015: LAUREL PANTIN
lives in clothes and accessories designed by her pals.
I’ve tapped a few Californians (transplants or otherwise) for this newsletter lately. Maybe it's escapism. Is it me, or is this New York weather more ruthless than ever? A soupy swamp of humidity with odd intermittent rain. Nonetheless, it is summer, and I’ve already professed my love for the season - which is a true love. I can find joy in a sudden summer lightning storm or a comically sweaty walk to the subway, if it means I get to spend my weekend at the beach.
I am inspired by Laurel Pantin, our subject of the week, who brings a heavy dose of joy to everything she encounters. Laurel lives in LA with her husband and two cherubic children (truly - those cheeks!) and works as a brand consultant, stylist, and writer. She is also the brains behind not one, but two (!) very fun newsletters, Earl Earl and Your Mom. Laurel’s approach to getting dressed is a great mix of style, function, and personal sentiment. I love that many of her favorite pieces are designed by her close friends.
I spoke to Laurel about what she’s living in right now.
Since moving to LA from New York, I've definitely pared back the things I wear regularly. It's a little more boring, but I think my personal style has gotten a bit more personal and specific. I'm also with my kids a lot, so while I want to wear beautiful things, I need pieces that are durable, and ideally, machine washable. I've definitely honed in on my uniform a bit more than when I was younger, and am kind of luxuriating in simplicity.
LAUREL’S MOST WORN:
Wrangler jeans. I live in these jeans. I like the look of vintage 501s, but they just don't fit my body. These really fit me beautifully, and the denim has a vintage non-stretch weight. I buy them in the Prewashed Indigo color, and wear them in from there. I love that they don't have any pre-distressing, just clean, simple, dark indigo denim.
Comfort Colors Sweatshirt. The perfect navy sweatshirt! It’s garment dyed navy, so a soft, washed color. It's mega durable, and looks great with my wranglers, but also with something a little nicer.
Laurel in her sweatshirt. Metier Market Tote. I love Melissa Morris so much, and from the first time I saw this bag I was obsessed. The quality is unbelievable - the suede! There are so many secret compartments and little hidden features, and I've brought it along on so many trips, either as my carry on or my weekend bag, and it's just the perfect thing, perfectly made. I also love that it's semi-anonymous. I don't really want to wear things lately that speak for me. I like feeling like a very pared back version of myself.
Sherman Field hoops & locket & convertible chain & bracelet. Lucky me that Danielle Sherman is one of my best buddies in the world. I love her so much, I love her kids, my kids love her kids, I love her mom and sister and her whole world. They've been so warm and generous to us since we've moved here, I always tease them that I forced them to adopt me, but it really does feel like a nice little surrogate family in LA. Anyway! She also makes the most perfect jewelry. Crisp and understated, but hand made in LA - it has the look and feel of jewelry from the retro era (my favorite) and it's all I want to wear and buy.
I got the locket as a gift from my husband, and I wear it every day. It has pictures of my kids inside, and they love looking at the photos. The hoops and bracelet, I treated myself to and I never take them off. I love being able to support my friends, but best buds or not, I would want everything she makes.
Rawson Tank. I love these deadstock tanks. The fit is great, they're mega durable, and they're also nice under a sweater in place of a bra.
High Sport Kick Flare. Alissa Zachary is another pal! But, even if she wasn't the coolest/funniest/most fun person, I'd still want to wear her kick flares every day. I wear the navy the most, but I also have a lime green pair that I wear when I'm trying to bring in some color.
High Sport pants in navy and I could only find a medium in lime! The Row sandals. My favorite sandals are always from The Row. This year I bought the red Chocolate Sandals, and I wear them almost every day. They're beautiful, and it's nice to have something to break up all the navy I wear.
Leather covered belt. My mom gave me this belt when I was in college, and it's still my favorite. I like that the buckle is covered in leather, it feels a bit less harsh than a metal buckle, in my opinion.
Getty cap. I wear this almost every day. It's so dumb, but I love the font, I love the color, and I love the Getty Museum in LA.
Sangre de Fruta serum. This serum has totally transformed my skin. It's really gentle, it feels great on, is super moisturizing, but my skin is brighter, bouncier, and feels healthier, or more resilient, maybe? It's one of the best things I've ever tried.
Thanks for reading and stay cool out there! I hope you all have some fun weekend plans. Until next week! xx