034: We Did a Very Trendy Thing
One item, styled three ways—sorry not sorry
Don’t shake your heads or wag your fingers! We know it’s trendy, but guess what, it’s hecking cute. In fact, we had a very valuable and deep lil’ chit chat about why this subject is valuable and relevant. Especially as we make our way into fall and try to stop ourselves from ‘adding to cart’ every time an email arrives with new fall arrivals (you know who you are).
Like a BOGO, But Cuter
CM: My name is Courtney and I am guilty of buying a new outfit for every occasion. I’m also guilty of keeping my closet within its confines (that’s a euphemism for not thinking outside the box). What could you possibly mean, you ask? Well, I’ll get a top—a really cute top of course—and I’ll get completely hung up on the two and only two ways I’ve successfully paired said top and then I’ll never wear it differently and I’ll only think that it matches with the specific skirt or jeans or shoes, you get it. AND SO, welcome to a newsletter completely sponsored by my own need to branch out.
CM: The people on the internet I admire the most are usually women collecting vintage items and creating masterpieces with the same item over and over again—something I’m only successful with when I am allowed one carry-on item. One item does not a style define! The value of this exercise is that you can transfer a skirt that feels like it belongs in a western movie into your sporty spice era or date night look. It’s a lot like Allison Bornstein’s wrong shoe theory—pair the damn thing with the style or item that screams ‘opposites’ and that will help identify your style. You own these juxtaposing items! On you, they will make sense.
AB: For this week's subject matter I chose a denim halter dress to style three drastically different ways. When I thought about this newsletter I wanted to style a dress because I love them so much, and often reach for them in my closet. They are incredibly versatile but not always to the naked eye. Sometimes they feel like a one trick pony, a one and done of sorts. But they are so much more! I want to express how they can be dressed up, down and all around making it more of a seriously talented pony(??). When there is only one piece to style there is more room for accessories, layering, and bold shoes. More room to play. So let's play!
AB: I specifically chose this dress because it is denim, the epitome of versatile, but it gets two points because it's a dress. It gets another point for the neckline that is a tie halter making it adjustable to where it hits my collar bone. This matters for the necklace I plan to pair it with. Lastly it gets a point for the stitched darts under the bust, at the waist, and of course the oh-so-trendy dropped waistline. I want to also point out that this dress has stood the test of time because this is a goodwill thrift from high school!!!
AB: Now watch this dress go from everyday, to every weekend, to every night. Heck maybe I’ll never take it off and see just how many looks I can do!
Look 1, very formal, very mindful. Paired with a thrifted blazer, vintage turquoise necklace, and gray Zara closed toed kitten heels.
Look 2, everyday go getter. Paired with a Big Sky, MT baseball cap, gifted black bomber jacket, ankle socks, black Air Max Nikes, and a thrifted slouchy black leather hobo purse.
Look 3, taking you to funky town. I tied the halter to one side and attached in the back to make it an asymmetrical neckline. Paired with thrifted knee high boots, green lens sunnies, and a thrifted paper boy hat with said purse.
CM: Disclaimer: I did attempt to try on a skirt three ways, it was cute but not cute enough. I’m in the middle of moving and at this very moment my shoes, accessories and general joy were all at a second location. Without the fluff, the outfits simply weren’t good enough to share!!! Especially when AB up there knocked this take-home project out of the park.
Honorable Mentions
CM: Honorably mentioning my red mesh flats which I have literally worn nonstop since receiving. Styled four ways (but tbh with 3/4 featuring the same pair of jeans, so maybe they’re both styled three ways???).
Deep Cuts
CM: AB and I have been discussing our girl Talia Hubble’s collab with Few Moda—a brand that is a members-only club.
Pros:
They use the same manufacturers as major brands like Tibi and Anna Tsui
Pricing is AMAZING for these manufacturers & there is no ‘middle man’ so to speak.
Cons:
Why tf are we required to pay an extra $13 a month to access said manufacturers.
If it *actually* doesn’t cost the price Tibi is saying it costs, then why do we buy it?
Are they paying ethical wages? Is sustainability considered (there are two very short blogs on their website that aren’t so convincing)
ALL TO SAY, that I saw this dress in the collab and I want it. Might even need it in spite of all those cons up there.
AB: My few men out there you know I will NEVER leave you out. Aime Leon Dore just dropped the best fall collection of varsity jackets, knits, and leathers that are TIMELESS investments. Peak styling inspo if anything.
CM: Something called the country cousin is riding into town this fall. It looks like this. Best part? My mom has had this legendary L.L Bean chore jacket for most of my life and it has recently been rebranded as the ‘barn jacket’ and is now FLYING off shelves. Do I buy this green one??????
AB: 1 vintage doyle styled 3 ways. I will now be adding a vintage DOYLE to my wishlist.
CM: Remember the floral section of our summer prints newsletter??!?!?! HERE ARE THE CAPRIS IN ACTION!!!!!!
AB: Can’t stop, wont stop, thinking about the way influencer and brand designer Anouk Yve has paired nothing but baggy fluid items together for one very ethereal, perfectly proportioned ensemble (slide #3 on her IG post). I am thoroughly inspired and plan to try such flow in my fall season dressing and maybe all my dressing from here on out. Who wouldn't want to look and feel that at ease!
CM: Once Alohas drops a Frye Campus Boot copycat in that camel/yellow leather situation, I will be purchasing. Oops.
Before You Go
CM: Dare you try one item three ways! Might just change yo’ life. Also, fall is quickly approaching and IMSOEXCITED.
AB: We are very talented and many trick ponies over here. Ask us anything and we will bend backwards to achieve! What do you have trouble styling?
PSL Season is here!!!! Ciao for now. xx