Erstwhile Dear

just a time, a little inspiration for those social (gasp!) events this summer. Thanks Joanie! All links are affiliate.-Rachael

Have you ever had this experience: you don’t have an event or party to go to and you see 50 fancy things you’d love to wear to party. but as soon as you have a reason to buy something fancy, suddenly not an item in sight interests you?

This nameless phenomenon has happened to me more times than I can count (which is why I’m an advocate for always buying something you love, even if you don’t have a specific occasion for it!). However, there are some tips that can help with the major outfit block that can happen around events that have a looming deadline, i.e. ‘I have to have something to wear for a July 15th wedding.’ If you’re attending a wedding/party this summer and are looking for some ideas on how to find something to wear, this post is for you! – Joanie

For starters, I always like to have some frame of reference for what I’m looking for before I start shopping. Even if it’s vague. If you have no idea what you want, it can seem like an endless fruitless scroll. Reference points can be anything, here are some ideas:
– It can be the shape of the dress, maybe you want long and flow-y, or short and straight, or fitted at the waist with a skirt. Knowing the style of dress you’re looking for is helpful because you can narrow searching down by maxi, midi, mini, etc.
– If you have something you’ve worn before and want a different version of that, maybe you wore an off the shoulder dress and felt like a million bucks and want something similar. Or you know you have a yellow dress that you always love in photos. Those are great jumping points. You can search by those key words too, i.e. yellow maxi dress.
– Using other people as inspiration is also fun. I’ll often clock something that I see someone wearing and make a note to myself to visit it in my own life at some point. This could be someone in real life or a pinterest photo you saw. Recreating a look you love is fun and can narrow down your choices quickly which is great.

It also helps to shop broadly and early. It can feel tempting to put the task off hoping that something will just magically fall into your lap to wear. Unfortunately, that will most likely not be the case and you’ll end up panic shopping closer to the date which usually ends up being more expensive and less satisfying.

Borrowing a dress from someone is also a great option especially if you remember something they’ve worn that you’ve loved. “Hey, remember that green dress with sleeves you wore? Can I borrow that please.” I’ve loaned clothing to countless friends and I’m always happy to do so and I’m pretty sure the friends in your life will be happy to as well. It’s a compliment, you like their style!

I also want to recommend pushing yourself just a little bit and trying things outside your comfort zone. It can feel soothing to wear something familiar but it can also feel liberating to wear something outside of your norm. If there is something you’ve always loved and thought you can’t pull off now is the time to give it a try. We didn’t live through a global pandemic to come out on the other side wearing black knee length dresses to every party!

Here are somethings I’d wear to celebrations this summer!

a/ Hot pink is the color I love to see anyone in. It’s vibrant, fun and looks great on everyone. Banana Republic has some really great dress choices right now. I love this dress and the fact that it’s an extra 30% off right now.

b/ If you feel like trying out the oversized trend, this yellow dress is such a cute option. Also a great one for high heat days as nothing sticks to the skin. I recommend ordering one to two sizes up with items from & other stories. This dress from Free People is also a very pretty oversized easy fit option.

c/ This linen dress with sequin detailing is so beautiful. I love the dramatic sleeve and the color palette. An outside the box option!

d/I have a soft spot for DVF dresses. There is a reason she’s such a legend, she really knows how to cut a flattering dress. They are classics and something you’ll keep in your closet forever and also hold their value if you want to resell it. I love the bodice detailing on this one and the print. So much of what we’re shown these days is the same cut and style over and over so anything that branches from that is welcomed.

e/ Short and structured is a great option, especially if you like to show some leg. When you’re shopping it’s nice to think about what body part you want to show off. That can help to narrow your options and buy something that feels fun and exciting to wear.

f/ This is a great style if you like to show collarbone but don’t want any cleavage, something I’m always looking to find. This has a very structured bodice with a full skirt which makes it a great dancing dress. Make sure to read size chart as it’s in UK sizes. Also love this one shoulder option.

g/ I love that Banana has two bias cut dresses, it’s a surprisingly hard cut to find. A slip dress should only exist in bias cut. It shouldn’t be cut straight up and down, it doesn’t lay right against the body correctly. This dress is beautiful and if you want the bra friendly one get this version. These dresses are easy to dress up or down, you can tie a sweater around your waist and head out for the day or pair it with a shawl and strappy shoes for evening.

