Why we always go back to CBK
Yohji Yamamoto, Phoebe's Chloe, and how I dress for summer.
The recent discourse around CBK has made me take pause (for more reasons than one) and think about more thoughtful ways to get dressed. I think the reason so many of us were up in arms about the styling on the upcoming Murphy show is because Carolyn is someone (much like Diana) whose closet is constantly referenced. Her way of dressing is interpreted by many different kinds of creative people—high fashion circles, the art world, etc. Her style, while seeming simple, is quite niche, but still seems attainable to the everyday woman. It is simple, easily replicated. It’s a backbone. A “blueprint”. A clean slate.
While higher temps seep in, I have had the urge to strip back my own closet and bring in new things that feel more mature (I am pushing 30!) I have been collecting Prada, Chloe, and Armani for some years now. Sprinkling in some Max Mara and Donna Karan where it feels good, and Ralph Lauren for good measure.
I’ve never been summers biggest fan. Getting “bikini ready” is a death sentence, plus being hot (temperature wise) in general is not ideal. I prefer a max high of 85°. If it inches higher, especially with humidity, do not expect to hear from me. I don’t like getting dressed in these temperatures. I’m most comfortable in pants around a fireplace in November. Dresses hit weirdly on my legs because I am long and don’t like anything below the knee before the calf or above the knee for that matter. Some people (not me) look fab in shorts, but I have eczema on my legs and they are nearly translucent. That makes skirts hard, too. If I’m wearing a dress I must wear a high enough heel to elongate my legs out of my fear of looking like I have cankles.
For fear of getting dressed in summer, I had a style out with myself. This was while the heat wave was going on in New York last week. I won’t be returning to New York this summer, but I will be on the East Coast, and I wanted to prepare for when LA gets very hot in August and September. When the going gets tough I’ll have these to reference…to remember what it was like when it wasn’t 97 degrees in Hollywood with no AC…maybe then I will just lay in bed naked staring at my ceiling and contemplating moving back to the east coast to a large enough house with central air conditioning.
For me, it is the Summer of Chloe. A few months ago I wore this Fall 2002 top to a work event and it sparked an obsession with Phoebe Philo’s Chloe.
Last month I found this top from Spring 2003 on TRR (lucky) last month and am waiting for the perfect moment to wear it. Big Ash has the tank version at her shop in NYC if you act fast.
These Jean Erica white jean shorts pair nicely with my tried and true J. Crew Rollneck sweater. I am looking very CBK in Martha’s Vineyard. I paired it with my large LL Bean Tote under my arm as a clutch. Slightly psycho and impractical but also why not??
I got these APC Tressie Pants after seeing someone wearing them in white and I was sooo pleased when they came in. They fit me perfectly and were just the right length which is hard ordering trousers online, most of the time the inseam is too short for my long legs! These however were just right and had the most perfect break which I adore.
I’ve long admired Giovanna Flores and finally purchased something when I saw her post this skirt a few weeks ago. Everything she makes is one of one and so thoughtful (Addison Rae has been wearing her, too). I love investing in young and emerging designers. No one is doing anything like her. I like wearing pieces that are singular. It’s like wearing vintage, no one else can have it. This skirt with the fabric pieces is so playful for summer and reminds me of playing dress up as a child. I paired it with one of my many vintage crews and some Pien beads. These sweatpants from her are next on my list.
I purchased my first piece from Prada 2009 last summer before the old Chickee’s was now the new Sorbara’s and since then have always gone back to the collection for inspiration. I have acquired a few more pieces from the collection, most recent being this dress which I found for a very good price downtown in NY earlier this month. I also wore it as a blouse a few weeks ago with my Olgabasha Jeans (another necessary staple in my wardrobe). I visited Celine’s studio last month which borders the Financial District and the now popular Bar Oliver. My dream dress will always be this mermaid one from that collection, which someone snagged since last I checked this link.
I got 2 pairs of trousers (Comme and Max Mara) and 2 sweaters (Armani and The Row) from Kathleen’s shop on my trip to NY. Here is the Armani one. I didn’t have a white v-neck sweater like this. Whenever I buy anything from Kathleen I wear it for at least a week straight after, every single day with something new added in or subtracted. I wore this sweater with a slip skirt, jeans, and the above APC pants. Next month I’ll be wearing it on the beach over a bikini top at sunset.
A few months ago I got lucky and found this silk Calvin Klein Collection dress on The Real Real. It’s likely from Spring 2012. The colors of the silks and the lines are similar. I’m waiting to wear this dress in August when I have more color (I’m going to the beach in July) and more freckles. This color washes me out when I don’t have a little glow going. Hopefully there will be an excuse for me to wear it in August or early September.
I love when The Real Real doesn’t understand the value of certain brands so the prices for certain pieces are extremely below what they’d typically go for a well curated vintage store. I got an unbelievable Calvin Klein Collection suede black clutch this week for under $100. Too good to be true?
Jil Sander tops are next. First from Sorbara’s and then the following two from TRR. Lots of crisp white shirts are coming in to stay. Can never have enough. Also this lovely 3/4 sleeve Yohji.
On my wishlist are these sandals from Emme Parsons, this Liffner tote for transitioning to fall (yes, I’m thinking about it), and anything from Rhoe.
Sorry to go all shoppy on you! Till next time.
Rainbow sprinkle palatte cleanser—
1) rainbow sprinkles forever and ever 2) psycho and impractical are the key ingredients to the best looks
That Calvin Klein dress is especially beautiful. Loved this read.