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Image via. This chic pea is wearing so many of the things I love right now: vest as top (similar here; more options here); J’Adiors (look for less here); a small square tote bag (look for less here). Even love the full tulle skirt — get the look here or here.
Q: I have a Memorial Day weekend wedding to attend, black tie optional. I am not one for prints….want to look classic but understated. Can you help? Also, I am 54, so don’t want anything too revealing.
A: This Black Halo is a timeless knockout. If you’re looking for something with color, you might consider this warm weather-friendly Damaris Bailey. Dress it up with high heels and big earrings. On the summery side: I also love this, this, and this.
Q: This year, I’m loving all the pants/jeans options but find myself lacking in great tops. I find myself reaching for my AYR button down, but also love my SEA finds for funky and fun. Maybe I need a few basic/classic options? HELP?!
A: I feel like a broken record here, but I reach for these pointelle tees several days a week — like a white tee but more interesting, and so soft. I like the texture/pattern contrast layered beneath a cardigan. I also like my Frank & Eileen Patrick henley in the jersey material for this reason — a good twist on a basic white tee. Stripes are also a great way to mix things up; I love the ones from Kule and Alice Walk. Amazing what a stripe in a fun color can do for your mood! If you’re looking for tops that are less like a tee and more like a statement, check out Mille’s Charlie top (run really big); Emerson Fry’s Frances blouse; and Doen’s Jane blouse. Other good sources: Anthro (love this!), Farm Rio (love this!), Alix of Bohemia (best prints!), Sezane (especially their recent launch!)
Q: Could you do dresses somewhere closer to formal but not traditional black tie for a “black tie preferred” wedding at the end of March in Baltimore? Ordinarily I would just wear black tie but I feel a little odd going full black tie here because the venue is very rustic and somewhat funkier.
A: Hi from down the road in Bethesda! I would look at these options: Zimmermann, Farm Rio, Tuckernuck, Agua Bendita, Anna October, or Doen.
Q: I love the La Ligne Mer jeans but do you have any recs that would work for petites?
A: Try the Veronica Beard Carsons! They’re listed as crops but I own them and they are full length flares on us shorties. (I’m 5’0.)
P.S. More jeans well-suited to petites here.
Q: The raincoat you were wearing on Instagram the other day.
A: This Boden!
Q: A look for less for the Jenni Kayne Cooper cardigan.
A: I got you!
Q: Dad sandals. Love the Chanels and Guccis but less expensive.
A: I just got these ($130!) in the raffia but also love the other color options. (The shape / raffia pattern remind me of the LRs, which are twice as expensive.) Also think the backless Glyn sandals from See by Chloe are super chic (on super sale here; more sizes here).
Q: Spring tote bag for mom life.
A: A Naghedi in a bold color that can add fun to whatever you’re wearing — jeans and a tee, leggings, a simple dress. Ditto a Dragon Diffusion. Also thought these monogram totes were fun, as are the canvas options from Kule!
Q: Daytime garden party wedding.
A: Anything Cara Cara! Also love this Tuckernuck, this Ref, this Wayf.
Q: Low-heel Easter Sunday shoes to wear with a floral dress.
A: These Larroudes, or I think you could go with an elegant flat sandal like this or this.
Q: Dress for my son’s First Communion.
A: I’d reach for something like this, this, this, or this!
Q: Seashell earrings.
A: Love the ones from RDR. You can also sometimes find in great condition on TRR. (Not seashells, but I own these earrings and LOVE them for dressier occasions or just dressing up a tee/simple dress.). Different vibe but also chic: these $13 earrings!
P.S. A cold spring.
P.P.S. Things must end to begin again.
That cardigan! Gorgeous!
On the note of chic and sharp…I have my very first business luncheon upcoming, but haven’t the slightest idea what to wear. I would greatly appreciate any recs for budget looks that are still somewhat chic, but are not a dress or skirt?
Thank you!
Hi Jess! Got it and will answer in an upcoming post!
xx
Thank you so much!
I also love the La Ligne jeans and I think for petites a good tailor can shorten them and put the the bottom back on or just get rid of it. there is no reason petites can wear these.
Good point!! xx