straight leg.” —Molly (34:40)
Winter Trends: Love It or Leave It (38:05–42:56)
- Pistachio green: Leave it.
- Feather embellishments: Love (with fun stories of feathered dresses at the Globes and weddings).
- Slip dresses (vintage inspired): Love it; easy to style.
- Polka dots: Both love it; call out LoveShackFancy’s designs.
- Oversized/baggy jeans: Leave it—overwhelming unless tall.
- Knit bandanas, Fair Isle: Bandanas love, Fair Isle split opinion.
- Faux fur jackets: Love it; Harlem or Tea & Oranges’ versions praised.
- Winter whites: Love in theory, hard to pull off in practice.
- Animal print: Molly: “Leopard is a neutral.” Emese: “Depends.”
Trends to Ditch
- Peplum: Hard to pull off (41:45).
- Puffy sleeves: Over it; feels past its prime.
- Mini bags with long handles: Ugly, not chic (42:38).
- Pillbox hats: “So try-hard... dumb. You’re not Jackie.” —Emese (42:12)
Style Philosophy: Buying Less, Buying Better (43:13–44:36)
- Emese’s New Year’s resolution: Buy less, buy better, and purge her closet with the help of an “accountability” partner to force decisions.
- They reminisce (with humor) about regrettable style pics from years past, emphasizing the power of timelessness and individuality.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Molly, on wardrobe curation: “I've definitely been in this phase of wanting my wardrobe to feel simpler but better. Fewer pieces, more intention.” (00:00)
- Emese, on coats: “Your coat is your outfit. So invest in at least one beautiful [coat].” (06:30)
- On shoes: “Have one great ballet flat. Have one great boot. One great tall boot.” —Molly (30:52)
- On trends: “I think leopard is a neutral.” —Emese (41:21)
- On splurging: “There's no skip. I'll look fabulous when I'm filing for bankruptcy.” (22:39)
- On style regrets: “I did not look timeless... I was very into braids.” —Molly (44:54)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Coats – Splurge Discussion: 06:28–09:21
- Bags – Splurge and Affordable Picks: 09:28–10:59
- Shoes – Comfort & Brands: 16:25–17:38
- Denim – Fit Over Trend: 18:43–21:25
- Basics – White Tees & Tanks: 21:38–22:16
- Rapid-Fire Listener Poll: 30:26–35:39
- Love it or Leave it Trends: 38:05–41:21
- Personal Resolutions/Purging: 43:13–44:36
Tone & Dynamic
As always, Molly and Emese keep things light, self-deprecating, and honest, laughing over past trends and encouraging listeners to shop smart—but never at the cost of style. Their style mantra: Buy what lasts, wear what flatters you, and don’t chase every fleeting trend.
Summary
TL;DR:
- Splurge: On outerwear, timeless bags, perfect jeans, basic tees.
- Save: On trends, but choose thoughtfully—there are stylish, affordable brands.
- Skip: Peplum, pillbox hats, mini-long-handle bags, anything that doesn’t truly fit your life or style.
- Hot Take: Quality over quantity, and don’t be afraid to edit your closet with ruthless accountability.
This episode is a playful, sharp winter style primer, balancing practicality with indulgence and never losing sight of what brings real joy—and confidence—to your wardrobe.