This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
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.