Make the Space
Issue No. 10
How are your mornings going when it comes time to get dressed for your day? Seamless or stressful? A little bit of both these days? What’s this hybrid attire anyway?
Women spend approximately 17 minutes a day, and men 13 minutes a day debating and rummaging their closets as they decide what to wear all in a day. This all according to a study conducted (pre-pandemic) in 2016 via Marks & Spencer. This, I’m sure, has shifted and doesn’t look the same for every one of us, nor the same each day of our lives. But it’s significant enough to point out.
Ultimately, it’s a lot of time. Especially when it adds up quickly to the time taken away from reasonably more important facets of your day. Though, as a stylist, getting dressed is something I enjoy (and frankly relish - most of the time), it can also be a pain point for me, just like all of you. Erg, my pants are too tight, the sleeves are too long in this knit, the list goes on.
Have you considered that part of the problem is all the noise? Overwhelm can often kick in when we have too much in front of us, as if on auto-pilot. Paralysis of options is driven by this double-edged sword of things we love, can’t get rid of, and frankly forgot about. We’ve surely dusted off a fair share of items (tops of trousers and blouse collars) even in the last few days as we reach for something that’s been lingering for no doubt two years, at a minimum.
Have you paused to ask yourself why you’re holding on to this item you haven’t worn in a while? Why let it take up real estate in your closet (and brain) when it’s not serving you? What harm will it do if you simply let it go and pass it on to someone else? Make space for new possibilities? Not just in new purchases, but with the things you already own, love, and have room to see and now wear more of? Making room to wear and style them collectively in new ways.
5 Steps to Thoughtfully Enhance Your Personal Style
Fostering a purposeful wardrobe that authentically reflects your personality and endorses your lifestyle can build your confidence and domino into many other areas of your life.
Revisiting a brief article written right at the beginning of 2020, which is still as relevant, if not more today. These are the five steps to help you tap into your style, be more mindful in your closet, and feel great when getting dressed every day.
Be open-minded and embrace self-discovery
Create a new perspective
Get dressed with intention
Put something on that makes you smile
Converse kindly with yourself
Rescue Your Hair from Winter
Chilling temperatures outside and the thermostat cranked up indoors are the perfect storm for dry hair. Let’s not forget about the static electricity, too (like a human lightning bolt - zap!). Picture that mad scientist look — not a style archetype any of us are eager to endeavor.
As a color-treated blonde, this is the worst time of year for my hair. Especially since deliberately growing it out (made even more complicated since this has been a time when some people are losing their hair due to shocks to our systems). All the things that could not benefit my hair any less are happening at once. Oh joy, January!
To put action into reaction, I’ve finally worked out the rescue squad remedies that will temper the flyaways and exude smooth shine — thanks most in part to the guidance of my talented colorist/stylist, Aimee. I recognize that everyone has their own beauty preferences and products — there are tons out there — which means find what works best for you and your hair type. Perhaps some of these tips and tools are helpful along the way.
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This newsletter is presented in partnership with Cobbler Concierge & Jim’s Shoe Repair
The only place I send my shoes — and bags, belts, luggage, clothing with zippers, coats, the list goes on — to be repaired. Cobbler Concierge & Jim’s Shoe Repair are based in NYC but serve customers across the United States. Providing a seamless, reliable solution, giving a second life to all of your cherished items.
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Offer valid on all repairs to shoes, bags, clothing, etc. orders submitted before March 31, 2022. Shipping costs are additional.
This One’s for the Guys
Like clockwork, each January, a package enveloping a shoebox arrives on my doorstep — inside, a gift for my husband’s birthday. Always on the hunt for a modern style that balances comfort with cool; a pair to wear with jeans or slacks, sweaters or sports jackets, puffer vests, bombers, and hoodies.
I’ve curated a high-low selection of men’s trainers that are office-appropriate and dashing enough for a dinner party.
The Latest
Pro tip: keep your sneaker soles clean with the tool that does it all. Mostly.
Binging that’s good for you: Records broken, risks taken, and a profound reward achieved by Nepali mountaineer Nimsdai Purja. This documentary will (nearly) take your breath away. Inspiration abounds.
Reheat fries back to crispy: The rule of three can really make an impact if you’re into that superstition. That’s the case with me and the air fryer. I know, another appliance for the kitchen… is there even room? But I’ve heard and seen enough. It’s now added to cart. For what it’s worth, in 2020, about 36% of the US population reported owning one. Another order of fries, please — to go!
Not sure how to style your boots for everyday wear? Try one of these four outfit ideas to temper your morning stress and set you up for success in what you wear for the day.
Lastly, in the words of the late André Leon Talley…