S_06
Getting dressed, finally
I struggle with my personal style and that’s why I haven’t written about clothes yet. It’s really hard for me to understand how, after so many years of working in fashion, I still can’t seem to find the things that make me feel just right. It’s taken me a long time to realize that maybe my work is actually what has led me to the unease I have in getting dressed. In the 14 years that I have been making clothes I have accumulated so much. I can no longer tell what in my wardrobe I actually like to wear, what I appreciate as objects, and what is just there because it holds some sort of sentimental value. I look in my closet (and in my drawers and in my armoire) (all of which are bursting at the seams) and am instantly overwhelmed. This insane volume of stuff (a word I begrudgingly use to describe clothing because I think its disrespectful) just keeps growing. As it grows, more and more gets pushed to the back and less and less become things I actually want to wear. I am never satisfied with what I have. This is kind of true for me in a lot of other parts of my life too (I’m working on it in therapy; feeling like I have enough), but I’m committed to working on the getting dressed crisis here, with the support of my newsletter community. My boyfriend is sick of me asking him what I should wear every morning and I know you’ve been dying to talk about clothes, so here we go.
I have expensive taste that I can’t (yet) afford to indulge in most of the time. I usually have to wait for the SS*NSE sale (don’t we all) - but I love to screenshot. My phone and my computer are full of images with absolutely no organization to them. If you’ve ever seen my desktop, you know (and probably hate) that I keep the screenshots in little piles around the perimeter. It’s chaos but it’s my (albeit deeply flawed) system. Sorry! It’s not flawed because of the digital piles but because I have trouble translating the images into reality – reality for me and my body. Working for my body doesn’t always mean flattering, by the way! Or at least in the traditional sense of the word. I struggle with synthesizing what I see. How do I take an outfit and make it work for me, and more importantly, with the things I already own. Of course I’ll need to supplement here and there, I’m a girl, I’m going to keep shopping - but how do I start with the things I already have? Turning inspiration into something that is both aspirational of how I want to dress, and realistic of how I do dress. There’s a difference, what you are, what you want to be and what you can be. The can be is somewhere in the middle of the are and the want. As we approach fall (the cold of last week really sent tingles down my spine) I am overwhelmed with the desire to clean up my act and get dressed – and I mean really dressed. I’m starting here, with one image I cant get out of my head. The Row, Fall 2022, Look 5. Can we break it down together?
This is, to me, the perfect outfit. I sent it to a friend of mine who said it was cute but a little Wicked Witch of the West – and this made me love it even more. It’s quiet, a little tough, inspired, simple and comfortable. I can get here.
So now, let’s look at the specifics of what I love about it.
Colours: they’re soft and rich but still neutral (I’m trying to move away from black).
The silhouette: is flattering but not boring.
The leather bomber jacket is luxurious and relatable at the same time; a slightly longer line silhouette than your standard bomber with refined details and a vaguely 80s perspective that is so back. A nod to vintage without getting too retro. The skirt looks so comfortable it’s almost boring. I mean, boring is good. You need boring. This boring happens to cost upwards of $1000, but I’m sure you can find something similar for a lot less. The socks break things up (though I’m a little over red, and veering more towards orange lately). The shoe completes the shape; it’s chic and makes the look transitional. Day to night ladies. A pointed shoe is power dressing. Like I said, the 80s are so back. It’s a complete outfit where each piece has stand-alone and versatile power. The kind of look that’s good all together and just as special when you break it apart.
I want all of these pieces and I have none of them. What do I have? Literally 500 other things; and that may not look the same, they can convey the same message and spirit that drew me to this look in the first place.
Neutral colours that are not black
Brown
I mentioned this Brooke Callaghan skirt in S_03. Now that i’ve been wearing it for a few weeks I can confirm it’s great. Three girls I’m trying to befriend at the office complimented it.
