a style post by my sister Joanie. I usually try to post in between Joanie’s style updates, but she had this done and I thought it had such gems, it couldn’t be delayed.

We’re entering post-covid life and if your world feels anything like mine here in LA, the energy and excitement is electric. This summer and fall are going to have more weddings, outings, beach trips and vacations than we’ve seen in a while and I’m ready for it. Most of us have probably spent the last year not getting dressed up and not buying many clothes but that’s about to change. My brother is getting married this summer which means a great excuse to buy a fun dress and I’m also looking forward to wearing lots of color and patterns. Below is a collection of some fun things I’m into and are fit for everything from a wedding to sitting poolside. Also, as a follow-up to the last Everlane post, the bike shorts and the barrel pants are both stand out items that I’ve been wearing often. The bike shorts feel like the lululemon align shorts, which I also love, but at a better price.

My friend Julie was wearing this dress a couple of weeks ago and it looks even better in person than it does online. A total steal at $25. It is meant to be oversized, almost mumu like so know that going in. I bought my normal size, small, and it has a great oversized fit PLUS pockets! I also like the vibrant purple of this dress.

I know everyone is hesitant to buy from an online shop you haven’t purchased from before but there is a reason I always like the outnet, it’s such a great digital shopping experience. I love the elegance of this velvet trimmed dress and it can be worn all year long. It has a really beautiful pleating detail, a timeless dress.

Ganni is known for their flattering wrap dresses and I love the sweet green print on this one. These dresses are very wearable, meaning they are comfortable and simple to throw on and you can wear them on a Wednesday with sneakers or a fancy sandal for a wedding/party. I also love the same print but in this version with buttons down the front, there is something very chic about buttons.

Hard to resist the combo of blue and white stripes in the summertime. This dress is a classic that you can wear a hundred different ways. Those long vertical stripes will also make you look very tall!

Am I the only one who has noticed how many cute things Gap has right now? This skirt is a combo of two trends that are in full force: tiered and gingham. It is currently on major sale and would be an example of something you can pair with one of the simple tanks below. Also, while we are at it – this linen shirt dress is ace.

I’m planning to wear lots of separates this summer and I’m always on the hunt for simple tanks that I can tuck into skirts and pants. Investing $50 in a simple top might seem crazy but they will become one of your most worn items and a great fitting basic is worth a little investment. I like this one because it would be easy to wear a bra with it, this is jersey so it’s going to feel fitted which will give you a nice clean line, and this ribbed option that comes in a pretty neutral shade.

Captivated by this red dress! Great color, good price, 100% cotton and has the nice detailing of the laced up back.

Lemlem did a colorful (and affordable) collaboration with H&M. This slip dress is under $20 and can be worn as a swim cover up or dressed up.

My cousin introduced me to the brand Farm Rio and now I’m hooked. I love their bright colors. This is the happiest mini dress.

Thank you Joanie! Another thing I love that Joanie does–she also (ironically?) writes a finance column on instagram for designlovefest.

a style guest post, from my sister Joanie.

I have never done an entire post dedicated to one brand but Everlane is a favorite of mine, and judging by these columns, a big favorite of yours as well. They recently launched swim which sent me down a rabbit hole of looking at all their new releases and there are a lot of good pieces right now. i ordered a bunch of things to try and i’m excited about many things but especially two new pants. Do you have a favorite Everlane item that you swear by? Do tell.

a/ For starters, this black square neck one piece. i love swim in classic colors like white, black, red and navy. A square line is always very chic and i appreciate the full coverage underarm. i don’t like pulling and adjusting my suit for side boob and full coverage will solve that problem.

b/ This is a great classic top option. Again, they nailed it with the under arm coverage. I can’t tell you how many suits have too much center coverage and not enough on the sides. I also like that this is a tie-back which will let you adjust as needed. Excited for this one to arrive. I got the black.

c/ Better act fast on this one, limited sizes left because of the deep discounted price! This reminds me of the denim jacket I have and love from Sezane. A wear with everything all year round kinda coat.

d/ I was shocked to see that these boots went to the sale rack because I own them and absolutely love them but then I remembered that the sizing is off and that’s definitely why they got discounted. Sizing aside they are an excellent boot and I highly recommend them. I ordered a half size up. I’m wearing them in the photo below along with the super straight jean.

