Long Live A Sentimental Top
A dazzling guest, lots of books, eBay finds
Good news! Until 2023, Long Live will be once a week to accommodate holiday cheer. I’ve been patiently waiting to gift my nearest and dearest. Writing this newsletter is a great distraction. That said, respond with any reader questions. Winter wedding? Where to find great Prada nylon pieces? My favorite tights? It’s all fair game.
This week, our guest is a dear friend of mine, Tori Simokov. She’s a brilliant designer + founder of the brand New York, Old Friends. We even named this candle together! Tori + I are lucky enough to be neighbors and regulars at the same pilates studio. Can’t recommend aligning your friendships with your extracurriculars. I can’t legally declare Tori best dressed of my wedding, but let’s just say the votes were definitely in her favor. Here she is with my bestie, cousin, and sis on the big day. Fits right in!
How long have you had this piece?
Since May 2022. I bought it to wear at my 30th birthday party.
Where did it come from?
Matches Fashion
How much did you pay for it?
I need to preface this by saying this is by FAR the most expensive piece of clothing I own and I don't think I'll ever consider spending this much on a top again for a long, long while. I actually sold a piece of jewelry to be able to afford it because that's how much it spoke to me. That being said, it was $672.
How do you wear it?
For something so unique, it's surprisingly versatile. When I first wore it with my favorite trousers, a lot of people mistook my outfit for a jumpsuit because they flowed together so perfectly. It also looks great paired with a mini skirt and an oversized blazer. I've just started to scratch the surface of styling this piece, but it was an investment for me, so I'm committed to finding unique and fresh ways of wearing it.
What does it represent?
This top was my 30th birthday gift to myself. It represents how far I've come in the act of loving and knowing myself. After all these years, I feel more confident and self-assured than ever. I've really refined my taste and identified my style. I finally feel like I know exactly who I am.
When I first discovered Nensi Dojaka, I instantly fell in love with her pieces and quietly set a goal that I would own one myself someday. The act of investing in the top was also an act of investing in myself. I've worked so hard to become the person I am today, and I wanted to show up to my party feeling the most "me" I've ever felt. As soon as I first tried on this top, it felt like me, personified. Wearing it felt like a second skin, and I still feel lucky that it's hanging in my closet.
Oh, and I also happened to get engaged while wearing it that night, so it now has extra sentimental value.
Archived Outfit
Let me tell you, Tori’s tank was as special IRL as it photographed. I love her sophisticated + chic sense of style. Almost always black. Sometimes a smart back cutout. Just fab. Here are some tanks that pale in comparison but are still fun!
Armani silk high neck for $68! Fun with flared trousers.
So into this corset-like top for $40.
Not a deal or particularly wearable but there’s just something about feathers! This is $300 + SALLY LAPOINTE.
And if it can’t be feathers, why not sequins? I adore this stretchy top for $35.
Honorable Mentions
Tori’s a big reader, too. My first rec is from her! I’m telling you guys, a very great, very faceted friendship. We have a lot of titles to work through, so keeping descriptions short.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow—for fans of A Little Life but also friendship and you won’t be able to put it down.
Cassandra At The Wedding—unexpected, introspective, delightful study of sisterhood + grief.
Notes From No Man’s Land—essays across America from one of my favorite living writers.
The Nordic Theory of Everything—getting in the honeymoon spirit with this book that reads like a super long, friendly New Yorker piece.
The Creative Habit—essential reading for anyone who liked The Artist’s Way.
Our Wives Under The Sea—spooky, salty, and haunting short read on marriage and our hidden selves.
The Force of Such Beauty—royal story of losing yourself in a life you never asked for, randomly very good!
Thank you so much for reading. Recently, I wrote about IPL laser, new wellness destinations in NYC, and the cover story for Margot Magazine. See you next Thursday! x