Long Live The Process Pt. 1
How I shop, summer reading, and body lotion
I rarely buy new clothes. When I can, I get a piece tailored or try going without after donating it, but when that isn’t enough, I shop vintage. On the off chance that the thing I’m replacing isn’t available secondhand (intimates, water bottles, bedsheets), I enter what I’m very cleverly coining “The Process.”
Spring cleaning in my closet involves plopping everything on my bed for a shakedown. As I get older, I’ve gotten better about collecting pieces that feel true to my life, but sometimes, I can’t resist the pull of a fantasy version of myself. I’ve mentioned this before, but the leather skirts I seem to buy from a vintage shop every time I’m in Europe are a great example. Erika Veurink, in this current iteration, doesn’t ever think to dress in a leather skirt.
Other victims of the Spring Clean are pieces I’ve loved and worn past the point of wear. Instead of replacing on autopilot, I engage the outgoing piece of clothing in an exit interview. What did I like about wearing in? What could have been better? Were there outfits it never worked with? If this all sounds too fashion school for you, I’ve brought in an example. You’re welcome, Left Brainers.
I bought these sandals at the start of last summer. I wanted to dress like Chessy from Parent Trap and that was kind of it. The sandals were great! Extremely comfortable, very sporty. But white sandals in New York, it’s sort of a novice move. I knew I wanted something a touch more serious, more durable, and probably black.
So last week, walking from an appointment in Midtown to lunch in Greenwich Village, I started taking notes. I noticed the sandals/outfits on the streets that were really working. Around Astor Place, I noticed a woman with a glorious head of curls (ok, dream on), a loose blue button up with black trousers (done), and black Birkenstocks with back straps. The spell was cast! I knew I found the replacement of my dreams.
The less sexy backstory is that I’ve been contemplating Birks for six-ish years now, always buying the thing close to them without commiting. This is how purchases actually start for me, as a little germination that follows me around for a few years before I decide if I really want it. Next week, I’ll break down my process for replacing vintage items that have worn out or no long fit in my wardrobe. The new Birkenstocks are set to arrive this afternoon. Wishing us all heaps of summer footwear luck.
Archived Outfit
Freshman year at FIT, I carried a massive plastic water bottle to my internship and asked “Are you an Ashley or Mary Kate?” to anyone who would listen. Charming, right? The Row is still on my vision board of aspirational style, even if I’ve switched to Yeti and have a bit more social grace. This outfit is the embodiment of an ideal spring look. The black Birks feel cool without reading crunchy. The cuffed jeans. The oversized top. The aviators I’m less thrilled by, but they’re made up for by the fantastic bun and menswear watch. Let this outfit be a lesson in great pieces coming together to make a simple, striking look. I’ve always felt my best outfits come from mixing my closet MVPs. The sum is greater than the whole of its parts type of energy.
501s made for those who wear ~33 jeans for $60! Get tailored and live your best life.
I love vintage J.Crew. This would be oversized for someone who wears a small in tops. For $35!
Honorable Mentions
Want to know my favorite body lotion that costs less than $10? The context here is that it’s literally my job to try dozens of body lotions/oils/serums. I’ve been around the body moisture block. And I still rely on coconut oil fresh out of the shower for the best results. Sue me!
Not to make everything about beauty, but it’s been one year since I fell in love with Nuface. It’s a microcurrent tool, and honestly I feel like the fifteen men that subscribe have zoned out by now, thank God! Ladies plus, the best tip is to buy one from eBay. Oh! And use aloe vera instead of the weird gel it comes with.
It might not be for everyone, but I’ve decided to serialize my wedding planning process, even if its in a tiny little update at the end of the newsletter. We’re having our engagement photos taken this weekend at a house in Massachusetts. I’ll be packing a checked suitcase full of looks. Warning: matching suits will be involved.
Last thing! Here’s my Summer Reading Challenge all filled out and hyperlinked. If you’re playing along, keep me updated.
Thank you so much for reading. This week I wrote about coastal grandmothers. See you next Thursday! x
"but sometimes, I can’t resist the pull of a fantasy version of myself" !!!
Just a note, aloe gel isn’t a conductor, so the machine wouldn’t work on it (I listened to an interview in Naked Beauty with a founder where this Q was answered!