050: LARA MEAD
lives in loafers, sweats, and vintage Cartier.
I took the leap from full-time to freelance last fall. As a result, my coffee bills are higher (from loitering in cafés) and my day-to-day style has shifted into an exploration of off-duty. Getting dressed to go out is fun (and complicated), but there’s something so satisfying about a really good off-duty outfit. Ease and freedom can flow into a look when you’re not overthinking it, and there’s an effortless contrast that occurs when straddling comfort (I mean real comfort) and style. When the stakes are low (meaning I’m not trying to look professional or appealing to anyone other than myself), I love playing and mixing weird things for my own enjoyment. In the winter, it’s mainly adding elements to sweats or various baggy jeans - loafers and socks, a nice leather jacket, an unexpected bag, a hat.
This little fascination of mine has always been present but it consciously occurred to me while working on this week’s letter. Even though Lara Mead is decidedly not living off-duty (she is the co-founder and CCO of Varley), I would argue that she’s a bit of an off-duty style icon. Lara founded Varley with her husband, Ben. The pair met while training for the London marathon in 2010, and their brand combines a love of activewear with a dose of style. I’m really into Lara’s cozy-cool uniform, centered around soft sweats and knits. And as we make our way into winter, I think it’s a compelling way of getting dressed. I asked Lara to tell me about what she’s been living in lately.
Tell me about your personal style. What are you living in right now and why?
LARA: My assistant always says I dress like a chic European grandma, but I like to add a contemporary twist with items like a baseball cap or oversized earrings. This summer, I’ve been living in our ivory marl sweatpants paired with a white vest top and Tods loafers. I always keep a thin cashmere knit handy, usually in my Etro tote bag. For evening, I opt for wide-legged pants or baggy jeans paired with a knit tank.
How often do you shop?
LARA: Because of what I do, I'm forever looking at clothes - I'm obsessed! I’m always on the hunt for the perfect collectible pieces - most of my purchases are either vintage or second-hand. I'm fortunate enough to travel often, so I like exploring new places by checking out local stores. I also have a lot of alerts set up on various websites to track down specific pieces I'm searching for.
Where do you shop the most?
LARA: Some of my favorite places to find vintage and second-hand are Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal, 1stDibs, and Sellier. When it comes to high street brands, Massimo Dutti is currently my top choice.
LARA’S MOST WORN
RAEY BAGGY JEANS
R.I.P. Raey! The in-house brand at Matches was so good (will it ever return?). You can still find jeans on resale, linking a few below:
Blue, size 26 $60
Gray, size 0 $260 $170
Gray size 32 $115
Gray, size 32 $125
Blue, size 4 $255 $195
Black, size 28 $200
VINTAGE JEWELRY, BIG EARRINGS & A WATCH
Best buy of 2024?
LARA: A second-hand Brunello Cucinelli leather mac.
Similar Options:
Brunello Cucinelli, size medium $2175
Brunello Cucinelli, size medium $1063
Celine, size 36FR $1619 $1484
Prada, size 44IT $918
What piece(s) are you currently searching for?
LARA: I'm on the lookout for a vintage Gucci bamboo bag in cream.
What’s your go-to bodega/coffee/grocery-run outfit?
LARA: Varley pants, Asics trainers or a loafer, an oversized blazer, and this cap.
Does your style change when you go to work?
LARA: Not really. My work style mirrors my everyday look - comfortable yet sophisticated.
What’s your go-to out for a night out?
LARA: I stick with my usual style but swap in baggy jeans or pants with a heel.
What clothing item or accessory do you always travel with?
LARA: I collect vintage Cartier watches and jewelry, so you’ll never see me without a big pair of earrings and a nice watch. Plus, a cap is a must - I keep one in my bag at all times.
Do you change your accessories daily or wear the same ones?
LARA: I typically stick with the same accessories, though I might change up my earrings.