e/ I’m very excited about these pants and ordered them in the bone and cashew color. I ordered a size 2 and 4 to try. I don’t want them to be tight. I’m hoping for fitted in the waist, loose in the leg and tapered at the ankle. I’m always looking for a pant alternatives that aren’t denim and these are perfect.

f/ Also very excited about these barrel pants. To me, a green pant is as versatile as any pair of jeans you own. I am looking forward to trying them in the green and black. I love a lightweight black pant for summer. These are cotton/linen which makes them perfect. Black with a pair of tan sandals, is timeless.

g/ From the men’s section, I’m into this deep brown half zip sweater. I like the structure of a half zip, the collar really stays in place and this one is a great weight. I like it oversized and half tucked into pants or paired with denim shorts. Many of the sweaters I own are from the men’s section.

h/ Half zip mentioned above would be very cute with these bike shorts. Bike shorts are the summer version of leggings. They are a bit on the nose as far as trend but they are so comfortable and surprisingly flattering.

i/ The detailing on this white henley is very similar to the one sold by Doen. Both are strongly inspired by 1970’s long underwear, and I love them both! A white long sleeve shirt is great for warmer months when you want something to wear after a day at the beach that isn’t heavy and feels fresh.

All links are affiliate. Thank you Joanie!

I received a request to do a post on things that look good on camera which I thought was an excellent question. It’s a subject that I know first hand as I was once on a TV show and wore absolutely everything that shouldn’t be worn and had to learn the hard way by watching myself on screen while shaking my head in horror.

[This is a new post by my sister Joanie, who writes a regular style column for me. All links are affiliate. I love her thoughts on this question -Rachael]

This isn’t just a post for people who will be on TV. We live in a digital age and there are a variety of ways that you may encounter some camera time, be it still images or video. These tips even apply to things like family portraits, etc. Have you ever worn something you thought was amazing only to see photos afterwards and want to burn them? Only me? 

So first a couple of rules.

#1: it is very tempting when presented with a fun opportunity to film something or take some photos to rush out and buy new clothes. I would highly caution against this, there is something that happens with new items where were are blinded by the newness of it and we can’t yet see it clearly. Which means, because it’s new you might think, “Wow, I look amazing.” and then decide in two weeks that in fact, you hate it. It’s best to go with something you’ve owned for at least a month and worn several times, minimum. 

#2, this is not the time to pull out your trendiest outfit that you’d wear to interview at a fashion magazine. This is the time to wear something that feels like you. Looking comfortable is better than looking hip. Along that same line, no wacky/wild prints, stripes, etc. And nothing too flow-y, if you wear a flow-y top, balance it with something fitted on the bottom and vice versa. 

#3, if you invest in anything, make it tailoring. Instead of buying a heap of new clothes, get somethings altered to perfection. Get the waist of a dress pulled in by an 1”, hem the pant to hit at the right spot of you ankle, shorten the sleeve of a blouse, etc. Also, shy away from anything too tight or too loose. If you’re feeling uncomfortable with your body, don’t give into the feeling that hiding in a large oversized dress will make you feel better. It won’t, I’ve tried it. Instead go to a full length mirror and tell yourself “I love you and you’re perfect just the way you are” 10x, even if you don’t believe it, say it (I’m not joking). 

I’m going to suggest some pieces below that would be great on camera. They may seem boring to you but that’s intentional. And if you’re not going to be on camera, these are all great closet staples. Look up someone who is on TV a lot, like Joanna Gaines, notice what she’s wearing, essentially elevated basics, all the time. You never look at her and think, “wow, what a bore, mix it up would ya”. You think, “gosh, she looks incredible!” because she does and you will too. 

a/ This is a great dress, it has really clean lines, it’s not too low cut so you won’t be pulling it up all the time. Color is really important on camera, pay attention to shades you know look good on you. I like all three of these colors but not the nude, it could make you look like your naked on TV.

b/ Another winner. If you feel uncomfortable showing your arms (and many woman do!) opt for something with a fitted sleeve. This blue is beautiful, highly recommend this one. 