By the way, for a good strapless event bra, this is a good option!

h/ I have to throw in one accessory because I love this Clare V. strawberry print bag as your party bag of the summer. I have this style in purple and it fits all the important things like phone, lipstick and wallet and has a very chic chain strap which make is a great evening option.

i/ Let’s not forget separates! I personally plan to wear wide leg pants with a a high opened toed shoe to some parties this summer. I also love a good skirt moment, something with a soft drape that you can wear with a t-shit and a sparkly or denim jacket depending on the occasion. Like this one.

(a style guide post by my sister Joanie. All links are affiliate. Thanks Joanie!)

What are the 10ish piece that you can reach for over and over again this summer? The simple sandal that’s great for the beach/pool but can be worn with a long dress to a fancy party. The swimsuit that works as a top paired with shorts or a skirt. The stripped button down shirt that is equally as cool as a cover up or half tucked into jeans when the sun goes down. A great pair of sunglasses that will be in style forever. I’m all for heavy hitting pieces, especially this summer when most of us are going to be traveling for the first time in a while.  

To begin: a-go-with-everything sandal. When I travel in the summer I like to pack only two shoes: a running shoe and one sandal that can be worn for every occasion and this one fits the bill. 

Remember when I mentioned that I was on a big Gap kick? I still am. I love their updated basics. This striped shirt is the perfect summer staple, I’d order up one to two sizes. Wear the heck out of it, it’s 100% cotton and can handle it. If you’re looking for a solid color option, I like this one. 

It’s not all shorts and skirts for summer. An easy breezy pair of pants will get a lot of wear. I like to pair them with a bathing suit or a slim tank top. If I’m wearing it with something oversized you can full or half tuck it in to give the outfit some shape. They shouldn’t be tight so if they are, go up a size. People should look at you and think, “Wow, that girl looks so comfortable.” I love the white, flax, navy and green. 

A lot of summer things can be semi-sheer or you might want to undo a few buttons as the temps increase showing a bit more skin. When something is sheer or showing, our first thought can be to pair it with a flesh colored bra, which is fine but I think that pairing it with a white bra can be really pretty. Especially a lace one like this that can peek out from under your striped shirt. 

I have a big soft spot for J.Crew swim. I’ve been wearing them since high school and they just fit. Their underwire option needs a call out. Swimsuit two pieces can be so tricky to fit in the top but this once goes by bra size and fits so well. This is also great to pair under your clothes if you know it’s going to show a bit. 

A plus of a smocked dress is that I wear them bra-less which is especially nice when it’s hot and sticky in the summer. I like this one in black which might seem like not a summer color but I think it’s very chic paired with a classic sandal or a pair of sneakers. You can also wear this with a button down and tie it at the waist, a very 90’s move that is currently in vogue. This is also another great black dress option. 

If you haven’t embraced summer as the time of the sun hat, it’s time to start now. Not only are they fun and chic to wear but they protect your face and shoulders when you’re running around outside all day. I love that this one is canvas which makes it really durable. I have some beautiful straw ones but they are impossible to pack and therefore don’t end up getting as much use. And this one comes in head sizes which is such a gift for large headed people like myself. I just ordered it! 

I love a lightweight sweatshirt that you can stuff into your bag or leave in the back of your car for those unexpectedly cool evenings. I have one very similar to this and I wear it all the time. It’s slightly oversized and looks cute thrown over a dress, with shorts or pants. I love the grey and the purple. Order your normal size, it is cut to slightly oversized. 

I am a proponent of investing in a pair of sunglasses that you love. They are basically the only accessory of the warmer months. You wear them everyday and having a pair you feel great in feels really good. I’ve had these Ray Bans for 5+ years and they are timeless. Order several pairs from a place with easy returns like Nordstrom and find your pair. If you’re looking for the polarized version you can find those here for only slightly more money. 

Let’s pack in carry ons, throw together beach bags without too much thought, and embrace returning to life that is calling us out from our living rooms! -Joanie

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.