108: SUMMER SUBTRACTION
in collaboration with Margaux.
You don’t need to know this but, since you’re reading, I’ll share that I am really, really bad at subtraction. Phenomenally bad. In elementary school I was the last person in my class to pass the subtraction test – it took months.
This is strange, not only because I think I’m good at math in general (I passed multiplication and division on the first go, ok?), but because my whole style philosophy kind of hinges on subtraction. I am an ardent believer in Coco Chanel’s “take one thing off before you leave the house” rule. I take my role as a fashion editor literally. I’m always refining – less, less, less.
Last night my friend told me that I’m too much of a minimalist for Phoebe Philo. Ahem, what? This friend, like many Habiter subjects, has been thoroughly Phoebe-pilled and I haven’t. I’d argue that this is more of a budgetary issue, but she was correct in her observation that many of the Phoebe pieces have extra bells and whistles – a buckle, zip, or embellishment, however subtle. “You don’t like that,” she said, “you like reeeeally simple.”
Correct, again. I’m very attracted to clothes and accessories boiled down to their essence – vintage Levi’s, well-cut tees. But I like a little dose of eccentricity, too. Especially in the summer. Colors and prints appear (on the right shapes), as do accessories (worn sparingly).
Summer is a good time for style subtraction. Not only am I physically wearing less, but I’m worrying about it less too. It’s a season to relax and play a little. Partially because it’s too damn hot to take anything seriously and partially because my schedule, and my mind, are more free.
Recently, Margaux approached me about a collaborative post – an exploration into my summer most-worns. I picked out two pairs of shoes and incorporated them into my everyday wardrobe. It was very easy, as the shoes are very “me” – no extra bells or whistles to speak of.
When you’re wearing less, the pieces you keep around need to be really good. Here are the ones I’ve been living in lately.
MY SUMMER MOST WORN
The Shoes
The shoes are the impetus for this post, so we’ll put them right up top. I selected the Deia and the Selene from Margaux and I’ll start by saying, they are both incredibly comfortable. Really – I was shocked when I tried them on. The soles are downright cushy. I care a lot about comfortable shoes because I am a girl-on-the-go™, and I absolutely despise sitting in Ubers. I picked the Deia because, as I’ve stated before, this summer is all about the thong sandal, and the Selene because it is elegant and flattering on the foot. Between these two, your summer shoe wardrobe could be sorted – mine actually is. The flats have been getting a bit more use, I’m more of a flats girl and I can wear these with every outfit, but the heels are very chic – reminiscent of a 90s Manolo. I channel Charlotte York when I wear them.
White Pants
I’ve been very obsessed with white this summer. Not sure why, it just feels nice and light and fresh? A girl needs a bit of levity. The obsession began with a pair of white Levi’s sourced by my guy in Paris. He’s not really “my guy” – we’ve only met twice and he doesn’t remember me – but he sells perfectly-fitting 501s for €80 a pop and, in my book, that’ll promote you to friend status. Next, I bought the Brooke Callahan pants at Bomi. I was in a bad mood and wanted a little treat to lift my spirits. Impulsive, yes, but I have zero regrets. These are the summer pants. I capped off the trifecta with a pair of baggy, white shorts from LA Apparel. You’ll find them in the men's section. I took a size small.
Summer knits
Knits in the summer – crazy stuff, I know. Like many offices, mine is a frozen tundra (the Times can’t convince me otherwise) and I refuse to leave the house without a lightweight knit in my bag. In the midst of a vintage Hermes kick I experienced this spring (more on that below), I bought an orange sweater with a perforated H that has become my favorite. I’ve also been reaching for a jade Ungaro set that I bought a few years ago at Sorbara’s, back when it was called Chickees.
Hermes Garden Party
So, yeah, about that Hermes kick… I bought a Garden Party. Mine was sub $900 on The RealReal because it is in “sub-par” condition which, in my opinion, makes it infinitely cooler. I have absolutely no interest in pristine bags – too precious, pretentious even! I can confirm that this is an excellent work tote. It easily fits my laptop, planner, book, yoga clothes, and all of my other bits and bobs. It is subtle and understated, but IYKYK. A ride or die bag for me.
Tees and tanks from Flore Flore and Cou Cou Intimates
Well-made basics bring me a palpable joy. I bought a few Flore Flore tops after writing about them in my 100th newsletter – in the name of research, of course. The shapes are flattering and the fabric is high quality. And yes, they are thick enough to wear without a bra. The Cou Cou tanks, which I think are inspired by this Kate Moss image, simply needed to be mine. I reach for one of the four tops below almost every day.
Prada Skirts
Like I said earlier, prints appear in my wardrobe but they need to be the right prints and they need to be on the right shapes. Knee-length skirts designed by Miuccia Prada will do the trick! I’ve had both of the above, found on The RealReal, for 3+ years, and they’re still in regular rotation.
Black mini skirts
Why not have a little summer fun in a little summer mini? The nylon version was a gift from Still Here, worn to Habiter’s 100th birthday party and many times since. The slip is from Zara, of all places. I bought it for a photoshoot I styled and found it charming enough to keep. Look, I don’t typically advocate for fast fashion, but I won’t deny myself a $30 employer-subsidized indulgence. The cost per wear is looking good.
Extra accessories
I’ve been searching for a new pair of sunglasses ever since I irreparably snapped my Khaite x Oliver Peoples in half (it was time for a change anyways?). Right now, I am really loving the Chimi Note in black. And the tiny pearl earrings I found in a corner shop in Hong Kong — they’re a bit Ted Muehling, no?
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sooo cute, love how you styled the muse <3
This was so good. I love how you styled the Selene sandals with your skirts!