This is my favourite sweater. I had been eyeing it for months before I finally bit the bullet. I was having a stressful week at work (very this Instagram account) and on my way back from the garment district I stopped at the store bought it. I wish I had gotten it in the other colour before it sold out, but if we know MNZ at all we know it’ll be back next season. I’ve been wearing it through the summer too, over my shoulders.
I basically live in Tekla shorts all summer. They’re comfortable and have a little longer inseam which personally I like in a boxer style and feel more comfortable in. I’m looking forward to shorts and a jacket season. If anyone is in Paris this month can you pick me up a pair of Charvet boxers? They have pleats!
I bought a Links Tote almost 3 years ago and I still wear it multiple times a week. Pictured above (an outfit I wore literally 2 days ago). Similar colourway here.
Same with my Mephistos, if you know you know, and this is the best (most underrated) colour.
Navy
These trousers are on their way to me. Trying not to get my hopes up. Buying pants is so hard. Keep you posted!
I really want this, and I want to wear it with navy pants. A full navy look. Or raw denim! These from my alma mater rule.
This would look good with navy trousers too. I wore her to Pilates this morning.
I’m obviously still going to wear black and I think black and navy is so chic. I bought these on super sale (I sized up for an even more relaxed fit) and have worn them to the office a bunch. This shirt is great, I have it in a few colours but the black one is my favourite. A big cozy black knit (this is where navy would be even cooler) is important too. Here are some similar to the one I wear from By Malene Birger all the time: here, here in grey, here in beige, and here in black. You also cant go wrong with a plain ‘ol crewneck sweatshirt (go up a few sizes here, you want it long and big for that upside down triangle silhouette - personally I like it big enough so the band doesn’t band).
A navy tank. I wont gatekeep this amazing pack.
Actually I have a business idea if anyone’s looking to invest…
Pop colours that aren’t red
Pale yellow
Also mentioned in S_03. Gets a lot of compliments. Sold out as far as I can tell, but this is the style.
Orange
Cannot wait to wear this when the temp drops. Look at her!
Pink
I “accidentally” hit checkout with like 6 things in my SS*NSE cart yesterday. This is on its way. So cute. I am normally a crewneck girl, but I really like the little V. Obviously I am having a Flore Flore moment.
Outerwear
I splurged on this beauty last year. I know it had a trendy moment but I really do think she’s timeless.
My grandfather had great taste in jackets. I’ve slowly brought them back to New York with me over the last few years. There’s this amazing suede one that’s been sitting in my closet since my last trip home. I think he’ll get his moment this fall.
Ok so I am on the hunt of a 80s vintage aviator. It wont be The Row but I’m pretty sure I can find something good on eBay. I got this leather trench from I Am That Shop a few years ago for like, dirt cheap.
Lemaire also makes a great coat. I cant find a photo of the one I have but this one, and this one are similar and very nice. The fastening on mine is really unique, cant wait to wear with lots of layers.
Bottoms
I need a simple skirt. Something like this but in tropical wool suiting.
I’m also still on the never-ending search for pants. I have a ton, too many, but bodies change and this part of the closet needs a refresh.
Shoes
Ancient Greek gave me my money back after their jelly flip flops destroyed my feet (dm for pics if you don’t believe me), but now I am left with a hole in my shoe-drobe that I am having trouble filling.
The copper sandals from my first newsletter. Still a fan fave. Going to be great with a sock in the fall too. I think Leandra was right and they may need some grip, though.
I have to do a shoe purge. If you’re between a 38 and 39 come over. Or if you’re a 40 and want to buy a pair of Loewe loafers I bought mid mental breakdown at Jeffrey’s in like 2017 you should come over too.
Everyday on my walk from the train to the office I pass a billboard that says “GUCCI IS A FEELING”. I’m not so sure that’s true for Gucci right now, but I do believe it’s true for getting dressed. I dream of having a boudoir, but for now, I’ll continue get dressed in front of a small Ikea mirror (that I am proud to have hung myself), while I hum Little Boxes by Malvina Reynolds. Same as I’ve been doing, but hopefully with more intention.