My favorite place to shop is my mom’s closet. It always has been. When I go visit her in Atlanta, I pack minimally, knowing I’ll raid her wardrobe upon arrival.
When I found out I was having a daughter of my own, it only took a matter of minutes before I realized she’d be going through my closet one day. I started to look at my clothes differently. I’ve been getting rid of things I no longer love, appreciating investment pieces I’ll pass down to her and zoning on what I wanted to keep, sell or donate.
I love the idea of having a strong sense of my personal style, but admittedly I’ve always gravitated towards specific pieces more than an overall look. Pre-baby, I self-described my style as Third Grade Art Teacher. Pants with colorful popsicles printed on them. A black Gap dress that worked simply because the fabric was so lightweight it felt as if I was feeling nothing. I’ve since donated both of those pieces because they no longer fit into what I want to wear.
And of course, living in New York means I’m constantly inspired by what other people are wearing. I’ve found myself falling in love with a dress I saw someone wearing while they’re sitting on the grass with their kids in Cobble Hill Park. Or a bag a chic woman has slung over her shoulder while she waits for a table at Long Island Bar. I’ve been registering the pieces I love and asking myself why I love them.
I always come back to these thoughts when I’m picking out an outfit or buying something new.
When you’re a mom, wearing white is the safest choice because you’re constantly covered in spit up.
Looking “put together” is often just about wearing something other than pajamas and feeling good about your hair.
Comfort is everything.
It’s possible to have fun with what you’re wearing, even if you’re not opting for a wild pattern.
As a self-described pattern-lover, I have to remind myself that basics are incredibly valuable. Here’s what I’ve been leaning on as a baseline for my wardrobe.
Simple white slip dress (DÔEN dupe, if you ask me) from Target
Classic investment pieces make me feel really good about myself, but sometimes I want to feel like a fun kooky aunt with a sick closet. For example, I’m a sucker for all things Rachel Antonoff because life really is more fun when you’re wearing a pasta print.
Some pieces I really love:
Susan Alexandra bag I thrifted from Crossroads in Williamsburg
I bought it secondhand, but there are plenty of similar options like this one on The RealReal.
Steve Madden Tracie sandals in tortoise
I’m usually anti-thong sandals and any kind of heel, but these were too cute to pass up, and they’re actually pretty comfortable?
My 70-year-old neighbor has been rocking incredible Miu Miu glasses all summer, and since I can’t bring myself to spend more than $500 on a new pair right now, I looked for the next best thing.
DÔEN Faye plaid cotton minidress
Bria Schirripa posted a picture of her wearing this dress on Substack, and I immediately bought it. It’s a really playful pattern and it’s wonderfully lightweight. I love it.
Of course, my closet is going to change over the years, but I’m just happy to build something that’s worth raiding. And I’m so glad you’re here to witness it all.
xx
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