016: SERENA MORRIS
lives in tube tops and cargo shorts.
It’s been almost two weeks since Jane Birkin passed away. She was a timeless style icon, and she had a significant influence on me (I did carry a basket bag for a hefty portion of my 20s because of her). Becky’s newsletter led me to this Rachel Tashjian-penned obituary in the Washington Post, which is worth a read whether or not you’re a Birkin fan. I love Tashjian’s insights on Jane.
“Birkin reminds us that style is not merely a frivolous chase to adapt the same agreed upon look; the most lasting legacies begin with one person with outrageous, delicious courage who cannot help but express herself.”
and…
“She (Birkin) came to embody the often-discussed but little-understood line between fashion and style: Style is a representation of pure originality, of some interior strangeness and individualism.”
If you subscribe to this newsletter, you might enjoy reading these words as much as I do.
Elsewhere on the internet, there were other things that made my shopping fingers twitch and I thought I’d share them with you.
This leather necklace from Souer (75 €), which I discovered via Leandra’s newsletter. She dubbed its energy “Hermes” and well, yes, it is. But it’s nice to subtract a couple month’s rent off the price tag. Why do I find this so chic? I don’t have all the answers. If anything, it might help me stop losing my keys.
These pants from Brooke Callahan ($155), who got her start with that flower jewelry and just made her first foray into clothing. I did make a purchase and anticipate that I will be living in these for the rest of the summer.
This sterling silver bracelet from Tiana Marie Combes ($425). I really love the way it looks when mixed with my gold chains (and with my summer tan, finally!).
But, enough about me. This week I spoke to the fabulous and funny Serena Morris about her summer uniform. So keep on reading…
You might already know Serena from her online persona, @shes_underrated. I love her Instagram account, which shines a spotlight on unsung (and some sung about) style heroes. Serena has a keen eye, a truly clever mind, and the most hilarious sense of humor. She also has an excellent memory for pop culture happenings of the 90s and early 2000s. Everything is more fun when filtered through her lens.
I loved talking to Serena about what she’s living in right now.
First of all, it is HOT. Big hot. Sticky, sweaty hot. So my clothing choices are minimal and I love it. I know that a lot of people love fall so they can layer with their cool coats and sweaters but ME?! I am a summer girllll. Halter tops, slinky dresses, board shorts with bikini tops, alllll the strappy sandals, and sleek shades. Less is more in my book. For a fun night out - an easy dress, little mini bag, big earrings and a sexy shoe is what I live for. I like looks that match with summer foods and drinks. Tropical cocktails, ice cream cones, watermelon - like easy, cool, colorful and delicious, you know? It's about being pool-ready at all times and not thinking too much about what you're wearing. Just living and enjoying summer. It's too hot to care - which I love! Summer is about doing nothing and doing everything. Chilling, partying, swimming, dancing, reading, driving, talking. Do whatever you love in something something easy and sexy that helps you beat the heat!
SERENA’S SUMMER STAPLES:
It's tube top season. My rotation is crazy and I will wear them with anything. Jeans, skirts, pants, cargo shorts - I'm like Oprah with the tube tops! Heavy on the SPF though. I love a good glossy shoulder. Tube tops are also good for evening out tan lines. I find good ones on eBay and Depop for the low. The fun mall brands are the best ones. The too-cool-for-school teenage girls that hung out or worked in malls all day in those iconic 2000s movies are my muses for this time of year.
Ed note: I will never think of a tube top without thinking of Carrie Bradshaw in this iconic outfit (with a silk scarf around her bicep).
I'm rocking cargo shorts hard too. Specifically hot boy, skater-surfer ones that I find at Goodwill. I find that the men's section always has the best variety of cool pants and shorts that give a good effortless hang/feel - a vibe that is so so sexy when women wear! With sneakers, a heel, strappy sandal - we can do it all in a good cargo short.
Ed note: This reminds me of another perfect Carrie outfit - she’s technically wearing board shorts here, but it has the same borrowed-from-your-brother feel to it.
Serena’s eBay picks: vintage Levi’s, UnionBay, Ecko
SOME EXTRAS:
The strappy sandal. I really love this look with heels. It’s unexpected. The RealReal has tons of cute little ones for not too much (especially Manolos). Below are some of the best that I saw.
Top row: Manolo, Prada Sport; Middle: Manolo; Botton: YSL, Manolo A cute little watch. Serena’s watch adds the perfect touch of elegance. It’s a Rolex Lady-Datejust, handed down from her grandmother - you can read more about it in her Dimepiece profile. I love a Rolex of course, but if you just want to be cute without dropping too much cash I found a few options for you too.
A bling-y belt. The belt! It's giving early 2000s Hot Topic, in the best possible way. I’ve observed the elevation of studded belts in designer fashion over the past few seasons. For me, it began with the sold out Commission rigging belt, which I do regret not getting my hands on. Khaite, who’s accessories always make a splash, has been playing with belts too, and the Diesel runway belt has become something of a cult-classic. I went a little nuts on these - lots of good ones.
Left column from top to bottom: By Far x Ssense collaboration, Etsy, Free People, Harley Davidson (why not?), Ganni; Middle column from top to bottom: Dickie’s, Diesel, Isabel Marant, Khaite; Right column from top to bottom: Etsy, Free People, Urban Outfitters, Urban Outfitters The 90s bag. To finish this off, may I suggest choosing one of the holy trinity bags of the 90s? Gucci, Prada, Fendi - that’s all you need to know.
If you’re still not in the mood for summer, I hope this week’s newsletter helped get you there. Thank you as always for reading. I’m writing to you from the lake in Maine, and I’m off to enjoy a nice, cold gin & tonic. Cheers!
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