Month: March 2021

Audrey

Outfits inspired by Audrey Hepburn.

I just watched Audrey (2020) on Netflix. The documentary includes commentary from Audrey Hepburn’s family and former neighbors, people who knew her well. I found the reconstruction of her life story to be real and not in the least bit sensationalized.

Audrey embodied many admirable qualities besides her acting ability and elegant style on and off screen. She knew how to live well and did so until the very end of her life. The actress loved spending time on the peaceful grounds of her house in Switzerland. The quiet life suited her, and she was most content surrounded by her loved ones.

The resilient Audrey experienced her fair share of heartbreak. She survived starvation during WWII. At a young age, she had to cope with her father walking out on the family. Weathering two divorces didn’t stop her from finding love in her partner Robert Wolders.

Audrey’s life experiences made her more determined to show love and kindness to others. Through her role as a UNICEF ambassador, she persuaded many people around the world to aid children in need. Her spirit lives on in her films, philanthropic legacy, and the outfits she wears in photographs. What a life well lived!

Works Sighted

button-up // skirt // belt // sandals

Breton top // J.Crew Martie pants // ballet flats

sweater tank // gingham pants // ballet flats

polo // chinos // Superga sneakers

silk scarf

top // pants // socks // weejuns

dress // pumps

sunglasses // pearl studs

Shopping Small

Ball stud 14K gold earrings by Teeny Tiny New York. Warby Parker glasses.

Etsy has been my favorite platform for discovering independent artisans for many years, but lately I’ve been browsing the site more than usual. Supporting small businesses has become even more of a priority for me since the start of quarantine. I recently purchased a pair of 14K gold stud earrings from Teeny Tiny NY; they’re officially my everyday studs.

What makes shopping small so special? When you support a small business, you’re making it possible for the owner to earn a living. But, the benefits of shopping small extend beyond a pat on the back for a philanthropic job well done. When you buy a product from a small business, it will most likely be unique. It may even be handmade by the owner. If the business chooses to source their products instead of making them, the selection will still be curated in a unique way. There are so many independent sellers out there to discover, so keep your eyes open, and don’t be afraid to expand your horizons. You’re bound to discover something exceptional.

Works Sighted

Teeny Tiny NY 14K gold stud earrings // J.Crew slim perfect shirt in Baird McNutt Irish linen (previous season) // Warby Parker Durand

Quitting the City

Items suitable for a life in the country: grill, beach chair, cooler, games, beach towel, magazine, outdoor plates and cups.

They say that visualizing your goals will help you to reach them. Well, right now I’m visualizing myself in the country full-time. Do you see yourself in the city, the country, or both?

Works Sighted

platter // skewers // plate // cocktail napkins // cup (dusty blue) // cup (soft blue) // picnic basket

croquet set // magazine // pitcher // towel

portable grill // chair // tongs // Yeti cooler // Scrabble/Monopoly

The Sleepwear Category

Sleepwear: pajama set, slip, chemise, nightgown, night dress, and sleep dress.

If you’ve ever debated whether or not you should spend money on sleepwear, I have your answer. Bumming around in an old tee shirt with holes is not acceptable. Why should you look presentable when getting into bed? Reason #1: you may have to evacuate the premises if the fire alarm or carbon monoxide detector goes off. I find that dressing nicely makes trying situations bearable.

Looking my best during the nighttime hours also encourages me to turn the page on the day in preparation for the next. The day hasn’t officially ended until I’ve changed into sleepwear. (Likewise, it is impossible to seize the day when you look like you haven’t gotten out of bed.) Proper nightclothes encourages me to keep up with my evening beauty routine, light a scented candle in the bathroom before showering, and count my blessings before bed. Well worth the money, I’d say. If you do light a candle, beeswax or soy base is best. Paraffin wax has no place in the zen zone.

Works Sighted

J.Crew short sleeve set (navy) // The White Company nightgown // The White Company nightdress // Haven Well Within sleep dress

J.Crew nightshirt // Victoria’s Secret cotton slip // Victoria’s Secret modal slip

J.Crew short sleeve set (hydrangea) // Eberjey ruffle set // Eberjey chemise

Everyday Stud Earrings

Stud earrings by ILA, Catbird, Adina Reyter, Jennie kwon, GLDN, Crislu, and Lightbox.

I had my ears pierced about a year and a half ago (thanks Infinite), which means that if I don’t keep my earrings in, the holes may close up. Up until recently, I’ve been wearing my starter earrings, the ones I bought from the piercing shop. But lately, I’ve been searching for other studs that would be appropriate for everyday wear. (As I write this, I’m wearing my J.Crew pearl studs.) Here’s what I’ve found thus far.

Works Sighted

ILA princess studs // Catbird diamond studs

Adina Reyter single stack baguette posts // Catbird x The Met bow studs

Jennie Kwon mini baguette studs // GLDN staple studs // Jennie Kwon baguette studs

Catbird petite diamond studs // Crislu cubic zirconia studs, 4mm

Lightbox 1/2 carat diamond stud // ILA baguette studs

Layering with a Linen Shirt

White linen J.Crew shirt over a J.Crew dress.

The temperature in PHL reached 63°F this past Tuesday, which presented the perfect opportunity to dine outdoors. I wore my navy, one-shoulder dress (pictured here) for the occasion. Adding a layer over a long dress can be tricky. But, since the season hasn’t yet progressed to shoulder-bearing weather, going outside without an extra layer of some sort was out of the question. A jacket wouldn’t have sufficed, but a white linen shirt, tied at the waist, worked wonders. I often wear linen shirts over my tank dresses but not so often over dresses with a bit more character. The temperature dropped to 59°F by the time our pizza arrived. I should have also brought my pashmina or a throw, but I won’t forget one the next time.

Works Sighted

J.Crew slim perfect shirt in Baird McNutt Irish linen (previous season) // J.Crew dress (old)