The first one is when words only work in certain contexts. I have a client who describes herself as ‘polished’. And she is—at work, at dinner, at basically any event where that aesthetic is possible.

But polished doesn’t really translate when you’re getting dressed for the gym or packing for a camping trip. If you swap it for ‘refined’ though, you actually have something to work with across multiple contexts. A refined hiking outfit. A refined weekend look for the farmer’s market. A refined version of whatever you’re doing that day. The feeling (refined) travels even when the aesthetic (polished) can’t.

The other place words fall apart is when you try to express all three equally in every single outfit, or when none of your three words actually capture what you’re wearing on a given day. Which probably happens for most of us more often than we’d like to admit.

Your style words describe the feeling (what) or identity (who). Your Style Recipe is how you translate and execute those words in your actual life. They don’t need equal airtime in every look. They tend to dial up or down depending on the day, which is exactly how style actually works, and exactly what the Recipe handles.

So. I’m excited to finally share the Signature Style Recipe guide.

Inside:

• The complete Signature Style Recipe framework

• A guided worksheet to draft your own recipe

• How to apply your own recipe in real life

• A reveal of my own Style Recipe, including my Secret Ingredient and how my three words come to life

• Six shoppable outfit ideas for spring across different style archetypes. Each one includes three distinct sets of style words and shows how two different Recipes translate within the same context.

Here’s a sneak peek at one of the six looks:

Paid subscribers got early access to the guide last week. If you want access, upgrading to the annual plan ($60/yr) in the next two weeks gets you the guide for free. Annual subscriber perks include a complimentary 30-minute virtual consult that’s worth more than the annual fee, seasonal style guides, first dibs on closet clean-out drops, and full archive access.

After April 22nd, the framework will be available as a standalone purchase for $27 (just the guide).

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I mean, I have my three words too. Mine are modern, classic, playful. TBH I landed on ‘playful’ because I wanted needed a cheat word. And because I have one, I was able to justify buying my printed Dries jacquard pants, and then pair it with another personality piece: an embroidered fringed top. ‘Modern’ and ‘classic’ were never going to cover that, so playful became my permission slip. Sometimes I’m happy in just jeans and a t-shirt, and other times I’m rocking said jacquard pants with fringe top.

I’m just a girl who gets dressed based on her mood, OK?

I worked at Stitch Fix for a long time, and we had our own version of style words. We’d ask clients to rate outfits that mapped to different aesthetics (classic, preppy, edgy, glam, boho, and romantic) to figure out which “box” they belonged in. My job was training stylists to interpret those ratings. We’d score everyone on each aesthetic, so you’d get ‘4 in boho, 1 in edgy’ or ‘3 in glam, 4 in classic’—and use those numbers with a Pinterest board to figure out what to send. It was always a guess, though. I’d scroll through a Pinterest board full of tailored blazers and straight-leg jeans from someone who rated as ‘4 in edgy’.

The problem is that boxes don’t always translate. I’ve worked with women who all call themselves “minimal”. One owns maybe twenty pieces, total. Another has a full closet—she just doesn’t wear print. Both would insist they’re minimal but they’d be miserable in each other’s wardrobes.

Labels are good at describing a vibe but they suck at telling you what to do on a Tuesday morning when the ‘minimal’ sweater looks frumpy instead of chic, or the ‘edgy’ boots feel like a costume. Having the vocabulary doesn’t mean the math is actually math-ing.

I’ve worked with clients who managed to figure out their three words but came to me regardless, because getting dressed still felt like a puzzle. They wanted me to spell out their style directly. Not just the vocabulary but something that actually translates into how they get dressed every day.

So I built a framework. It’s called the Signature Style Recipe.

Four main ingredients, plus one secret. If you’re an intuitive cook, it’s probably similar to how you work in the kitchen: you know your base ingredients and roughly how much of each feels right. And from there, you improvise.

The four main ingredients:

• Silhouette: How clothes sit on your frame and move with your body. Not necessarily about what flatters in a conventional sense.

• Color Story: This goes beyond your color analysis, if you have one. The focus is on the relationship between tones, not just the colors themselves.

• Texture: The “feel” that explains why an outfit works on paper and falls apart in person. It’s also connected to how you want to feel in your clothes.

• Proportion: The ingredient that turns individual pieces into outfits. It’s where you put the volume and why it creates balance.

Once you know your four and how they work together, getting dressed starts feeling less like a puzzle you have to solve every morning. And isn’t that the whole point?!

Next week I’m launching a Style Guide, which is built around this exact framework. You’ll explore your own four ingredients and see them at work through different spring outfits. At the end, you’ll have a draft of your own recipe that you can continue to refine.

Paid readers get early access next week.

UPGRADE TO PAID

P.S. There’s a fifth ingredient.

Beyond the four, there’s a Secret Ingredient. The unexpected seasoning, the one thing you reach for when you want to turn the volume up and feel most like yourself.

I reveal how to identify yours in the guide. Until then, look at your favorite outfit from this week and ask yourself: what’s the one thing in this look that shouldn’t work, but somehow makes the whole thing?

I’m sharing three recent clients I styled for three different occassions: a two-month Europe trip, a work conference, a wedding in the French Alps. On paper they have nothing to do with each but there’s a common theme that surfaced.

1 dress, 4 ways: Holiday in Europe

She’s spending two months across Morocco, Istanbul, Greece, Bordeaux, and Italy. So that’s five countries, 15k+ steps a day, and the question every over-packer eventually has to sit with: how do you pack light without ending up in the same pants-and-a-shirt rotation the whole time?

I think we’ve all been there. She wanted to feel cool—still herself but a bit more creative and aligned with wherever she was.

We started with what she’d already pulled together, which is always my preference. She also sent me options she’d found on her own, which is actually really helpful because it tells me a lot about the vibe she’s going for. When I recommend something, it has to earn its place. I found this dress and it was immediately the one.

For a trip this long, the color story is the whole foundation. Everything has to talk to each other or you end up needing backup pieces just to make combinations work. Chocolate brown, cream, and olive are the anchors. Warm pops of butter yellow, cognac, and mustard as accents. If you pull any look out of context, it reads as the same trip taken by the same person.

1: Travel day | Morocco Dress on its own, scarf tied on the bag for the plane. Sandals you can walk in all-day onto dinner.

2: Open-air market | Istanbul - Dress unbuttoned over white jeans and a butter yellow tank with the same sandals. A pendant necklace instead of earrings. The jewelry swap changes the whole focal point of the look.

3: Beach club | Greece - Dress open as a cover-up. The sandals and bag keep it grounded. Switching to cream cat-eye frames and ivory earrings lighten the whole vibe for Greece.

4: Last night dinner | Bordeaux & Italy - Swimsuit repurposed as a top and tucked into white jeans and dress worn open as a duster. Adding a collar necklace, belt, and satin bag take it up a notch. The dress is basically a coat and it’s the chicest it’s looked all trip. Works for Bordeaux and Italy.

1 base, 3 ways: Work Conference

This client came to me in the middle of a lot at once: a promotion, an impending cross-country move, and the general feeling of being bored with what was in her closet. She’s tired of the decision fatigue and overwhelm, and relying on a Pinterest board full of looks she loves with pieces that can’t seem to reproduce them. She also wanted a wardrobe that represents who she is today.

Her ideal style in three words: casual, timeless, cool.

After our first session, it was clear that she’s a minimalist at her core—clean lines, neutral foundation. But the outfits she actually remembers feeling good in always had one unexpected thing: a pop of color or a printed blouse peeking through a sweater.

What she was missing were the anchors: trousers, layering turtlenecks, leather loafers—pieces that hold the whole thing together and keep working long after the conference. We built three variations on that base, each dialing something different up depending on the day.

1: Travel day - Neutral half-zip over a slim turtleneck with her go-to navy pinstripe trousers, and Salomon’s. Scarf tied on the bag. I’ve seen the Salomon’s paired with relaxed trousers look on her Pinterest board more than once. Now she has her own version.

2: Conference sessions - Same trousers and turtleneck, layered with an olive cardigan. For someone who defaults to neutral, the cardigan is already a statement. The colored socks strategically hidden under the trousers is going a little further without full-on commitment.

3: Sessions to Dinner - Blue button-up over a charcoal turtleneck, same trousers, and olive socks with the loafers. More polished than the day looks but still completely her.

Playful Bridal Looks: French Alps Wedding

She’s getting married in the French Alps this summer. No notes on the venue.

I’m styling her welcome party, after party, and post-wedding brunch—three events with very different vibes. The welcome party brief: pizza, Aperol, bocce ball. Her actual wedding dress is more traditional, so this was her moment to explore something outside the box but still feel special. She specifically flagged that she doesn’t want any of the bridal looks inspo circulating on Instagram.

When we talked about her style today, she felt that it’s kind of all over, playing it safe more often than not. What she wanted was a little European, a little playful and chic—more personality than she usually gives herself permission for.

1: Something Blue - Long satin dress with silver embellished mules, moonstone drop earrings, and embroidered fringe bag. This was my personal favorite but a little too much for the bride.

2: Something Floral - Vintage-inspired florals with sleek kitten heels, fringe clutch, and dainty gem earrings. Romantic. This one almost won.

3: Something Fringey - Cream satin fringe maxi with lace-up heels, baroque pearl earrings, and a dusty rose suede clutch. The fringe brings the personality but next to an Alps backdrop and a bocce court it felt slightly too precious.

(We ended up somewhere completely different from all three. Can’t wait to reveal after the wedding :))

A Common Thread

The thing I keep coming back to with all three of these is that they started the same way.

Before the trip or the dress code, we talked about her. What she always reaches for and what feels like herself instead of what she has to talk herself into. Where the gaps are between the wardrobe she has and the outfits she actually wants to be wearing.

Most people don’t actually have a style problem. The clothes are there, sometimes too many of them. What’s missing is an understanding of the repeating elements that make an outfit feel like them. The specific textures, proportions, color instincts, and the finishing move that shows up whether you’re packing a carry-on, walking into a boardroom, or dancing at cocktail hour.

Once you know what those are, the rest gets easier. You stop adding the wrong things and stop second-guessing the right ones. Getting dressed stops being a problem to solve every morning.

I’ve been building something around that idea. More next week.

In the meantime, I wanna know about your spring moment ! Drop it in the comments.

Thanks for being here. If this was helpful, tap the heart or leave a comment, it helps more people find this newsletter.

Want help with your actual wardrobe? I work 1:1 with people on everything from styling sessions to wardrobe transformations. Learn more about my services.

Keep up between emails: @linkswesendfriends

Styling has kept me busy since January. I’m working with multiple clients on wardrobe resets right now, so I thought I’d share the actual closet clean out guide I send them to prep for our styling sessions.

Think of a wardrobe edit as early spring cleaning—getting rid of baggage (physically and metaphorically) that no longer serve you to make space for better things in 2026. And if you celebrate Lunar New Year, we’re leaving the Year of the Snake, which was all about shedding old skin, old habits and identities that don’t fit anymore. What better way to close it out than cleaning out your closet as we step into the Year of the Horse on the 17th?

Paid subscribers got first dibs on this guide last week, and I wanted to give y’all a peek behind the curtain too.

There’s a section in the guide called Common Traps to Avoid and not gonna lie, I wrote it because I hear the same excuses from every single person (including myself). The expensive, investment piece you never reach for. The pants you’re keeping for “when I lose weight.” The gift from someone you love that you wear out of guilt exactly once a year.

Keeping a $300 top that just hangs there won’t give you your money back. It just takes up space and makes you feel bad every time you see it. The sentimental pieces are the hardest, though. I get it. But the memory that came with that gift doesn’t disappear when the sweater goes to Goodwill. Take a photo of it, hold onto the memory, and let someone else get some wear out of it.

If any of that sounds familiar, the full guide walks you through exactly how to work through it without spiraling.

The guide walks you through five steps, and the order matters. You start by identifying your MVPs, the pieces you actually reach for day after day. Not your favorites or aspirational pieces. The ones you come back to again and again. These tell you everything about what works in your actual life.

From there, you sort the rest into categories I borrowed from the great Allison Bornstein because it’s brilliant and it works!! (NO, NOT NOW, HOW)

The guide goes deeper from here: how to evaluate your maybe’s, the exact questions to ask yourself when you try things on, how to do a ruthless second pass, and how to reorganize everything so getting dressed becomes exponentially easier.

If you’ve been meaning to deal with your current closet situation, this is your sign. Grab a Saturday afternoon, a few boxes or bins, an open mind, and the guide. You’ll thank yourself every morning when getting dressed stops being a puzzle.

Note: I’m donating 50% of paid subscription upgrades to the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund, which directly supports immigrant families in Minnesota. ICE presence continues to terrorize the citizens of MN despite the current lack of news coverage.

