Style

The Search for the Perfect Trench

As I pulled my trench coat from the closet (the first time since winter), I was reminded of a conversation I had with a friend about finding the perfect one. As is generally the case with clothing these days, the search for a trench coat requires work. This means ordering viable options online and returning what doesn’t suit. It is important to remember to mail your returns back to the retailer(s) from whence they came. The process is even more convenient if the brand(s) accept returns at a nearby brick-and-mortar store. I find it especially efficient to make all my returns in one day. You may find your perfect trench on the first attempt, but if you don’t, you will eventually. What matters most is that you do not compromise on size, fit, or color. If you have time, expand your search to thrift stores and flea markets, especially when in Europe. When you visit Paris, I recommend thrifting with Mariana. Bon courage ! These things can take time.

Works Sighted

Banana Republic Factory classic twill trench (sanded khaki) // J.Crew new icon trench (vintage khaki) // A.P.C. greta trench coat (beige) // Hobbs trench (navy)

J.Crew Factory trench (light khaki) // Lauren Ralph Lauren cotton blend trench (sand) // Barbour trench (light fawn) // Mango classic trench (medium brown)

Mango classic trench (dark navy) // H&M short trench (light beige) // London Fog (British khaki) // Everlane modern trench (beech)

Roman Holiday (1953): Princess Off Duty

Princess Ann (played by Audrey Hepburn) travels to Rome on a goodwill tour in Roman Holiday (1953). Her life is governed by tradition, responsibility, and an itinerary full of engagements related to her duty as a royal. Ann’s schedule doesn’t allow for activities that aren’t related to the official tour. But, for 24 hours, the princess makes time for the things she’s always wanted to do. She doesn’t ask for permission. With American journalist Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) by her side, she experiences the Eternal City and a love that is equally enduring.

Works Sighted

1. chandelier 2. nap dress 3. slippers 4. tiara 5. dress 6. heels

7. gelato 8. shirt 9. skirt and belt 10. sandals 11. Italian lire

12. fairy lights 13. pajamas 14. epaulettes 15. camera

16. scarf 17. comb 18. postcards 19. tray 20. Vespa

21. Champagne 22. phone 23. guitar

The Classic Editrix on Etsy

I spent Labor Day weekend launching The Classic Editrix Etsy shop. It features minimalist T-shirts and totes inspired by France, Italy, England, the US, and academia. True to my style philosophy, I designed everything in a neutral color palette. I’ve worn the “en français s’il vous plaît” T to the pool, to class, and to work; it’s highly versatile and a vision, especially when styled with a knot and rolled-up sleeves.

Works Sighted

“en français s’il vous plaît” T-shirt // Sunbody Hats fedora // Summersalt sidestroke

Muji Basics

I made my first purchase from the Japanese brand Muji in 2014: a card holder, pen case, and mesh pouch. In 2016, I got all three items stolen at a holiday party. The event was at the bar of a restaurant near my job. My group of colleagues and I were separated from other restaurant-goers by a rope…easily crossable.

I sat the tote containing my belongings under the bar and didn’t pay much attention to it throughout the evening. The card holder and pen case were inside the mesh pouch along with my ID and credit cards and pass for public transportation.

Nothing suspicious was charged to my credit card. Maybe the thief valued free bus and subway rides above all else. I replaced my pen collection and mesh pouch but never bought a new card holder or pen case. Was the thief enjoying them?

On my last field trip to the Muji store in Chelsea, I made a mental list of all my needs. Then, in classic editrix style, I expressed them in a collage—card holder and pen case included.

Works Sighted

socks // fan // jute bag // sweatshirt

soup // atomizer // top // sketchbook // bag hanger

top // black pen // blue-black pen  // blue pen // card holder // pen case // open-flat notebook

The Standard Baggu

Baggu launched in 2007 with one product: a reusable nylon bag. The standard Baggu is spacious, holds up to 50lbs, and folds into a 5″ × 5″ matching pouch. I bought my first one in the middle of my long-gone color era. It was neon pink, and I loved it so much that I carried it daily as my primary bag.

The brand has since expanded with other styles, but the original is the most unique and practical. I bought one in blue-and-white sailor stripe last month from a boutique in Cape May to haul bottles of spring water across the sand. Post-shore, I carry the Baggu in its pouch at the bottom of my Boat and Tote for unplanned visits to the grocery store. (They’ve banned plastic bags in Philadelphia, and I refuse to pay for a paper ones.)

On a recent excursion to see Blackpink at MetLife Stadium, I carried the Baggu inside my compulsory PVC concert bag. Before and after the show, I reversed the arrangement with the PVC bag inside the nylon one, a few bottles of chilled water added for good measure.

Work Sighted

Standard Baggu (sailor stripe)

Sunbody Hats

I bought my first Sunbody Hat in 2016. I don’t know how I tolerated summer before then. Maybe I didn’t. We had fans (not air conditioning) growing up, and I used to stick my head in the freezer periodically. “Don’t do that,” my mother would say.  Even as a child, I didn’t like being hot.

Sunbody Hats are made in Mexico and Guatemala from neutral-colored palm leaves. The brand itself is based in Texas—they even have a showroom—and its culture vibes with cowboys, guitarists, and historical reenactors. Their classic styles transcend Texas culture. I’ve never been to the Lone Star State and am far from being Southern, but I own three Sunbody Hats—the swinger, the Sam Houston planter, and the teardrop fedora. I bought them all online from Village Hat Shop.

The swinger has a 5” downturned brim. When I wear it with sunglasses, an A-line dress, and espadrilles, I feel like an Old Hollywood star. I like to wear the hat tilted slightly forward, which obscures my face and adds a bit of mystery. The 4” crown is a bit shallow, which means the swinger is most likely to fly on a windy day. I sewed a black grosgrain ribbon on both sides and tie the ends together under my chin to prevent it from flying too far. The hat band is black and made of cloth.

The Sam Houston planter also has a black cloth band and 5” brim. But, unlike the swinger, the brim is turned upwards, which makes more of my face visible. I tend to wear this one with the brim parallel to the ground. It’s ideal in situations, like dolphin watching in Cape May, where I want shade and an unobstructed view. This style has a 5 3/4” crown, which measures 4 1/4″ when creased down.

The teardrop fedora is my most-worn style. I wear it on my daily commute. When it gets too crowded on public transport, I hold the hat by the brim instead of wearing it. It’s easier to maneuver a hat with a 3” brim in these situations than it is to manage a hat with a 5” brim. The fedora came with a brown leather band, which I removed. I bought a beautiful, black grosgrain band from Montecristo Panama Hats on Etsy but have yet to attach it. I’ve been wearing the black band from the Sam Houston planter on the fedora in the meantime. The teardrop fedora can be purchased on the Sunbody Hats website with either a black leather band, a brown leather band, or a black cloth band. I wear this style at various angles. Sometimes I tilt it forward. Sometimes I tilt it back. Sometimes I wear it parallel with the ground. It has a 4 1/2” crown.

Not only are Sunbody Hats practical as a natural form of sunscreen, but they are effective conversation starters. I receive an almost-overwhelming amount of compliments whenever I wear them. They’re beautiful and, up North where the brand doesn’t seem to have a presence, a rare sight. 

Works Sighted

Sunbody Hats teardrop fedora

Further Reading

The Charming Sun Hat (TCE)