c/ I have a top from Ulla Johnson that I adore but photographs terribly. It’s because it has a big dramatic sleeve and a high neck. Unless you’re wearing something really fitted like a tight turtleneck which generally looks good in photos/video. I recommend balancing a top with some skin. open a few buttons at the neck can really help break things up. Otherwise, it might feel like your top part looks like one big block. This is an example of a perfect top, I’d recommend a full tuck in if you wear it. This and this are also chic and great options. 

d/ For pants, keep them simple. Fitted, not too much fabric. Straight and skinny jeans are great options. I like these pants from LOFT. They’d be great with the white button down shirt from Everlane. 

e/ I know I said no prints but this one is tonal (meaning the print is the same color as the top itself) so it works. I like how delicate it is and the vibrant color. This is an example of a top that is very cute but I would NOT recommend wearing on camera, it’s too loud and busy. 

f/ This one wouldn’t work for me (I have a large bust) but if you don’t this is also a great option. I wouldn’t wear it if your skin is too pale but it’s a simple cut and would be cute with a pair of sneakers or flat sandal, no heels!

g. This whole outfit is a great on-camera look. Neutrals, not too tight, no prints, delicate jewelry, well tailored… It’s also worth noting that if you sweat a lot, which I do, to wear a dark color. Nothing worse than stressing about sweating and that stress making you sweat. 

h. The same rule we talked about with blouses applies for pants. If you want to wear a wider, looser pant, balance it with a fitted top. Vince makes amazing basics and these pants are a great option. I would tuck in whatever top you wear with it. Something simple like this would look great tucked in to them. 

i. A slip dress is also a good option. If you wear one, pair it with a denim jacket or a longer blazer. It can be too much skin for camera on its own but there is something very relaxed and easy about a slip dress. This is my favorite, I wear it all the time. 

A new denim post by my younger sister Joanie, featuring scary wide pants! Isn’t it funny how one can become so attached to the jean shape of their last decade? I always appreciate her encouragement to try something different. I must admit I’m still attached to the period of the skinny jean, but I am also super curious to try something different. Speaking of shopping, if you haven’t checked out Joanie’s Money Talk series on the DesignLoveFest instagram, do it!

The last denim post was a hit so I thought I’d do an update and gear it towards spring/summer denim and throw in an overall, skirt and short options. To be totally honest, I am personally not a big denim short fan. Unless they are the perfect cut I think they can look really bulky and I don’t find them to be that comfortable. I like shorts in general but find that denim can be hard.
There has been a lot of chatter about skinny jeans lately and as I said in my last post and I’ll say again, I don’t think we should strictly be following denim trends. There really is so much personal preference involved and the majority of personal fashion is being comfortable in what you wear, confident in your clothes is the key factor to style. What can happen sometimes, is that we become conditioned by trends/style/ads to see that a certain type of denim is best, i.e. we have all been heavily targeted by skinny jean mania for years and that those are the best and only jeans to wear. When in fact they may not be the most flattering/ideal jean for you. And you’ve been pushed into them by going to Madewell and seeing an entire wall of them so it feels like, “well I guess that’s it.” 
There are some serious pros to skinny jeans like the clean line they give you and how great they look with oversized things, etc. But, also some cons, I think they are restrictive, the high waist often cuts into my stomach but if you size up they slide down your hips and you end up doing a little wiggle dance to pull them up every 30 minutes. They don’t look great with belts, and I love a good belt + denim combo and because skinny jeans are so minimal and the fabric often thin they don’t work well with a big beautiful belt, etc. All that to say, I hope that you’ll experiment with you denim and see if maybe there is a different pair out there that feels good to you. Remember there is no one style/size/design that fits all. We each get to pick what feels good to us and sometimes we lose that personal connection to what we wear. I want you to wear less of what you think you should be wearing and more of what you want to wear.
Personal style is after all, personal.

a. I like the classic deep blue wash of this slim leg pair by Current/Elliott. And the subtle
distressing gives it a relaxed vibe. The styling notes say that this pair runs one size large but I don’t know if I would follow that, they seem pretty true to size based on the model notes. The Outnet is also one of my favorite places to shop, quick shipping and easy returns on items that would often be final sale elsewhere and epic discounts.

b. Denim by Acne is very popular. I have never purchased a pair because I think the price point is too high but I love the classic look of this pair and it’s 50%+ off. It’s a 100% cotton which means it will stand the test of time and only get more wearable with age.

