Happy Friday, folks. This week’s letter is coming to you a little late — largely because I spent my designated writing time ooh-ing and ahh-ing over Jonathan Anderson’s first Dior Cruise collection instead. Oops!
If you took a look, I’m sure you’ll hardly blame me for being mesmerized. The whimsical debut had it all in terms of texture and quirk, and I now feel inspired to wear something fanciful and frilly. Apparently, I also need a coral necklace and a trailing flower brooch or two, stat.
I’ll keep the above in mind as I soldier on, recruiting pieces for my spring/summer 2026 wardrobe. This brings me to a nice little segue as we dive into today’s first topic up for your consideration: FLAG Theory.
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Debunking FLAG Theory
For a long time, I utilized FLAG Theory to justify purchasing or passing on an article of clothing. If you don’t know, FLAG stands for “Fits Like A Glove” — with this in mind, I’d only buy something if it was practically made for me.
With this line of thinking, I bought a lot less. Which, overall, was a good thing! But I ended up missing out on more than a couple of killer pieces, many of which could have fit me like a glove, with just a few small tweaks.
The wrong fit is the wrong fit — but as a curvy, short-torsoed woman of 5’1”, I can hardly expect stores to be designing with my exact measurements in mind. Often, all it takes is a simple hem here, a shortening of the strap there, or even a nip in at the waist to take a frock off the rack and make it look totally custom.
I basically became besties with my tailor, Cathy, in the lead-up to my wedding last year. It seemed every little white dress I loved required some tweaking, and after she’d earned my trust, she earned the rest of my business, too.
At the start of each season, I visit her almost weekly with items to alter and adjust.
Here me out: my dismissal of FLAG Theory does not mean you shouldn’t be considering fit when shopping. No matter how gorgeous the item, how luxurious the fabric, how brag-worthy the brand, know this: your clothes will look like shit if they don’t fit well.
That said, don’t let the need for minor tweaking stop you from getting an item you feel passionate about! A few extra bucks at the tailor can be well worth it if you know a garment could stand the test of time in your wardrobe, if only it were adjusted just so.
Because of my particular body shape and measurements, I don’t think twice about tailoring to meet my needs. Here’s a look at a few new items in my closet, all of which went to Cathy before earning their respective hangers.
I often receive the compliment that I’m good at “dressing for my body.” While I don’t always love the implications behind comments like this, the truth is that I am good at it. And that’s because I’m intentional about how my clothes fit me!
When the fit is on point, I look and feel my best. Alterations are cheaper than therapy, anyway (well, depending on the fabric…).
Recap: Jenny Bird’s Summer Press Preview
On Wednesday, I popped over to Hotel Chelsea to preview some newness from my favorite fashion jewelry brand, Jenny Bird. The majority of pieces I wear that aren’t vintage or heirloom are from JB, and their newest collection, La Spiaggia, feels particularly fitting for my Italian honeymoon (I leave next week, if you’re sick of me talking about it!).
Right away, the Slim Nelle Hoop Earrings caught my eye as the ideal mid-size puffy hoops for day-to-night wear. Next up, the Rue Pendant Necklace, a bit further out of my comfort zone, but potentially perfect for some summertime layering.
Online, I noticed they also styled the Rue with the pendant trailing down the model’s back. I love the versatility!
‘Tis the season for anklets, so the JB team adorned my ankles in a few new styles. Bringing the Rome Anklet to Rome feels on the nose in the very best way. When I want something slightly more subtle, I’ll be reaching for the Kate.
La Spiaggia is available now, but there was lots more to see at the preview. The best part of a showcase like this is getting a sneak-peak at what’s to come for the rest of the year; the worst part is then having to wait to shop it all.
I’ll include some photos below of what’s on the horizon, and I’m genuinely sorry in advance for tempting you. Everything you see will be available before the end of the year, including the world’s most perfect pinky ring, complete with a varsity striping of pavé diamonds. Swoon.
