106: JENNIFER HOOK
lives in 501s and surplus tees.
Last night I attended a dinner at Bottino celebrating the 5th anniversary of Frederic – a gorgeous, oversized interiors magazine to which I regularly contribute. At the end of the night each guest walked away with a slim, red Elsa Peretti pen, which is probably the chicest party favor I’ve ever received. I’ll work on increasing the budget for the next Habiter soirée :)
Otherwise, I’ve been completely consumed by apartment hunting lately and therefore have little desire to spend extra money (this market, whew) or stray from my typical uniform. Readers, feel free to send any high-ceilinged one or two bedrooms my way.
The subject of this week’s newsletter is Jennifer Hook, a woman whose devotion to denim and t-shirts rivals my own. She is a Los Angeles-based art director who works with brands like Nike and Rimowa. I discovered her work, naturally, on Instagram. Like many of the most effortless dressers, Jennifer easily pairs worn-in basics with the occasional, understated designer treat. I am adding her Phoebe Philo slippers to my post-move wishlist.
Here’s what Jennifer has been living in lately.
Describe your personal style. What are you living in right now and why?
I definitely don’t have it all figured out but I feel most myself in things that are easy, vintage, and a bit boyish. The nineties influence is strong too—I’m so drawn to the look of fashion editors like Tonne Goodman, Camilla Nickerson, and more currently, Lolita Jacobs of L’etiquette. Everyone looks so great in those limited colors and simple shapes IMO.
I have two pairs of jeans that have been on heavy rotation the last few weeks. One are the perfect medium blue 501s I wear slouchy and low waisted, the other are the Phoebe Philo classic jeans in black. They take turns sleeping at the end of my bed. Since it’s spring I’ve moved away from heavy layers and leather, and towards lightness!
I pair my jeans with all cotton tees, tanks, or worn-in poplin shirts. The best tees are vintage deadstock from any army surplus place. I prefer their single source materials and the necklines were just better then. Jeans and a knit are my go-to usually so I’ve been doing that with my Auralee or &Daughter crewnecks with the added ease of a flip flop. If I want to dress it up, I’ll wear trousers instead of jeans and a more elegant shoe.
How often do you shop?
What I would like to tell you is I’m a woman of steel nerves and discipline. That the hundreds of emails and performance ads and marketing do not affect me. That I’m immune to the tasteful work of Talia Chetrit, photographer behind the many recent Phoebe Philo campaigns. But the reality is I’m not, and they do (damn an Instagram ad!!!).
All this to say, I am always shopping but I’m pretty choosy when I buy. I like to play editor and practice seasonal shops as the weather turns over. What this looks like in practice is making my list noting any gaps, then slowly, deliberately assessing the market, looking at every possible option of a thing, being really strict and discerning, trying on (this is SO ESSENTIAL!), but only purchasing and picking up the very best I can afford. It’s so damn hard getting rid of clothes, so I’m really learning my lesson, i.e. being more deliberate.
Where do you shop the most?
The RealReal lately because I’ve learned how to play that game. When it’s good its SO GOOD! However, I’m a sucker for a charming sales person and can’t say no when presented with a fizzy drink and inconsequential specs about a thing. Scout and RLT in Los Angeles are frequent favorites. Dries, and Mohawk are fun when hunting for something special.
JENN’S MOST WORN
I’m a California girl through and through so I was basically born in Levi’s. Vintage 501s are easily the most worn in my closet. They’re like wine—I have many different flavors and ages but I stick with that shape. I like to wear mine slouchy and relaxed so I buy them two or three sizes up. I recently picked up a light-medium wash with a long inseam at RLT, the way it stacks over my shoe is perfect. I love a medium blue wash with light whiskering, or a crisp black. I have one pair of pale blue that are trashed with holes at both knees. I call them my Kurt Cobain jeans.
I’m rotating between a few tees right now—the softest army surplus cotton baby rib tee (I add my Dries Van Noten v-neck sweater over), a vintage black single stitch tee (I’m eyeing this with a similar mood next), and a Flore Flore boxy long sleeve. I also love a kooky vintage tee over sweatpants when I go on my morning walks. Great deadstock tees, tanks, and more here.
If I’m not in a tee, you can most times catch me in a worn-in poplin shirt or knit.
I’ve been living in club slippers and flip flops too.
Best buy of the last year?
Phoebe Philo club slippers. I throw them on with almost anything.
What are you currently searching for?
A high-v neck sweater in a light wool or cotton, and a little white glove flat. If you’ve got any ideas for cool every day shoes that aren’t sneakers or loafers or too cutesy ballet flats, my inbox is WIDE OPEN.
What’s your go-to bodega/coffee/grocery-run outfit?
Jeans, flip flops and Rayban wayfarers to hide behind.
Does your style change when you go to work?
I can get away with pretty casual looks since I mostly work from my office at home. Shoot days on a production look a little different but depends on the job! I’m probably still in 501s, a button up over a tee and shoes I don’t mind getting a little beat. If we’re on-location sun protection is KEY and I will bring a cap or sun hat always.
What’s your go-to out for a night out?
I’m not one for much make up or jewelry so I might throw on a leather jacket and swipe something red across my lips!
What clothing item or accessory do you always travel with?
Always black trousers and a big cashmere sweater to wrap around my neck on the plane.
Do you change your accessories or wear the same ones?
I never take off my wedding band and I’m pretty consistently carrying the same bag and sunglasses—a slouchy Bottega hobo I’ve had for years and classic Rayban wayfarers. I’ll add my watch if I need a little extra polish and I swap my bag for something tiny and shiny if I’m going out. Oh! I picked up the most beautiful ring from Anna of Santangelo a few weeks back at Grace’s stunning home and feel so special when I put that on. Meeting Anna then was sweet — she carries both a groundedness and lightness that I deeply admire.
So good!
Love this one xx