What I wore all week: +1-ing myself back to life
You’ve heard of “shocking yourself back to life.” This isn’t that. I can’t take more shock. But this past week, I was ready to build (a little) on my shaky reindeer legs.
I wanted to get dressed again. I wanted to feel joy again. I’d gotten started the week before giving at least a little thought to things, and I wanted to baby step back toward myself.
had written about this idea of changing element in a tried and true outfit to give it new spark. That became this past week’s theme. Just trying to push things further with one little twist.If you are outfit planning with me this week, here’s the planning session on IG; theme is also at the bottom of this newsletter.
Your speed takeaways from the week past:
tonal may be stronger than just “all neutral” when it comes to putting you at ease in a casual look.
I really like a slouchy blazer as a tool — it can act like a jacket or a cardigan.
And a sweatshirt can act like a sweater or a long sleeve tee would. Especially one with smaller proportions.
Try a fancy “work shirt” out with sweats on weekend — it ups the ante and you won’t mess it up in the course of say, a night at the movies.
Keep your eyes open for brighter knits, making cold weather less monotonous!
MONDAY
What: Few years old purple Prada turtleneck. And a great looking new sale (but not cheap) option. Tibi ultrasuede Scotties (XS here and here …medium … and XL similar, small). Tiger socks. M.Gemi leopard flats; this is the comfier one I’d rec. Yellow hooded tee old Raf Simons (can’t find, but I own and love this Bottega one). Gray Stella McCartney jacket.
Why: I love having something like the purple so that cold weather isn’t ALL gray and khaki etc. The purple sweater and tan pant would be a natural pairing for me with the leopard. Adding in the yellow hooded tee (and the sock and shacket, actually) gave it a lot more dimension.
Outcome: I felt good in this. Comfortable but also, more. Alive.
TUESDAY
What: Re/Done jeans with my gray Alo leggings under. Gucci mules (40 + 38.5 … (black leather version.) APC “we do our part” graphic sweatshirt. Nomia slouchy blazer with cutouts.
Why: Relaxed day of writing and hanging out. I tried bringing a sweatshirt into an outfit I’d usually wear with a knit. Keeping it pretty tonal helped it still feel pulled together. And the shoe gave it a pop.
Outcome: Wasn’t 100% sure about the jean cuff or which shoe or that gray legging, but I worked with what I had and felt good.
WEDNESDAY
What: Toteme silk cashmere crewneck as a scarf — found it on sale here … I now know why I love this item; it’s like a silk version of a gray sweatshirt. Very luxe yet casual, and truly 4 season. Riand28 Stevie shirt. Tibi red socks. Old Lululemon sweatpants. The So Kelly (here here here). Brown Tibi square toe brogues; the brown suede is AMAZING — I want those now.
Why: X mas day hitting 2 movies, so wanted to layer and be comfy.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness. I adored this. I loved the contrast of the pretty shirt with the sweatpants, and I loved the black sweats/brown brogues combo. The silk crewneck has already been a workhorse. It feels so soft but gives warmth and dimension. Brought it to Miami. I’m feeling like I want a new sock color, but I’m not sure what can do “it” like red. Hmm.
THURSDAY
What: Old (maybe 10 years ago) Rick Owens tunic (similar - small, small, medium, large, large) and midi knit skirt (small). Helmut Lang sheer turtleneck under (this is another that I have and love or you could go with Dries; size M here! I own and love this one in a small and this is a great medium — any of these would be a great tool). Past season white Monolith Prada boots, (size 9. 38.5. And 38) comfy enough for my many thousands of steps.
Why: I sat around in PJs all day and then we went out to dinner with my parents and some friends in from Paris. It was cold, and the ground was snowy. The tunic has a 3/4 sleeve, so the transparent turtleneck peeks out and adds interest.
Outcome: I loved this! It didn’t photograph well. But it came together the way I’d hoped, actually. The proportions felt right, and I liked the idea of using white as a focal point. BUT the turtleneck was irritating my neck/chin. The ones I picked out above wouldn’t be. I also loved the knit skirt, which is shapely, packable, and not too tight. It moves and doesn’t make me feel like a stuffed sausage. But it’s different for me. Fleshly. This is the same idea and a great sale.
