*Image above via Neiman Marcus, showcasing my favorite trend for the new year: brights and especially hot pink!
Q: Western booties a la Isabel Marant.
A: Fun! I super love this look with a boho mini like this or this. Very Kate Moss in the 90s? This pair would turn my head (and looks strikingly similar to Marant) but 1/3 of the price. I found them on sale for even less here in very limited sizes. This pair is also fun in the vanilla color in particular.
Q: A black cardigan with pearl details that is more traditional than trendy or Talbots-esque.
A: I appreciate the specificity! I love this textured one — gives me Chanel/Gucci vibes. (Aside: this label has such fun and fabulous knits! This reminds me of Self-Portrait and Alessandra Rich! And yes pls to this.). These similar styles from Maje and Galvan are also lovely and I think walk the line between on-trend and not-too-stodgy you’re after.
Q: 2.5-year-old girls flower dress for BIL wedding.
A: This white dress is absolute perfection with the big white sash. Absolutely swooned when I saw it. They have a similar style in a more formal taffeta material if the event is dressier. I also adore this petal collar dress — scroll down for the toddler sizing. If she mustn’t wear white/it’s a less formal occasion, something like this is both darling and traditional.
Q: Not boring but casual tops to throw on that are not athleisure.
A: I would say striped tees from Kule or Ayr; tissue turtlenecks (if too fitted for what you’re after, check out this style from Everlane); these fitted, ribbed scoop-necks which feel intentional, and like what you might wear if you have a closet full of Khaite; boxy oxfords (or slimmer fit ones); pointelle tees (have a nostalgic, girlish vibe to them I love — look for less with these); and this supersoft top that has just the right amount of interest.
P.S. If you’re looking for even more casual pieces, you might like this post on base layers!
Q: Classic camel coat.
A: Love a classic camel coat. Investment: any of the ones from MaxMara. More reasonable: Reiss or Club Monaco. Under $200: Mango and Mango again (Diane Keaton).
Q: Dress for a black tie wedding (as a guest) in LA this April.
A: Fun! This $220 navy gown still gives me chills. Hollywood starlet, but in a shockingly sophisticated navy. I also love this black lace statement (Carey Mulligan red carpet vibes — heels must be tall), this bronzed goddess number, this sophisticated Galvan, and this Saloni.
P.S. I have been trying to keep my wedding guest dress shop section more up to date lately!
Q: Rehearsal dinner in February. I’m the bride!
A: Congratulations!!! Splurge: Markarian has so many exquisite options — I love this and this. Over the top/trendy option: 16Arlington. (J’adoreeeee!). And Badgley Mischka has a look for less option that feels a bit more toned down here. This Shoshanna is gorgeous, and I feel like it feels festive and memorable without being too dramatic. Cinq a Sept has a sweet one that walks a similar line.
Q: Doormat for under $25.
A: Love this and this! More home finds under $100 here.
Q: A day dress for my Match Day for medical school (March 18)!
A: Wow! Exciting! I own and love this Mille dress in the stripe — it’s the perfect in-between dress for when you want to look stylish/intentional but not too dressy. If you’re somewhere cold, you can pair with suede boots, too. This dress is at the top of my “everyday day dress” list, I LOVE this corduroy, and I have been eyeing this under-$100 style or this one — both are sweet, on-trend, easy to wear. Alternately, a sweater dress would be fab — something like this or this (more ideas here) with some fun boots or flats.
Q: Sneakers for daily casual wear.
A: If you’re talking designer, I like these Loewes and Rag & Bone. For a sportier/street style vibe, I love NB’s 327s and Onitsuka Tigers. For something more classic/less sporty, Supergas all the way. Have owned and loved my pairs for going on a decade now.
Q: Good nude clutch. No visible labels. Under $300-$400.
A: For casual wear, I love this oversized envelope style and it’s well under $150! Feels very Hermes/classic to me. Meanwhile, this Cuyana is as unfussy and classy as they come. For something trendier, Bottega Veneta has popularized the dumpling bag the past few years, and this style feels very on-trend as a result. This one is even closer to the O.G.! If you’re thinking more for summer or live somewhere warmer, Pam Munson all the way! This would go with EVERYTHING. And this Cult Gaia is gorgeous, too.
These are opposite of what you want (visible labels and out of budget), but I had to share in case anyone else is in the market for a clutch: this Hermes and this Loewe!
Q: Mules and clogs that work for midi dresses.
A: I think these No. 6 ones are absolute perfection in every way. Colors, shape, heel height. A ten! Isabel Marant has a cool pair that Parisian chic peas wear with a tiny bit more edge. And then this $35 pair from Target is a dead ringer for a much more expensive pair by Rachel Comey. All of these would look so chic with a midi dress like this, this, or this (which I own and adore in the blue colorway).
Thank you for the bootie recs!! So good
Yay!! Hope one works for you. xx