What I wore all week: don't dull your shine (remember, nobody puts baby in a corner)
clothes that sparkle, shine, glimmer, jingle all the way, whatever you need
(BTW Here is the outfit planning video from the week I’m writing about. And I’ll share the next themes at the end of this post.)
inspired last week’s M-F outfit planning theme: sparkle and shine (here’s her post!). And you know, we needed it. Some of us have been kind of … morose. When these moods afflict me, I tend to drown in them for a few days and then snap the f*ck out of it. Look, someone is always trying to screw you over somehow; there’s always a bully. And ultimately there’s no better FU to a bully than LIVING. Doing you. Trying even more. Giving even more. Feeling joy even more. Shining even more, damn it. Sometimes the clothes can lead the way.I had a few things I really wanted to explore, like
Could I simply introduce a sparkly piece into my standard uniform?
Could sparkly mix with sporty?
Could I deploy sparkly in tonal looks?
Could sparkly still be sophisticated?
Speed takeaways:
Sometimes the key to integrating sparkle is MORE… more pieces with interest (in the same way Tibi Style proscribes a TON of color can actually settle the eye)
Use
‘s advice to treat “the thing” like what it is — treat a sparkly tee like a teeAnd also — ascertain its color and try tonal looks (i.e. marry silver with gray pieces, gold with khaki)
Sparkly and your standard sporty t-shirt etc can be too jarring and may take a tweak or two.
If you wake up and need “more” — consider whether you need a lot more, or a little more. Have things on hand that can do either.
Always pat a dog. It is good for endorphins.
MONDAY
What: Dries van Noten tinsel top (couple years ago, I think, but how about this metallic knit or sparkly tee?). Tabio socks. Tibi power mesh skirt (try GA10 for 10% off) also here + Seth sneakers. Old Fendi Peekaboo (here is a beautiful one on sale. But I happen to prefer the men’s X-Lite version, which I JUST tried in store. Because it is ACTUALLY so light. Mine is quite heavy. Found a secondhand of the X-Lite! I also love a vertical bag; just holds a laptop so well without everything roaming around.) Secondhand Fendi strap attached. (You know who’s doing good chains rn that are not anywhere near expensive? Marc Jacobs. Like this one. I gave these as holiday gifts last year!)
Why: In the morning I rushed out for a walk, worked and raced back just in time for a meeting (all unshowered and kinda makeshift — that’s the way it goes sometimes). So showered later than expected and I remembered from outfit try on that this was very comfy. (I was going back out to work and on one more walk.) The top is long and the skirt is see through, so that felt like a good functional pairing. And the skirt is power mesh, so I liked the idea of bringing in some more sporty details. I also liked keeping it tonal. There was already a lot happening. It looked like rain; this bag has a raincoat you can put over.
Outcome: I felt amazing in this. Lofted Settledness.
TUESDAY
What: Margiela khaki shorts (40% off! And the most sizes here). Tibi Gabe shirt. Chanel shoes (found you a new comp; they look great - have seen IRL). The Balenciaga Rodeo medium — again. Oh look, my color is finally online. Secondhand rhinestone buckle necklace (here’s one on eBay (use code VMPSAVE20 for 20% off), here’s a kind of bow-tie alt that’s gorj. Art deco, $13.50 (!) and secondhand Ferragamo locket necklace. (hmmm, this?). My Pamela Zamore Isla Shield ring.
Why: Several Zooms (this gave great zooms) and lots of quiet work. But also an EOD pedicure — didn’t want a skirt. I bought this necklace in a cute vintage/thrifty shop and hadn’t worn it. So “sparkle and shine” was a good way to force myself to take the plunge. It’s really “traditional” in shape, right? Like it’s a belt! So I liked the idea of taking some heritage outfit elements to it. I had wanted to use a weird red shoe, but I found my beloved pair all scuffed up (this initiated a huge panic shop that I’ll talk all about at the end of the month). But I actually really liked using the traditional mary jane, especially with my Rodeo, which didn’t “match” at all. I am finding this shoe REALLY useful. Like I didn’t use it for a bit and now I’m suddenly trying and enjoying it with a lot of things, like it broke through somehow.
