051: CARLY SMITH
lives in soft, black separates.
It’s been a busy week, so I’m currently writing to you from my seat on the 6 train. I just stopped by the Toteme store in Soho to preview their summer collection (eyes on the jewelry! There’s some tiny brilliance happening there…) and now I’m heading uptown to a store opening for the Danish jeweler Sophie Bille Brahe. Lots of chic Scandi transplants in New York these days. I’m not complaining.
It was only a few months ago that I was testing out the transplant life in Paris - trying it on for size. In retrospect, my time away actually made me feel more like a New Yorker (even though I’m still trying to find a nice baguette sandwich for under $18 in this town) but, a lot of wonderful things were born from my travels. I returned to the city with a newfound confidence, some excellent vintage, and, importantly, a lot of new friends. This week’s newsletter features one of the latter category. Meet Carly Smith.
I was introduced to Carly, and her best friend Paige, over dinner in the 11th arrondissement in mid-March. Together the girls run the agency Dimanche Creative. If you shop from a certain corner of the internet, you’ve likely seen their work. Dimanche collaborates with all of the cool-girl brands - Emme Parsons, Loulou Studio, Kye Intimates. Their work is exceedingly elegant - timeless, feminine, and clean. So is their personal style. I goaded the less camera shy Carly into telling me about the pieces she’s been living in lately. Read on!
Describe your personal style. What are you living in right now and why?
CARLY: My personal style has changed a lot over the past few years (as have I). Post pandemic, I left New York, moved to LA for two and a half years, and now I’ve moved to Paris. I’ve noticed myself leaning into different parts of my personality and style with each place. But overall, my style is pretty simple, especially after a lot of time spent living out of a suitcase. Lately, I’ve been living in Akris black pants, the Kye bateau recline sleeveless (worn backwards, actually), and a leather jacket I stole from my friend, Paige.
How often do you shop?
CARLY: Rarely…. at least for clothes. Lately, I’ve been spending all my shopping budgets on homeware.
Where do you shop the most?
CARLY: I mostly shop while traveling - I find shopping in person more fun. When I’m traveling, I love spending the day shopping and will normally hunt for finds at vintage stores or flea markets. Now that I live in Paris, I spend most of my weekends at the flea markets, but my focus lately has been homeware. For my everyday pieces, I like to have options. When I’m on the hunt for something specific, I order several versions online and try them all on for fit.
CARLY’S MOST WORN
LOULOU STUDIO COAT. I bought it last September and I don’t think they make it any more (similar options below!).
Straight leg Akris trousers: size medium $40, size extra large $70, size small $40 $32, size medium $40, size medium $60, size large $40 $32
Do you change your accessories daily or wear the same ones?
CARLY: I’m very routine about bags and shoes. I’m always wearing holes into my shoes and getting them resoled. In spring and fall it’s these MNZ flats. In winter, these vintage Manolo boots, and this summer I wore these A.Emery sandals. For bags, 90% of the time it’s my Modern Weaving bag, and the other 10% this Aesther Ekme one. For workout classes, traveling, or running to the grocery store, I use this Herve Chapelier bag.
Best buy of 2024?
CARLY: A vintage dress from a shop I go to every year while on vacation in Île de Ré. The owner is so kind!
What are you currently searching for?
CARLY: Anything warm or waterproof. More coats! I’m anticipating a long and wet winter. It rains a lot in Paris and I somehow always get caught. I have a Kassl coat that I’ve worn to death, but I’m not big on holding umbrellas and I want to bike more, so something with a hood. Not necessarily my fun pieces, but practical first, the fun pieces will be more spontaneous purchases.
And jewelry… I used to be so uninterested, but working with different jewelry brands has made me appreciate it so much more. I think certain pieces can really feel like artwork and tend to be more personal or meaningful. I would love to collect a few special pieces over time.
Does your style change when you go to work?
CARLY: I work from home most days, so it’s very lounge oriented. Lots of Lauren Manoogian, or I’m a big fan of vintage Ralph Lauren cashmere shells. I’m currently searching for a go-to outfit for when I’m on set. I always end up laying on the ground and have ruined most of my pants this way, so I need an outfit dedicated to shooting.
What’s your go-to look for a night out?
CARLY: My nights out are normally pretty low key. On weekends, I prefer to go out all day and stay out for dinner or drinks, so my outfits are pretty sensible. If I feel like changing things up, I’ll put on some lipstick or jewelry. I switch between these Sisi Joia earrings that I bought from Em Archives, a Tiana Marie Combes bangle, and a few vintage pieces I’ve found over time.
What do you always travel with?
My Toteme scarf. It’s great to keep me warm on planes but also layers well most seasons.
Every single interview inspires me. I immediately want to read, bookmark for feature reference and shop like the stylish picks. You truly feature the most aspirational women.
I love seeing someone that shops while traveling rather than for traveling. You always find such interesting gems away from home!