Long Live Silver Ballet Flats ft. Jessie Cohen

On my fake big sister, her expertise in accessories, and how you can recreate at home

Have you ever wanted to be friends with someone so badly you agreed to an art director role on a project just so you could bring them on as producer?

The specifics might be, well, specific, but the feeling is universal. When I stumbled upon Jessie Cohen (founder of Gal Friday) online, I thought, “Damn, I’d love to know this person.”

Turns out, we have a lot in common. The idea of spending an hour and a half constructing a collage wall out of vintage American Girl magazines is our heaven. A debrief in the hotel lobby with takeout? Perfection. Lodi and signature accent colors and great headbands are all on our overlapping venn diagram.

And not to get mushy, but in the past year (little more) that Jessie and I have been friends, I’ve come to her for sound advice, the kind I hope I give my younger sister, that’s always delivered with love and kindness, the sort of “I’ve been there” feeling. She’s a deeply talented producer, pays the most attention to details, and knows a whole lot about personal style. Today, she’s talking about her dream ballerinas.

Co-founders of Paper Janes™️

How long have you had this piece?

Since the end of 2018.

Where did it come from?

I worked internally at Mansur Gavriel for several years and these flats were the hottest anticipated item for personal orders at the office when they came out. The MG Alum group chat is still actively discussing them. 

How much did you pay for it?

My first pair was a work perk but I am so committed to them that I reorder regularly. I try to snag them on sale whenever I find my size online, and I keep a backstock. They retail for $395 so while they're a splurge they really are worth it; the leather quality is wonderful, they have a perfect almond toe, they are so flattering on the leg, and the proportions are just right (shoutout to my talented friend Margaret who helped develop the original design). 

How do you wear it?

Silver is the best neutral in my opinion and I wear them with just about everything. They work with stretchy pants for set and travel, cute easy errand fits, and night out dresses. Something about the leather is quite forgiving even when scratched and worn, but I also believe in wearing my favorite things instead of being too precious with them. They truly go with anything but are always a nice pop. 

What does it represent? 

I got these shoes when I hit my stride professionally and I love that they've been on my feet getting me through so much. They have been on my feet for sandy location scouts, long prep days, international photo shoots, fast-paced event load-ins, busy model castings, hectic runway shows, and so much more. They make me feel good and prepared and cute all at the same time. 

Jessie would (will) kill me for this part, but if you have a brand and want to throw the easiest, coolest party or shoot, she’s 100% the best. We’re co-hosting an EV Salon in LA this summer, which makes me wish I could hire her to run all of them. You will never meet a producer with better energy. Ok, back to shopping.

Archived Outfit

Luckily, you can buy Jessie’ exact shoes right here, but let’s get into some other alts inspired by Miss Gal Friday herself.

I own and love these Mary Janes from Larroude, which always seem to answer the “What shoes go with this outfit?” problem.

On the fence about the whole thing? Try it out with these $20 ballet flats from Target.

These are like a combo of the first two! And they’re under $100 on Etsy.

Imaging carrying this with an all denim outfit! It’s $300 on Poshmark.

Fellow 10.5s, eat your heart out! These are MG and $75 on Poshmark.

At this point I have completely lost the plot. But these would be so good for someone getting married! They’re $100 on eBay.

Fun update on Paid next week + a huge letter coming out in a week.

Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, shop my Notion template, and as always, respond to this dispatch for my direct line x