Summer, more than any other season, has a way of talking you out of your own style. Less layering, less to play with — it's easy to feel out of tune. You saw me packing some key pieces in the last letter — enough to feel grounded, sharp, and modern whether it's 18°C, 25°C, or 34°C.
The pre-sale emails are here now. Early access. Up to 40% off. 24 hours only. Close the tabs for a second and ask yourself this: would you rather own one shirt you reach for every single day, or ten things that don’t quite fit and don’t quite feel like you?
The answer is always the one great piece. The one you love so much you never get bored of it. The shirt doesn't change. The way you wear it does.
Shall we?
The first try-on, fresh out of the box. Meet my personal summer hero, in my favourite colour: La Shirt Classica Cotton Poplin in Grecian Blue from Comme Si. My first impression was: “Wow! This is the most beautiful shirt ever!” The colour is a dream, it’s 100% Italian cotton poplin, made in Italy, mother of pearl buttons, a box pleat that gives you shape and ease. I’m wearing a size S because I love the drama of an oversized shirt. Personal preferences. Shipping, duties, and taxes are calculated at checkout. More sizes available here.
The first time I “took my new shirt for a walk” with a homemade matcha to go! I like it over this white V-neck t-shirt.
In Paris, yesterday, in my favourite neighbourhood. I pushed up the sleeves with hair ties, as you can see.
I posted this video on Instagram. So many DMs about this sweater. It's chill, modern, classic — and it's not Tibi, it's not The Row Ophelia. It’s 100% thick cotton. I’m wearing it in size S. I love the neckline, the sleeves, the back detail…
The shirt, worn as a light jacket. And these Margaux sandals are really comfortable for Paris days! Also, a minute for the colour palette: green, black, blue, pink!!
It inspired me to try this Valesque bag. The strap is long enough to fit over the shoulder. The bag itself is incredibly light, and fits the daily essentials. I’m curious to discover more styles from the Berlin-based brand.
The blue/pink combo inspired me… Imagine a simple base: a white tank top and black long silk/viscose shorts. If you need a good bra for tops, this is the one! Then add the blue shirt as a third element. The rubber flip flops bring texture, especially with this pearl. Go for natural and hydrated lips (very chic) and yellow gold eyeliner (unexpected!). Add the pink nylon bag and classic Wayfarer, et voilà!
The shirt and the bra belong together, right? I love a beautiful lace triangle bra under the shirt barely buttoned… That’s all.
You don’t have to button the sleeves! I like that this shirt allows a V shape neckline (if I want to). So so good.
Nomasei — obviously. My first time visiting the showroom (it’s open from Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 7pm, 25 Boulevard Poissonnière, no appointment needed). The team is amazing and so helpful. I can’t stop thinking of the BEFORESUNRISE sandals, the most comfortable 8.2cm heels I have ever tried. Comfort first, the best quality possible, made in Italy. One of Paris’ best-kept secrets…
The way these sandals reflect the light is amazing, metallic, and crinkled silver leather. This is chill, modern, classic. My size is sold out, but please, go ahead so that I can live through you!!
The metallic silver sandals and silver bangle are connecting the green suede bag, black trousers and the blue shirt. In a modern and fresh way. The LESET black trousers are so light, I’m wearing them as I type this — full length, pockets, elasticated waist, ideal when it's warm but you still want to feel put-together. The Else set (bra + thong) is pretty enough to show under a barely buttoned shirt — which for me is the whole point. This blush for summer, this volume mascara in brown I can’t wait to get.
Paris in June!
Flat packing, always and forever (if you’re curious, I recorded a video, here, in The Travel Edit letter).
Sunday morning bakery run! You must eat a croissant on your way back home. That’s the rule. The shirt is the perfect layer over a bathing suit (one of my favourite)!!
The Comme Si shirt has matching boxer shorts — and yes, I went for the set. A black tube top underneath, morning to evening. The Negative undies in that whipped fabric are the most comfortable thing I own right now. Red rubber flip flops (ARDASCHANDRA20) or red sandals — your call. The chartreuse clutch is back in stock and I'm still thinking about it. Pendant necklace, this lip balm, mesh bag in this colour — the kind you'll still be carrying in September. Done.
I adopted a lobster brooch, from Turn Paris. Handmade in Italy! Turn Paris is another spot that will go on my Paris list and letter (you have to book an appointment). So good! I’m still exploring styling options for the brooch, but it’s a great tool. Unexpected, a little humorous, and my dad immediately asked: 'C'est quoi ça?'
The lobster brooch again! I wanted to find an alternative to the famous Levi’s 501 90s selvedge for women under 5’4. This pair from Nelle Atelier is the one. I shared a try-on video here.
This sky blue and the raspberries combo makes me crave something from DONNI. colour raspberry!! Or an alternative, but it’s hard to find a beautiful raspberry pink.
I love a blue theme, mixing lighter and darker shades: the light blue poplin shorts, the sky blue poplin shirt, and the deep colbalt blue bag!! So good. Never forget that brown and blue go so well together, so I like this one-piece swimsuit (or again, that mesh bag). A bright white pair of sandals feels so appropriate for summer (over tanned legs!) and again that chartreuse clutch for your daily essentials and a pop of colour that goes so well with blue…
My husband got it so right when he gave me that bright blue Tekla bathrobe for my birthday! I forgot the charger for my Ziip Halo and my CurrentBody Led Mask, and I can see the difference when I’m not using them! This is when you know something works…
I went to Le Bon Marché on a Saturday afternoon and I felt very good in this outfit. I will wear it again, 10/10.
If you’re a frequent reader, you know of my obsessive mind. I like to know why something works and why I like something.
If you buy one thing this summer — make it something you’ll still be reaching for in September. When the heat breaks, when the ballet flats come back out, when you remember what it feels like to layer again. The right piece waits for all of it.
Now tell me: what’s your version of this shirt? The one piece you wear on repeat without ever getting tired of it. Drop it in the comments — I read every single one.
Always give yourself the best,
Sharing what’s next, not what’s trending. I turned my obsessions into this style newsletter. If you’re a brand and want to collaborate, write me at ardaschandra.creative@gmail.com
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I wrote about the Bright Blue Shirt in January. This letter is full of ideas:
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