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Every January, I see the typical wardrobe resolutions come through on my feed: no-buy months, secondhand shopping only, wardrobe detoxes etc, etc. Personally, I’m not a fan of all-or-nothing restrictions and hard rules around my wardrobe. What I think matters more is wearing what we already have in our closets AND actually taking care of it.

Let’s do some math: a $300 shirt you wear for a decade is a better investment than a $50 one from Zara that falls apart in less than a year. But if you don’t properly care for that $300 shirt, then what’s the point?!

If you care about keeping your clothes in good condition, I highly recommend Emilia Petrarca’s Repair Month series—it’s what inspired me to write this letter. But I have a confession: I despise doing laundry. I blame the ADHD, but I only tackle my overflowing hamper when I’ve run out of options. Putting it away? We’re not discussing that. A concerning amount of my wardrobe lives at the dry cleaners.

But this year I really want to do better.

So I did what I always do when I want to learn something new: I asked the experts. Specifically, I reached out to two designers whose pieces I love and wear, and asked them to share their best tips on caring for clothes.

What they told me might surprise you (spoiler: you’re probably washing your clothes too much).

First up: Jane Herman, who literally grew up in the denim business and knows more about jeans than anyone I know.

How to wash your jeans and tees

Tips from of The Only Jane

Jane’s newsletter, Jane on Jeans, was one of the first Substack’s I ever subscribed to. As a denim girl myself, I couldn’t get enough of her jean recommendations—and her t-shirts recs, too. I discovered my favorite Flore Flore tees through her back in 2024.

Last fall, I got to meet Jane and try on her jeans in person, and they’re as incredible as everyone says. I always get asked “what are those jeans??” when I wear the Sally, which has quickly become my most-worn jean in my entire wardrobe.

Jane grew up selling jeans and t-shirts at her family’s Ron Herman stores in LA. She moved to New York and worked as a fashion editor at Vogue and T Magazine. She also worked on the creative teams of GAP and Theory, and co-founded JeanStories.com, a beloved denim site.

In 2020, she launched her denim label, The Only Jane, making one denim jumpsuit that’s been featured in The Financial Times, WSJ, and Vogue. She expanded the line in 2021 to include jeans, jean jackets, and more jumpsuits—all cut in exquisite denim and made with love in LA.

Here are Jane’s tips on taking care of your jeans and tees.

JEANS

Her washing method and frequency:

I wash my jeans as needed, but certainly not every time I wear them, and I try to wash my vintage jeans as little as possible. I wash all my jeans the same: cold, little detergent, air dry. Once they’re completely dry, I like to put them in the dryer’s steam cycle with half a non-scented dryer sheet for 15 minutes, just to soften them up.

Her take on the put-your-jeans-in-the-freezer method:

Some people do this as it kills certain bacteria, but I don’t practice this technique personally.

How she stores and organizes her jeans:

I hang my contemporary jeans by wash, light to dark, in my closet. My vintage jeans I keep separate and folded in a pile, and the ones I’m trying on and test-driving I keep in a messier working pile on a chair outside my closet. It’s not ideal and I wish I had about 10x more space for jeans storage, but I have to work with the closet I have—and the closet I have is small.

Her advice on what to look for when shopping for jeans:

This is its own story! But I personally like jeans without stretch, and if it’s a new brand, expensive hardware will always catch my eye. Hardware is often the first thing that sets a jean apart—I’m talking about the buttons, zippers, and rivets. Two of my favorite newer brands, Ruadh and Ossou, have really thoughtful and lovely hardware. A company that invests in hardware typically invests in everything else, like fabric, design details, and branding.

T-SHIRTS

Her washing method and frequency:

I wash my t-shirts every time I wear them. Normal, low heat to dry. And I like to iron my t-shirts. I don’t do it all the time—I can’t—but I do love it when my white tees are perfectly pressed.

Her go-to stain treatment:

Puracy Stain Remover. All Puracy products are great.

How she stores and organizes her tees:

Folded, in a drawer. All of my white tees are in one drawer, my black ones in another. I don’t really wear any other colored t-shirts.

Her tips on what to look for when shopping for tees:

I personally like 100% cotton tees with a drier hand feel. Nothing too silky to the touch, or made with modal. My favorite is this one from Made Revival because it was designed by a vintage expert to pair perfectly with a Levi’s 501. I have one for every day of the week!

Ed Note: I bought the Made Revival tee per Jane’s rec and it’s gooooood !

Her #1 longevity tip:

Putting things in the dryer shortens their life. But remember, we’re talking about 100% cotton. It’s not meant to last forever.

How to care for your shirts

Tips from Erin Reitz of E.M. Reitz

I also met Erin last fall and got to try on her shirts in person. Her attention to detail and thoughtful design comes through in every piece. She sources the highest quality fabrics like Sea Island Cotton (an ancient fiber grown exclusively in Barbados and Jamaica), and works with a lauded pattern-maker and sewing factory in New York’s Garment District.

Erin’s fashion career started with a chance encounter in New York, where the head designer of Nanette Lepore spotted her homemade tote and offered her an internship on the spot. She graduated from FIT and landed design roles at iconic brands like Anne Klein, Ann Taylor, Levi’s, and Eddie Bauer.

Now based in Charleston, Erin founded a home goods shop when she first moved, then found her way back to fashion, working with designer Alabama Chanin. During the pandemic, she started draping her own shirt designs while her newborn napped. She launched E.M. Reitz in 2022, focusing on menswear-inspired shirts for women. The line has since expanded to include men’s shirts, and her husband has joined the business.

Erin makes the kind of shirts you’ll want to wear every day. Here’s how she takes care of them properly.

On washing frequency:

I only wash my shirts when they’re actually dirty—they have a visible stain or smell. I think most people over-launder, which isn’t great for the shirt and can be wasteful. While washing definitely makes shirts softer, which is a lovely evolution, I try to do as little as possible for overall longevity. Washing gives the shirt a little beating and probably breaks down the fibers a bit each time, which is why they get softer but also weaker. So less is more.

The washing method she swears by:

I wash my shirts separately from regular laundry (never with gym clothes!) I divide by white/light/dark/indigo and wash them on cold, delicate, low load level.

On tackling collar stains:

I use a mix of natural detergent with Oxiclean powder to make a slurry paste. I rub it into the collar at the stain and let it dry until crusty, then wash on delicate. This is especially helpful for ring around the collar.

The drying method that minimizes wrinkles:

I hang dry my shirts. I try to do as quickly as I can after the cycle is over. A real pro-tip: if you have a no-spin cycle, choose that! You can take your shirts out dripping wet and hang in your tub or with a towel underneath. This stop them from being pressed against the machine which is where most wrinkles are set.

Once I hang the shirt, I fully press them with my hands. Flattening the plackets, straightening the collars, buttoning the cuff. I also then snap the full garment from top to bottom, to aggressively stretch them straight up and down. I try to make them look as wrinkle free as possible while they dry—then I can just give a light steam, and they are ready for another round of wears.

If I am motivated, or craving perfection—I will then round up my shirts and iron several at a time. The cotton fabrics really like the heat and organization that an iron gives to its fibers. This can make any shirt feel soft, slick, and new.

How she freshens up her shirts between wears:

Sometimes between wears I steam to refresh the shirt, or hang it near the shower.

On dry cleaning:

I don’t typically dry clean, but many clients do and they like the results. However, I am working on an evening line that has intricate pleats and I imagine I will recommend dry cleaning those.

How she stores and organizes her shirts:

I squish them into the tiny closet I share with my husband. I button the top button, straighten the cuffs, and organize by style (sleeve length, garment length).

Her tips on what to look for when shopping for shirts:

This is part of the reason I started my line—I have very specific standards when it comes to quality. I won’t buy a shirt with overlocked seams (the exposed raw edge of fabric bound together with a visible serge stitch). I prefer the smooth and sturdy finishing of a French seam or felled seam.

I only wear natural fibers and want something that feels soft and smooth on my skin. I look closely at stitching consistency and accuracy. I don’t mind a little evidence of hand in the stitching, but I want a small stitch per inch, nice quality thread, and I hope the effort was put in to make pretty collars and perfect 90-degree corners.

I also only want real shell buttons and prefer a hand-shanked button, with room for the ease of buttoning.

Huge thanks to Jane and Erin for sharing their expert tips. Go follow them, shop their pieces, and tell them I sent you:

• Shop The Only Jane, follow @theonlyjane on IG.

• Shop E.M. Reitz, follow @e.m.reitz on IG.

Need help building a wardrobe of pieces actually worth caring for?

I work with clients to build wardrobes focused on quality over quantity—everyday clothes from makers like Jane and Erin, plus investment pieces you’ll actually want to care for properly.

Book a Wardrobe Reset and we’ll audit what you have, identify what’s missing, and create a strategy for buying better and buying less.

Thanks for being here. If this was helpful, tap the heart or leave a comment—it helps more people find this newsletter.

Want help with your actual wardrobe? I work 1:1 with people on everything from styling sessions to full closet transformations. Learn more about my services.

Keep up between emails: @linkswesendfriends

I started writing this on the plane back from Paris with the grand idea of finishing a post on my 11-hour flight. But since the wifi decided not to cooperate, I ended up taking a snooze and watching a few episodes of Lessons In Chemistry. It made me feel so giddy until the end of episode two (I haven’t read the book), which left me devastated. I had to watch Pedro Pascal as a genius superhero in a blue and white leotard to make me feel good again.

Trip recaps are one of my favorite things to write because you get to relive the magical moments again. I’m going to be cheesy for a sec… I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have spent Christmas in my favorite city in the world. And with a partner-in-crime who enjoys and appreciates the same things as I do. 2025 was a rough year — I think for most people — so ending it on a really high note makes me feel optimistic about the year ahead.

Before we get into the recap, I wanted to say thank you. For your support and for the space you’ve given me in your inbox — it’s a privilege I don’t take for granted. Whether you’ve been reading my letters for a while now or have recently found them on Substack, thanks for being here. xx

This letter will get cut off in email, read on the app for a better experience.

The light in Paris this time of year is f*cking magical. I have a gazillion pics of random buildings and streets trying to capture that light, but I don’t think a single photograph could ever do it justice.

This was the sky on Christmas Eve, the day we arrived. We spent the afternoon with and her husband, meandering through the Christmas market in the Tuileries, truffle pasta and mulled wine in tow. Then we strolled along the Seine to take in the views. A perfect Christmas Eve if you ask me.

I got to hang with three times while I was in town, which was truly a dream. One evening we grabbed dinner with her and her husband, and we ended up shutting down this izakaya in the Marais (highly recommend.) Three hours flew by — we were just talking, laughing, completely in the moment. These are the moments I live for. No rush, just being present and enjoying the company. Laissez-faire at its best.

On Christmas day, my partner and I wandered around the city and stumbled upon Le Bistro Marbeuf in the 8th. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see locals and tourists eating side by side — a vibrant neighborhood spot that serves authentic French cuisine with a touch of Lyonnaise influence. This bistro was not on my radar at all, but it’s been added to my list of places to visit again.

That evening we grabbed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at Bar Joséphine in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This place is a vibe. Highly recommend for those nights you want to get dressed up, have a stiff drink, and indulge in some of the best people-watching in the city. It’s probably best if you make reservations (we didn’t), but we easily secured a table on Christmas evening.

I took advantage of the fact that it’s Christmas and I’m in Paris, so I packed a few special vintage pieces I’ve acquired in the last year. They’ve been patiently waiting for their moment to shine.

First, a Schiaparelli fur pillbox hat I scored on Etsy for $80. I think I wore it better than Lord Faarquad, right?

And just before the trip, I got very lucky and found a velvet evening jacket with an of the moment mandarin collar, playful puffed shoulders, and these intricate frog closures. It’s in perfect condition and fit me like a glove. $95 on eBay, baby.

Last but not least, a mid century rhinestone waterfall brooch I scored on Etsy for a whopping $36. I went all in, wore all of them in one night. You only live once.

Another cocktail spot we loved is Bar Nouveau in the Marais. If you appreciate the art of cocktails, an intimate setting where you’re on first-name basis with the bartender and staff, plus sublime art nouveau details, I’d say it’s worth lining up for — even in the cold. Sara, our lovely host, served us hot tea with honey while queuing, and shared helpful updates on the seating situation. She’s a real gem.

Rubirosa’s was at the top of my shop list, and it did not disappoint. French jewelry designer Lauren Rubinski’s brainchild, visiting Rubirosa’s felt like being a kid in a candy store. You won’t find sad, beige ~quiet luxury~ clothes here. They have shirts, pajamas, boxers, cotton cashmere polos, wool v-necks in an array of bright, joy-inducing colors. Sizing is unisex for most pieces including their leather slippers. I walked away with a poppy red polo that immediately called my name.

The place was packed the day after Christmas. Lauren and team were hard at work making sure every person was getting help. I got to chat with Lauren, and she’s the sweetest, loveliest person ever. She was wearing head-to-toe Rubirosa’s — a navy wool v-neck layered over a lilac shirt, tucked into a pair of grey New York Yankees joggers, croc leather slippers with cobalt socks. I made a mental note of that sock + loafer color combo.

