Welcome to Style / Substance, a newsletter about personal style, confidence, and the psychology of fashion. Features include outfit ideas, styling & clothing care tips, reflections on how style can transform you, and product/brand recommendations to make your life easier and ensure you present your best self.
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Denim is quintessentially American. The ubiquitous textile transcends age, aesthetics, race, gender, and wallet share. And Ralph Lauren has done it again by putting blue jeans front and center on Team USA at the Olympic and Paralympic Opening Ceremony in Paris. Shared some thoughts on the Americana designer’s ninth time dressing world-class athletes.
To be noted, this look has received mixed reviews, including some pretty lukewarm ones. Specifically, it landed flat. What makes it compelling is its reference to the early 2000s when this aesthetic was at its peak in suburban areas. I owned a few of these Oxford shirts in varying pastel colors that I bought from the Polo Outlet (thanks to working overtime at Carvel Ice Cream). There’s a lot of nostalgia going on in fashion right now (esp from the 90s), and RL seemed to revisit this while also making a statement about denim in the fashion capital of the world.
Do you give this look a gold, silver, or bronze? Email me your thoughts!
Also…what sports are you most excited about?!
I’ll be tuning in to swimming and women’s gymnastics while eagerly awaiting the resurgence of Snoop Doggs favorite equine on the world stage.
+ Shop Winning Looks
If you’re an Olympic lover like me or just like the color palette, here are a few everyday elevated styles to incorporate into your team spirit wardrobe. Go head to toe or add subtle accessories for some flare.
📲 Know someone who would enjoy this newsletter? Fashion is for all. Spread the love and share with them.
😎 SPF is Your Skin's Best Friend
Why spend time and money on facials if you’re not protecting your skin daily? SPF is just as essential as facials for maintaining a radiant complexion. The Only Facial approaches skin care from a holistic lens. While facials help refresh and nourish, SPF shields your skin from harmful UV rays that cause premature aging and damage.
Keep your skin looking fresh and vibrant long after your facial.
The Only Facial currently operates four locations in Saint Louis: Clayton, University City, Des Peres, and St. Charles.
*This is a partnership post.
3 More Things
💈 Denser hair — Supplement recommendations are something I’m careful to suggest since it’s such a personal choice. For the past 60 days, I’ve been dropping and popping to fuel hair growth and attempt to reduce shedding. My hairstylist, Aimee, commented at my most recent appointment that my mane was surprisingly fuller and healthier. Use/consume at your discretion.
👜 Function at its finest — Discovered this rolling tote thanks to a friend who was carting around Amazon party supplies over the 4th. She uses it when on the go in the city, packing up the car, and around her house. It stays upright, has wheels, shoulder tote handles, a zip closure, and it can fold flat for storage. It screams high-function. Code SHOPMY5 can be used for 5% off.
👢 Fall preparations — The time is now to start thinking about your fall wardrobe. More specifically, your fall boots. I know, you might think, “It’s 99 degrees outside, Laura; why would I want to do that?” But pulling out your boots, dusting them off, or inspecting them outside of their duster bags or boxes needs to happen before the season begins. If there are worn-down heel caps or scuffs on the back or toe boxes, the suede needs to be cleaned or the leather conditioned to give it a fresh shine, then get started on it now. My go-to cobbler I recommend to everyone is Jim’s Shoe Repair / Cobbler Concierge:
Text a photo of your shoes to SHOES (74637)
Also text them code LKS10 for 10% off your order
They will send you a shipping label
Mail your shoes in - no matter where you are in the country (they’re based in NYC)
They’ll email you a summary of the items once they arrive and authorization and payment for the work - double check that the 10% code is included
Wait a few weeks, and your boots will be shipped back to your home/office, and they’ll be like brand new
*I’m nudging you now because it takes a little time, but it’s worth it with them. Get your boots in before everyone else does. That way, on the first cool day, you’re shoes will be in their best shape.