Confessions of a Shopgirl

9 brands I consistently recommend to clients as a stylist and personal shopper

Paris and Bordeaux recap to come! In the meantime, enjoy this photo taken by my incredibly talented friend Ofelia

Ed Note: Part two is live — the trendy brands I’d skip and what to buy instead.

I came across this note about a month ago, reposted it without a second thought, and then watched my DMs fill up with a consensus so resoundingly clear I had to say something.

I was truly alarmed at how many people shared the same sentiment about a viral cotton t-shirt that has, for years, been widely recommended by influencers, editors, and newsletter writers. I myself bought these tees a few years ago, and surprise—they didn’t last very long. I own probably two or three Margos plus the pointelle ones, all of which I now wear to sleep.

And yes, I know it’s a cotton t-shirt and it’s not supposed to last forever. But for a white tee that costs $80, I expect it to stay in great shape for well over a year of consistent wash and wear. While earlier versions of the Margo had better quality, the sheer volume of complaints in my DMs suggests something has significantly deteriorated.

So the lesson here is that we all need to stop buying pricey stuff that isn’t worth our hard-earned money. And because I am of service to you, my readers, I’m spilling the stuff that’s real good.

This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means. Just a few tried-and-true, unsponsored brands I consistently recommend for wardrobe staples that are worth your money. None of them are heavily promoted by influencers or newsletter writers. Several are exclusively DTC. A few aren’t even on ShopMy. None of the brands the cool girls are wearing, ok?

If you’ve been reading my letters for a while, you might already know some of these. Either way, consider this your cheat sheet.

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FLORE FLORE

FLORE FLORE has made its rounds in fashion Substack and for good reason. Trying on this tank immediately converted me into collector status. My favorite for summer is this one, which I got last season and can’t wait to rewear again.

They use a mid-weight organic cotton that’s substantial, soft, and has a slight stretch. My favorite design detail is the slightly raised neckline, which reads more refined than your standard tee. These are the kind of t-shirts and tanks you can wear on their own without feeling sloppy. But they have an intentional slim fit, so if fitted tees in heftier cotton isn’t your thing, this might not be the brand for you.

Client go-to’s: Car tee, Hillie tank, Timmi tank, Esme tank, Max tee

I wash and dry mine like normal and they’ve held up great for well over a year with zero shrinkage. If you’re curvier up top, have a long torso, or just prefer a more forgiving fit, the Monica tee is their relaxed style and worth trying first.

Labo.Art

Labo.Art is a real IYKYK label. Based in Milan, their pieces are hard to find because they’re only carried in some of the best specialty stores in the world. You won’t find them on most affiliate platforms, and that’s one of the reasons why I love them.

Think The Row basics at a much more palatable price point. They’ve mastered oversized silhouettes that feel refined and wearable for everyday. My clients stay loyal because the quality of their fabrics and construction stay consistent season after season.

Ed Note: This is the prequel to my latest letter on the trendy brands I’d skip. If you’re upgrading for one, you get both. Read part two here.

Confessions of a Shopgirl, part 2