Preclothed in the 6th was number 1 on my vintage shop list, and it blew my socks off. The whole experience felt like I was in a private gallery, getting a preview of iconic archival pieces. I’d imagine MK&A’s personal vintage collection is quite similar to what you’d find at this place.

Raphael, my shop angel, was the most knowledgeable, kind, and helpful sales associate I’ve ever encountered in my life. He knew every single detail about each piece. I mean, everything in the shop is a piece of art. I’m talking Margiela and Galliano Hermes, Phoebe Philo Celine, Elsa Peretti just to name a few. They also carried a handful of rare Equipment silk blouses that blew my mind. I wish everyone can touch it because you can really feel a stark difference between the quality of silk from the 80s/90s and the silk we know today.

Raphael mentioned the selection in the showroom was just the tip of the iceberg. When he noticed me ogling over an asymmetrical hammered silver collar, he excused himself to pull a few more pieces from the back. He came out with an insane selection of silver necklaces — including the iconic Elsa Peretti mesh bib, and a silver collar with a dangling carnelian that he claimed was made by Picasso’s jeweler.

On my way out, Raphael noticed my watch, which he’d mistaken for vintage designer (I forgot the name.) I left Preclothed feeling like it was all just a dream. Obviously, I’ll be back next time I’m in Paris.

There’s a few other vintage shops that I thought were worth paying a visit. Recommended by in the Marais: Fancy Vintage, which had plenty leather and fur jackets, and Revoir, which had a great selection for women and men. I scored a pair of fur-trimmed Agnelle leather gloves at Revoir for ~80 euro.

I came across Kanelle Vintage (unique selection of cotton nightgowns and antique satin dresses — think Doen but actually vintage) on Rue de Turrene in the Marais, which is a goldmine for vintage shops.

I also stumbled on Carmin Vintage while wandering the streets of Montmartre. This place has an A++ curation. I noticed that most of the people shopping are locals.

A few other random musings about Paris shopping:

Vintage shops that have been on my list for a while, but didn’t get a chance to visit: Skat vintage and alé both recommended by my friend .

I wish I had the chance to come back to Astier De Villatte to pick up this book.

Pharmacy Hot Tip: I’d avoid City Pharma — it’s a zoo. Go to Pharmacie du Forum Des Halles or smaller pharmacies all over the city.

I’m endlessly curious about what people are wearing in real life in different cities, so I’ve got a street style trend report for you.

The girls are wearing fur coats all over the city. Most look real and vintage. Fur accessories and leopard print are also in.

I did not see a single pair of barrel leg jeans. It’s either straight or wide-leg jeans paired with boots, sneakers (Adidas and Salomon’s), or loafers.

Parisians love to wear pops of color against a neutral base. Big scarves and beanies in bright colors. I wish I’d snapped a pic of this woman I saw just outside Musee D’orsay — she was wearing a gorgeous long navy wool coat, chunky black boots, and a cozy orange beanie.

I also spotted those Kujten bandana scarves on tourists, mostly. And you know that sweater-over-the-coat layering trick fashion Substack is obsessed with? That was not a thing in Paris.

Here’s a masterclass in refined athleisure brought to you by the chicest mom in Paris, . We got to catch up over Mamiche sandwiches and coffee, which was another highlight of my visit.

My MVPs from the trip: the three coats I packed (two from Toteme: one black wool + one grey wool with shearling collar, and a vintage fur coat), Row soft eel leather loafers, The Only Jane Sally jean (wore them almost every day), a pair of cords from Toteme (so comfy and warm, I wore them on the flight home), Dries suede sneakers, Khaite Ona boots (v comfy, scored on Vestiaire for over 65% off, thanks to ), Yaser Shaw scarf, J.Crew cashmere beanie, and long leather gloves from Agnelle.

A visit to Musée Marmottan Monet is a must if you’re a fan of the Impressionists. It houses the biggest collection of Monet’s work, including the historic Impression, Sunrise painting that essentially pioneered the movement. Berthe Morisot’s work (she’s the first woman Impressionist and Manet’s muse), is another must-see.

What I loved most about visiting this museum: seeing Monet’s rough “drafts” of the iconic Nymphéas at the l’Orangerie and the evolution of his garden in Giverny as depicted in his paintings, and learning how cataracts affected his perception of depth and color in his later work. One of my favorite reads on Substack, Cool Stories About Art has a post about this in case you want to nerd out.

The John Singer Sargent exhibit at Musée d’Orsay was exquisite. There’s a reason he’s considered one of the greatest portrait artists of all time. He pushed boundaries on what was considered appropriate, capturing his subjects through a different lens, focusing on light, movement and emotion. And the hands. I can’t get over how intricate the hand gestures were in his paintings. I rarely buy anything at museum gift shops, but I absolutely had to have the exhibit catalogue.

The street art scene in Montmartre is worth checking out if that’s more your vibe. It was cool spotting emblems of well-known street artists on alleyways and street corners.

And of course, I can’t finish this letter without telling you about the food I enjoyed on this trip.

Spots I’d happily come back to over and over again:

• Mamiche: A boulangerie beloved by locals and tourists. There’s one in the 2nd and another in the 9th.

• Tarantula: Excellent Mexican-inspired food, mezcal cocktails, and natural wine. Vibes are top-notch. A colleague of mine spotted Julian Klausner (Dries Van Noten’s successor) eating there once.

• Mariage Freres: I popped in the Marais location to buy tea to bring home, but glad I stayed for brunch and afternoon tea.

• Le Mary Celeste: My fave wine bar in the city.

Hot Tip: If you can’t snag a table at Chez Janou, you can get their famous chocolate mousse (it’s worth the hype) at Le Petit Italien, a stone’s throw from Place Des Voges. They won’t seat you though if you only want dessert. The food is excellent, so don’t skip it. Also, the duck at Le Petit Marche (currently closed for reno) is some of the best I’ve ever had. These three are some of my beloved neighborhood spots in the Marais.

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I’ve been bundled up in SF all month. Not to be dramatic (I totally am being dramatic), but this is my first California winter (out of 17) where I’ve had to reach for gloves and throw on heavier wool coats I usually only wear on the East Coast. But I‘m secretly loving the fact that my coats and winter accessories are getting so much action right now.

For this send I’m sharing a Mini Lookbook I recently styled for a client in London. You’ll get a peek inside my brain: my styling thought process, how I approached winter dressing in the city, and how I pushed new styling ideas to someone who prefers to stay in their comfort zone.

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The client

A London professional who wants fresh winter outfits that feel chic, cool, confident, and most importantly, warm. She goes to the office a few times a week, spends her weekends going to art galleries and the theatre, hanging out with friends, and walking her dog. She doesn’t want to be pushed too far out of her comfort zone and is happy with her current wardrobe.

Style words: Elegant, Luxe, Playful

Specific needs: Warm yet refined outfits for a smart casual workplace in London, winter weekend outfits for London and Paris.

Weekend: Daytime casual

The client specifically asked for a daytime casual outfit built around her Celine Chelsea boots for hanging out during the weekend. Since the boots are on the chunkier side, I went for a slim jean to keep the look streamlined. A wider leg jean could also work, but I was already considering her By Malene Birger faux fur jacket to complete this outfit. Proportion-wise, you don’t want top, middle, and bottom to feel heavy throughout.

I always keep in mind how a client wants to feel in these outfits while creating looks. This particular client wants to feel chic, cool, and confident (her own words) even on the weekends, and I thought a luxe and playful faux fur jacket would instantly get her there. Her aesthetic also leans on the elegant side — accessories like a textured belt and leather tote keep the outfit refined.

And because the jacket is already the outfit, I kept the base layers slim, simple and neutral. I mentioned that she’d probably be warm enough in the ivory turtleneck + faux fur jacket, but in case she needed another layer, throwing on a slim charcoal pullover adds warmth without additional bulk.

Weekend: Dinner at a restaurant

The client asked for an outfit to wear to dinner at a restaurant, but didn’t specify a dress code. Knowing that her style leans dressy and elegant, I wanted to create a look around her Nour Hammour shearling number. Because the coat is the outfit. She also had a new pair of leopard trousers that hadn’t been styled yet, which immediately caught my eye.

I think it’s easy to default to a monochromatic look for the evening as a “safe” option, especially in a city like London or Paris. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to sprinkle in some pattern and texture for the actual dinner outfit hiding under the coat. The leopard trousers paired back to a black cashmere cardi keeps things refined, and the lace cami peeking through adds a dash of confidence and playfulness.

One thing I noticed about my client’s outfits: she tends to match her shoes and bags. I wanted to push her a bit out of her comfort zone, so instead of a black evening bag, I suggested her oxblood Bottega mini Sardine for a touch of edge and texture. That pop of deep red woven leather and gold hardware feels luxe against her shearling coat and compliments the leopard trousers without clashing for attention.

Small adjustments like opting for a bag in a different color or texture can go a long way. I love learning how a client reacts to these minor tweaks, especially when they prefer to not be pushed too much, style-wise.

Weekday: Smart casual at the office

I also noticed my client’s go-to outfit for the office: a luxe sweater paired with a maxi slip skirt and low-heeled boots. I wanted to recreate this combo with a fresh spin that will keep her polished and warm at work. Instead of a solid slip skirt, I went for a printed Dries wrap skirt (with tights underneath), paired with a slim turtleneck, tucked in the skirt, and her stunning Rohe mandarin jacket layered like a blazer.

I intentionally chose a contrasting bag that’s roomy enough for her office essentials (instead of her go-to woven brown leather) to keep the outfit from looking too matchy-matchy paired with the textured brown boots. And since she’s already wearing a jacket as her 2nd layer, I went for an oversized coat to make sure there’s enough room throughout.

2026 Styling Sessions

Virtual Styling Sessions and Wardrobe Resets are now open for January!

A one-hour video session with me is great for solving a specific style challenge or for getting new outfit ideas using your existing pieces with a few recommendations sprinkled in.

A Wardrobe Reset is perfect if you want to have a closet that makes sense instead of one that overwhelms you. A great way to start the new year, this is for you if you’re ready (and have the bandwidth) to collaborate with me on transforming your closet into a wardrobe you actually use.

You can also book a complimentary consult first so I can help you figure out the best service that fits your needs. If you’re still looking for a last-minute gift, personal styling gift certificates are available for purchase.

A quick Indyx update: you can now choose a Mini Lookbook on the Indyx app. You’ll get three styled outfits from your own digital wardrobe, no recommendations included. This is perfect for a lightweight seasonal refresh, or to try out different stylists to see if you’re a good fit. If you need product recommendations and have an existing digital wardrobe, book the standard Lookbook (10 outfits plus 6 recommendations.)

In case you missed it:

Behind the paywall:

• 15+ winter coats (across multiple price points) I personally recommend to my clients

• A sneak peek of outfits (with links) and what I’m packing for Christmas break in Paris

• Straight from my notes app: niche retail and vintage spots, restaurants, and bars I’m planning to hit up in Paris

Winter Coat Edit

Read more

Everything on this guide are things I either own and wear/use religiously, or something I’d be delighted to receive as a gift, mostly from women-owned small businesses I personally adore.

By the way last year’s gift guide is still apropos, and filled with gems from brands I support to this day.

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Apparel & Accessories

• My favorite pair of jeans made by the queen of denim, aka Jane on Jeans. The Sally jean looks good on everyone, trust. It’s also -approved so you know it’s the best best.

• My go-to *sweater this season from Janessa Leone. 100% regenerative wool, so soft, so cozy.

• My favorite elevated shirt (and shirt of the moment) from Chava Studio. Made to order, handcrafted in Mexico City.

• On my wishlist: this gorgeous wool shirt from The Anteros. My friend and her mom, Lisa have built something special together (read more about their story here.)

• On my wishlist: this indigo shirt by can be worn multiple ways. I got to meet Erin and a few months ago, and was smitten by their dedication to the craft of shirting (they’re also couple goals.)

• My everyday watch from March Hare. Prepare to hear “is that vintage?” plus non-stop compliments wherever you go.

• My everyday *studs from Dorsey. On my wishlist: two of these, stacked.

• My beloved Starling and Charlotte Chesnais everyday stack. On my wishlist: this chic baby tilt signet ring from Abel Objects.

• My favorite jewelry acquisition of the year from LAOLI. On my wishlist: this insane tiger’s eye and citrine necklace.

• On my wishlist: this citrine and smoky quartz pendants from Marie-Helene De Taillac, Sophie Buhai earrings, and this velvet jewelry box from Sophie Bille Brahe.

• A forever scarf by Yaser Shaw that I was lucky to have been gifted this season. Perfect for that person on your list who has everything.

• On my wishlist: Comme Si cashmere socks and cashmere-lined leather gloves from Agnelle.

