041: LARA BURNELL
on what she wore in New York.
Hello dear readers and welcome to another edition of Habiter. I am writing to you from Paris, where I have been for the past 5 weeks eating butter, practicing my French accent (my Rs still need a lot of work), and missing the great North American eclipse (quel dommage). I promise to tell you all about it soon. I promise!! But in the meantime, I’d like to tell you about Lara.
One of the benefits of this little newsletter is the ease with which it allows a typical introvert like me to meet new people. Lara Burnell, a Sydney-based designer in the process of relocating to New York, is one of them. Neada’s letter introduced me to her very chic brand, Pantalon, a couple of months ago and we became fast internet friends. I finally met Lara in person in early March, shortly before she was scheduled to sublet my Williamsburg apartment.
Meeting Lara and introducing her to my space, I was struck by her quiet poise, her tidy and precise way of dressing, and her appetite for discovering a new city. It’s quite refreshing to see your home through the eyes of someone new. I asked her to tell me a little bit about what she wore and saw on her trip to New York.
What outfits did you live in during your time in New York?
LARA: For days of walking the city and meetings, I start with a base of Pantalon trousers and a fine merino babywool turtleneck polo from Scanlan Theodore, I have so many variations of both. The pieces work well together as a first layer because I feel sleek and warm - not too bulky. Then I select outerwear; a coat, blazer, trench, or puffer if it’s wild weather. Inside I can take off layers and still feel good in what I’m wearing. I can dress it up with a boot or mule or dress down with a trainer. For trousers and jeans that work well in my wardrobe, I’ll usually have 2 pairs in the same style and have two lengths: for a heel and for a flat. I’ve been using my chain wallet as a cross body bag every day. The chain can be adjusted to wear shorter under the arm or it can be worn as a clutch, which I might do for the evening. I love the multi-function of the strap and bag. For a dinner out I might wear a scoop neck top with Acne 1992F jeans in vintage black with black, heeled boots. I always feel good in variations of these outfits, no matter how many times I wear them, because the fit is great.
LARA’S MOST WORN
Did you buy anything good on your trip?
LARA: I bought 5 vintage pieces that I love…
At Seven Wonders Collective, I found a beautiful vintage 90s Ralph Lauren bias cut chocolate brown chemise. It’s a low cut and fits so well. It’s an elegant cut around the décolletage and shoulders which is not so easy to find. I’d love it in a tunic and a mini dress, and a floor length too, why not? Seven Wonders host different vintage vendors that each focus on a certain style or era which keeps the curation interesting.
When I walked into Edith Machinist I had a good feeling and just knew I was going to find something special. I purchased a soft trench coat in green. It has a raglan sleeve which is what I loved most about it. I also purchased a pair of nineties Donna Karan black pumps. The cut and fit of the shoe is remarkable, they just don’t make shoes like this anymore. The store itself felt like a NYC experience too. Edith’s customers, while I was in the shop, were old friends stopping by, taking a breather, trying things on, chatting. Her husband works there with her too. It was friendly and warm. Edith’s vintage surpasses brands and trends, she just has an excellent sense for quality.
From my selection above, Edith recommended I visit her friend’s vintage store, Ellen, around the corner. Here I found a gorgeous pair of navy high-waisted pinstripe trousers which were brandless and maybe a sample, as well as a heavy-weight cotton white Charvet shirt. I know instantly when an item of clothing is right for me and I had a good feeling when I put these two pieces on. I had to have them in my wardrobe. Then Ellen and I got to talking about vintage clothes and life, it was really charming. She kept pulling things she loves but won’t sell out of storage to show me. As vintage shopping has become mainstream it’s becoming harder to stay in business when the good old ‘vintage’ stuff is literally running out.
What is your impression of New York style?
LARA: The attitude is what’s cool to me, people being about something and having ambition and curiosity.
The city moves fast, there’s a lot of reinventions. It feels open and meaningful. That’s how it feels to me being a visitor. I complimented a girl on her coat on the subway and she sat down next to me and we started talking, she was from Denmark and told me about the brand of the coat. It was the Lopu coat by Kernemilk.
Thanks for reading this week! It’s meant to be a beautiful weekend in Paris so I’m off to spend it in a park somewhere. I hope you’ll be doing the same. À bientôt!
❤️❤️ thank you for having me !! Until we meet again !