c. This is the perfect spring/summer jean. A creamy off-white color, the line down the front and pocket detailing give it a subtle spin that makes them unique but still very wearable. Weekday is a new to me brand that our brother Alex’s girlfriend Vicky told us about. The price point is great. Pay attention to the size chart as sizing is European. I also like this beige trouser pair they have as well.

d. If you want to test the limits of your denim wearing I highly recommend ordering a pair of wide leg jeans (the cream pair is excellent too!). They will take you a minute to get used to but then you’ll have fun playing with tucked in t-shirts that pair perfectly with the wider silhouette and the freedom of a pair of jeans that is easy to move in. I’m a Rag & Bone fan, I think they do denim really well (I’m also very into these chic sandals.) At that price point these will sell out in many sizes quickly!

e. I’m into denim jackets regardless of the fact that they fall in and out of style frequently. I think they are an ideal summer jacket. I love them paired with a dress and sneakers or with army green pants. I own this one and it’s a classic. It’s hearty, order one size up for the oversized effect.

f. The combo of Calvin Klein and denim skirt is almost painfully 90’s but if it’s a good skirt, it’s a good skirt regardless of the decade. Denim skirts can be a tricky line to walk, I don’t like them distressed, too short, too long and I want them to be a solid color. This one is perfect and I’m including it even though I know at $38 it will sell out very soon. (FYI this is final sale!).

g. I bought a pair of black overalls from Old Navy years and years ago and this one is very similar to what I own. I like the black and I think it’s wearable all year round. They look great with a feminine blouse underneath and they are surprisingly useful and comfortable.

h. I scored the internet for the best of denim shorts and came up with very few options. I refuse to even link to a pair of $120 denim shorts. But I found these at Levi and I think they are good. I like the price and the wash. I also really like the cotton twill shorts from Everlane, not denim but a very solid wearable short that comes in great color.

i. In general, I don’t gravitate towards colored denim but wow, I love the wash on these Madewell jeans. Fresh and perfect for spring/summer.

Thank you Joanie! all links are affiliate.

a round up of nine sneakers to wear with everything, by my sister Joanie! So many to love here.

This post is an ode to the white sneaker! Or, maybe I should say shades of white sneakers. I love a white/cream/tan/beige sneaker all spring and summer long (or if you live in LA like me, all year long!). I love them paired with dresses, long or short. I think they give a relaxed I care about comfortable feet and I’m not trying too hard vibe. They are the perfect thing to pack for vacations (remember those?!) when you don’t want to fill your suitcase with heavy shoes but want to look chic. I went to Paris a couple of years ago and it reignited my love for them. So many stylish woman wearing sneakers with jeans and trench coats and ankle skimming pants with oversized sweaters and slim skirts with tucked in t-shirts. Some wear them sock-less or they have little bits of color and pattern peaking out. The options are endless really! And if the pandemic has shown me one thing, it’s that I probably wear five pairs of shoes in total, three of those being sneakers, and own about 50 pairs too many.

There is the classic sneaker like Keds that has a low profile. They give you a clean line and are very versatile when it comes to styling them. And then there are ones like the ever-popular New Balance. They have some lift to them, and a thicker sole. Those will give you a longer line on your leg (aka make your legs look longer). If you’re used to wearing something with a heel with your dresses or skirts, you my opt for the latter as the lift will give you the look you’re used to.

Some people worry about wearing white shoes, that they might get dirty, but I think you should just wear the heck out of them and let them get scuffed and marked. One of my favorite pairs is a 5 year old pair of Keds (the ace ones below!) that look aged yet perfectly worn in. Have you ever seen Golden Goose sneakers? They are the absurdly priced designer shoe that comes already worn-looking, and dirty. I recommend not buying them, and wearing a pair of any of the ones below into the ground instead!

a. These are my most worn sneakers. The style is Ace from Keds. I am not a fan of many of Keds’ style canvas styles, they look too dainty. When it comes to sneakers I want a little weight to the shoe. I love that these are leather. They’re super comfortable and an all around wear with anything sneaker.

b. I am thrilled for anyone whose size is still available in this Trenton Net shoe. These were my favorite summer shoe for years, I’ve owned three pairs because the mesh does start to fall apart but I love them. They are so comfortable and look cute with anything. I wish I would have bought more before the brand stopped making that style.