Beauty

• There’s a reason the *Active Botanical Serum from Vintner’s Daughter is the most awarded face oil in the market. No BS, it has made a noticeable difference in my skin. OG Beauty Editor, swears by it, too.

• Another product worth your money when used consistently: *ZIIP Halo Microcurrent Facial Toning Device (code: LWSF10). Use it 3x/ a week for lifted skin and a snatched jawline.

• I didn’t know a hair towel could change my life until I used Crown Affair’s. It’s been a few years now and we’re still going strong.

• My favorite evening ritual is using my La Bonne Brosse brush before bed. There’s something about brushing your hair with a beautiful, high-quality brush that feels so luxurious.

• I never travel without: the ROZ mini essentials kit and my Machete claw clip.

• My favorite beauty discovery of the year is Celisse. This *set has everything you need for a high-quality DIY mani. If you were to try one product, this nail and cuticle serum has become a staple in my hand + nail care routine.

• True Botanicals’ Chebula line is elite. My faves: eye masks, serum, and hand cream. This *set has the entire Chebula lineup for a third of the price.

• Exploring Maison D’Etto’s scents through their *discovery set has been pure bliss (my favorites are Noisette and Karat EG.) Perfect for the perfume-obsessed person on your list.

• Speaking of perfume, the two scents I wore the most in 2025: Tears by Regime Des Fleurs and Eau Chic by Astier De Villatte.

• Favorite personalized thing I bought for myself this year: a monogrammed muse balm from Officine Universelle Buly.

Home

• Under $50, guaranteed to delight: Scented wax tablets from Santa Maria Novella. Pop them in your closet or dresser (also love this scent.)

• If you want to be the star at someone’s dinner party, bring these *cheese knives from Lazy Jamie, your favorite cheese, and a pack of Ghia.

• A few other fabulous host gifts: hand dipped twisted beeswax candlesticks from GLOAM or a nice bottle of olive oil from Inez. If you really want to impress: this botanical candle from Sangre de Fruta.

• If DIY-ing is your gifting language, opt for these basket weaving kits from Underwater Weaving (my faves: this, this and this) for a special person on your list. If you’re short on time, they have plenty of finished baskets (like this or this) to choose from.

• On my wishlist for years now: Sophie Lou Jacobsen’s coupe set, pitcher, and tray.

• I switched to Koala Eco for most household stuff earlier this year and have never looked back. All my faves are in this set.

Experiences

• I am absolutely tooting my own horn here: consider a personal styling session with me — for yourself or someone special in your life. Gift certificates available here. Feel free to DM or respond to this email for questions!

• Indyx is also offering Lookbook credit for the holidays. Purchase here and order a Lookbook styled by me.

• For someone who needs some R&R this season, may I recommend: a facial at Monastery or a massage at Cavallo Point (if you’re in the Bay Area.)

*Marked items were kindly gifted by brands I choose to work with — these are products I’d actually spend my own money to buy if they weren’t gifted. I also use affiliate links. Thanks for your support! xx

The good news? For most holiday gatherings — the friends’ parties, family dinners, that low-key work thing — you’ve already got what you need in your own closet.

The pieces you reach for constantly can absolutely work for holiday moments. They just need a fresh perspective. Case in point: I shopped my own closet for a Friendsgiving and a charity dinner last week. I felt fantastic rewearing the wide-leg trousers I’ve been living in and a pair of jeans I completely forgot about.

So before you panic-buy a sequined something you’ll wear exactly once, I played dress-up in my own closet to show you what’s possible.

Heads up: This one’s too long for email and might get cut off. Read on the app for the full thing.

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Button-Up Shirt

I wore my favorite Chava shirt with wide-leg jeans and pointy sling-backs to a charity dinner last week. No one knew I was channeling Nicole Kidman at Chanel, but who cares, I felt awesome. The dress code was “smart casual” — my tuxedo shirt and wide-leg jeans nailed the smart part, the heels took it past casual. I saw everything from corporate attire to black dresses to the quintessential SF tech/finance bro uniform (puffer vest with company logo over a button down).

I wore the same shirt to my birthday dinner last year and really wanted to show you the exact outfit, but I forgot to take a pic and now I can’t find my stirrup leggings. So we’re repurposing this collage from last year’s holiday style guide, ok?

This shirt will most likely make another appearance this season with an old Zara sequin skirt at a holiday thing (TBD…maybe the symphony?) sometime in December.

Or… maybe with a pair of lace pants (another old Zara) I found buried in my dresser.

By the way, you don’t need to buy a tuxedo shirt — a classic white shirt, oxford, or whatever you already own works just as well. The whole point is there are a gazillion different ways to remix an oversized button down.

Relaxed Trousers

This is what I wore to Friendsgiving last weekend. I’ve actually worn some version of a soft-waist pant and sweater combo almost every Thanksgiving. We have a no-hard-pants rule (non-negotiable) on this particular holiday. Plus, it just works, you know? It’s easy, comfortable, and with the right accessories, you can make it dressy and festive.

I like to pair something slim up top with wide-leg trousers to balance proportions, but a relaxed sweater also works if you want full comfort mode.

If you want to feel extra festive while staying comfy, try ~fancy~ pajama bottoms like these from Sleeper and swap the matching top for a Fair Isle sweater.

Mid to Dark Wash Jeans

Jeans and a cute top for a casual holiday thing? Skip the extreme fading, raw hems, or distressing.

For the “cute top,” think silk shirts or camis, anything with texture or detail that feels more special than your everyday shirt. A fine knit like this silk-cashmere turtleneck works too. Lately I’ve been loving monochromatic navy as a softer alt to stark black.

You can also add texture and interest through layering instead of just a straightforward top. Try adding a slim-fit turtleneck or a lace bodysuit under a shirt. Tuck everything in to highlight your waist.

Or skip the shirt entirely and wear a blazer as your top! A boxy, cropped style balances out the wide-leg jeans. No need for a belt since the cropped silhouette hits right around the waist.

An oversized blazer works too — make sure your base layer is fitted (also it doesn’t have to be sheer!) to create some definition.

Oversized Sweater

I’m really pumped that my hair is long enough for an Olsen tuck, which is my favorite cold-weather styling move: tuck your hair into a chunky turtleneck, add some big ass earrings. One and done. Oh, and your slip dress doesn’t have to hibernate until summer. Layer an oversized knit over it and now it works for winter holiday dinners. Comfortable, chic, completely unfussy.

If you don’t have an oversized turtleneck, chances are you have an oversized v-neck. Layering is where holiday dressing gets fun. The slim turtleneck underneath adds warmth and texture without bulk, and the v-neck lets it breathe. The slip skirt with lace trim keeps the whole thing from skewing too casual.

A metallic mule instantly dresses up what could easily venture into lounge territory. Swap them for boots and this works for a daytime thing. Keep the heels and you’re good for dinner.

Little Black Dress

Let’s reimagine the LBD. You probably have a few hanging in your closet.

I hate to break it to you, but wearing a dress over pants is back — and it’s nothing like the Y2K celebrity red-carpet looks.

I’ve had this knit maxi from Staud for 5+ years and I’m glad I never got rid of it. Wearing it as a dress on its own feels kinda stuffy, but worn open over jeans gives you coverage and structure without feeling too formal. Only button it through the top of your jeans — you want the dress to drape open and show the denim underneath. Leave everything unbuttoned from the hips down and let it move when you walk. Now your old black dress feels fresh and intentional.

What I love about a simple slip dress is you can wear it like a skirt and no one knows it’s actually a dress. I love a two-for-one deal. A cool jacket instantly gives your black dress a makeover. The embroidered silk adds texture and feels dressy enough for a holiday party but not so formal you feel overdressed.

Another layering example to give your LBD a second life. Adding a slim turtleneck underneath makes it works for colder weather and feels more interesting than wearing the dress alone.

A bold turquoise and silver collar over the turtleneck instead of a statement earring also feels more unexpected. Turquoise might feel like a summer stone, but I’ve always loved wearing it year-round (it’s my birthstone). I mean, doesn’t turquoise and black in winter just scream chic?? It also works beautifully with red and khaki…

Small details = Big impact

Ok, so you’ve got the outfit figured out. But now you want to take it from “you look cute” to “wait, where did you get that??” You probably already own at least a few of these game-changers.

A vintage brooch on your blazer lapel, your coat collar, or even clustered on a simple sweater. Instant upgrade. The more ornate and slightly off-kilter, the better. Take some inspiration from the reigning queens of brooches on Substack: and .

I found a couple vintage options from Etsy: Reinad Lily Rhinestone Brooch // Rhinestone Brooch // Pearl & Rhinestone Brooch // Art Deco Onyx Brooch

Full disclosure: I’m not an expert at sourcing vintage finds. May I suggest some of my favorite secondhand curators: , , . They’ve got you covered.

Not vintage but this Talia Perla brooch has been on my wishlist for almost a year now. Also loving this vintage-inspired Marlies Grace brooch and dripping fern brooch from Rachel Comey.

CAPITAL F: F-U-N shoes. Your shoes can make or break an outfit. Period. This is not the time to play it safe with footwear. Rhinestones, studs, grommets, any texture or embellishment — all of it works. Metallics catch the light and automatically read as festive, even when everything else is basic. I wore silver mules in almost every look I showed you because they just go with everything!

Here are some fabulous options: Metallic Mules Under $150 // Embellished Mesh Flats // Silver Slingback Flats // Sculptural Wedge Sandals // Calfhair Kitten Pumps (runs small, take a full size up) // Embellished Slingbacks // My dream Dries Van Noten heels (sadly not in my size) // Another fabulous Dries heel

A silly little bag. Ditch your everyday tote and opt for something smaller, more special.

Check out these silly little bags from: Marlies Grace // Le Sundial // Lizzie Fortunato // Liffner // Staud // Chaan Luu // Rabanne // Dries Van Noten

Textured hosiery. Opaque black tights are fine, but try some texture — ribbed, sparkly, or patterned — to up the ante. You don’t need to spend $$$ to make a skirt or dress feel more interesting. This is my friend ’s style signature.

If you’re wearing ankle-length pants, try adding sheer textured socks with loafers, pumps, or strappy heels. That little detail peeking through feels intentional.

Statement jewelry. Something with presence. Sparkly earrings pull the focus upward and make even a simple outfit feel finished. A shiny tennis necklace on your collar. A bold cocktail ring catches the eye when you’re clinking glasses. A metallic cuff over your sleeve.

You also need to consider hair and neckline when wearing bolder jewelry. Generally, you don’t want a statement earring and a statement necklace competing for attention.

Statement earrings + high neck = hair up (unless you have short hair ofc), skip the necklace but you can wear a cuff

Statement earrings + open neckline = hair down, skip the necklace (or opt for a simple one)

Statement necklace + open neckline = hair down, keep the earrings minimal (a simple stud)

Statement necklace + high neck = hair up if long, hair down works if shoulder-length or shorter

Some statement pieces to consider: Dorsey Odette Earrings // Lie Studio Ruby Earrings // Le Sundial Opera Earrings // Chaan Luu Drift Earrings // Agmes Stella Earrings // Ben-Amu Cuff // Jullietta Onyx Necklace

Hair/neck/arm/waist adornments. It’s that little pop of personality that makes people think you really thought about your outfit (even if you threw it together in ten minutes.)

A few outfit finishers to consider: Jennifer Behr headband // Jennifer Behr barettes // Jennifer Behr velvet scrunchie// Toteme fringed velvet smoking scarf // Le Sundial tassel belt // Agnelle Lace Opera Gloves // TWP beaded topper (throw it over a white button-down) // Rachel Comey embellished bandana

But What About the Actually Fancy Stuff?

Everything above works for casual holiday moments. But some of you have real dress codes staring you down. “Cocktail attire.” “Black tie optional.” “Festive formal” (??). The work gala, the charity dinner, your partner’s company party — jeans and a nice top won’t cut it.

You can’t statement-earring your way into formal attire. These events have rules, and showing up underdressed sucks.

I just started offering styling sessions for this. We get on a call, decode what the dress code actually means, and figure out your plan. Sometimes you need to rent something. Sometimes you need to buy something specific. And sometimes — this happens more than you think — you already own it but didn’t know it would work.

Book a consult or a 1-hour virtual styling session.

If you’ve got multiple events (low-key and fancy), I’ll make you a Custom Holiday Lookbook instead — 4 or 8 complete outfits with the full breakdown. Which shoes, what jewelry, how to rewear the same dress three different ways. It saves you from panic-buying the day before.

Purchase a Lookbook

Formal events are trickier. The dress codes actually matter, and there’s less room to wing it. Figuring out how to meet those expectations while still feeling like yourself — that’s where I come in.

Read more about my styling services below.

Note: Some of these are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you buy — but it doesn’t cost you anything extra.

I’m excited (and a little nervous) to share something I’ve been working on: I’m officially launching my personal styling services.