FRIDAY
What: Tibi brogues (an example of something I have 3 pairs of and use THEM ALL — and want these too — the brown suede is AMAZING). The Max Mara coat I wear on every flight and use as a blanket. Vintage Babe Ruth tee (how about Bruce Lee. Billie Jean King! - just bought it .. Shohei Ohtani!) Secondhand Isabel Marant Etoile bright blue sweater with slits from Castanet (here’s one on Poshmark and pristine on eBay; can make an offer - color same just bad lighting). John Elliot gray flannel (but look black) mens drawstring pants (these are mine; they’re XL; I am in a medium … these are a secondhand medium). Hermes So Kelly bag. I traveled with the bag this time and we totally bonded. Works as crossbody, as a shoulder bag too. The size is great for laptop, book, magazine. And it is easy access but also closes so things don’t fall out in security. Obsessed. Blue So Kelly. This color is gorg - use code NEW for 15% off. Dorsey Bennington necklace.
Why: Wanted to be comfy + layered for travel.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness. I was so happy in this.
SATURDAY
What: Secondhand Men’s Gucci shirt with epaulettes (from Veblen). Eby seamless bralette. (These are a miracle!) Secondhand The Row skirt from Castanet. The Row sandals — on sale in some sizes! Lonoco Santana freshwater pearl necklace from my friend Sheila. Dorsey Turquoise necklace. Old Vanessa Bruno PVC tote. (Here’s a great looking comp) Saint Laurent Amelia glasses (I had made prescription)
Why: Going out to work and have breakfast in the Design District. A little window shopping. Thought it might rain, hence the PVC bag. I had just written my fleshrolutions. I wanted to take some of that inspo for a spin.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness.
And then I got home and stayed in this all day and felt AH MAY ZING. If you subscribe on IG you saw I just got a couple of these items. The cardigan is my hero cardigan but in another color, which may be ill advised;
wrote about this recently and I have too. But I literally wear the tan original constantly, both home and out. More coming when I round up my month in purchases. The pants are Tibi Winslow sweatpants (I’m in a Medium/Short and I’m almost 5’6). Colorful Standard tee (BTW, CS makes tees in a lot of these ring 3 colors; this is the Oversized Organic T-Shirt - Steel Blue, size L, which looks sold out, but I love this color, which does the same thing). Miu Miu ballet flats. Lonoco Santana freshwater pearl necklace . Your reminder to ABMO — I tried this with a white tee first and it wasn’t at all as good, even at home! Just not as “ahhhhhh” - know what I mean? I am so obsessed with these pants.SUNDAY
What: Secondhand Tibi skirt from TRR (here in XS). Dad’s hand me down brown croc belt (this is just the thing; go long enough to tuck the end in). Tibi clear booties (pretty TTS, but if you usually size up to accomodate width, go down because they are plenty wide and you don’t want a huge gap in front. And YES, I recommend them - have had no fogging/sweating problems.) Tabio tube socks (similar). La Ligne Molly tee (interested in the fitted tees lately!) Sold out Tibi Feather Weight Cashmere Cutout Sleeve Pullover (try Tibi.fans on IG or Facebook). Secondhand Margiela PVC jacket from Veblen.****
Why: Went out for a rainy walk to get breakfast and work in the morning. This was comfy, interesting, and kept me dry without being sloppy.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness.
OUTFIT PLANNING
Next week: Bruce Willis, the Demi Era. Made you a little moodboard below. Let’s summon our swagger.
And then for the week after: Fleshly Dressing. Let’s work with these ideas and inspo boards.
Thanks so much for being here. Let’s have some fun.
XOXO,
Rachel
****Visiting/local subscribers, any interest in a Miami secondhand shopping meetup? Thinking of pulling this together as a perk for paid folks, which includes my “Standing Coffees” (if that’s you, and you need a plane ticket, we will use miles and get one for you). If interested, please drop a note in our chat.
Note: (1) I am using affiliate links, and I do not use them lightly. I generally make some amount if you shop mine, but I do not look for a link until after I select an item so as to remain unbiased. Thank you for using these links to shop. Every little bit helps! And (2) I am in limited, special, and really particular ways working with a select group of partners. In both cases I had relationships with/had bought their things BEFORE we worked together. Including Pam Zamore and Dorsey and Riand 28.
I vote YES to Miami meet-up! BTW - forgot to get back to you about Miinto website-Purchase and return when smooth. I order sunglasses that were 1/2 retail price, they were great just decided on something different at a local optical shop with excellent selection and customer service.
I’m new and feeling inspired! I just realized how boring and mostly black my wardrobe is. As a fair skinned blonde, I am trying to lighten things up. Do you recommend “getting one’s colours done”? Or?