c. These are on expensive side but I like Veja and these are a good example of the style of shoe that has a little lift to them. These also say that they are running shoes, so maybe you can look cute and also sprint at a moment’s notice?

d. So, these are technically more grey than white but they deserve a mention. I’m a big New Balance fan and I love this style. Yes, they look like Dad on a Saturday at his kid’s soccer game but that’s the vibe. You’ve probably seen many off-duty models wearing this style.

e. I love Vince for their timeless execution of classic pieces. There are a couple pairs from them (on major sale!) that deserve mentioning. One is this perforated pair. I had a pair similar years ago and loved them. You will be reminded of the convenience of slip-on shoes. And also this pair which they call an “espadrille sneaker.” I think they are very smart and a great alternative to a sandal for summer.

f. I am a fan of the look of classic Adidas sneakers and this slightly modernized version is a winner for me. I love the different textures and the bit of navy with the gold detailing, and the heart on the back. They are on the expensive side but I think these are a timeless pair that won’t go out of style. I also like this ultra boost pair.

g. Reebok has made a serious comeback in recent years and although I am not a fan of the ones that look like you’re wearing boats on your feet, I am a fan of this pair. I don’t like the wide Reebok style because they go out too much on the sides and I think they look sloppy. I love this pair with the green accents, it is vintage but still modern enough. And if you’re tired of neutrals and looking for something fun, I’d do these.

h. My favorite when it comes to converse are both the low and high tops of either the all white leather or the classic red and white. The leather version definitely stands the test of time, sometimes the canvas ones can start to smell after awhile of wearing them.

i. And last but not least, this pair of nude Asics. They are on the sportier looking side of things but the color but the nude color with the white accent makes them very chic.

thank you Joanie! I couldn’t help but note that Keds has the same all-white leather style in kids’ sizes too. All links are affiliate.

a new style post straight from sunny LA, by my younger sister Joanie!

We took a style post pause over the holidays because there is already too much pressure to buy the perfect gift and make the perfect list, and think about what you’re cooking and baking, etc.

But it’s February now! We’re deep in sweater weather, but also already feeling the hopefulness of spring. I always reflect back on my year and look at what I bought and loved and wore the heck out of. I’m usually a little surprised by what becomes a closet staple and favorite. I think the MVP of my closet in 2020 was my Everlane alpaca sweater. I bought it in petal and a size medium which is rather oversized but I like it big and cozy. Second runner up are these $18 H&M sweatpants that I wear nearly every day. I recommend sizing up because they shrink a bit and they also shed when you first get them but the fit is great and I love a wide waist band that doesn’t fold down.

It was definitely the year of the blouse for me. I think I wore less dresses than usual and gravitated towards pants and with a fancy-ish tops. Ulla Johnson and Emerson Fry are two of my favorites for blouses. I wear this one on lot and Cale (my husband) got me this Ulla top for Christmas and I’ve been wearing it on repeat. What was the MVP of your wardrobe last year?

And now for a few things that I have my eye on, plus a couple that I own and love. I’m drawn to shades of pink all year round but especially in February, I blame the combo of darker days and Valentine’s spirit. -Joanie

I love this pink coat from Mango. It reminds me of the one that Mansur Gavriel made but this one is about $800 less expensive. I’m a big fan of colorful outer-wear, you’d be surprised by how happy it makes you to put on a colored coat.

I have mentioned my affection for Everlane denim and this pair is hitting all the right notes. I’m always looking for something that isn’t a skinny jean but not necessarily a wide leg jean. The sizing seems tricky, the model is wearing a size 28 which tells me you’ll want to order up a size at least.

This everyday bra has exceeded my expectations, it’s so comfortable and creates a really smooth line under t-shirts and blouses. Good Job, Kim K!

I like how much fun Madewell is having with their sneakers I am a big fan of sneakers with everything! I like their colorful options and that they’re having a 20% off everything sale this weekend. This neutral pair has rave reviews.

I think we’re going to see a lot of yellow and orange this spring. If bold colors scare you, adding it in a handbag or purse is a great place to start. I’m a Clare V fan and the price on this suede clutch cannot be beat.

An ode to a great basic. I love James Perse, they make great t-shirts that last forever and are cut really well. I don’t advocate buying them full price because it’s too $$ but sometimes I find them on epic sale, like this top and snap it up. I also love that Nordstrom’s generous return policy extends to all markdowns at The Rack, which is usually hard to find with sale items.

