You’ve Got Mail
But it’s not another CBK newsletter
Has February been a blur? Because same. Between a mix of travel and work projects, I’m very grateful it’s the shortest month of the year and very ready to actually do more in March. Aside from a quick couple of days in NYC, this month has oddly felt more like a hibernation than January did.
On that note, I don’t share much about my day-to-day work, but I’m starting to think I should? My millennial need for context is probably showing. The mail has been especially good this past week or so (fueled by both my own shopping pursuits and some generous gifting) so I thought I’d start by sharing what’s come in and what I think is actually worth your attention.
Much like everyone else on the internet, I’m watching Love Story. In CBK fashion, I’ll keep my thoughts minimal: my biggest takeaway is around her unmatched ability to choose less and do more. Apparently a theme here and concept I’m applying to my life through versatile shoes and effective skincare (see above^).
Jokes aside, it can be exhausting to feel like you need to keep purchasing all the time. It comes with the territory to some extent, but having a clear sense of what actually serves your style versus what’s just feeding the algorithm is essential. I’m obviously not shy about the fact that a very large portion of my wardrobe is The Row, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel an unnecessary urgency every time a new collection drops. This time around I was surprised and relieved to see that it wasn’t all that net-new, but instead featured many updated spins on classic styles like this two-toned take on my favorite flip-flops. (Which I wouldn’t sleep on if you’re considering!)
I do have a weak spot for denim, so I knew I needed to try this new style out, and I’m planning to wear them with this shirt. They’re both great pieces I can justify, but they’re not necessarily something I’d broadly recommend. Denim is personal, and there are so many new designers doing it extremely well right now—examples here, here and here.
Otherwise, I added yet another pair of corduroys into the mix. My tailor humbled me when I dropped them off, asking point blank: “another pair of cords?”…she’s not wrong. But I do highly recommend a pair if you’re looking for something that’s just easy to wear as denim but a little more interesting. They’re truly season-less but will look great with this trench (which I just picked up in beige as well if that says anything!), and ballet flats/sandals in the spring.
I promise you there’s more variety beyond The Row coming after these silk shorts that I grabbed on sale, which I can already tell will be more versatile than the cotton poplin version I picked up last month. If you’re not sure how to style, let this very timely photo of Margo Robbie explain with exactly zero words needed:
Being gifted anything by a brand is never lost on me, but it’s especially meaningful when an emerging brand trusts your perspective with their product. If Dhoemi isn’t on your radar yet, I’d strongly suggest taking a look. Built around a similar choose less, do more ethos, the intention behind the brand feels very clear. I started with the Bend Tee, which is, quite frankly, one of the best takes on one I’ve seen in a while.
As with my earlier thought on denim, sharing the “best white t-shirt” is almost pointless. But this one does do exactly what you want it to do…elevating the classic denim-and-tee combination to truly chic. The curved hem, weight, and fabric quality reminds me a bit of Khaite’s tees, but I’m much more excited about wearing Dhoemi.
I’m no beauty expert by any means and don’t wear much makeup, but I do think the products you choose are an extension of your style and should feel aligned — even if that look is very minimal.
I gravitate toward anything that makes covering redness and evening out my skin easier (and ideally a little more enjoyable), while still looking good on my bathroom counter or in my bag. All of these deliver on both by being visually pleasing, and more importantly, foolproof.
Bringing it back to CBK (just one more time), especially when it comes to jewelry. Aside from a few very simple pieces on occasion, it really wasn’t part of her uniform.
I’m similar in that I rarely wear jewelry. I admire it on others, but unless the mood strikes, I’m more comfortable with nothing. That said, I don’t think I’ve ever gravitated toward an earring more than these — they arrived earlier this month and I now genuinely feel like I’ll never need another pair. I love the petite size for my small ears.
I’ve recommended these for just about every occasion and still reach for them when someone (including myself) needs a subtle statement along the lines of this. I was grateful to receive a newer updated version, and they’re just as good.
That’s probably enough about my mail for now. Onto a few signs of life from February:
And a final spin in a very Zoë Kravitz-coded outfit (the key), paired with my latest pick from Vivrelle, which has successfully convinced me that I need an XL Park Tote in my life. This exact one if we’re being specific. The one I borrowed is now on it’s way back to Vivrelle, and I’m already missing it when running out the door to work outside of the house or make my daily visit to the grocery store.
If you’ve had a bag living rent-free in your mind, my code HELENBYRNE gets you a free first month to test one out.
a perfect post