Agency of Others
No. 96 - Highlighting connection, belt upgrades, MD gifts, and classic shoes
Welcome to Style / Substance – Your weekly dose of personal style and confidence + analyzing the cultural influence of aesthetics and the psychology of what you wear and how you show up.
Here to make your life easier and help you present your best self, inside and out. If you enjoyed this week’s post, please tap the ❤️ above – I sincerely appreciate your support!
It’s May! Which means weekend sports, graduations, grad parties, Derby, fundraising events, weddings, showers, live events, spring wardrobe swaps, and confusing weather dressing—it’s all happening right now. Over the past few days, I’ve felt my joy meter jump because of the number of messages I’ve received from clients, specifically photos. Of them, dressed and ready for whatever they are doing. Sharing how good they feel in what they’re wearing. The clarity that comes with being intentional about it all.
Specifically, her electric blue cocktail look for her sons school fundraiser, the new metallic sneakers she showed off at the baseball game, the daily packed looks we selected for a husband and wife’s weekend itinerary at Churchill Downs—including that fab hat, her morning mirror selfie showing off her look at a grand opening celebration followed by two outfit changes: a Derby party and then a country concert (all in the same day!), her chic all-black ensemble for an arts dinner that may seem simple but is so thoughtfully put together, his combination of well-fitting jacket/shirt/pants for a business dinner that pushed him outside his comfort zone just enough, her new black blazer that’s lightweight for summer, the new diamond tennis bracelet he had made with custom birthstones representing their kids to give his wife for Mothers Day, her looks that we packed for seven days in Europe coming up, and the right ingredients of everyday elevated basics so she could show up to her sons basketball game feeling fun and functional.
This is just a smattering of clients who are active right now. And what did they all have to do for their engagements? Get dressed.
But this post isn't entirely about what they wore (though I know the curiosity is sparked). This is ultimately about that meaningful exchange and seeing the positive impact you can have on someone who trusts you, and you share mutuality.
Scott Galloway (one of my favorite podcasters) often uses this phrase: greatness is in the agency of others. You can interpret it in many ways and apply it to many dynamics. I’m often so inspired by it that I made it into a glazed sign at a pottery class I took with two friends earlier this year (hence the photo at the top).
True impact or “greatness” comes when you help others step into their power—when you enable their “agency.” That’s how it works with style. With this work. With many acts, actually. How are you finding greatness in others around you?
Belt Season
In case you haven’t noticed, belts are having a comeback. Client requests have gone up, I’ve been sharing more of my recs off the cuff in person at events, and have rocked them more often than I used to in the past year… both for function and form.
The slacks worn at my most recent speaking gig were a little loose, so I picked up the belt more out of necessity than for expression, but this is where it checks both boxes when you have the right styles.
I certainly have a list of go-to belt brands that I recommend (perhaps I will add that to my Sat Styles future edit, if that’s of service to you), but today’s post calls out one in particular—B Low The Belt. Shown below are three of their belts I own: one I bought, the other two they gifted me (thankfully, when brands gift stylists these days, they are being more thoughtful about letting us pick out what we want, with the explicit emphasis on what we would actually wear and style for ourselves—I deny plenty of gifts for this express reason, but I digress).
L-R belts shown in photos on moi:
Edmond Leather Belt in Black/Gold ($188) — This style is meant to be worn more at the natural waist, so the waist area that’s generally at or close to the level of your belly button. It’s also where the female body's most natural, inverted, tapered curves are. Yes, even on women’s physiques that identify as “apple.” Some people it’s higher and rests under the bust line, others, it’s centered or slightly lower. But it’s not as low as you think. Anyway, this belt runs a tad small, so if you’re feeling “in between” sizes, then size up; you can always add 1-2 new holes to help adjust the belt. This belt works over blazers (proof above), tunics, matching sets with longer tops, and definitely dresses. I’ve even worn it with a matching silk set before to break it up and make it feel more finished.
Kian Python Leather Belt ($172) — Definitely a hip (as in the body, not cool ;)) belt, as you can see on me, it sits lower at the pant rise: mid/right above hip bone. True to size on this one. If you’re into animal print, this is a solid accessory that gives a look some punch, like with my tailored lavender suit; a little unexpected, huh? The buckle is brass, and it’s about 3” across the pill-shaped diameter, so if you’re into standout hardware, this gives it to you. I’d wear this with classic black jeans, booties, a printed black blouse, and my favorite nylon swing vest, too. It works with a range of aesthetic preferences.
Aurelia Leather Belt ($145) — Such a lady piece. This style's hardware and thin leather is more subtle than the first waist belt highlighted. This one works with a matching set or separates, or over a dress if you want to accentuate the waist. Take your normal size in this style, again, measured at the natural waist, not the lower hip, for this style. Size up if you want to wear it at the hip, though.
Here are a few others from BLTB on my wishlist…
This take on Elsa Peretti’s iconic style, a western-meets-moto classic, a thin nubuck lady, and this roped tie to lasso my flowy dresses.
Should any of them pique your interest, use code LKS15 for 15% off your order at B Low The Belt.
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*This is a partnership post.
📣 What Clients Are Saying
Three More Things
🥿 I’m digging this sleek mini shoe collab from two all-star brands. Can’t make my mind up between the python flats or the mule loafers in that perfect shade of ivory (it’s a fresh take on The Row loafers for a fraction of the price).
👟 Spring sneaker season is in full effect, check out my round-up of women’s styles.
👖 The hunt for the perfect denim doesn’t exist, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add a modern pair.