My love for H&M knits is at an all time high. I love this chic sweater. Also this in yellow, but be prepared that the fit is going to be very oversized. And this ribbed knit cardigan.

and finally, I think we should start a movement for the return of wearing silk scarves. They are fairly inexpensive to buy vintage, they can be worn tied in your hair or around your neck or tucked into a coat and they add a burst of color. I love vintage Vera, Gucci and anything bright and floral.

all links are affliate.

Finally the topic I have been waiting for Joanie to tackle: denim! And not just because almost all of my jeans have big knee holes right now (checks Joanie’s notes: I guess I’ve been washing them too much). Denim trends are mysterious and unexpected, but as a category they are one of my favorite types of clothing. I learned a lot reading her thoughts and dared to imagine wearing a few different cuts, I hope you enjoy!

The long awaited and hotly debated topic, denim!

Denim is a very personal style choice. So take all my picks with a grain of salt and try them for yourself. Denim trends can shift dramatically, high to low rise, skinny jeans to wide leg, cropped, flare, baggy, tight, etc but it’s my personal belief that if you find a pair of jeans you love, you should wear them forever regardless of style. That doesn’t mean you should not try other styles, I think you should push your limits!

But it does mean that you can feel free to wear what you like regardless of trend. I know a friend who has been wearing flares for the last 10 years because they look good on her and they fit her personal style, despite skinny jeans being the required denim for 6+ years.

I also want to encourage you to get your denim altered, and not just the hem. I bought a pair of vintage Levis’ five years ago for $95. I had them slightly tapered and taken in at the thigh by a half inch, it cost me about $50 and it’s not an exaggeration to say I’ve worn those jeans 1,000 x because they fit me like a glove. Denim is designed to last you for years, so take the time to get them altered exactly as you want them. If you’re getting them hemmed: I would highly suggest asking them to keep the original hem. It’s not always possible based on how much length you’re getting taken off, but it makes a big difference in how they look. The original hem has distressing and thread that is hard to duplicate.

A note on cropping, if you’re buying a pair of cropped jeans, more than likely you’ll need to get them altered because they are probably designed for someone 5’ 8” +. Cropped pants should hit above the ankle bone, showing that bone creates a very flattering line that you won’t be able to get if the pant covers your ankle. This small adjustment makes all the difference. You might try on a cropped pair of pants and they feel all wrong, tuck the hem in a couple of inches and the pant should look much chicer. And if you’re cropping them, you’ll also want to taper them slightly to maintain the original design.

I know denim with stretch is all the rage and I like it too. But, there is a case to be made for 100% cotton denim, they will feel stiff at first but once they’re broken in they will mold to your body and they will last forever. They also hold their shape beautifully. There is a reason that Levi’s from the 70’s still look great.

A note about washing, don’t over wash your denim! I rarely wash mine, especially darker colored ones, they wear much faster with lots of washing. Spot treat them and hang them up if they need to air out.

P.S. If you’re wanting that classic vintage Levi Mom jean look and you’re shopping vintage look for 501’s. Look at the color of the denim and make sure that’s what you want, the rest can be altered but the fading/color can’t be changed.

P.P.S. I link to Shopbop several times because they have fast and free shipping and very easy returns! If you’re a prime member they give you free two day shipping.

And a way we go!

a. I own these jeans and I really, really like them. I wasn’t sold at first but they have become a favorite. They have several great washes and even a couple with holes in them, if that’s your thing. I am personally not a fan of buying denim with holes in them. The holes end up landing in strange places and they don’t look natural. But that’s a personal preference. They will stretch, for sizing if you want them to be snug order your normal size, I ordered one size up for a relaxed fit and can wear them comfortably all day.

b. Hate the name but love the fit on these Levi Wedgie jeans. They’re high waisted, thick fabric and hold their shape really well. I would order your normal size and one size up. They will give slightly with wear.

c. AGOLDE denim deserves a mention for many of their styles. If you haven’t checked them out, I encourage you to do so. The have the Riley crop and they come in several colors, but the “Air Blue” gives you the most classic denim look. The Nico style is the one to pick if you want a classic skinny jean style.

