[Just a note: Paid subs, please scroll all the way down for some video try-ons, and rather than just put the item on, I did some light styling since you mentioned you like that!]
I can see “fall.” Well, my fall, which is summer in temperature, but still different. We’ve got 10 days left in New England, then head to London/Paris and then … HOME to MIA. Casual coastal summer me is ready to peace out, and this past week got me easing myself into fall Go Mode.
I had this idea in my head about Japanese influence. Which had me thinking designers (Issey, Junya) but then also textures (the Issey pleating stretching to encompass a Tibi pleated skirt and another in a textured crepe like unglazed pottery) and origami folds (sweater tying, cutouts, a sharp slit, a half tucked extra long tee).
But without realizing it (at first) I was in fact conjuring Hasani Arnold, a current IG style crush.
I’m sharing a few of Hasani’s looks here from IG, but that doesn’t come close to doing this icon justice, so please do take a look.
I’ve loved my forays into casual and expect to go there again next summer in our new place in Rhode Island. But this week really gave me a good shake and got me ready for what’s next. In the process I think I found a whole new route to channeling that elevated sense of at ease-ness I call Lofted Settledness.
Here’s what I figured out.
… ok, the Takeaways this week:
The Japanese + Color Formula: It’s an easy two-word thing to remember and a formula that works. It works because it pushes you to consider the key elements of style: color, texture, and shape.
Tuck and fold: Don’t just put the clothes on. Think about origami. Experiment with tucking all, just a bit. Tucking both sides or one. With the way you fold a sweater
Hazushi (外し): I found out that it’s the Japanese styling practice of intentionally adding something “off”— consider this idea with colors. I’ve also called it adding “poison.” Or “so wrong it’s right.” Consider pushing even when something is already lovely. When you already like it. Add one more color. One that makes no sense. You can always remove it .
Tonal wronging: One way to ease into “wrong colors” - do them tonally. I did a lot this week with multiple weird blues that make no sense.
MONDAY
traveling BOS → CHI
Rothy’s Ivy sneakers (I walked almost 12,000 steps in these, a rarity for me in a non-workout sneaker)
Issey Miyake pants (XS on TRR + another option) … for something more reasonable I like the look of these; I have not tried the brand but have read good reviews and like the philosophy.
Secondhand Nomia blazer (different color/fabric and love this one … slit back) and here’s an option with gestalt and a decent price
Prada overdyed trench (old) … similar…also this and this vibe if you’re after the shazam … but maybe we want THIS … J. Crew did a seriously cute option (!)
Saint Laurent Amelia glasses (love them so much that while linking them I almost bought the black pair….)
Secondhand Hermes mini Bolide (um … wait I want this)- GREAT alt on sale
Chanel airline carryon that slips onto handle — and this is my magical find
Lofted Settledness? Yes. Later swapped in these pumps and went right to dinner.
TUESDAY
architectural boat tour + lunch
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
Night - dinner at Virtue
Added secondhand The Row shirt — I own this in blue + it would have been great
Versace Tina heels (also here) … hard to find an alt! Not the same blue, but an easy-wear. This has the same spunk.
WEDNESDAY
Obama Center visit
Rothy’s Ivy sneakers // Tibi “ring 3” crew neck // bag as above
Secondhand men’s Bottega hooded acidic tee … and a host of acid options at all prices + sizes … This Still Here henley tee would work well - the color is more acid IRL.
Lofted Settledness? Yes. I often have issues with skirts + sneakers, but the low profile, one elegant color, and slit in the skirt really helped.
Dinner at this great rest
All the airplane items // Versace Tina heels + here
secondhand Junya Watanabe CDC sequin tee … another one. Sequins for less, here + here.
THURSDAY
lunch with Brenda of The Chic City Girl, shopping
shoes // skirt as above
Secondhand Bao Bao bag (options: on sale, secondhand, and if you just think a metallic tote would be handy, this is $33 and it’s adorable)
Recto long tee (past season) … This one is more sheer but I love it. Totally different, but great color + sleeve. Tibi has this great long tee, but it’s thicker.
Lofted Settledness? Yes!
FRIDAY
flying back to Boston
secondhand men’s Gucci tee — if you take your tee plain try this one … and secondhand options here + here + here
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
SATURDAY
unpacking, tidying
Vintage Levis from The Consistency Project; this looks like such a good alt
Heidi Merrick sweater (use HEYMRSSOLOMON10)
Secondhand Dries loafers white size 39 — these are cute and $80. I’ve tried the brand, likely will need breaking in. Also the Marnis are on sale! A couple left in each size. And if you’re confident about size, elite Church’s are sale on sale.
secondhand Christaseya plaid linen men’s blazer — found you some options… if you want new, you could do this but I’d size up
Alexandra Golovanoff sweater (really nice quality, on the shorter side, FYI)
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
SUNDAY
first marinated in gym clothes then went for sushi with my sister-in-law
Bauble Bar initial necklace; this is the current one and they open an offer when ou put it in cart
Ross-Simons gold plated necklace, the length is really good and it’s multi-strand, multi charm
Hermes Bolide (as above)
Did you catch The Package Room with Alyson Jenkins and me?
And here is everything we talked about:
Epres Bond Repair treatment
5th and Ninth aviators (CODE HMS20)
And here’s what I tested enough to vote YES on
Uni shower oil (converts to lather) … Use SOLOMON15
Hanni Water Balm - it’s lotion but you can put your clothes on fast!
Let’s get dressed.
For access to my weekly finds and cravings, follow HMS here on ShopMy
Now for the paid folks, here’s try-on and some styling of new buys, gifts and alterations:
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