044: DAWN NGUYEN
lives in loafers from The Row and Tove jeans.
Hello readers and welcome to another edition of Habiter. This week’s newsletter is brought to you by the partnership of me and my humble air conditioning unit. We’ve made it to summer! Phew. I haven’t engaged in any seasonal shopping yet (I am sticking to my freeze) but I have a few styling jobs going on, so there have been plenty of borrowed runway samples flowing in and out of my apartment. I am quite taken by these Miu Miu boat shoes and I really cannot tell you why. The years I’ve spent rebelling against my suburban upbringing indicate that I should hate anything this preppy. But alas, Ms. Miuccia can make me covet. If I were to buy a pair, it would probably be a dupe. These, in black!
Speaking of summer shoes, last week I attempted to break-in a pair while visiting L’Ensemble, a chic store that just opened in Dumbo. The break-in went terribly, I arrived limping with blisters, but the visit went very well. I was warmly greeted, with water and band aids, by the store’s founder, Dawn Nguyen. Dawn is as stylish as she is hospitable and she is the subject of this week’s newsletter.
An alumni of La Garçonne, Dawn was compelled to open L’Ensemble when she noticed a gap in New York’s retail landscape. With many stores skewing young and hype-y or very expensive and mature, Dawn wanted to create a space where she and her friends would like to shop. L’Ensemble is an appointment-only boutique tucked into an office building at 55 Washington Street. It is perfectly stocked with everything I want to wear - Kallmeyer, St. Agni, B Sides, Le Monde Beryl. So of course, I wanted to hear about the brains behind the buy. I asked Dawn to fill me in on what she’s been living in lately. Read on!
Describe your personal style. What are you living in right now and why?
DAWN: My personal style is all about good core and comfort. Basics may not sound exciting, but they’re incredibly important. Essential pieces are what we wear everyday. When you have a strong core assortment, you will enjoy every piece and find getting dressed so much easier. Packing for a trip will be easier. Basics can be easily mixed and matched, reducing the stress and time of having to think of outfits daily. Our time is so valuable, I find it so helpful. Pieces currently in my core are the Sofie relaxed jeans by Tove, the soft loafer in leather by The Row, and shirting by Labo.Art.
How often do you shop?
DAWN: It’s funny, lately I haven’t been shopping for myself because I am constantly shopping for the store. When it becomes difficult for me to get dressed, it’s my signal to take action about it - that’s how I know something is missing. I’m very practical when it comes to my purchases. I go through a validation process before allowing myself to buy it: do I need this? What am I wearing this with? Your question inspired me to check when my last purchase for myself was, and it’s been 4 months. However, I must say, having L’Ensemble has made shopping very convenient for me.
Where do you shop the most?
DAWN: At L’Ensemble of course! It has been a dream to have a store of my own. I love curating. I truly love every piece in the store. Nothing gives me more joy than seeing pieces go to a lovely new home - either with me, or with a client. It’s a thrill!
DAWN’S MOST WORN
RE/DONE x HANES 1950s T-SHIRT & BABY TEE
THE ROW LOAFER & LE MONDE BERYL SLIPPER
THE ROW CORZAS COTTON TOP & TOVE SOFIE RELAXED JEANS
LABO ART CLAUDIO SHIRT - I love any shirting of theirs really!
SOPHIE BUHAI STACKING RING & TRIPLE STACKING RING
Best buy of 2023?
DAWN: Contax T2. A close friend has been borrowing my Yashica T4 for some time now and so I decided to treat myself. I was originally a photography major so it’s been nice to reconnect with this part of myself.
What are you currently searching for?
DAWN: I’m always looking for a new bag. It’s hard for me to find one that suits me because I’m particular, but not exactly sure what I’m particular about, if that makes any sense? I suppose, you know when you know—it just needs to feel right. The bag I’m currently using is the small slouchy banana bag by The Row. It needs to be dropped off for repair since the strap is starting to wear. The next bag I plan to buy is the Tondo hobo bag by Savette. It’s chic, elegant and has a nice small/medium size. Size is important! Being a New Yorker, I definitely need space to carry things around. We are expecting PF24 bags from Savette and I can’t wait.
What’s your go-to bodega/coffee/grocery-run outfit?
DAWN: Patagonia Baggies 5 inch shorts or Celestine Lingerie PJ bottoms with a vintage t-shirt and/or hoodie/sweater. I have these Ann Demeulemeester babouche perforated flats that I like to wear whenever I need to quickly step out. I’ve had them for years and they still look great.
Does your style change when you go to work?
DAWN: No, not really. I always wear the same thing or a variation of the same thing. It’s normally jeans or trousers with a button up shirt or tee; perhaps a lightweight cashmere sweater by Guest in Residence to throw on when the AC is kicking.
What’s your go-to out for a night out?
DAWN: If I'm going out dancing with my friends, or taking a trip to Miami, or something, it’s fun to dress up a little bit. I find it important to make sure whatever I’m wearing doesn’t compromise my comfort or confidence. How can you have a good time when you’re constantly focused on fixing your outfit? My go-to is wearing something feminine paired with something familiar like trousers or jeans. Wearing feminine/flirty pieces is not my usual thing but there’s a part of that girl in me. Pairing it with something I’m familiar with allows me to still feel like myself. I’m currently loving the Izel bandeau top with the Sofie relaxed jeans by Tove.
What clothing item or accessory do you always travel with?
DAWN: A hoodie! A hoodie is a must for travel! I like to put my hood on, curl up and get cozy; or if the plane is already warm, it makes a fantastic pillow. I have a couple of hoodies that I really like. My usual go-to is a Quarter Snacks hoodie gifted from a dear friend—it’s super soft and lived in. Another new favorite would be a Lemaire hoodie in a lovely tobacco color with drop shoulders—I get compliments every time I wear it.
Do you change your accessories daily or wear the same ones?
DAWN: I wear the same accessories daily: a simple Gold Chain necklace gifted from my mom, stacking rings by Sophie Buhai, and medium intrinsic hoops by Sophie Buhai. I might change the rings or earrings depending on the outfit, but for the most part, these are my core pieces.
I just found your newsletter but I loved this installment. "What’s your go-to bodega/coffee/grocery-run outfit?" is a BRILLIANT style q.
Oh I love her style! Immediately bookmarked l’ensamble for an after-work stop sometime :)))