Happy Tuesday.
I’ve been all in on my clothing brand lately and have missed writing to you. But I am BACK. And it feels good to be here. So thank you for your continued support of reading and subscribing. You are all *zee best!*
Now for today’s news…
Chief Fashion Critic Vanessa Friedman sends a fashion newsletter out each week on behalf of The New York Times Style section (highly recommend getting on the list).
Vanessa is smart, succinct, and best of all, practical in her written musings about the fashion world at large, drawing parallels between what we wear and how it allows us to conduct our lives most efficiently.
In light of the recent Milan and Paris shows coinciding with New York Climate Week, a challenge has been presented to fashion attendees: “7 Days. 7 Garments. Can You Do It?”
Translation? Wear and pack less.
The point of the challenge, according to Eva Karlsson of the brand Houdini, is “to remind ourselves that we can be happy with far fewer garments than we are used to having — especially if we love what we wear — and to function as a kind of mental reset.”
And it got me thinking…
We all have a few items in our wardrobes that we love. But the rest is kind of just background noise. And that is not acceptable. Not for our minds, not for the planet, and certainly not for our style game.
We fall into this predicament every season, do we not?
I’ll end up wearing the same thing every day (with slight variation) because (1) the weather and (2) I know what will make me look good and feel great.
The not-so-sexy theme of loving what we wear is one that fashion enthusiasts don’t particularly love hearing — that dressing practically is (and always will be) the winner compared to dressing any other way.
Like well-known stylist Allison Bornstein says: “If you aren’t being practical in the way you dress yourself each morning, you’re setting yourself up for a day of frustration.”
HEARD THAT, Allison.
Speaking of Allison, who just did a podcast interview with Betches Aleen Dreksler —(highly recommend giving it a listen) — here is her fool-proof tip for finding your new and improved style groove this season (and perhaps forever?!) aptly titled “The Three-Word Method.”
Here’s how you play.
Pick 3 words that describe your style:
One that describes your current style
One that describes your aspirational style
One that describes how you want to feel
I did this yesterday while listening to the episode, and uncovered the following: Casual-Chic-Cool.
FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK: This means my current style is casual (denim shorts + tee shirt + loafers). My aspirational style is chic (a la Anine Bing). And the way I want to feel in my clothing every day is cool (“cool” as in “fashion cool”).
If you’re stuck, some style words to help are:
Timeless, classic, modern, effortless, edgy, feminine, sexy, soft, clean, structured, simple, fancy, elegant, fun, bold, dramatic, colorful.
The key is to be honest with yourself during this fun little game, and know that your words can and will change because *we womens* evolve and change.
Takeaway
Cleaning out your closet is therapeutic AF and can be an eye-opening experience.
Put some music on, light a candle, pour yourself a glass of wine and unleash your new identity.
Thank you for reading. See you next week.
Be you.
Xo, Ash
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