I’ve been busy styling clients through digital platforms over the past few months, and I love it. But I’ve also been working 1:1 with some private clients directly, and that’s where things clicked for me: platform styling is transactional by design. I deliver a lookbook or shopping recommendations, and that’s it. We don’t get to talk through the why behind your challenges when getting dressed. I don’t get to see the moment something clicks. I can’t be there when you’re in a fitting room two months later texting “should I buy this?” or getting ready for something important and need someone to say “yes, that works.”

I’ve been craving more of that 1:1 connection. And actually building relationships with the women I’m helping.

So I’m creating space for it.

Starting today, I’m offering personal styling services—from virtual hourly sessions to wardrobe edits to ongoing monthly support. Not just one-and-done deliverables, but actual collaboration built around your real life, your budget, and your existing wardrobe.

I’ll still be styling on Indyx and EMME, but these direct services offer deeper collaboration and ongoing support.

My styling services

• Virtual Styling Session: One focused hour to solve a specific problem: finally style that tricky piece, create outfits from what’s already in your closet, or get guidance on a wardrobe dilemma. Walk away with fresh outfit ideas, styling tips, and shoppable links.

• Wardrobe Reset: Stop staring at a full closet with “nothing to wear.” I’ll show you the outfits hiding in your wardrobe, create fresh looks from what you already own, and give you a strategic shopping list so you stop buying things that don’t go with anything. You’ll finally use what you have and get dressed with ease.

• Style Partnership: Like having a personal stylist on retainer. Monthly outfit ideas delivered, unlimited “should I buy this?” texts, priority booking, and someone who actually knows your wardrobe. Never think about what to wear again. By application only, limited availability.

See full service details here

Special perks for subscribers

If you’re already a subscriber, thank you. You’ve been here supporting my work before there were services to offer. That means everything to me.

Here’s my gift to you:

• Free subscribers get $25 off on a styling service (one-time use)

• Paid subscribers:

  • Monthly plan ($6/month): $50 off on a styling service (one-time use)

  • Annual plan ($60/year): one complimentary 30-minute virtual consult ($100 value)

Current subscribers (free and paid) will receive a separate email with instructions on how to use these perks when booking.

Lock in 15% off my styling services all year

I’m opening 15 Founding Member spots at $275/year for early supporters who want to be part of building this from the ground up.

Founding Members get:

• 15% off styling services year-round (valid on Virtual Styling Sessions, Custom Lookbooks, Wardrobe Reset)

• One complimentary 45-minute Virtual Style Consult ($200 value)

• Priority booking + first access to new services

• Quarterly office hour sessions (exclusive to Founding Members)

• Priority consideration for Style Partnership applications

Once these 15 spots are filled, this tier will close until current memberships come up for renewal. Founding Members must book at least one service per year to keep their status.

BECOME A FOUNDING MEMBER

See all subscriber perks and Founding Member benefits here

If you’ve been here for a while, thank you. Sharing my thoughts with you on style and bringing you along on this journey means more to me than you know. If working together one-on-one sounds interesting to you, I’d love to have you as a client.

And if it’s not the right time or fit? That’s completely okay. This newsletter isn’t going anywhere. I’ll keep sharing my style insights, curated edits, and honest takes you’ve come to expect.

But if you’ve ever read one of my posts and thought “I wish I could just ask her about my closet”… well, now you can.

Let’s work together.

Angela x

P.S. Questions about subscriber perks or not sure which styling service is right for you? Just reply to this email.

The dissonance is breaking my brain.

My Substack and Instagram feeds are filled with fall outfit ideas and Taylor Swift think pieces wh…

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That’s exactly what we did! Angela slid into Anika’s DMs, and asked if she’d be interested in doing a Lookbook swap on Indyx. We each took on the role of stylist and client, trading our professional lens for personal vulnerability. Angela (based in San Francisco) styled a Lookbook for Anika, and Anika (based in Germany) styled one for Angela — treating each other like real clients, complete with style briefs, goals, and honest feedback.

The result? Some outfits we absolutely loved, some that pushed us out of our comfort zones in the best way, and of course — some that completely missed the mark.

In this letter, we’re taking you behind-the-scenes on the entire process. You’ll see what we shared about our style and needs, how we each interpreted those briefs, and three key outfits from each Lookbook: the hit, the creative stretch, and the one that didn’t quite land. Because the real magic of styling isn’t just in the wins — it’s in understanding why something works (or doesn’t) and what you can learn from it.

Whether you’re signing up your first Indyx lookbook or requesting your tenth (!!), our hope is that by learning how we navigated this process — miscommunications, surprises, and all — you’ll walk away with insights you can immediately apply to your own digital wardrobe.

Let’s jump in.

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What we shared with each other

Anika: I was very specific in the questionnaire and shared any details referring to my lifestyle, current weather, office dress codes and aspired style words! I love when clients give me a bunch of helpful information so I thought this would be the best way to get the most out of my own Lookbook, too. I even shared my wishlist because I knew Angela would pick great finds in each category — and I must admit I am very lazy when it comes to doing my own research. I am constantly sharing links with clients and friends but hardly ever do the work for myself!

Angela: In addition to completing the Indyx style questionnaire, I shared detailed context about my personal style — my style adjectives, how friends describe me, how I approach getting dressed, my lifestyle, and the mercurial Bay Area weather. These details are incredibly helpful when styling clients, so I wanted to give Anika a clear picture of my style and needs. I didn’t ask for item recommendations since I wanted my Lookbook to focus on styling what I currently have in my wardrobe.

Our Lookbook Goals

Anika: I simply wanted a few new ideas on how to style transitional looks and some looks going into winter. It’s so funny how at the beginning of each season, you wonder what you have worn this time last year. I basically start from a blank space so I loved the opportunity to get some help!

Angela: I just wanted a fresh set of eyes on my wardrobe and a new perspective on how to put things together. I asked for transitional outfits plus out-of-the-box ideas that could push me out of my comfort zone. I’m content with my style today, but I know it’s always evolving, so I wanted to challenge Anika to come up with fresh ideas.

Our Approach to Styling

Anika on styling Angela: As I do with every client, I reviewed all pieces of information I had. As I’m a regular reader of Angela’s Substack and I follow her on Instagram, it was easier to get a feeling for her personal style and her wardrobe beforehand. For her Lookbook, I studied her Indyx questionnaire, logged outfits and her entire wardrobe. I usually take handwritten notes for every client in an actual notebook. I loved that Angela shared a description of her style as seen by her friends, so those key words became my starting point. San Francisco weather can be tricky, so I focused on layering and practicality, while keeping in mind that Angela has two days where she works with customers, too.

Angela on styling Anika: Since Anika shared incredibly detailed notes with me on her questionnaire, it felt easy to jump right into her Lookbook. I took note of her needs (outfits for work, errands, coffee dates, dinners) and specific requests for item recommendations. Admittedly, I already know a lot about Anika’s personal style from her Substack, but before styling her looks, I quickly browsed through her wardrobe, outfits, and selfies to get a better sense of how her style words translated in real life.

One thing I kept top of mind while styling her was how she wanted to feel in these outfits — confident and calm in minimal looks with a refined edge, which were her exact words. I also wove my recommendations throughout the looks so Anika could see how those pieces might work with her current wardrobe.

The Outfits!

Anika: The ‘This Is So Me’ Look

When I saw this look, I immediately knew I would love it! Angela says it all in her style note — it’s monochromatic, minimal and refined. I went for the thong sandals as it can still be warmer on some days. I love the contrast of the white bag against the black and how the khaki trench creates a bridge of harmony in this look. Plus, it’s a very efficient look since I did get less wear out of this skirt and the sandals before Angela had this idea!

Angela: The ‘This Is So Me’ Look

I love this outfit, and I can’t wait to wear it when it’s cold enough in SF. I’m a sucker for a turtleneck and statement earring combo — it embodies my “classic with a modern twist and playful accessories” vibe perfectly. This is also my ideal outfit that can take me from an in-person styling session straight to dinner: elevated but still comfortable (I’d toss the clutch and earrings in my work tote during the day). Anika made great suggestions on how to maximize my warm-weather pieces, like this Toteme silk dress I wore all summer.

Anika: The ‘Out Of My Comfort Zone’ Look

I think in any Lookbook there are those looks included that feel too bold at first. Angela created this look which she originally created as an office look. I’d never wear a short skirt to the office (which is something she couldn’t know). Lesson learned: I should have mentioned the fact that I’m in a management position and although no one ever questions my skills or authority, I never want to feel too feminine at work. However, this could be a really cool coffee date look — I’d add black tights but also love the bare legs.

Angela: The ‘Out Of My Comfort Zone’ Look

Pardon the wrinkles here (these pieces were in my dry cleaning pile, which I had to fish out — plus my steamer is out of commission, womp!). I’m actually really into this look. I asked to be pushed out of my comfort zone and Anika delivered! I also love how she suggested other pieces from my wardrobe that I could layer under the dress. Instead of statement earrings, I opted for a simple pendant to keep it more chill and add interest around the neckline of the black dress.

Anika: The Look That Didn’t Quite Land

Another lesson learned: I am very picky with my choices of denim and this light pair of jeans simply exists in my wardrobe because I wear it once in the summer time and also only with one specific tank top. I’ve tried to love it more, but I have come to peace with the fact that I will only wear it once a year. There’s nothing wrong with them or the outfit Angela came up with — I just don’t like light denim and I should have mentioned this. However, it helped that Angela referred to a ‘lighter wash denim’ in her style notes — I translated this into ‘off white denim’ and loved the tweaks! Instead of Angela’s recommended choice, I added my very minimal Massimo Dutti shoulder bag and was so happy with this look.

Angela: The Look That Didn’t Quite Land

There’s nothing wrong with this outfit at all, but there are a few details that could make it feel more like me. Leather jackets are perfect for SF weather but I’ve grown tired of the moto silhouette. Anika had a great hunch about it — in fact, I’ve been on the hunt for a preloved leather blazer that cinches at the waist since last year. These Clyque trousers run long on me so I prefer to wear them with a kitten heel sandal instead of closed-toe flats to elongate my frame, but Anika wouldn’t have known that. I also swapped the Dorsey tennis necklace for my current favorite: an onyx pendant from Charlotte Chesnais. I find myself leaning toward statement pendants over sparkly chokers as of late.

Our Takeaways: What We Learned (that you can use)

• Be specific about your life, not just your style. Share details about your lifestyle, daily activities, weather, and wardrobe struggles. Angela nailed Anika’s looks because she had context for each situation. The more your stylist knows about how you live, the better they can style for it. If you’re wondering whether a detail matters, it probably does.

• If you want item recommendations, say exactly what you need. “I need bag recommendations” is good. “I need two black bags — one modern crossbody with gold hardware, one medium tote” is even better. Anika was intentional and specific about her item requests. Your stylist shops constantly and can find great options quickly when they know exactly what to look for.

• Check your own closet first. Anika realized she had alternatives to some recommendations already hanging in her wardrobe. Sometimes you need fresh eyes to see what you already own before adding new pieces.

• Share the emotional stuff too. There’s no shame in wardrobe struggles or style baggage. Your stylist is here to help, and understanding how you feel about getting dressed matters just as much as what you wear.

• Show, don’t just tell. Pinterest boards, mood boards, style references, and selfies of your actual outfits are incredibly valuable. They help your stylist understand how your style words translate in real life.

• Embrace the experiment. Tell your stylist if you want to be pushed! But also know that not every outfit will be a 10/10 hit — and that’s okay. The misses are part of the learning process, and your stylist will understand your style better with each round of feedback.

• Trust your instincts and make it your own. Even when your stylist nails the overall vibe, small tweaks can make a look feel more “you.” Swap accessories, adjust proportions based on how pieces fit your body, or switch out an item for something similar in your wardrobe. We both made small adjustments to our styled looks — swapping pieces, changing shoes for better proportions — to align them with our personal preferences. The Lookbook is a starting point; personalize it to match how you actually move through your day.

Styling each other reminded us why we love this work. There’s something powerful about having someone really see your wardrobe and show you what’s possible. Turns out, even stylists need stylists. If this experiment taught us anything, it’s that a fresh perspective can completely transform how you see (and wear) what you already own.

If you’re ready to experience the process yourself, we’d love to style you.

Get styled by Anika

Get styled by Angela

If you know me IRL or online, it may seem like I’ve got my shit together, but I really don’t. You may even doubt I have this condition, and think I’m just making it up to get attention or have an excuse for being inconsistent around here. That’s totally fine with me.

Despite all my achievements in life, I’ve always felt different and that something was wrong with me, or that I lack something other people have. That high-functioning, high-achieving, perfectionist mask I didn’t realize I’ve been wearing my entire life is finally unraveling. And it’s ugly.

Read more

Not only is September fashion month, it’s also Secondhand September, which I totally didn’t realize when I decided to do a major closet cleanout. Talk about perfect timing.

