8. August Finds: Last Call of Summer
Thoughts on shopping with intention, end-of-summer must-haves, and an over-sized shirt styling hack
Over the pandemic, the effortless Amy Smilovic, founder of Tibi, began hosting a live “Style Class” on Instagram. Every Wednesday, she and her team spent an hour or so talking about everything from the latest Tibi collection, to how to develop your personal style, to the dos and don'ts of putting together an outfit.
Lately, I’ve been playing old Style Class videos in the background while I work, inspiring me to examine my closet and shopping habits more closely. Smilovic’s class even has its own “Tibictionary” with styling terms that describe how to create what she calls a “creative pragmatist” outfit—one that balances uniqueness and functionality.
My biggest takeaway from hours of listening to these style classes is the reassurance that I don’t need new or trendy things to enjoy getting dressed or having my own style. An awareness of what’s in my closet, styling through a chill, modern, classic (CMC, to borrow Smilovic’s acronym) lens, and being intentional about my shopping grants me the ultimate fashion freedom: to be myself.
Since starting this newsletter, I’ve had good conversations with friends about what it is and what it could be. Perhaps a shopping newsletter should ultimately be light-hearted and fun, but I’d like this to be more substantial beyond just telling you what things to add to your cart. Besides what I’m thinking about, I’d love to hear from you on what you’d like to read: Styling tips? A deep dive into trends? Posts from guest writers? Or nothing, Kristine, just keep telling me what to buy, and I’ll follow you there? I’m all ears. Feel free to leave me a comment on this post with your thoughts.
I’m so appreciative you all have read this newsletter for the past six months and can’t wait to hear your feedback. For now, let’s dive into the usual…
Finds of the Month:
Products I’m wish-listing, wearing, or coveting
A. Easy Shoulder Bag
$20 | Round Mini Shoulder Bag | Uniqlo
When I was in Paris a few months ago, I bought this round mini shoulder bag from Uniqlo. Little did I know this would be the bag that would get the most wear out of my closet this summer, or that it would go viral a few months later. When I came back from my trip, I bombarded my friend who works at the brand with questions on when the U.S. would get the bag. Well, guys, it’s here. It fits all of my essentials (keys, lip balm, hand lotion, phone, wallet, sunglasses, etc.) but is simple enough to wear daily without feeling gorp-y.
B. Modern Vest
$495 | Sculpted Linen Vest | Attersee
I wasn’t compelled to participate in the vest trend until I found this version from one of my favorite new brands, Attersee. I love its modern interpretation with a high neckline and cut-away back. Until I find a way to justify spending $500 on a vest, I’ll pray that this $115 option from Frankie Shop comes back in stock.
C. Everyday Bling
$185 | James Bezel Bracelet | Dorsey
Another new favorite brand of mine is Dorsey, a heritage-inspired fine jewelry brand that makes pieces using lab-grown gems (man, I love technology). Flashy jewelry isn’t really my thing, but Dorsey’s luxurious yet understated pieces feel just right when picturing them styled with my casual wardrobe staples.
D. Hara the Label Knitwear
$70 | Gaia Leotard | Hara the Label
It’s too hot and humid to think about what to wear, so lately I’ve reached for this organic bamboo bodysuit (in earth) from Hara the Label that I was gifted. I’ve worn it with shorts: gym shorts to walk the dog, denim shorts to run errands, or pleated linen shorts to dinner with friends. The fabric is deliciously soft, breathable, and the plant-dyed color doesn’t fade (even after washing it a few times). Recently, I added Hara’s long-sleeve square-neck top to my wish list as a transitional piece for fall.
What You’re Looking For:
Answers to your pressing shopping questions
I grabbed drinks with a friend a few weeks ago where we discussed a major sandal issue she is having. We concluded that walking around New York with sandals in the summer is risky: the gunk, the grime, the trash—it’s inescapable. While I love a minimal sandal (and have recommended several in past newsletters), their sleek construction unfortunately doesn’t offer you the protection you need from gross city streets. If you want your feet to feel safe and swaddled, I suggest the below sandal options that have a molded insole, a chunky tread, or toe coverage:
Peche Crystal Sandal, $94
Vagabond Evy Sandals, $140
A.Emery Jalen Sandal , $190
Emme Parsons Bari Sandal, $395
Toteme Chunky Sandal , $420
Looking for something? Email me and I’ll share my finds for you in the next newsletter.
Recently Discovered:
Two emerging accessories brands worth making your last summer purchases from…
Blooming Dreamer for cute hand-crafted accessories, inspired by travel. This ring is my favorite!
Gunes Swim Bags for colorful, striped totes perfect for your final beach days. I saw similar striped market totes everywhere when I was in Paris, which means you need one.
Finds With Substance:
Learn Amy Smilovic’s oversized-shirt styling hack. I’ll wear my button-downs like this from now on.
Watch the movie The Worst Person In The World (on Hulu) because I can’t get it out of my head and need people to talk to about it.
Read the essay Scenes from an Open Marriage by Jean Garnett—a beautifully written peek into a world I knew little about.
Love your newsletter and how you make it personal by referencing conversations you've been having, things you've been inspired by, and trends you've been seeing from your work and life. I'm curious your thoughts on "fast fashion" and ways fashion can be more sustainable. Specifically, since many of us who subscribe likely have a rotating series of items in our closets, are there any organizations or services you recommend for selling, donating, or repurposing clothes when our time with them comes to an end?
Keep doing what you’re doing! All I wanna know is what Kristine thinks is cool :)