Outcome: Adding the vintage Ferragamo locket and my Pam Zamore shield ring helps normalize the big buckle necklace versus saving it for a special outfit. Lofted Settledness. This felt like heaven to me.
WEDNESDAY
What: Secondhand Miu Miu collar (Simone Rocha alt. Obsessed with the button detail on this. Same concept, <$30! and another inexpensive one I love. Dorsey Bennington turquoise and lab diamond necklace. Prada pleated skirt from maybe 5 years ago (this is the exact one if you’re a 38. A gorgeous one here. Similar, navy, 44. Ivory is stunning. Secondhand Balenciaga men’s tee. Saint Laurent loafers. (So comfy — now thinking about the brown fold back ones….) Chocolate Amber sweater from LONOCO, my friend Sheila’s brand. (Use the code 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲𝗦𝗽𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗴 for 40% off new items, this sweater is there - I checked, and also the leather sleeveless blazer you liked). And whatever socks these are, they’re quitters; you don’t want them.
Why: Started with the question of — could I just add a little sparkle to my uniform? And like last week, it felt too random without a tweak or two. What I settled on — monochrome neutrals that blended with the collar necklace. I added the little shot of turquoise when I woke up and wanted the comfort of the look but also wanted a hit of acid. You know the feeling? Am finding this necklace useful in this way.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness.
Wednesday night
Then we had a GNO!
What: Navy satin dress by my friend Valeria, which I just picked up from her atelier! (This is the dress — but we personalized the design, making it navy, longer, and wider.) Secondhand Tibi shoes (here in size 41). Old Celine bag via TRR. John Elliot striped shirt (it’s on sale now!). My grandmother’s pearls. Prada socks. *my designer socks tip, if you’re considering, try kids’! Way cheaper. *
Why: Getting the girls together (including Valeria, she is not just an artist; she’s our friend) for wine and shenanigans starting in Valeria’s amazing atelier. I was meeting a new friend, Andrea, of Partou Soleil, who I’d never met IRL! I wanted to be comfy but festive and layering this piece totally worked. I just love the easy bucket shape and because it was made for me, my perfect length. I put it with the heel (one of the few heels I still own) because we were going out and the brown felt interesting with it. And added a sock because it’s cute but even more important, it makes these shoes really comfortable. I walked home in them no problem — about 3500 steps.
Outcome: Lofted, settled, heaven. And a new friend.
THURSDAY
What: Secondhand Tibi nylon Stellas. John Elliot tee which is a little see though in a good way. Very very old closet hero Bottega jacket. Secondhand Prada appliqued vest. Tibi sandals (here’s the newer version on sale). The little Prada bag I talked about in handbag heroes (20% off now!).
Why: I wanted to finally take this Prada piece out, and it was date night. (I also put a white vest over this and wore it for zoom meetings.) I liked the idea of layering so that the long bits would hang down, making this a soft, interest-adding layer versus the main event.
Outcome: I thought it was interesting. The shapes. Maybe there is something unresolved. But ultimately I feel that this Prada piece is too small. I am going to sell it, and this is why.
FRIDAY
*sorry — forgot to get a photo. But no need to click to see the outfit. Although if you do, you’ll see Louise the kitty in the right corner.
What: Old Tibi pleated skirt (current version). (Are Tibi’s pleated skirts any different from anyone else’s? 1000%. Yep. This is what they DO.) Prada sequin cardigan (it’s 59% off here and selling for more used! WTF.) John Elliot tee. Saint Laurent loafers. Tibi socks. Balenciaga Rodeo (surprise!).