I’m at a point where I’m really strict about what earns a spot in my digital wardrobe. Every piece has to justify its existence — does it spark joy? Do I actually wear it? Does it work with at least three other things I own? I love what I have uploaded right now and I’m being super intentional about what makes the cut going forward.

Okay, let’s talk about this drop…

How the drops work:

Below, paid subscribers get 48-hour advanced access to Drop #2 at special subscriber pricing. After that, these pieces open up to everyone and get cross-listed on other resale platforms. I gave 72-hours for the first drop last week because of Labor Day, but going forward, it’ll be 48 hours advance access.

This drop includes:

• Alaia mesh ballet flats size 38 ($444)

• Toteme chelsea boots size 38 ($333)

• Toteme scarf jacket size 32 ($655)

• Toteme T-lock clutch in white grained leather ($555)

• Still Here everyday jean size 28 ($144)

All sales are final. Sign up at Future Reference to purchase.

Drop #2

Alaia mesh ballet flats

Why I’m selling it: I snagged these at a sweet discount but honestly? I just don’t reach for them enough. They deserve to live with someone who’s still fully committed to the mesh trend and will actually wear them out.

Buy it on Future Reference

Mesh flats // Clutch // Lace top (similar) // Sweater (similar) // Trench

Mesh flats are the perfect transitional shoe — they give you more coverage than a sandal while keeping things airy for those in-between weather days. I’m obsessed with this bermuda short and trench coat pairing as a transitional look. The proportions just work. Drape a knit over your shoulders for that effortless layered vibe, or wear it over the lace cami when you need a bit more warmth.

Mesh flats // Clutch // T-shirt // Jeans // Trench // Necklace

That pop of red against khaki and denim instantly makes everything more interesting. There’s something unexpectedly edgy about mesh flats peeking out from wide-leg jeans that feels both playful and intentional.

Toteme chelsea boots

Why I’m selling it: These boots are so gorgeous and instantly elevate whatever you’re wearing. Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear, but they run narrow through the ankle. Like, need-a-friend-to-help-you-take-them-off narrow. Loved everything else about them, just not the ankle suffocation. Works great if you’re blessed with slim ankles.

Buy it on Future Reference

Boots // Jeans // Clutch // Tank // Blazer (similar) // Belt // Necklace

The slim shaft means versatility across different cuts — straight, barrel or wide-leg jeans. When wearing a cropped style, the key is getting the hem of your jean to hit right at the opening of the boot for the best proportions. I love adding a suede blazer over a simple tee or tank with a relaxed classic blue wash creates a nice contrast, and the neutrals all work together.

Toteme T-lock clutch

Why I’m selling it: I just don’t reach for it enough, and I have other white bags that I actually use more. This clutch is surprisingly roomy — it easily fits your essentials (wallet, keys, phone) plus all your lip products and whatever else you’re shoving in there. You can wear it crossbody with a strap for hands-free situations or tuck it under your arm as a clutch for dressier moments.

Buy it on Future Reference

Clutch // Jacket // Boots // Jeans // Sweater (similar)

The scarf jacket is doing all the heavy lifting here. The key with statement pieces is not overthinking the rest. Keep everything else clean and simple so the jacket can be the star. It’s the kind of piece that instantly makes jeans and a tee (or simple sweater) look effortless but special.

Toteme scarf jacket

Why I’m selling it: Drapey scarf styles are still going strong this season, but I’m ready to bid farewell after several seasons together. She kept me warm, cozy, and chic, but I’m craving something with a bit more structure in my outerwear rotation.

Buy it on Future Reference

Jacket // Clutch // Shirt // Leggings // Loafers (similar)

Yes, you absolutely can wear leggings out and still feel polished. The secret is in the proportions — I love pairing stirrup leggings with an oversized button-up (length is everything here!) and a classic loafer. It’s chic and comfy without trying too hard. The scarf jacket adds that extra layer of sophistication that makes the whole look feel intentional rather than just thrown together.

Still Here everyday jean

Why I’m selling it: They just don’t fit me right anymore. I sized up for a slouchier fit but ended up with way too much fabric in the waist — not the relaxed fit I was going for, just baggy. The 32-inch inseam worked great cuffed with heels, but the overall fit wasn’t doing me any favors.

Buy it on Future Reference

Jeans // Mesh flats // Clutch // Similar blazer // Necklace

I love wearing blazers as tops, especially ones with a bold silhouette like this. It instantly makes casual blue jeans feel more intentional and put-together. The mesh flats add just the right amount of playfulness while a statement collar necklace brings in some glamour. This has become my go-to formula for date nights when I want to look like I tried but not like I’m trying too hard.

This post contains some affiliate links — at no extra cost to you. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase using my links.

I do want to clarify something: there’s absolutely no “right” number of items to own. It’s so personal, and only you can determine what works for your actual life. While 144 pieces it isn’t objectively huge, the moment I realized how much further I had to go felt genuinely overwhelming. I love most of what’s in my closet, but I’m increasingly craving the idea of owning less.

More to come on my wardrobe indexing revelations in upcoming letters.

You know how sometimes things just fall into place and click perfectly? That’s exactly what happened when reached out Wednesday evening. We jumped on a call Friday morning, and somehow I’m now partnering with for this closet drop series. It’s honestly kismet.

If you live for the designer secondhand hunt or consider yourself a certified pre-loved shopping pro, Future Reference needs to be on your radar. Picture having your items listed across every major platform — Poshmark, Vestiaire, eBay, Depop, Vinted, Mercari, Rowely — with a single click. They’ve automated the entire resale process, handling everything from listing and optimization to buyer management and negotiations. Brilliant, right?

Below, paid subscribers get 72-hour exclusive access to the first drop in my closet at special subscriber pricing. After that, these pieces open up to everyone and get cross-listed on other resale platforms.

The first drop includes…

• Juju Vera Petra shell tassel necklace ($333)

• Khaite Abigail stretch jeans in black, size 28 ($222)

• Khaite Julius belt, size 85 ($222)

• Khaite Remi suede shoulder bag ($555)

• Khaite Nathan satin blazer, size 4 ($555)

All sales are final. Sign up at Future Reference to purchase.

Drop #1

Juju Vera Petra Shell Tassel Necklace ($333)

Why I’m selling it: At just under 5’4”, the tassel hits at an awkward length on my shorter torso. It’s gorgeous with dresses and skirts, but feels off with my jeans and pants, which is basically my uniform year-round. Perfect for someone taller than me or have a longer torso to balance it out.

Buy it on Future Reference

Styling Ideas:

The Juju necklace works beautifully against an all-white base. For an effortless transitional look, the trench instantly elevates everything, while the leather flip-flops keep it relaxed and chill. A zebra calf hair bag adds just the right pop of texture and pattern without competing with the necklace. This necklace really shines with longer tops and mid to low-slung jeans — you don’t want the tassel to graze the waistband of your jeans.

Necklace // Trench // Knit tank // Jeans // Bag (similar) // Sunnies // Sandals

Pairing an oversized knit with a sleek midi skirt and suede sneakers is one of my favorite chic-yet-relaxed formulas for fall. The Juju necklace adds just the right amount of visual interest against that soft pink, and the black tassel echoes the skirt while creating contrast. Textural details — whether it’s fringe or crochet — make everything feel more elevated without being too precious for everyday wear.

Necklace // Sweater // Skirt // Sneakers (similar) // Bag // Sunnies

I’m all about a dress over pants ensemble this season. The longer length of the shirt dress creates the perfect proportions for that tassel to hit just right. The Juju pendant adds visual interest to what could be a simple layered look, and the black tassel picks up the trousers beautifully. This is a great example of a refined way to style a statement necklace without it competing with your outfit.

Necklace // Shirt dress // Pants (a terrific Gala pants alt) // Sandals // Bag (similar) // Sunnies

Khaite Abigail stretch jeans size 28 ($222)

Why I’m selling it: These no longer fit me properly. The stretch version of the Abigail runs true to size, and I sized up thinking I’d want the extra room — definitely should have stuck with my usual size. They’re fantastic jeans, just not the right fit for me anymore.

Buy it on Future Reference

Styling Ideas:

The Abigail jeans are doing the heavy lifting in this look, grounding the bold blue pinstripe shirt and the camel trench. The straight-leg silhouette works beautifully with the longer coat, creating a sleek line that doesn’t compete with all the pattern and color happening on top.

Jeans // Bag // Belt // Shirt // Trench // Loafers (similar) // Sunnies

Khaite Julius Belt 85cm ($222)

Why I’m selling it: This is one of those pieces I keep passing over in my closet. I realize now I should have gone with the slimmer version — the hardware feels a bit too substantial for my taste. It’s undeniably chic with jeans and adds that perfect touch of polished edge, but it’s just not getting the wear it deserves.

Buy it on Future Reference

Styling Ideas:

There’s something so effortlessly cool about mixing denim washes and proportions. The structured fit of these jeans grounds the oversized proportions on top, and the brown suede bag adds just the right amount of warmth and texture to keep the mixed-denim look from feeling too casual. Adding the Julius belt would define your waist under the oversized jacket, creating a more intentional silhouette while its hardware echoes the casual-luxe vibe of the whole look.

Jeans // Bag // Belt // Top // Denim jacket (similar) // Ballet flats // Necklace

Khaite Remi Suede Shoulder Bag ($555)

Why I’m selling it: I haven’t reached for it in forever. I bought this specifically as an evening bag — the suede is gorgeous and the shape is so chic — but when I do go out for dinner or events, I find myself reaching for other bags instead.

Buy it on Future Reference

Styling Ideas:

I love how the brown suede creates such a chic contrast against a head-to-toe black ensemble. I’d wear this look for a night out with girlfriends.

Jeans // Bag // Belt // Top // Sweater (similar) // Boots // Paracord necklace // Citrine necklace

Khaite Nathan Satin Blazer size 4 ($555)

Why I’m selling it: It feels a bit too polished for my San Francisco lifestyle. I snagged it on major sale thinking I needed an elevated blazer in my wardrobe, but honestly? It would be perfect for someone with a more formal day-to-day, maybe in New York or another city where getting dressed up is more the norm.

Buy it on Future Reference

Styling Ideas:

Pairing the blazer with relaxed jeans instantly elevates a date night look. The structured shoulders and clean lines of the blazer create such a nice contrast against the casual denim. The satin finish adds just enough sophistication to make jeans feel intentional and polished.

Blazer // Top (similar) // Jeans // Sandals (similar) // Bag (similar) // Earrings

Thrown over a bold maxi dress, the blazer’s sharp silhouette grounds all that movement and pattern, creating the perfect balance between feminine and tailored.

Blazer // Dress // Boots // Clutch // Necklace

The contrast between the blazer’s crisp satin and the dress’s organic texture creates such visual interest, while the structured shoulders add definition to what could otherwise be a shapeless silhouette.

Blazer // Dress (similar) // Sandals (similar) // Bag // Earrings

This post contains some affiliate links — at no extra cost to you. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase using my links.

I’m back! I know I’ve been MIA around here this summer. It wasn’t planned, but this is the season when I feel a natural pull to slow down.

Real talk — between the hustle of publishing content on multiple platforms and a recent health flare-up, I needed a break from constantly being on and endlessly trying to optimize my creativity to keep up with the speed of content. This letter from said everything I couldn’t articulate about how I was feeling, and I devoured it more times than I’d care to admit.

Anyway, I’m here now and that’s what matters. Thank you for sticking around. It means the world to me.

I may have been quiet here, but I’ve been busy styling clients on Indyx. Guys, it’s SO. MUCH. FUN. I absolutely love that I get to do this, and my clients are loving their lookbooks too. This recent review honestly made my whole week and captures exactly why I love this work.

Speaking of Indyx, I’m also in the trenches (sorry, I can’t help it) of digitizing my wardrobe on the platform. This week, I hit 144 items. ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR. And I’ve barely scratched the surface. So far, I’ve only added my summer stuff (not even all of it!) and just started on fall pieces.

I literally stared at my phone screen and felt this wave of... panic? Overwhelm? Pure exhaustion at the thought of owning this much stuff. Like, when did this even happen? How did I accumulate 144+++ pieces and still have those mornings standing in front of my closet feeling like I have nothing to wear?

Here’s the hard truth: I thought I was being so intentional. I thought I was truly identifying my wardrobe MVPs and buying smart. But I was still overconsuming, just with a fancier justification.

You know that philosophy “if you love something and wear it all the time, buy it in every color”? Some people advise against it, but I told myself, this works for me because I know which pieces are my real MVPs. So, I took that and ran with it. But why do I have over 10 pairs of jeans when I realistically wear maybe 3 or 4? I convinced myself each one served a different purpose, but honestly? I was just applying that “buy it in every color” logic to pieces where it doesn’t make sense.

