I Really Can't Shop For Summer Right Now
Browse for me, I beg you.
I’m about to make the most expensive purchase of my life.
I can’t say what it is just yet because I'm superstitious AF and I’ve had more moments of life upheaval in the last nine months than the rest of my life put together so I will not tempt the universe any further. While I’ll keep those details on the DL for now (more to come soon), I do need to acknowledge that I should not cannot shop the way I normally would in the summer. This is typically the time when I take a good hard look at my closet, with both the scorching NYC temperatures in mind (and what cute and vaguely slutty pieces I can add to the lineup, because that is the vibe we’re going for at the moment) as well as looking ahead to the fall and what I actually wore during that time last year.
I can feel that I’m entering a period of minimalism, not necessarily in the style of clothing and accessories that I want to wear, but in the pure amount of stuff that I care own. I remember all too well the last time I moved and watching the army of big dudes pack up my closet in… something pretty close to disbelief. I mean, I’m not a hoarder or anything, but I do maintain a rather large wardrobe at any given time. You can’t really blame me when I’ve worked in fashion and beauty for as long as I have. It’s an incredible perk for us editors! But 12 years into my career, and just being that much older and more discerning, I’ve started to understand that an excess of things doesn’t make me feel that great. I’m not sure what the right quantity is per se, but after staying at my sister and sister-in-law’s apartment for three weeks and living out of a suitcase, I realized how nice it was to have only a select number of items to choose from each morning. Less chaotic, more thoughtful overall.
Maybe it boils down to simply wanting to use less brain power to put together an outfit. Or perhaps it’s that my style is that much more fully formed and I don’t particularly want to dabble in a million new trends just to feel relevant. My guess is that it’s a little it of both. It’s also incredibly nice to understand the balance of splurging on a handful of new pieces you really love, weeding out things you’ve outgrown (in either sizing or aesthetics, both are okay, I promise) and avoiding the urge to impulse shop for things that don’t really fit into your larger vision for your style. That’s my strategy at any rate—if you have another way to avoid having stuff for stuff’s sake, please let me know.
With that in mind, I admit that it kind of sucks to have the urge to clean, clean, clean the excess out and not indulge in that handful of special pieces for the new season. That’s part of the joy of fashion after all! Or, as my boss would say, I have “the shoppies” and I can’t in good conscious give in to them. I’m trying REALLY hard to be responsible, with my eyes on the future—and my future budget. So why not share everything I’m itching to buy right now (or bought righttttt before the big purchase), with the hope that I can live vicariously through you. Here’s hoping you actually need a few new things and can shop without overloading your closet space, especially for my fellow New Yorkers in the crowd. If so, trust me—you deserve it, babe.
Gap 100% Linen Easy Shorts: Everyone needs linen in the summer and this slouchy yet structured style is absolute perfection.
2. J.Crew Mesh Ballet Flats: You need mesh flats. I know people have tried to say they’re trendy, but we’re multiple seasons in at this point and I wear my favorite style all the time. No regrets.
3. Old Navy Vintage Crew Neck T-Shirt: I replace my white t-shirts pretty much every season (I blame tinted sunscreen, but I’d rather be protected than spare my necklines) and this style is my go-to for a super affordable option.
4. Leset The Margo Tee: For a slightly heavier but perfect boxy fit, I swear by Leset’s Margo style. I’ve bought every color way at this point, and it’s been a staple for over five years.
5. Leset Laura Slim Fit Tee: If you want a clingy, thin, extremely sexy tee in gorgeous French blue, look no further than this option. I’ve had multiple dates comment on how good this looks on (wink wink).
6. Buck Mason Pima Boxy Crew: I had a ton of people DM last week when I wore this cute little cropped t-shirt with a pair of white linen pants. It’s, again, a very sexy number, clingy but not too thin, and it’s insanely comfy. The light heather gray is so classic and delicious.
7. Donni The Linen Simple Pant: Said linen pants are here and I am deeply, DEEPLY obsessed with them. A stretchy hem and not too sheer, plus soft breathable linen? Sign me up.
8. Comme Si La Boxer Classica: I think I just want to wear my sleep gear outside all summer long. I mean, when they look this cute, why wouldn’t you? Boxer shorts are the best.
9. Steve Madden Grove Red: The last time I wrote about these shoes, I hadn’t taken them for a test drive yet. Now, I can confidently say they are my favorite summer shoes and have yet to rub or be at all uncomfortable on my feet. I wear them constantly.
10. Esha Soni The Arc: This bag brought tears to my eyes when I saw it in person. The subtle slope of the opening… the lime suede interior… the buttery soft finish. Everyone needs and deserves a stunning carry-all tote and I think style this needs to be mine.
This list isn’t over yet, friends… more shopping content coming this week for all my lovely paid subscribers :)
xxHB
