espadrilles Archives - The Classic Editrix by Megan Cuadrado

Develop Your Personal Style with These 3 Habits

1 Comment / Lessons, Style / By Megan / August 13, 2020 July 19, 2021

J.Crew dress and Castañer Carina espadrilles

Window Shopping

Window shopping is one of my favorite pastimes and an essential first step in surveying the world of retail. Window shopping online is an effective tool for browsing a large quantity of products efficiently. If you decide to visit a store in person, utilizing the company’s website to establish your interests in specific items in advance will add purpose to your visit. Whether you decide to browse online or in store, both means of window shopping will help you determine your clothing preferences. Don’t be afraid to look at items outside of your budget. You won’t be able to find a reasonably-priced version of the $3,000 Chanel skirt you discovered if you’re not aware that the Chanel skirt exists in the first place.

Keep track of your favorite outfits and items in a way that works for you; I use Pinterest. A visual reminder of your tastes will guide you through racks of endless merchandise. The term ‘window shopping’ implies that the customer is browsing without the intention of buying. Don’t allow overly-eager sales associates to upend your time of self-discovery. You’re allowed to say, “I’m just looking.”

Many brands roll out new pieces every month. In order to determine which items are worth trying on in the fitting room or ordering online, evaluate how each item on your list of favorites would complement your lifestyle. It doesn’t make sense to try on something that you can’t see yourself wearing on a regular basis (unless you’re doing it purely for fun or for a wedding).

Trying on Clothes

A visit to the fitting room enables you to try on multiple sizes and styles before making a purchase. If something doesn’t work for you, it is best to find out before you pay for it. Don’t overlook the importance of selecting the correct size if you opt for online ordering instead. It is a good idea to order multiple sizes at once if you are unsure about fit. It’s not wise to keep an incorrect size or an unflattering item because you don’t want to be bothered with returning it. Returns really aren’t that arduous if you are familiar with the process and policies of the retailer you’re dealing with. Companies will oftentimes offer free shipping with a spending minimum and flat-rate returns. This means that if you spend above the minimum, you won’t pay for shipping, and all of your returns can go back in one box at a flat rate (usually between $5.00 and $7.50). Once you’ve tried on enough clothes, you’ll eventually curate a mental list of your favorite retailers and learn what sizes fit you best within each brand.

Remaining True to Yourself

You’ll know that you’ve grown into your own style when you spot an item of clothing and think, Aah, I have to have this. Your wardrobe should be a labor of self-love, and you should feel good in your clothes. Never settle for something that doesn’t suit you. If it is worth the money and effort to have a piece of clothing modified or tailored for you, by all means, do it. However, if you don’t have any intention of taking an ill-fitting piece of clothing to the tailor, don’t buy it. Quality over quantity, my friend.

Works Sighted

J.Crew dress (sold out); Castañer Carina 60mm wedge espadrille

Espadrilles and Rattan Clutches

Leave a Comment / Bags, Shoes, Style / By Megan / July 13, 2020 August 19, 2020

J.Crew rattan clutches, Castañer Carina espadrilles, and Brooks Brothers gingham skirt.

Espadrilles are my favorite spring/summer shoe. The sturdy jute wedge, textured canvas, and luxurious grosgrain ties had me at hello. During the summer of 2016, I wore a pair every day of the work week, and I remember how desponded I was when the time came to tuck them away in the closet at the end of the season. Back when we could enjoy social occasions like brunch, date nights at the movies, or vacations in general, my espadrilles were frequently cast as stars in my outfits. I’m not sure how I made it this far without an appropriate summer clutch to pair with them. This season, I made it my mission to find two clutches, either in rattan or straw, that would compliment my espadrille collection: one that would pair well with my dark espadrilles and one that would suit the lighter pairs. I decided on one style of clutch in two different colors. They are proving themselves very versatile, and the optional chain renders them exceptionally functional.

Works Sighted

J.Crew rattan clutch with chain strap; Castañer Carina 60mm Wedge Espadrille; Brooks Brothers skirt (old)

Wearing My Silk Scarf as a Mask

Leave a Comment / Accessories, Style / By Megan / July 6, 2020 August 19, 2020

Boden dress, J.Crew silk scarf, Kayu tote, Castañer Carina espadrilles, and Kate Spade sunglasses.

Although I only cover my face on weekly visits to Trader Joe’s, I find the experience of not being able to breathe highly uncomfortable. Wearing an attractive silk scarf was the only solution I could come up with to make these outings a little bearable. At present, I own three silk scarves (all acquired due to the current state of things), but the first one I bought has especially seen its fair share of wear. When it’s not covering the lower half of my face, I’m wearing it around my neck, tied around my wrist like a bracelet, or as a belt at the waist of a navy dress.

For the sake of cleanliness, I refrain from looping it around the handle of my purse, but this would be another option in better times. I’ve also entertained the idea of tying it around my ankle, but I haven’t put that thought to the test (again for the sake of cleanliness). I won’t wear a scarf for longer than a day without washing it, especially now that the summer heat and humidity have arrived. Laundering is simple and only requires the following: a bucket of cool water, Woolite, and a drying rack.

Works Sighted

J.Crew square silk scarf in lemon print (sold out); Boden Helena chino dress; Kayu mini Behati tassel straw tote; Castañer Carina 60mm wedge espadrille; Kate Spade sunglasses (old)