[Just a note: Paid subs, please scroll all the way down for a packing video detailing everything I brought for NYC/Hamptons and a trip to Hanna Yoo’s studio ]
The last time I came to New York, I wore a sweater around my waist every single day.
It is definitely a style crutch. In addition to being practical for summer’s strong air-conditioning, I use these to give me the feeling of layering when I can’t wear layers and often to add a bridge color where the rest of my color story has too much contrast, black and a gray color or a pastel color.
If I’m being honest, I also like things around my waist when I don’t feel like confronting the world with my ass for whatever reason, and I’ve been doing it for this purpose since college. In college I believed my butt/thighs were disproportionately large (ridiculous) and should be covered. Now it’s more like … I don’t want my butt right in someone’s face in a crowded space, or I don’t want attention in leggings.
When an IG follower challenged me to go a week without wearing something around my waist I had to smile. She HAD MY GAME DOWN! Her thing was, she has a discomfort wearing too much fabric and she wanted to see me make looks without them.
When it comes to style and other aspects of life, honestly, I often think it’s good to run toward fear. I mean, unless it’s, say, a bear, or a skinny white dude in a flannel (I have a meth paranoia since watching one episode of Breaking Bad). But I digress. Generally if something makes me uncomfortable in style world, I want to look at why. Trying new things in this world is inherently harmless. And can be high yield. Who wants to get stuck? So I took her note as a sign to shrug off my crutch and see what happened. And I challenged you to do the same.
Here’s how the whole thing went, and what I learned.
… ok, the Takeaways this week:
Everyday third pieces in hot weather can look like: a colorful bra under a transparent tank, a couple of thoughtful necklaces , an embellished belt or two belts, a very wispy scarf that acts more like a necklace, colorful cotton socks
To bring in abridge colors without layering, try socks, bangles, or a cap
Print tee and print bottom feels more layered than plain tee, solid bottom
MONDAY
WFH, package room + outfit planning + a couple errands
instead of a sweater I: Packed my sweater and got interest from color + shapes.
Von Sono skirt (old - secondhand options here) - this will do it for around $100. Also this, a little more bubble.
Versace polo maybe the alt is cutting (or having your tailor/cleaner do it) a deep armhole into a men’s polo — go bigger than you think you need.
secondhand Bolide 35 - can we take a moment for how much I love a Bolide 35, when it’s the soft slouchy variety! Ergonomic, holds a laptop. Of all the H bags, it’s the one I hope works with what I decide to wear. There’s a wait list for the Liffner Dome, which is not as big but a great vibe alt. Ref’s bag is great.
Lofted Settledness? Yes. Would also try tucked + belted.
TUESDAY
WFH, errands, research
instead of a sweater I: print mixed and used an interesting belt (I had a sweater in my bag)
CDG plaid shorts, men’s - these are adorable + remind me of the ones that got away from Acne. Cute J.Crew use code SALETIME.
Tod’s fringe mocassins also here + here
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
secondhand Prada nylon dress (if money is no object; there are some of you- no shame - someone finally made a breathtaking alt). There’s this, but I don’t know the site. This sale Zadig has the vibe for me, the little bit of lace contrasting the overall casual modernity.
past season Tibi furry thongs - here, 7 (ok I don’t know this brand but … they’re cute, no?). Ferragamo I saw IRL and they’re fabulous. Ancient Greek may be the best bet of all.
Loeffler Randall belt as above
Prada sunglasses (old) remade as glasses.
WEDNESDAY
AM, went to Valeria Krasavina’s studio in workout clothes:
“Extraordinario” tee (find tees with words here)
Custom ROCKSTAR blazer with detachable organza piece is Valeria Krasavina (here I am in her studio; DM to order her pieces)
LATER:
instead of a sweater I: Wore a belt and a fringe skirt.
Showered and went to run errands; forgot the photo, but made a reel:
past season Prada skirt (this! and then options + options)
Phoebe Philo sandals as above
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
THURSDAY
WFH, mani/pedi
instead of a sweater I: wore a partial skirt
Tibi striped Charlie shirt - current options …. stripe option here + here + a steal
Phoebe Philo green flip flops are sold out (how are there this many insane people?) … Larroude’s option looks good + I have enjoyed their shoes. I actually love these for $25, the color, lines. And love the brand.
Jil Sander raffia bag but look how many options
Lofted Settledness? Ish. That back view needs tidying!
FRIDAY
flying from MIA to NYC
instead of a sweater I: Tied my blazer sleeves
secondhand The Row Cowal blazer - runs big so you can get away with a size smaller than your usual. I would do Tibi’s crispy nylon and have the same feeling. This Tibi on TRR? The blazer I’m wearing has cutouts in back so you can tie the sleeves in front, our friend Phyllisa says you could make this yourself.
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.
Prada Collapse sneakers - VERY comfy + small to pack! TTS. Cost less here if you know your size.
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
SATURDAY
shopping in Soho, visit to Hanna Yoo’s studio
instead of a sweater I: used lots of textures
Pants as above
Secondhand LV belt. This from B-Low the Belt has the vibe. I also found this brand, and I love the name and gestalt. Haven’t tried them, but this looks great.
Old Marc Jacobs tee (if you like that, bet you also like this.) And maybe we all want this for <$50.
Phoebe Philo green flip flops are sold out (how are there this many insane people?) … Larroude’s option looks good + I have enjoyed their shoes. I actually love these for $25, the color, lines. And love the brand.
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)
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
SUNDAY
meeting a friend, shopping
Marc Jacobs “THE” shirt is old; current version
Margiela blue MM shirt - I found another wool buttonup, unknown brand but you could size up. Not wool, has vibe though.
belt, sandals, pants as above
Lofted Settledness? Yes. My husband’s photo skills took a dive though. (Shhh.)
Let’s get dressed.
For access to my weekly finds and cravings, follow HMS here on ShopMy
Now for the paid folks, here’s my NYC packing video. I packed for 3 days in the city and 3 days in the Hamptons in a carryon. And after that, we visit Hanna Yoo’s Studio. Let’s go:
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