A Peek At My Actual Beauty Empties
Something about running out of multiple products at the same time makes me feel like I’m Doing A Good Job. I can’t really explain why! Regardless, I’ve used up all of the above within the last couple of weeks. Here, a few takeaways:
EOS Cashmere Body Wash in Vanilla Cashmere: Jackie Aina influenced me to buy this, and I’m glad she did. Great smell, even better price point. I’m only not repurchasing because I have a few other body washes to get through, first. BTW, the matching shave oil is even better.
Ourself Complexion Brightening Serum: Probably the best serum I’ve ever used for treating discoloration. I requested the brand send me another bottle and they graciously did so, but if they hadn’t, I would’ve paid out of pocket, no hesitation. I’m excited to try more products from Ourself as the year goes on.
DIBS Beauty Double Standard Primer & Mascara Duo: I actually only use the primer side of this mascara, but I’d honestly repurchase just to do exactly that again. There’s nothing wrong with the mascara, I just have others I prefer. But the brown primer side is perfection for priming my upper lashes and wearing on my lowers for just a little something.
It Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm: I have been using this religiously for the last few months, and I already went out and repurchased my shade, plus a slightly tanner shade for summer. I feel like this would suit virtually all skin types. I apply with a brush and blend out with a sponge. Note: the shade range runs very, very warm.
4AM Skin Clean Sheets: I am constantly repurchasing these, and they’re finally available at Target! I went to college with the founders of 4AM Skin, and it has been extremely cool to watch them grow their brand. These are not makeup wipes: they’re entire skincare routines, finessed into credit card-sized sachets. I won’t travel without them.
The Summer Collab To Out-Mog Them All
Curvy Blisters to the front! Plus-size fashion favorite Eloquii just dropped a really stellar collaboration with It Girl brand PatBo, and it is very much worth the hype. Many of these pieces appear to be heavily inspired by actual PatBo best sellers, which isn’t always the case when brands collab in the extended sizing space. Before seeing the collection, I was worried we’d see overcompensating sleeves and excess fabric; luckily, the lineup proved otherwise.
My favorite pieces are the ones bearing layers of swishy fringe, so this collection includes two must-cop looks: a white maxi dress for my bride-to-bes (and anyone else sporting a great tan this season) and a raspberry fringed top and maxi skirt combo that looks great together, and can be styled separately for even more wearability.
But my number one rec? An all-around better version of the PatBo top I wore on my bachelorette, the iconic embellished flower appliqué top. The traditional PatBo one is totally backless, save for two strings tied bikini-style. That’s not a lot of support! This version features a stretchy side and back zipper, and the updates feel intentional and impactful.
From the front, the top looks exactly the same — but it’s probably a hell of a lot more comfortable and easy to wear. Oh, and did I mention that the Eloquii version costs $199, and the PatBo one costs $725? Do with that what you will!
Bravo, PatBo and Eloquii. Here’s hoping there’s a second drop to come.
SYSS (Stuff You Should See)
Meet Longchamp’s new bag, the Le Pliage Xtra M Shoulder Bag. Not only is it a perfectly everyday-sized take on the iconic tote, but they’ve done it in a smooth leather instead of the range’s usual nylon. Gorgeous! I really want the yellow one.
I don’t usually like fruity scents, but this Strawberry Jam Eau de Parfum by The 7 Virtues is so good, I find myself spraying it on even before bed just to catch another whiff.
After I detailed my no-mani manicure routine back in March, Fyle sent over The Kit, which helps you pull off a near-perfect Russian manicure at home. As someone who loves taking the time to do my nails, I’m really pleased with the set.
I’ve been on the hunt for a good white top to bring to Italy, and the Sézane Elie Blouse really did it for me. I wish it was a little thicker and more opaque, but the silhouette is so romantic, and somehow, it doesn’t show my bra at all. That’s good enough for me!
x BGF
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