I thought it would be fun to do a monthly dive into what’s happening in my closet because those are some of my favorite Substacks to read.
motherhood edition. traveling nomad edition. pops of color anchored by neutral staples.
If I had to describe my style in three words: classic, effortless and comfortable.
balancing act
I’m a high-low girl. When it comes to clothes I like to balance. Staples are from target/uniqlo/zara, with longevity not at the forefront in my mind. Each season, I’ll add a few bigger splurge-y items that always outlast my budget-friendly staples.
I joke that if my wardrobe were a pie chart. The smallest, but most used part is some variation of a daily mom uniform: jeans, a tshirt, and sweater depending on the season we’re in. Or a dress. And throw in some workout clothes.
Then the largest sliver of that chart is the life I shop for, but wear the least. Granted, it’s mainly shopping in my head and less purchasing. I love getting dressed up for dinner. I really love pieces that I can mix with a sweater and turn into casual daytime looks, or transition to evening with a strappy pair of sandals and a slicked back, low pony.
button downs
the ultimate mom shirt. comfortable around the house, but maybe makes me feel a bit more put together than the average sweatpants. Still able to toss into the wash with the rest of the mess and if they’re linen, then the air dried look is just perfect.
online shopping
I must say that when we’re in Europe I shop so much less. online shopping is much less convenient when you have to be home to buzz in any package delivery or otherwise risk having to schlep to a dropoff point across town with weird opening hours to pick it up. I get a little click happy when we’re in the states because I have temporary access to amazon overnight delivery and all these American brands that I see people wearing and am dying to try.
I keep a running list of brands I’m interested in trying in the states, and if it’s still there the next time I go back I’ll consider ordering something to try out.
special pieces
I will also share that I’ve cultivated a relationship with Mirth over the past few years, and am lucky enough to be gifted a lot of their clothes. It’s been such a blessing because their dresses were all I wore during my pregnancy and they immediately made me feel put together and comfortable. They are my special dresses and I wear them when I want to feel pretty, but I also love mixing them into the every day with tennis shoes and a jacket.
I share this because I usually sit on the other end of wondering how people are affording the clothes they post every day.
I have some pieces from Dôen and Jenni Kayne and I will be honest. I treat them with so much more care than I do my less expensive clothes.
Both of those brands hold special memories in my mind. Neilson took me to the Dôen store in LA as a special stop on our honeymoon and told me to pick out a dress. When we were living in Sac, we went to the Jenni Kayne store in Marin on the way home from a beach day in Stinson beach after an (at the time terrifying) biopsy.
I will also say, I never pay full price for either of those brands. Dôen has insane sales throughout the year(which does often mean the items are final sale). And there is always an influencer code you can use for 15% off at jenni kayne.
comfort in motherhood
The more I’ve delved into my wardrobe since becoming a mother, the more I recognize the need to be comfortable. If something is scratchy or tight across the shoulders, or too short, I won’t last long in it. I like to be able to push up my sleeves if I’m washing dishes, and I rarely go out to dinner without a sweater thrown over my shoulders for the later hours in the night when the sun sets.
mood boards
I love using Pinterest and my Shopmy boards to create a visual moodboard of what’s on my mind. I can put pieces I own next to pieces I’m looking at and see if it’s really something that would go with the rest of what I wear.
a few pro tips i’ve gleaned from some fashion substacks
keep a running note in your phone of items/brands/trends you’re eyeing…some things will lose your interest and others will stay. for me if they’ve passed the 6 month mark and I’m still interested I’ll give it a go
try not to buy occasion specific pieces. I’m very guilty of this one. the last minute panic shopping before a trip or event always results in single use items
dress up for bed. investing in your nighties and robe is worth it.
Take photos of my outfits. I do this as I’m getting dressed. Then when I go back through photos, I’m reminded of outfits that made me feel comfortable, or ones that maybe worked on paper but not in reality.
I really try not to lean into trends, but if I do, to do it through accessories: ie. shoes with a pop of color, a bag, or fun piece of jewelry.
final thoughts
you will never find me in something strapless unless it’s a bathing suit. bags and jewelry are the only things that I know will fit me for years to come. audrey hepburn always knows best. is french riviera a style? california coastal will always have my heart.
Been thinking about those brown sandals since I saw them on you! Love all of these pieces ❤️