Filling The Gaps

An intentional Spring shopping guide (with reader requests!)

Hi Readers,

Apologies for the delay in getting this newsletter out! Ran into some technical issues with our winter storm here in NY so just getting out of “offline” mode today.

As part of our ‘intentional shopping’ month, I wanted to curate a mini Spring shopping guide for you. The categories are based on the requests submitted by paid subscribers in our chat so I hope it can provide some inspiration or serve as a starting point should you be looking to fill in any wardrobe gaps.

As always, it ended up being much longer than I planned so you can click to read the entire newsletter if you are viewing from your inbox :)

This isn’t necessarily meant to be a “What To Buy For Spring” list but rather to spark ideas for any areas you need to update or refresh, or to help think about how to round out more breadth vs depth in your wardrobe.

Maybe it can point you in the right direction should you be looking for something similar, provide inspiration for new shapes or colors, or introduce you to a new brand.

I think links are most helpful when there’s a bit of context so I’ve broken this guide down to the following to share some aspects of my thought process:¹

• STYLE - inspiration on how I am thinking about the category for Spring

  

• STYLING - examples of how to wear the idea across your lifestyle as any new piece should be able to easily create 3-5 looks using what you already own

  

• SELECTS - Links to some options based on what you may be looking for (foundational to personality/statements, casual to more refined). I tried to include a range of price points. While I would love to include lots of fun and exciting pieces, I know most of our readers including myself appreciate pieces that have a lot of versatility! We are discerning and while we may buy emotional pieces here and there, we want things that actually make sense for our everyday so I’ve focused more on functional, practical, wearable pieces.

You’ll see all my picks laid out in this chart - When filling in gaps, it helps to think about your pieces in relation to wardrobe components (foundational staples to statement/personality pieces) and your lifestyle (casual to refined). Taking shoes for example: If your wardrobe consists of a lot of casual foundational items, rather than buying more of these types of shoes, maybe look at options that are a bit more refined and elevated to help you get dressed for social outings. Or maybe you crave some personality pieces that can breathe new life into your favorite outfit formulas. You don’t need options in each category, unless your lifestyle or style preferences warrants it — but this should help identify where some gaps may be.

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SHOES

Reader Requests: “My feet are always under or overdressed for Spring!” and “versatile sandals and sneakers that can be dressed up or down”

Stylist Note: I’ve been seeing this a lot through my 1:1 styling sessions recently as well — it seems whenever we get the feeling that we want to refresh our look, the first instinct is to shop for clothes. So you put on a brand new outfit but then get stumped because your shoe choices feel limiting, dated, or impractical. Shoes have the secret power to change the look and feel of the exact same outfit…a lot of times, it’s the only thing I change when I go from day-to-night or weekdays in to weekends out.

1. VERSATILE SANDALS

The key to a versatile sandal that can be dressed up or down:

• The Details - Such as an elevated material like soft leather and satin. Minimal hardware unless it’s a subtle statement within the design. Delicate straps help keep a bit of refinement.

• The Styling - I think any sandal can be dressed up or down so long as you think about it within the entirety of a look. A minimal sandal can look basic on it’s own but paired with a beautiful silk dress or crisp trousers, it can stand on it’s own!

STYLE: I love a minimal sandal as it works really well against dressier or more polished looks. It creates a nice juxtaposition and contrast against silks and satins and balance against wider leg bottoms or oversized shapes. It adds to the bare skin feeling I love for warmer months!

STYLING: A reliable partner to your favorite jeans and tees in the Spring but can also be a stylish choice for travel and create an undone yet refined look for evenings. Featuring Essen The Label Evening Sandal in Chocolate

SELECTS: Foundational shoes should be ones you feel very comfortable wearing and easy enough that you don’t need to think about how to wear them. If you are looking for personality pieces, they could be anything from interesting colors, shapes, or materials.

Top Row - K Jacques St Tropez Abako Sandal // A. Emery Carter Sandal (feels very MKA-coded) // A. Emery Kinto Sandal (I have an older version of these - they are my go-to in Spring; available in leather and suede)

Soeur Delhi Sandal // Aeyde Snakeskin Sandal // Aeyde Ella Metallic Sandal

Bottom Row - Loulou Studio Dina Slide // CO. Strappy Sandal // Loulou Studio Stella Satin Slide (on my wishlist) // Essen The Label Evening Sandal (in my cart)

Anonymous Copenhagen Niabi Sandal (available in lots of colors) // Tove Rene Sandal // Anonymous Copenhagen Sophie Sandal (available in lots of colors)

**Another brand to check out is ATP Atelier - I love their sandals but a lot is sold out as they restock for Spring

2. SNEAKERS

The key to a versatile sneaker:

• The Profile - I always prefer a slim profile if you want something that can be dressed up or down as it creates a tailored shape at the bottom of your look and are the easiest to style with a range of bottoms. Higher profile sneakers are great for more casual looks or if you want to lean into the sporty feel paired back to trousers. If you wear sneakers often, I think having a pair that can work for more polished looks vs casual are good options to have.

