Over the past year, I’ve been going through a minimalistic phase, simplifying as much of my life as possible, including my beauty routine and wardrobe. Less is more right? When reading Steve Job’s biography, I really loved the idea of a uniform. As much as I love fashion, I love photography more and I want all of my time and energy to go into that, not picking out my outfit. So this transformation of simplification has begun and it feels really, really good.
This what I have found is important to me in this new phase of my personal style:
1. Buy less and save for quality. That item, whatever it may be, lasts longer, feels amazing, fits perfectly, makes you feel confident wearing it and is made of high quality fabrics. Even if you can’t afford these pieces new, there are sites such as LXR & Co. that sell luxury items on consignment at a fraction of the cost. I got my travel Hermes backpack that I LOOOOOVE here and a new Chanel watch for my birthday (above)!
2. Classic never goes out of style. I mean, obvi.
3. Shop conscientiously. I *love* companies like Obakki, whose philanthropic counterpart is a registered charity that focuses on providing clean water and education in Africa. I also love FEED – with every purchase, you feed a certain number of school kids in Africa. Then there is MAIYET, a pioneering luxury brand that “incorporates rare artisan skills from unexpected places throughout the world, with the goal to promote sustainable employment in places that need it most.” I love my basic MAIYET white shirt dress and gold cuff. These things not only look good but make you feel good about wearing them and telling people about the brand because you believe in what they are doing with your money.
4. K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple Stupid. I was very inspired by Cuyana’s lean closet initiative that “challenges us to collect fewer, better things, and to donate the pieces in our wardrobes that are merely taking up space to those who need them”. Simplifying your closet and ultimately your life feels so good, and it gives you more time to focus on things that really matter.
5. Stay fresh faced. I used to wear a lot of makeup. Even though I’ve been living in New York for 11 years now, it took a while to shake my Texas roots and ideals of beauty. I realized last year in Paris I have been spending all this time “putting on my face” when really, it’s not the makeup that makes someone pretty. I have reduced my beauty routine to Restorsea face cream, sometimes mascara, bronzer, and lipstick. That’s it. 2 mins. Boom.
Recently, we were shooting a beauty story for Joanna Goddard’s blog, Cup of Jo. It was such an amazing group of women who came together, talking, taking photographs, and sharing beauty tips. Courtney, who was just as beautiful barefaced as with makeup on, told me about a documentary called Miss Representation about the way women are viewed in the media and how that makes us view ourselves. At one point in the documentary the point is made that every time you look in the mirror, you should imagine there is a little girl standing there hearing what you are saying to yourself. Horrid right?! I told Kevin there has not been a day in my life that I have not looked at myself in the mirror getting dressed and thought “if I could just lose 10 lbs…”
And now I have to ask myself why? For what? For who? What am I judging my body against that I would say that to myself? So these may be the articles of clothing I wrap around my body to move in and out of the day, but now when I get dressed I don’t tell myself I need to lose weight, I think about the things I like, that I feel fortunate to have. It’s not only a physical makeover but a mental one. So here are my new classics and it feels really, really good on the inside and out.
Above cover photo, the basic black turtleneck. I can thrown it on with jeans and get to work and then change into a pencil skirt and go out to dinner, so versatile that I live in these!
Tibi Agathe Jumpsuit: it looks like a dress but it’s pants! Plus it has super clean lines and amazing pockets. And as we know, Tibi also travels very well: Brazil & Paris
I have been living in Cuyana’s Alpaca Infinity Scarf this winter. I also travel exclusively with their leather tote (monogrammed of course) which is a piece of amazing quality and simple design. It would make a wonderful gift! Also wearing Banana Republic’s Sloan Colorblock Sheath and I just ordered this for summer!
Luxury comfort…This is the most comfortable piece of clothing I own; it feels like a teddy bear hugging you all day! TSE Cashmere Draped Back Sweater paired with TSE Printed Silk Pants. The quality and comfort of this brand is the very best, either in the studio, or out in the world.
The versatile wrap dress, you can wear it open or closed. Emerson Fry is one of my favorite working girl brands, the kind of effortless cool you sometimes need. Close it for a meeting, open it for a party! I’m also really obsessed with lingerie these day, from shooting it to buying it. Above wearing a set from True & Co. which lets you try at home for free before you buy.
Obakki, nice simple comfy dresses. Also, my favorite overcoat is from here!
The ultimate artist work dress: TSE Cashmere Satin Back Crepe Dress. Huge pockets, loose and moving, amazing fabric and comfort. One of the kinds of pieces I will have and wear until it falls apart. Couple with the few pieces of jewelry I own: Chanel vintage watch & MAIYET gold cuff.
The biggest staple of my wardrobe is men’s white button up shirts: on a trip, out at night, for work. I have them from Ralph Lauren to J. Crew. You feel polished, but it’s a no brainer and you can wear it with anything…and that for me now is everything.