It’s a valid exception for tanks and basic tees — the actual workhorses I wear constantly (I stand by my Flore Flore collector status!) But blazers? I don’t need six when I mostly work from home and throw on once, maybe twice a month. Context matters — and for my life right now, three good ones would do the job.

Indyx pro-tip: If you’re thinking about digitizing your closet, maybe start with just one category. It might surprise you…

I also might have gone rogue on “curating” my personality pieces over the years. Some items I genuinely loved — like the Toteme scarf jacket. I wore it constantly for many seasons and loved it, but now I’m ready to say adieu.

And the Juju shell necklace? I actually resisted the OG version because I thought it was too IT of an item, but when Moda came out with an exclusive tassel design, I justified it by telling myself it was different from the original everyone was wearing (plus I had site credit). I absolutely loved wearing it, but at just under 5’4”, the tassel makes it too long for my short-ish torso — it works with dresses or skirts, but just looks off with jeans and pants, which is what I live in year-round.

Real talk, there were also the other “it pieces” (ahem… jelly flats) I bought just because they were must-haves. Looking at some of those now, I’m asking myself: did I actually love these, or was I just caught up in the hype? How many of these purchases were emotional reactions to feeling like I was missing out rather than genuine excitement about wearing them?

Do I regret buying these pieces I genuinely loved? Not at all. But they deserve homes where they’ll actually get worn. And seeing that number made it clear: I just want less stuff.

Not in a minimalist, capsule wardrobe way (be for real, I love clothes), but in a “every single thing I own should earn its place” way. I want a really tight edit. I want to eliminate the decision fatigue and the pieces that sound good in theory but don’t work for my actual life.

It turns out there’s a massive difference between collecting clothes and curating a wardrobe, and I was fooling myself about which one I was doing. So I’m doing something I should have done ages ago: a major edit. Keeping only the pieces that work for my actual life and letting go of everything else.

LWSF Closet Drops

Which brings me to something I’m excited to share — I’m turning this big reality-check cleanout into a series of curated drops for my readers. Instead of overwhelming you with everything at once, I’ll be featuring a curation of individual pieces with detailed styling notes and full outfit suggestions for each one.

Think of it as getting a mini styling session with every piece — because these aren’t just clothes I’m parting with, they’re beautiful items that deserve to find someone who’ll wear them regularly.

The first drop launches this Sunday, 8/31 and will feature one of the pieces I mentioned earlier ;) Each drop will include my honest thoughts on why I’m letting it go, detailed sizing, and most importantly, how to style it in different ways so you can maximize its potential in your wardrobe.

How the drops work:

Paid subscribers get exclusive 72-hour early access to each drop at subscriber-only pricing (20% below prices on TheRealReal or what I’d list them on Vestiaire). After the exclusive window closes, any remaining pieces become available to all subscribers (at standard pre-loved pricing) with the same detailed styling notes included.

The drops are just the beginning. This fall, I’m excited to launch more exclusive content for paid subscribers, including deeper dives into styling frameworks, curated seasonal edits, client transformation stories, and early access to new styling services.

If you want first dibs on my closet drops, upgrade below and be the first to shop each curated release.

This whole digitizing process has become an unexpected lesson in my own shopping psychology. There’s so much more to unpack (lol) here. I’ll be sharing more insights as I continue my collector-to-curator journey.

Anyone else ever caught themselves buying with the best intentions but still ending up with too much? See ya in the comments?? I know I’m not the only one!

xx Angela

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined Indyx as a personal stylist!

This means I get to help people style their existing wardrobes virtually — think outfit creation and styling advice based on what you actually own. I’ll walk you through how it works later in this letter.

When asked if I’d be interested in offering my styling services on the platform, it was an immediate yes for me. She also shared a fun fact: Indyx was inspired by Stitch Fix, where I spent almost 9 years of my career — as an early hire on their HQ stylist team — helping scale the 5,000+ styling org by building operational support and education programs. Partnering with Indyx feels like going back to my roots… a full-circle moment if you will.

For those who haven’t heard of Indyx: it’s a free app that lets you create a digital catalog of everything you own. You can build outfits, track how much you’re actually wearing things (for the data nerds: cost-per-wear insights!), create capsules for trips or events, and connect with other users and stylists (like moi) to get fresh eyes on your wardrobe.

Like every fashion-obsessed girl, I grew up wanting Cher’s Clueless closet, and Indyx honestly feels like the closest thing I’ve experienced to that dream. My digital wardrobe is still a work-in-progress but I’m already feeling the satisfaction of seeing what’s in my closet.

If you’ve been trying to prioritize shopping your closet first or actually want to know what you already have, this tool is perfect for exactly that.

Subscribe now

What’s the point of a digital wardrobe?

To me, it’s a chance to reacquaint myself with my wardrobe — remembering what I actually have (my brain tends to be out of sight, out of mind), and a chance to plan outfits when the mood strikes. If you keep up with it, you’ll also start noticing what you’re actually wearing versus what’s just taking up space, which could help you spot wardrobe gaps and avoid buying duplicates of things you clearly never reach for.

But honestly? The most unexpected benefit is how it scratches that shopping itch. It’s really satisfying to scroll through your own pieces and admire what you already have, then putting together new combinations. It keeps me engaged with my wardrobe even when I’m not getting dressed.

It’s also helping me re-evaluate my wishlist. Having a digital wardrobe at my fingertips means I get to assess how an item would work with what I already have or if I actually need it.

Real talk on getting started

I will admit, I am a bit late to the Indyx game. Fashion Substack has some serious Indyx ambassadors around here. Truthfully, I found it very intimidating to digitize my wardrobe. I have a lot of clothes, ok? But then I saw get styled on the platform by some of the brightest fashion writers on here, and I thought, “I need to get in on that.”

And let me be real with you — uploading your entire wardrobe is not a quick weekend project. You’re basically cataloging every single item you own, either through the app or uploading pics from your camera roll. You can also use screenshots of an item’s ecomm image, which is how I got started quickly. The app removes the background automatically, so everything looks clean and professional.

Is it time-consuming? Yes. Will you probably get tired halfway through (multiple times) and take a break(s)? Also yes. But is it worth it once you see your whole closet laid out digitally? Absolutely.

How I've been using Indyx

I’m a mood-based dresser. Rarely do I plan outfits ahead of time; I just go with whatever I’m feeling that day. But after putting in a few hours creating outfit combos on Indyx, I now have an arsenal of looks for those mornings where I’m feeling uninspired or overwhelmed. Plus, it was actually really fun. Reminds me of Polyvore back in the day (iykyk).

Instead of planning every outfit in advance, I found myself logging what I wear each day, after the fact. I love the calendar feature, and I’m determined to log all my outfits this month. I’m v curious to uncover any patterns in my styling choices over time.

I’m also working on a packing list for my upcoming trip to Cape Cod. Seeing some of my pieces together and planning different ways to style them will be a game-changer. I’m a notorious over-packer... maybe this time I actually won’t overpack (will report back).

Let me style you!

Ok this is the exciting part. As of July 16, I’m now offering something called The Lookbook through Indyx. Basically, I’ll create 10 custom outfits using the clothes you already own, along with my styling tips and insights.

If you’re already an Indyx user:

• On the app: navigate to style > services and select The Lookbook. You get to choose a stylist next — tap Just Added and you’ll find me :)

• After booking me as your stylist, you’ll fill out a quick questionnaire so I can get a sense of your style and learn what you want out of your Lookbook. The more info I get from you, the better.

• Then I get to work. You’ll receive an email with the delivery date for your completed Lookbook. I’ll do my best to create outfits that feel totally you or maybe push you out of your comfort zone (if you’re down for that).

If you haven’t joined Indyx yet and want to get styled sooner rather than later:

• Join Indyx here. It’s free! Use code linkswesendfriends to receive $10 at sign-up. You can use the credit towards a styling service or their premium features.

• Start cataloging your wardrobe. Once you have a solid collection of items (at least 50 is recommended), book me as your stylist when you reserve The Lookbook on the app.

  • Pro tip: upload your closet staples, in-season pieces, and recent purchases first. Make sure there’s a good amount of items in each category (tops, bottoms, shoes, etc). Throw in a few items you haven’t worn in a long time and want to start wearing again. This gives you a strong starting point, and gets you ready for styling services without having to catalog your entire wardrobe upfront. It’s the exact strategy I used for getting started quickly.

When you work with me as your stylist, you get to choose your own adventure — we can focus exclusively with what you already have, or, if you want, I can suggest a few pieces that might be worth adding. When I do make suggestions, they’ll always be from brands and emerging labels that I actually wear and genuinely believe in, plus amazing resale finds I come across.

The truth is, most of us already own way more good pieces than we realize. Sometimes you just need fresh eyes to show you how to put it together. And when that happens, discovering new outfit combinations hiding in your own closet feels pretty amazing.

I want to help you fall back in love with what’s already in your wardrobe, and when it makes sense, suggest noteworthy pieces that work beautifully with what you already own. If this sounds like something you’d be into, I’d love to work with you!

Join Indyx for free (code: linkswesendfriends for $10 at sign-up) and book me as a stylist.

What are your plans this summer? I’m counting down the days until our annual Cape Cod trip with my partner and family. This will be my sixth summer on the Cape, which still feels surreal since I didn’t have any summer traditions growing up. There’s something really special about returning to the same place every year.

If you’ve never experienced a summer in New England, there’s nothing quite like it, and I’m already dreaming about those idyllic moments — ice cream trucks at the beach, watching sea lions at the pier while waiting for lobster rolls, morning walks to the lighthouse, barefoot backyard clambakes, sunset drinks on the lawn. I can’t wait to do it all again. Cue The Summer I Turned Pretty montage to August. An absolute dream.

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I basically pack the same staples every year without fail. My Cape vibe is relaxed and uncontrived. You won’t catch me serving lewks in a Lilly Pulitzer dress with a matching headband à la Sirens. It’s all easy linens and crisp poplin, mostly neutrals with the occasional pop of color. This year, I’m leaning into modern bohemian touches through texture and accessories.

Summer Wardrobe MVPs

Oversized shirts: Not just a summer MVP — I wear button-ups year-round, so I’ve amassed quite a collection. I tend to pack a few in linen and poplin, which I wear as a cover-up or with matching bottoms to dinner. My summer go-tos: the Deep End linen shirt from AYR (in a size up) and Soldout NYC’s Everything shirt (in my true size).

I’ve been wearing the Presley from The Anteros non-stop, and I’m planning to wear it with these gingham shorts and a cool neck stack for cocktails at CBI.

I came across this note, so I have to do a quick PSA: Poplin is a weave, not a fabric! Same goes for twill, oxford, denim, satin, velvet — it’s all about how the threads are woven together. Like how a satin pant could be made from silk, polyester, or even cotton (sateen) — satin just tells you how it’s woven, not what fiber it’s made from.

Pull-on pants: I am very much a pants person in the summer, but I can’t be bothered with buttons or zippers, ok? An elastic waist (preferably thin) is the way to go. I live in the Donni simple pants, specifically the linen and silk versions. My current wardrobe gap is a white poplin pant as an alternative to linen. I’m eyeing the Leset Kyoto pants and the Clyque the Label Kira pants. Not a need, but a want: these sheer organza pants from Aflalo.

I’d wear something like below for schmying around town with a nitro cold brew in hand.

Essential tees and tanks: my ride-or-die’s below…

• Flore Flore Esme tank: An obsession at first try, and at this point I want every color. IMHO, nothing compares to Flore Flore’s organic cotton and quality construction. You get what you pay for. I size up because I don’t love tees or tanks to be constricting. I also love the boatneck Timmi tank, and another standout I recently discovered is the Monica tee, which is described as a relaxed fitted tee. I take my true size in the Monica.

• COS clean cut t-shirt: This over Leset, always.

• Runner up: *Marine Layer Lexi rib crew: The fit is similar to the Flore Flore Car tee. Substantial cotton fabric, slim but not baby, and oh, so soft. 10/10.

Non-denim shorts or skirts: The pull-on and go type that somehow work with everything. I’m talking linen bermudas, poplin skirts, eyelet shorts, etc.. If you want something beyond basic linen, try gingham in seersucker or a fun but chic print like these Pepa Pombo knit shorts that have a board short vibe.

For a post-dinner ice cream run, I’d wear something easy and chic like below.

Cotton knits: Summer knits are essential for AC coverage or those sunset beach moments when it starts to cool down. This organic cotton tank from Modern Citizen is so chic and sharply-priced. I love a mid-weight cotton like this Frank & Eileen pullover. The brand generously gifted it to me last year, and I’ve been wearing it year-round in SF. I’m also obsessed with a vintage J.Crew roll neck sweater. eBay is your best bet for finding that perfectly lived-in summer knit. And you can’t go wrong with a cardi either. I got this cotton crewneck from Jenni Kayne last summer, and I’ll continue wearing it for many seasons to come.