d. Here is a great wide leg option if you want to test the waters but don’t want anything too wide or dramatic. I like the idea of getting them in black and pairing them with a fun high shoe for going out (when we can do that again). I like the look of dark denim with a fancy cropped sweater of jacket for evening.

e. I’ve been a big fan of B Sides Jeans for years. They are a Brooklyn based company that makes one of a kind pairs with vintage denim and several years ago they launched their own line. The are going to be a bit on the trendy side but the quality of the denim is top notch. I find their jeans to run a bit small, so if you’re in-between, I’d order up. I like their Plein jean for a year-round white/cream denim option. Would be very chic in the winter with a black turtleneck and a big belt. Their jeans often say “sold out” but put your email down to be notified as they do restocks.

f. Order these before they sell out! I bough a pair of these last summer and they are a go-to for me and sell out quickly. They have a similar feeling to the wildly expensive Jesse Kamm pant. They are so comfortable and flattering and look great worn styled many ways. They are long but I took my kitchen scissors and cut them to the length I wanted, no need to pay to have them altered. They run slightly big. I ordered my true size, 4, which fits well but I could have done a 2 for a more fitted look.

g. The only time I’ve ever stopped a woman on the street to ask her what denim she was wearing was with the Citizen of Humanity Charlotte jean. These have a slight vintage look but feel very modern and incredibly chic. They are expensive but the quality is great and they should last you years of almost daily wear. I like the gray color as it’s unexpected but they come in a variety of washes and I also love this classic look.

h. A cute boyfriend jean option, Size down one or two sizes and if you’re on the shorter side expect to get them altered or wear them with a big cuff. Boyfriend jeans are supposed to be casual, oversized and relaxed so don’t stress over the fit too much. Pair them with a fitted top or a cropped sweater.

i. Rounding out this round up with a pair of can’t-go-wrong-skinny-jeans from Madewell. I personally love the 10” rise, it sits above the hip bone, which I like. I’ve owned these jeans for 5+ years and still wear them regularly. You won’t regret them! They come in three lengths which is very helpful.

Today’s post is going to be a little bit different. We’re going to talk about shopping secondhand and vintage, specially on eBay. I could spend an embarrassing amount of time pursuing eBay and Etsy for vintage. It’s thrilling for me and since I can’t add much more to my own closet I end up sending links to people I know telling them to buy this sweater/coat/boots, etc. Part of me is hesitant to give away my shopping secrets but the truer, purer part of me loves knowing someone found something great that they love and will wear, at a fraction of a new retail price. Shopping secondhand is good for the earth, your wallet, and once you get into it, you get a real high from it! Or at least I do. 🙂

I’m going to narrow today’s conversation to sweaters because they are one of my favorite things to buy secondhand. The sizing and fit is flexible which makes it a great starting point to buying vintage–there is not a lot of loss or risk involved. Referring to our sizing conversation from post #1: Don’t be afraid to buy two or three sizes up from your normal size! Knitwear is great oversized.

Some items might have small imperfections, I say: embrace them. I’m not looking for 100% perfect condition when I’m shopping secondhand, it has a history!

Everything we’ve linked is one of a kind, they are currently all available when this post went live but things move quickly!

Dear readers, a few dated elements of my old theme broke last week. So I am reconstructing and reimagining this blog space. It’s not perfect yet. But seasonal footwear goes on, and we have a few favorites from my sister Joanie this week. Thank you Joanie!

Okay, let’s do fall/winter footwear! Yes, I live in Los Angeles but I take several cold/snow trips every year to Michigan, New York and Colorado so I’m well versed in the subject. I have to keep my shoe lineup tight as I’m generally packing things in a suitcase and don’t have a ton of room. When I’m traveling, I like to bring one boot with a stacked heel that I can wear with pants or a dress with tights, one all weather boot that’s waterproof and a boot that’s weather appropriate but maybe a bit more stylish for when it’s cold but not sleeting or snowing.

Something that took me way too many years to learn is that when you’re investing in a boot or a shoe, take it to a cobbler and get the sole and heel re-enforced before wearing them. It will add a lot of life to your boots and also prevent you from having to do damage control down the line when you wear a hole in the sole. Many fall/winter shoes are expensive and should last you for years. Properly caring for them from the minute you buy them will help. This doesn’t apply to rubber soles, but ones like the Madewell or Everlane pairs below.