the beautiful Fei Fei Sun via
the simplest foundations are often the hardest to find.
being in a 'uniform' state of mind these days adds an element of calm to my day, which i consider to be a kind of everyday luxury. it's luxurious to know that what suits you and what you love to wear all the time are the same thing. isn't that really what we want out of our wardrobe? a huge closet overwhelms me (one reason i'm grateful for my tiny NYC closet). so as much as i love those splashy closet tours – vintage Mariah Carey Cribs, anyone? – it's pure pop culture eye candy for me.
what are your simple foundations/habits?
what are your simple foundations/habits?
My foundations are my Mulberry bags, my black jeans, my slouchy tops, my biker boots, my light cotton parka for warm days or my leopard jacket for colder days (again, thanks for that one!). I'm starting to master winged liner, which is a tiny thing that makes a huge such impact, and a bold lip. And of course my favorite silver necklaces - I was naughty and bought a few more off Etsy yesterday, and I can't wait to receive them :)
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to habits I'm a big fan of large teas and small chocolates. I'm also trying to take up journaling again!
umm from your latest instagram you have already mastered winged eyeliner and a red lip! always so gorgeous!
DeleteDeadline filled weeks does make you unconsciously sort out the true wardrobe workhorses. Been living in Vince skinny jeans literally, ankle boots to trot around in, black leather jacket and Inhabit tops, and my good luck necklace. the jeans just developed a hole so need to go easier on the pair though, sigh. That and been experimenting with bold lips lately. Hope your semester is winding down well.
ReplyDeletelove a bold lip. love me an orangey-red for spring/summer.
DeleteMy foundation pieces change, but they are always cut simply, monochromatic, no patterns (except the occasional stripe). I do love the idea of a "uniform" with additional scarves/jewelry/bags. As for habits, I just keep trying to simplify everything.
ReplyDeletei find it gets easier to simplify once you start :)
Deletethat is one gorgeous photo! your foundations sounds not too different from me. white tees, chinos, maybe some jeans thrown in here and there.
ReplyDeletei haven't worn chinos in forever. love yours!
DeleteIt is true that being able to put together easily an outfit that is comfortable and perfect and breeds more self confidence is, to me too, what a great wardrobe should be about. Being able to assess what suits you, what you like, and the clothes in your closet actually matching these at last, this is the wardrobe I've been aiming for since I started editing and simplifying my closet.
ReplyDeleteI read lately (I don't remember where) that what matters is to feel comfortable and yourself in an outfit, no matter if simple or sophisticated, because when someone is uncomfortable wearing something, it shows. And it's so true.
In my case, my favourite ones are my skinny denims and chinos, paired with a draped top, a leather jacket or a blazer, a pair of oxfords and simple silver jewelry with natural stones. I just found out that "uniform" pretty recently, but this is what I feel most myself in.
word. and yet it never ceases to amaze me how The Fashion Industry continues to feed women this idea that you have to be uncomfortable/in pain to play the game. that irks me more than anything.
Deletemy "me uniform" is similar - may do an updated post on that soon! :)
I buy multiples or have multiples made of most things I love, so much of my wardrobe serves as a uniform.
ReplyDeleteMy staples this summer are cocoon dresses, cotton shirt-dresses, bespoke tapered trousers, Brooks Brothers oxfords, Indian cotton scarves, my Trinas, a grey leather satchel by Belen Echandia or my Clare Vivier navy messenger and a smattering of delicate gold jewelry. Most of my clothing is either grey, navy, white, light blue, blush or crimson.
ahem to multiples and neutrals! i wish i could wear blush and light pinks - alas, terribly disagreeable with my skin tone.
DeleteButton-down oxford, jeans, and flats. And I've finally figured out that doing my eyebrows makes all the difference. Otherwise, no make-up. A low ponytail, and I'm good to go.
ReplyDeletei'm curious what you use for your eyebrows! :)
DeleteYour tried and true are wonderful and a constant source real inspiration for someone like me who needed to simplicify as much as possible. I totally love everyone's responses too!
ReplyDeleteI have 4 types of foundations: trousers OR skirts - dependent on temperature - with slouchy jumper/shirt/cardi/trench OR jeans, with jumper/shirt/utility jacket/parka OR when it's warmest, dresses and a light cardigan for evenings. My shoes are ballet flats, brogues, loafers or slipper styles - all low heels and comfy as anything - bliss!
thanks spd! i love low heels right now and hearing from everyone about their real life favorites.
Deletehaha - MC is so hilarious. most epic Cribs of all time.
ReplyDeletewith you on black and white tees. would be lost without mine!
I have finally achieved the uniform, and it is an amazing feeling! Lately I'm all about a slouchy top or button-down, jeans, and wedge clogs- by some miracle the wedge factor gives me 3" of extra height without feeling fussy or being impossible to walk in. Otherwise it's usually sandals or oxfords. Minimal makeup, the watch and necklace I wear every day, super easy haircut. Done.
ReplyDeletekudos and congrats! your uniform sounds perfect.
Deleteahaha, thank you for digging up that Cribs episode.
ReplyDeletethat episode deserves to go in the Pop Culture Hall of Fame. also MC is so meta. love her.
DeleteWhat a gorgeous image. Those eyebrows. I'm convinced that good eyebrows are the ultimate game changer. I need very little makeup when my eyebrows are expertly groomed.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about needing an element of calm in your day. My entire year so far has been like this so far! Monday and Tuesday were freezing for May! But I have been relying on my uniform of bespoke silk shirts, bespoke cotton shirts from Charvet, a loose chignon, lightweight cashmere and silk scarves, trenches, delicate diamond jewelry, a few Yves Saint Laurent dresses that are easy to wear, lightweight cashmere, my varas and a few blazers from the Row. I tend to have multiples of my bespoke items made. This month I've had a lot of elegant evening events to get dressed up for, so during the day I just want to keep it easy and effortless.
thanks Lindsay. i think you're right - call it the Cara Delevigne effect but i'm loving this beauty signature.
Deleteyour go-tos is like a roster of my dream wishlist items. let me know if you've any time in your busy schedule for our long-awaited coffee in the city :)
Speaking of simplicity, do you have any good recommendations for lightweight, simple summer trousers? You had a post on this last year around this time I think and had some great recommendations. I am especially interested in looser-fitting pants, so would like to request another post on this now that summer is almost here! I almost always wear form-fitting jeans of one kind or another (I cannot do the whole boyfriend thing -- unflattering on me), but in the summer it's just too hot for me to bear even jeans in the lighter weight denim (anything that close to my skin when it's really hot just feels bad!). Would love to see something on summer weight trousers!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Almomajol - i've been thinking about doing a post on this actually! stay tuned :)
DeleteI love FeifeiSUN!!!
ReplyDeleteReally appreciate this post. The reliability of a uniform, both in the ease of getting ready in the morning and in knowing you'll always look and feel your best, is definitely a luxury. That is a great choice of word. It's something I'm only recently been pondering and been considering with my own wardrobe. And I love it. Instead of fighting for every new trend, new piece of clothing or accessory that is making my debit card cry, I'm focusing on what is "me" and what I know I'll wear for a long time. It's such a mental relief to only dress for yourself, and know you look killer (without killing yourself for fashion). I wish this was a more ubiquitous belief.
ReplyDeleteMy uniform of late (as it is the coldest winter in the past 3 decades): My J.Crew cocoon coat, an oversized cashmere sweater or turtleneck sweater, skinny jeans (preferably with a few rips), leather ankle booties, my gold Kate Spade watch, some delicate gold necklaces, and my Jo Malone perfume. Hair down or in a chignon. Done.