Recent Buys and Outfits
For spring, in theory
I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that it’s already April and I’m equally baffled that I wore a tank top (sans coat) more than once in March. I love transitional dressing, but it’s felt a little chaotic swinging from winter to basically summer overnight. My outfits were all over the place but anchored by a few purchases that are already getting plenty of use.
I like to think anyone reading this enjoys the same references, so I’ll go ahead and say we all love Morgan Stewart and have indulged in her new podcast and/or Substack. One of manyyy pieces that stuck with me was how she framed the “pressure” to buy. Do you actually want it, or are you just panicking because you know it won’t be there when you’re ready? Very happy I moved quickly here.
In my always honest opinion, if it’s a maybe, it’s a no. Trust your gut if you’re still working on your personal taste. Anything you commit energy to should spark an immediate yes and the urge to wear or use it right away/often. It doesn’t have to be that deep!
This is exactly how I feel about my new Estelle bag which sold out almost immediately after Zoë Kravtiz was spotted wearing it. If you’ve been eyeing it (black is still available here) or something similar, consider this my full endorsement. Raffia is way more versatile than it gets credit for and looks incredible paired with a coat or trench, which I’ll be doing as soon as the weather returns to normal.
Here’s how I styled it on a rogue 80-degree day, followed by a low-key stroll to dinner later in the same week.
For a pair of jeans that I was initially a little unsure of^, I’ve come full circle and have been wearing them nonstop. I touched more on the fit here, but what I think works especially well lately is the faded black/charcoal wash. Black is obviously year-round, but grey denim feels like an appropriately softer neutral for spring.
If you prefer something slimmer, the Carlyl fit is another favorite of mine—so naturally I needed them in grey. This is the one photo I grabbed before dropping them at the tailor this morning (forgive me) so stay tuned.
I shared some thoughts on having a chic sneaker in your rotation, but they really proved their versatility in my wardrobe in March. I wore them with shorts (yes, shorts) at the start of the month, and with a trench later on in Seattle.
On the subject of footwear, I obviously have a soft spot for flip flops (all sandals, really) and have already worn them a ton this season. The city flip flop is what I reach for most every spring/summer. True to their name, they are substantial and happen to look amazing with everything.
I tried to hold off on the updated version, but unsurprisingly they’re tracking to arrive later today, in this color way. FWIW, I really do love a two-toned shoe—how good is this similar pair?
These red sandals were honestly a bit of a random sale purchase, but I’ve been reaching for them way more than I expected. The black pair is just as heavily discounted with the flash sale and felt both unnecessary and very necessary at the same time, you know?
Re: Seattle—I did some very good shopping and sourcing in person, including a few lesser known brands doing interesting things. I’ll share a separate letter with more there, but for now, a few final pieces that are still on their way.
I’m a little over every version of the same drawstring pant. They’ve all started to feel a bit blah and low effort in the worst way. I wanted something more elevated and landed on this cashmere/cotton version (there are endless alternatives but after a fairly deep dive, this pair felt the closest).
And as strange as it sounds, I’m really into the idea of pairing a turtleneck with sandals right now. I’m realizing in this moment it likely has something to do with the J.Crew roll neck craze, but I’ll continue to pretend I’m having an original thought, lol. This felt like a beautiful, airy option (alt) that I’ll likely wear with the pants or this great cashmere long sleeve (alt). I have it in grey and love that it’s sheer/lightweight but surprisingly warm on it’s own.
Happy April!
Yes please to Seattle finds :)
Ultrachic