2. March Finds: The Unexplored Selves
Colors to illuminate your wardrobe, a variety of statement necklaces, and a much-anticipated edit of party dresses
Recently, my friend, Morgan, introduced me to Rachel Seville Tashjian’s chaotic and hilarious newsletter Opulent Tips (which I highly recommend). In a current post, she writes about a vibe shift in dressing that leans toward the eccentric: “Style is an accumulation of knowledge and an act of self-exploration, experimentation, and charisma! And this new feeling is about exactly that.”
I’ve been thinking about this quote a lot as it relates to my own shopping and development of style. At this time of year, I usually barely know what season I’m in, let alone what I should wear. I scroll and scroll and can’t convince myself to pull the trigger on anything. But right now, for whatever reason, I’m most drawn to items and trends my friends might say are a departure from my usually “safe” wardrobe of neutral colors and staple items. I’m gravitating towards what feel like wilder choices: wearing skirts over pants, yellow sneakers, tendril rings, and digitally-printed dresses.
I’m also taking a mindfulness course this month, and my teacher said something that felt hyper-relevant to this spirit of style discovery: “You have all of these selves inside of the self. Start to play with parts of the self that have been exiled.” And so, in March, I’m leaning into this new feeling of unexplored selves—stepping out of who I think I am and into who I hope to be.
Finds of the Month:
Products I’m wish-listing, wearing, or coveting
A. Anything and Everything Purple
$109 | Gimaguas | Purple Carrie Top
Purple is trending–particularly this Jacaranda shade. I often dream about these High Sport pants and find myself searching for “purple sweater” on The Real Real on a weekly basis. Gimaguas sells this sleeveless turtleneck that is the perfect transitional piece into (eventual) warmer weather.
B. But Also Pink
$99 | COS | Oversized Shirt (Pink)
I know I wrote about button-downs last month, but just when I thought I had a complete collection, now I want a pink one (this one from Zara is also good). I’ve tirelessly searched for this fuzzy bubble pink sweater from Commission, hoping to find it in some store’s end-of-winter sale. Using unexpected pops of color when putting together an outfit is the perfect way to show some “charisma” (to borrow Tashjian’s words). Here are some examples of how to do that: 1, 2, 3.
C. Cord Pendant Necklaces
$290 | Agmes | Bodmer Pendant
A cord pendant necklace is an opportunity to make a bold statement. I also love its versatility —allowing you to wear it short or long, depending on how you tie it. The pendant can be metal, glass, or even pearl. I’ve wish-listed this one from Agmes, but Gimaguas, Soko, and Mango make fun versions too. If you’re like me and get struck with waves of craftiness, you could even try making your own (here’s what you’ll need).
D. Wales Bonner x Adidas Sneakers
$180 | Wales Bonner | Adidas Originals by Wales Bonner
Wales Bonner has to be one of my favorite designers right now. Bonner’s British and Caribbean design references alongside her color sensibility are unmatched. Her ongoing collaboration with Adidas amplifies her ability to interpret 70s and 80s nostalgia in a modern and accessible way. I’ve been eyeing these suede and leather, blanket-stitched shoes from their latest collab drop.
E. Not-Your-Average Work Tote
$390 | Hereu | Large Canvas Bicolor Tote
Some of us are back to the office and commuting again which means you need one of those magical Barney bags that looks great with and fits everything. Typically, people go very basic when hunting for a work bag, opting for a classic black leather tote from the likes of Mansur Gavriel, Madewell, or Cuyana. I’ve been looking for something that feels a bit more special like this canvas bicolor tote from Hereu. I also like these coated, colorblocked, or abstract-shaped options.
F. All-Weather Clogs
$79.95 | Birkenstock | Super-Birki
While shopping for my rain-adverse dachshund, I sensed my own need for spring-shower-appropriate shoes. I’ve been on the hunt for a rubber clog similar to the Puddle Loafers from Bottega. I’ve recently added-to-cart the Super-Birki (the Hunter Play Clog is another good option). In white it’s very chic!
What You’re Looking For:
Answers to your pressing shopping questions
Party Dresses
2022 is the year of weddings, parties, and ‘going out’. A return to normalcy, at last! I have received so many questions about fun dresses to wear for these occasions. I plan on doing a more exhaustive dress edit as more retailers release their spring/summer collections but for now here are eleven I’m loving:
Long Statement Necklaces
My friend, Liv, asked me about long Sophie Buhai-esque statement necklaces she could layer with her everyday gold chains. Similar to the cord necklace finds above, the pendant on a long statement necklace should be substantial in size and weight. Here are some options from Alighieri, Odette, and CompletedWorks.
Looking for something? Email me and I’ll share my finds for you in the next newsletter.
Recently Discovered:
It’s hard to ignore the dichotomy between the fashion weeks happening right now and Russia’s invasion into Ukraine. As this tragedy unfolds, my thoughts and attention have turned to the Ukrainian makers and designers I follow like Bevza, Ienki Ienki, and Anna October. Another Ukrainian maker I fell in love with more recently is Nadiia. She makes ceramics and wearable objects that are based on traditional handicrafts and rural life in Ukraine. These designers are asking for support of Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced people which you can do here.
Finds With Substance:
Visit the MoMA before the Sophie Taeuber-Arp exhibit closes on March 12. It’s mind blowing to see the colorful abstract art she was making in the 1920s and 30s and inspiring to see her work evolve across so many different disciplines.
Eat a cake made by Brooklyn-based baker, Aimee France aka @yungkombucha. I recently ordered mini-cakes for a friend’s birthday and was blown away by the flavor combination — olive oil rose with ricotta dairy filling, and brown butter lemon cardamom icing. It was divine!
Donate to MercyCorps, an organization on the ground in Romania and Poland helping provide emergency cash, food, water, and sanitation supplies to Ukrainians in need.
Such great recs! Love the observations on color and the list of Ukranian designers!