I went to yoga this morning, so I’m feeling just virtuous enough to forgive myself for keeping my friend, Faith Brown, from you for far too long. This letter has been months (years?) in the making, delayed by my delinquency (it’s charming, right?).
But at long last—here she is! Faith and I go way back to our W Magazine days, where we bonded over hallway gossip and comparing our latest TRR finds. These days, she’s a senior editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she oversees social media — traveling to fashion weeks and generally living her most fabulous life.
Faith’s style strikes the perfect balance between elegant and easy. She has that chic, lived-in thing down to a science. I want to buy all of her picks (seriously), I think you will too…
Describe your personal style. What are you living in right now and why?
I am always, always comfortable. The highest heel I own is two inches, my pants come together by way of string and elastic (when I can help it) and there is always a scarf or sweater within reach. I have three oversized trench coats in rotation (one tan, one black, and one a gross khaki green color I can’t really name) and the only jewelry I wear is thin and simple and I’ve had it since I was a teenager (anything new, I immediately lose).
When shopping for new things I ask myself if I will still have it in 10 years. I avoid patterns unless they’re vintage. I will always like something more if I find out it’s Tom Ford-era Gucci and I don’t think there is such a thing as too many statement coats or cute black going out tops (as long as I believe they will still make a statement and be cute in 10 years!)
How often do you shop?
My version of dry January is not purchasing a single thing. I try not to go into stores very often because I know if I do, I will leave with something. But I’m always scrolling. Always, always scrolling.
Where do you shop the most?
The RealReal, James Veloria, Sobraras. The Leset store that recently opened in my neighborhood has been very dangerous for me.
FAITH’S MOST WORN
Easy pants (of the low rise and loose variety)
When I first wore these types of pants to the office, Habiter alum Allia Alliata Di Montereale asked me if they were scrubs. And honestly, not no! My favorites come from Brooke Callahan, Donni, and Leset. I also love the Everyday Jean from Still Here because they are just as comfortable but non-scrub presenting.
Slippers
I have a problem with sensible footwear in that I have never once opted to wear it. I don’t own a single pair of sneakers and my arches are getting flatter every single day. My three go-to’s include black ballerinas, shearling lined slippers (ed note: sold out but these are a good dupe), and mules (ed note: new version here), all from The Row. Every time I go to Hudson, I stop in Nikki Chasen and pick up a new colorway of these for a little bit of fun.
Pops of red
I really have never been one for lots of color, but recently I’ve been gravitating toward bits of red. It started with a trip to my mother’s closet to steal her Epi leather LV purse, then it became pants from Brooke Callahan and t-shirts from Flore Flore… who knows where it will go next.
Best buy of the last year?
My practical answer is The Row Bette boot (on resale here and here) because when I am not wearing slippers I am wearing them, but my fun answer is a pair of Jean Paul Gautier mesh pants from James Veloria that I can’t wait to wear this summer.
What are you currently searching for?
There is a specific cut of old Prada tank tops that just fit so well. I’m always on the hunt for more. Also I have dreams about the day these loafers come back in stock.
What’s your go-to bodega/coffee/grocery-run outfit?
Easy pants, slippers, Flore Flore t-shirts (the absolute best) cashmere sweaters (all of mine are now from COS. I love COS cashmere) and an oversized jacket or trench.
Does your style change when you go to work?
Honestly, no. It probably should. Sometimes I like to shock my coworkers by wearing a skirt or a 1 inch heel.
What’s your go-to out for a night out?
With friends it’s old Prada pants (found at Procell, for the life of me I can’t tell if they are dark navy or black), black strapless top from The Row, or this black tank top, satin coat (vintage Dolce from TRR), and an Elsa Peretti bean necklace. If it’s a work-adjacent thing it’s usually a blazer as a top (I love this vintage Vivienne Westwood from James Veloria), dark wash jeans (Still Here) and a good belt from COS. No matter what, it's always my Fane bag (birthday gift from my best friends) and black boots. Though, as I was writing this I found this vintage Gucci top in the back of my closet (another James Veloria find from a couple summers ago) and I think she needs to come back out this season! I’m going to wear her tonight.
Obsessed with all her recs!
So fun! Very easy and approachable yet so chic and refined. Taking notes <3