Why: I thought of this top immediately when I first got inspired to do a week in sparkle and shine. What I love is how it’s basically a normal, neutral cardigan in every way except — sparkly. I’ve had this piece since before we moved to Miami. Of course you think about it for holiday, but why save it? I don’t use it enough. What came to mind was this approach — if this were say a gray cardigan, how would I wear it. That is an
lesson — treat it as what it essentially is.Outcome: Lofted Settledness. I LOVED this outfit. I am really focused on comfort and function ATM, and I liked the elastic waist, the soft shoe. The cardigan did what a cardigan does — kept me warm in AC — while obviating any need for jewelry.
SATURDAY
What: 2 presents from my friend Sheila, from her LONOCO brand, the Rene sleeveless leather blazer and the Amber chocolate wool sweater I’m wearing lots. (Remember she is having 40% off new pieces rn — use code Stylesplurg) … Trusty Miu Miu low riding skirt (I want to find an inexpensive option, but I worry that you’ll end up with dupe dissatisfaction; I’ve worn this one a million times and I don’t want to rec something I don’t know. ) I had a Tibi gray tee under, which I share only bc it was important that the tee look good too — I feel like when you layer, you have to figure at some point with blasting heat, hot flash, Miami, you will get hot. It’s good to have something that stands up under there. Prada argyle tights. I am not linking them because they I am not impressed with the quality or fit AT ALL. These look good and the price is right to try. M.Gemi Una shoes (they are very comfy and useful when you want a slim profile). Belt handed down from dad (here’s a comp, but if you are lucky enough to have a dad still, ask him!) Secondhand Issey Mikake Bao Bag bag from TRR. These are old Miu Miu sunglasses that I’ve repurposed as prescription.
Why: I was first inspired by Adrijana on IG, above. And last year I bought these tights. I’ve been waiting for a tights day in Miami ever since. So when I woke up to a 58 degree forecast, and we were taking our nephew who was in from Boston to a nice lunch and a walk — it was on. Like Donkey Kong. I picked this low rise skirt to work with because I thought it would be cool to pull the tights up so you saw more of them up top. Broken record: a bag that could hold a laptop. Because I went to write beforehand. Also, a phrase I’ve seen in
‘s outfit explanations lately — when something “catches” something. The bag pattern caught the argyle. And the red in the glasses caught that shoe.Outcome: I loved this, and it functioned perfectly. Except for the tights.
SUNDAY
What: My The Only Jane “Georgia” jeans, which I’m obsessed with (a rare sale is on!) made by ultimate denim guru
…. Secondhand Wood Wood “Post Europe” tee from TRR (here’s a good one and here and love this hoodie so much.) Secondhand men’s Dior blazer from Tokio 7 (look for single breasted, not toooo slim, and returnable, from a brand you trust — like this). Blu Scarpa La Runner sneakers. Dorsey Bennington turquoise and lab diamond necklace. The Balenciaga Rodeo medium. (Glasses are by my Miami optometrist.) Old Dries backless navy sweater (it’s this one + I love it!!! — use ‘s discount: IRENEKIM10). Secondhand Prada belt from Veblen (same spirit!).Why: We have been committed to having fun on weekends. New kinds of fun. Ok it’s only been 2 weekends, but still. Anyway, we decided at the last minute to got to Coconut Grove for brunch at Los Felix. All one color is always a good way for me to get out the door feeling good.
Outcome: Lofted Settledness. Pet every dog you can. IT IS JOY.
The week ahead, inspired by my friend Jenny, Rothko! Here is the outfit planning session for this one.
And — the week after: Get in a cocoon. What is your version of a cocoon? Soft fabrics? Things that wrap? Sweaters that create a billowy shape? Is a cocoon something that simply makes you feel protected? We will explore.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, sharing and being here with me.
XOXO,
Rachel
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.
Such a rich pice, full of ideas, including thoughtful inexpensive substitutions.So responsive to your wonderful readers. A truly Miami week--with clothes (yay, tights ok with shorter skirt), as much glitter as you want, and shenanigans every day. Thank you for such a delightful piece.
Love these looks! And my Boabao bag in green rubber (a walk on the wild side for me!) from TTR (pristine with tags!) being delivered tomorrow.
Oh and found similar bag chains on Amazon for $8.00🙃