Matching sets: An oversized shirt with matching shorts to be specific. I love a coordinating set over a swimsuit for the easiest beach to town transition. Last summer in Provincetown, I went straight from the beach to our favorite spot in town for pizza and an espresso shake — no outfit change needed. It’s become a post-beach P-town tradition.

My shirt is from SoldOut NYC, but I missed out on the matching bottoms so I opted for linen shorts that are similar enough in shade. Nobody’s paying attention that closely so it’s ok if your sets aren’t perfect! I’m also a fan of the striped sets from Yaitte.

Comfy swimwear: Hunza G has been my go-to for the last few years, but these other brands are also top-notch: Left on Friday, Eres, Lido. I’m loving the idea of this La Veste caftan over a suit for a day at the beach.

Easy dresses: An easy poplin dress (in neutral or primary colors) and a breezy printed dress will handle 90% of your summer occasions. I prefer a relaxed shift silhouette with barely there straps just like my favorite Toteme maxi. I’m keeping tabs on this broderie slip from Matteau, hoping it goes back in stock.

Fun jewelry, bags and accessories: Summer is when I really lean into playful accessories. Think big earrings, colorful wrist stacks, statement pendants, playful ankle stacks. Same goes for bags — this is peak silly little bag season. Raffia, fringe, printed. — the more playful, the better. Don’t overthink it.

Playful shell jewelry and nostalgic cord details seem like the defining jewelry trends of summer ‘25. Plus, scarves worn as bandanas and pareos are having a major moment.

Speaking of prints, I’m also loving anything scarf printed right now. This silk shift from Doen is so easy — the kind of thing you throw on for dinner at the tiki bar in town.

Sandals with interest: Beyond your basic flip-flops, I love having a pair of sandals with personality. Beaded or paracord styles have become the detail of choice in the last two seasons, and this Tibi sandal is basically what you’d get if the Miu Miu rope sandal and the Khaite loop beaded sandal had a baby.

Summer Beauty Essentials

The actual products I’m saving room for in my suitcase…

I was already a fan of Vintner’s Daughter cream cleanser (a double-cleanse in one step!), and recently I got to try their *active essence and botanical oil serum. Safe to say, I’m hooked and understand the longstanding hype, even a decade after they launched the most-awarded face oil ever. They now have *minis of their essence and face oil, both of which will definitely be taking up room in my toiletry bag.

The *ZIIP Halo facial toning device really works when used consistently. Three times a week is when I noticed an actual difference in my face. I’ve been wearing less makeup lately because of my ZIIP + Vintner’s Daughter regimen. Another product that actually delivers with consistent use is the *Sweed eyelash growth serum.

YSE Beauty sent me their *SPF primer and *brightening eye cream, both of which I instantly loved. I apply them under the Fara Homidi essential face compact, which blends like a dream.

For body sunscreen and oil, I trust the French. This one smells divine and glides on like butter.

I’m also packing travel minis of: Sofie Pavitt cleanser, mandelic serum, and moisturizer, Crown Affair air dry texturizing mousse, ROZ hair essentials. I wish the *Corpus body wash also came in travel size, but I’ll decant it myself because it smells too good to leave behind.

I have a few discount codes for some of the products I mentioned — ZIIP Beauty (LWSF10), ROZ Hair (LWSF15).

Check out some of these fashion Substacks that share my love for poplin, summer pants, and matching sets from and :

Another Fashion Newsletter

Pop Off, Poplin!

Do you guys ever think about fabrics as personalities? Or am I the only crazy one…

Read more

10 months ago · 100 likes · 48 comments · Sogole Kane

Fashion Soup

Pants People Unite!

Hi! As you may have heard, summer is here. And she’s hot.After a long, cold spring, I’m ready…except my closet isn’t…

Read more

10 months ago · 120 likes · 62 comments · Lindsay Sword

Fashion Soup

The Secret To Summer Style Is…

Hi! Did I hook ya? Do you want the answer…

Read more

10 months ago · 128 likes · 60 comments · Lindsay Sword

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The whole thing made me think about why we’re drawn to certain pieces in the first place. What was going on in our lives when we decided we needed that particular thing? And what changed that made us ready to let it go?

There’s something beautiful about this cycle. Clothes move through different chapters of our lives and then find their way to someone else’s story. It made me realize that secondhand shopping isn’t just about finding good deals or being more sustainable (though those are great benefits). It’s about participating in this ongoing conversation between strangers through the things we choose to keep and let go. Every piece has lived a life before it gets to you, and hopefully it’ll have more lives after.

And since many of you loved the Tips We Send Friends letter on secondhand shopping back in April, I figured it was time for part two. I tapped another group of expert treasure hunters on Substack to spill their secrets...

Meet the treasure hunters:

• of Night Shade

• of Saved for Future Reference

• of Thanks It’s From

• of Semi-Sustainable

• of Really Good Vintage

This letter might be too long for email — if it gets cut off, just hop over to the Substack app to read the whole thing.

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How did your preloved shopping obsession begin?

Melanie: It honestly started out of necessity. I've always loved beautiful, well-made designer pieces, just not the price tags that come with them. I remember being 14 years old and looking up Marc Jacobs on eBay, when I was making 5 euros an hour ironing my neighbors' clothes. Preloved shopping felt like this secret loophole: I could find the brands I loved for way less, and the thrill of the hunt made it even more fun. Over time it became a habit. And now that it's also a more sustainable way to shop, it just makes sense.

Claire: We wrote about this on Future Reference’s Substack, but when I was a teen, my mom took me to an epic estate sale in Dallas (it was, in fact, very Dallas the TV show), and I found a pair of silver Prada heeled sandals that I have now worn to dozens of events over 20 years. I’ve been on eBay (and every other platform that’s popped up) since.

Nora: I actually think I started with home decor and an old camera. My roommate at the time (and close friend) was finding pieces for our apartment on eBay, and it really inspired me. Once I started spending more time on eBay, that's when I realized I didn't need to just limit myself to home goods. I also have another close friend with an incredible vintage shop in New York City (@heartandlous) and every time I walk in, I'm inspired by her eye.

Tina: It started 11 years ago when I came across a magazine article about this website called The RealReal, selling pre-owned designer fashion at accessible prices. I’m very much an aspirational shopper, and remember immediately throwing down my magazine and running to my laptop to take a look. This was my first purchase in March 2014 — I cringe at the Rag & Bone sweatshirt dress, but I’d wear the Elizabeth and James dress in a heartbeat if I still had it today.

Maggie: I started thrifting when I was in high school but was mainly shopping for the shock value items: the ugliest sweaters, gaudiest 80’s dresses. But when I was 19, I was hired at a vintage store and that blew the doors wide open. There was no un-swallowing that red pill. The best part? We got a big discount every month if we hit a sales goal so my closet very quickly became only vintage, ever. I still daydream about that job (and still have many pieces from them!).

What’s the best secondhand shopping advice you wish someone had told you when you started?

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I devoured ’s summer vibe report, and realized I’ve been channeling a mash-up of Row-hemian and Romantic Nomad. Think the Row’s minimalist sophistication meets Chemena Kamali’s dreamy Chloe aesthetic — that sweet spot where understated meets modern bohemian romance.

My formula is simple: clean, minimal silhouettes elevated by personality-packed accessories that do all the heavy lifting. And I’m relying on texture for turning simple pieces into something dynamic.

This look I wore in the South of France captures exactly what I’m after. Summer should be about ease, but easy doesn’t have to mean boring. The right accessories and a little textural interest can transform a basic outfit into something that feels more intentional.

Good thing summer’s most popular textures offer something for everyone — delicate lace, playful crochet, sweet eyelet, intricate embroidery, flirty fringe, and earthy raffia. The key isn’t wearing them all at once, but choosing one or two that speak to you and work with real life.

Below the jump, we’ll tackle these textures and how to wear them — from summer vacay to everyday life.

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Crochet, eyelet, and lace have that gorgeous openwork quality and give you that breezy summer coverage through different techniques. Here’s a quick refresher:

Crochet uses a single hook to create interlocking loops — think of it as building with yarn, one stitch at a time. Each loop connects to the next, creating that distinctive structured-yet-flexible feel.

Eyelet (broderie anglaise) is actually a type of lace! It starts with solid fabric, then cuts out tiny holes and stitches around them to prevent fraying. Those pretty scalloped edges are a dead giveaway.

Traditional lace (like needlepoint or bobbin lace) is made by stitching with a needle or weaving threads around pins from the start. The goal is creating intricate patterns where fabric and open space dance together.

Crochet

If you want to try crochet but don’t want to channel full-on Coachella, opt for versatile separates — you’ll get more wear out of the pieces past your OOO.

I’m swooning over this cover-up from Eleven Six, an ethically produced knitwear label that offers handcrafted pieces made by Peruvian artisans. It’s perfect over a swimsuit or you could throw it over a simple tank, silky pants, and flip-flops for breakfast at the resort.

I’d wear this matching set (also from Eleven Six) to dinner somewhere tropical. There’s something about monochromatic black in the summer that just screams whispers effortless and chic. And wearing personality earrings on vacay should be mandatory. These drop earrings from Chan Luu are exactly my type.

This Calle del Mar set is technically a pointelle knit (a great alt for crochet btw), but I love how it’s styled with a white tank as a base layer. I’d wear this to the farmer’s market then brunch, but with strappy sandals instead of sneakers.

For work, opt for fine, structured pieces — like delicate cardigans over tees or fitted crochet tops layered under blazers. The trick is choosing tighter weaves and pairing them with tailored pieces so you get the texture without looking too casual. This Posse vest and polo knit from Madewell checks the boxes and will work for the weekend too.

Eyelet

Eyelet feels inherently sweet and feminine but could also feel effortless on the right silhouette. Case in point: this Matteau mini dress. The easy shift style and breezy eyelet is a match-made in heaven.

If you prefer more coverage on your bottom half, this maxi from Posse, can take you from afternoon siesta then straight to the beach. I also love the idea of an eyelet tunic as cover-up. This Aligne dress is perfect over a swimsuit. I’d also wear it with silk pants and barely-there sandals for dinner.

I lived in this Doen eyelet shift last summer — I wore it as a dress, a coverup, and a nap dress — and can’t wait to rewear her soon. It’s back this season (guaranteed to sell out like those lace shorts) and it comes in black too. There’s a top version as well if you’re just venturing into eyelet territory. I also love this eyelet tank from Frame paired with ecru jeans for a tonal look.

Lace

Speaking of Doen, you know those viral lace-trimmed silk shorts? I tried it on at the store and it just felt meh. I actually prefer something a bit more structured and substantial, like the Rohe one below. Sadly, she is also sold out, and beyond my budget for an ultra trendy piece.

But! I do love the matching lace cami. Short shorts don’t really make sense for my life in SF, so I generally get more wear out of a novelty top. This is one of my favorite outfits in Provence that I want to rewear sans cardigan.

Sometimes I dream of becoming a full-on maximalist so I can justify all the fun pieces from Dries. Their take on the lace silky short make my maximalist persona want to come out and play. I’d wear it like a track short with a sporty jacket and textural accessories.

I couldn’t resist this Rohe lace cami (major sale score on NAP) because it reminded me of old Céline. I’d rewear this exact outfit and swap the sneakers for leather flip-flops. And speaking of old Céline, this dress is Philo-coded.

Embroidery + Jacquard

Embroidery is like adding jewelry to your outfit — it’s decorative stitching that gets sewn onto finished fabric. Like those textured florals on a top or the beading on an evening dress.

Jacquard is woven right into the fabric itself during production, creating those raised patterns you can actually feel. Brocade and damask are classic examples.

If there’s one brand that does boho minimalism impeccably, my pick would be By Malene Birger. I love a good printed pant on vacay, and this beauty in jacquard knit checks all my boxes. It also comes with a matching top, if you’re feeling more adventurous.

For a subtler take on the textured pant, you can’t go wrong with the High Sport pants. Sorry, the dupes cannot replicate their top-notch jacquard. I always see pre-loved High Sport’s on The Real Real at a much tolerable price point.

If you don’t love embroidery on clothes, why not try an embroidered silly little bag (SLB per The Love List) for a whimsical touch on your summer staples.

Fringe

Fringe started as a practical way to finish fabric edges and became a defining trend of the roaring twenties. Those swaying strands add movement and playfulness to everything they touch.

I love just a touch of fringe at the hem or as a statement brooch. You can recreate the look below with the black tank you already have in your closet. I’d wear this outfit on a real SF summer day in September.

Posse pre-fall on Moda is so fun. Butter yellow AND a scalloped fringe hem?? I’m sold!

And to wrap this all up, may I present to you… my maximalist dream summer outfit. I dream of owning these floral jacquard lace-trimmed pants from Dries someday.

OK, that’s it! If you enjoyed this letter, give it some <3 by tapping the heart, leaving a comment, or sending to a friend. Ciao!

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Catch up with me @linkswesendfriends