Piggy backing on my last post, I’ve realized that maybe there is more at play. I stand by what I said, but to be fair, maybe my lack of fashion enthusiasm may also be related to the big lifestyle change I’ve had recently. Last year, I moved from NY to a coastal beach town in Portugal and my idea of nightlife these days is a dinner that goes past midnight. Maybe anything beyond practical and comfortable clothing just seems a bit irrelevant?
While I love living a more ‘simple’ lifestyle, I think I associated it with dressing basic if I’m totally honest. Do I only wear flip flops and linen pants now? Leaving NYC left me in a bit of an unexpected identity crisis, which trickled down to my wardrobe. Rather than condemning myself to a fashion-less life, I’m determined to figure out what I feel good wearing that also fits my lifestyle.
I typically shop vintage, but have yet to find a great source where I live. So, here’s a few (and by a few I mean a lot) of non-vintage things I found that I like and also make sense for every day dressing:
Shoes: Right now I’m wearing mostly my Bode house slippers, a pair of Prada sport loafers I found second hand and classic Havianas when we get a beach day. As someone who spends most of the summer at the beach Havianas are my MVP. I got these Jil Sander slipper shoes last year that I’ve barely worn, but I suspect that they will have their moment soon. I know they seem the same as the Bode shoes, but they serve different purposes in my wardrobe. On occasion I slip on some classic mary jane flats (mine $15 from a random shop in Rome) or a low heeled boot (of which I have many) if I’m in a city. To add to my already too big collection of shoes, I just purchased a pair of Tods driving shoes, which I found secondhand. I don’t know why, but I’ve always loved them. In the ‘haven’t purchased but like’ category are these G.H. Bass boat shoes, fisherman sandals, A.Emery Kinto sandals (my sister has these reef ones that actually don’t look so different in black). Heel wise I love the white Martiniano party heel (also in a flat version) and I the MNZ lido wedge. I probably don’t need these as I already have the Olympia wedge, which I thought I would wear more than I do, and to be honest I don’t find the quality to be amazing. And a few that I don’t need, but would be happy to wear here, here, here, here, here, and here.
Summer Sweaters: An absolute must in Portugal and also for me as someone who is always cold. I found a few I like here, here, here, here, here, and here. The sleeves on the last one are probably more annoying than anything, but I bet there’s a lot of similar versions out there. Also, not a sweater, but a cashmere wrap is always a good idea to have around.
Sunglasses: Despite having many sunglasses, I’ve been mostly wearing these same Saint Laurent ones for many years. If I’m not wearing them I’m probably wearing a cheap pair I found at a gas station while traveling. I also have a pair from Thistles which I really like. Unfortunately someone borrowed them and stretched them out so they haven’t gotten much wear, but I’m hoping I can get them fixed. Anyway, I’d like to add a new pair to the mix this summer. Leaning towards an aviator style, but still tbd. Here’s a few that I like here, here, here, and here.
Bandanas & Head Scarfs: Last year I chopped my long hair into a pixie and I’ve recently decided I’m ready to grow it back out. I’m officially in awkward hair length territory and have a feeling that bandanas will be my new best friend. Last summer I lived in them at the beach so I already have a few on hand. I love to buy them as a souvenir when traveling, but if I were looking now I’d check local vintage stores, etsy, or something like this.
Tops: I haven’t really looked at tops much (this whole post was impromptu), but honestly I mostly wear basic tees, tanks and button ups. I really love throwing a vintage jacket over a plain top. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post my go-to’s are Flore Flore (I’m eyeing this deep v-neck tank), Skims, Brandy Melville, and Skall Studio (or vintage) button ups. One recent purchase I did recently make was these Cou Cou baby tees that
wrote about. I also really like these thin layerable tops from MNZ and the shape of this St. Agni tank top.
Bottoms: Without explanation, I like these, these (also in white), these, these, these, these and these (check the RealReal for second hand), these, these (for working out & also as an outfit) and these for lounge.
I haven’t even touched skirts, dresses, swim, etc. but I’ll save that for another time. There’s so much I want to share - from my second hand finds, how to shop vintage on your own, styling specific pieces, brand highlights…if there’s anything specific you want to know leave it in the comments.
We all want to know who the eff stretched out your shoes