• The Styling - There are so many options but it will depend on what you want the sneaker to do for your wardrobe. Is it to add a color pop? To create a sporty feel? To feel refined against trousers and skirts?

STYLE: I’m personally craving classics this Spring like Converse, or my personal sneaker of choice, Nikes. They never went out of style but I think they feel especially great right now with the more modern leg shapes we have in our wardrobes. They will also be a grounding choice when paired back to newer or trendier pieces.

STYLING: I find that a low profile sneaker is best if you want to style from casual to dressier options. The fabrication and color can create contrast and texture while the outfit pairings can provide nice juxtaposition and balance if you want to tone down the level of formality. Featuring Dolce Vita Serena Sneaker

SELECTS: If you are a big sneaker fan, this may not apply to you but I find that foundational options should be neutral and low profile for the easiest versatility but if you are in sneakers most days of the week, a chunkier option is great for casual everyday. If you are looking for personality pieces - look for interesting design details, bolder colors, or fun customization.

Top Row - Converse Low Tops // Aasics x Juliana Salazar // Alohas TB. 490 Sneakers (lots of options here) // Nike Cortez (Love this color combo too. These Toteme options are nice if you want a more elevated option)

Nike LD-1000 (love the color combo..would look good against light wash and white denim) // Autry Sneakers (love the green and cobalt too)

Bottom Row - Alohas TB. 490 Sneakers (lots of options here) // Dolce Vita Serina Sneakers (I got these for a client…love the shape…sizing is limited so go up 1/2 size if you are in between) // COS Minimal Trainers (go in/out of stock so sign up for notifications)

Alohas TB. 56 Sneakers (love the fuzzy texture and colored laces) // Prada Nylon Trainers (I love these but great alternative and here) // Dolce Vita Serina Sneakers

3. VERSATILE “OTHER” SHOES

For everything else in-between a sneaker and sandal, I like to fill-in based on the following:

• Elevated Fabrics - Stick to leathers and suede to keep it feeling more refined. Satin works nicely here to, as do metallics. If you want something a bit more fun, I love woven and textured fabrications for warmer months.

• Shoe Height - If you lead a very casual lifestyle, go for a flat or a barely there kitten heel (1/2”). If you have a mix of casual and dressier moments, I love a smaller ~2” heel as you can dress it up but it feels less formal than a true high heel, or a block heel to offer more stability.

STYLE: You will never go wrong with a classic simple shoe. If that feels boring to you, you can think about classic shapes in interesting colors, patterns, and materials. It’s a great way to expand your style while still feeling like you.

STYLING: If you are filling the gap, think about your choice as it relates to your lifestyle. A great elevated shoe can help bring nice contrast to a casual leisure look (I love mixing lived-in french terry with a ballet flat), bring balance to statement pieces, and still maintain polish and comfort for dressier moments. Featuring Aeyde Kirsten Flat

SELECTS: If you are covered in casual sandals and sneakers, I think you can have a bit more fun here with foundational. A great slipper, loafer, or flat that is low key but still elevated. I like introducing finishes like patent, suedes, and satin for more refined options so they feel differentiated from casual choices. For personality pieces, let your emotional resonance guide you and have fun with it!

Top Row - Charvet suede slippers // Emme Parsons Earnest Fisherman Sandal // Anonymous Copenhagen Collapsible Loafer // The Row Awar Ballet Flat (great example of a classic shape in interesting color so it feels more unique)

Alaia Knitted Flats // Loeffler Randall Ginger Animal Flats // Le Monde Beryl Claudia Flats // Andrea Gomez Claudia Raffia Block Heels

Bottom Row - Essen The Label Patent Foundation flat (patent for more interesting finish…reminds me a bit of the Chanel ones) // Aeyde Kirsten Flat (I love cream/white shoes for something unexpected vs classic black/browns!) // ATP Atelier Arcole Block Sandal (I find this type of heel extremely comfortable and wearable) // The Row Satin Heel // Reformation Wilda Mule (I have a similar shape in cream leather I wear ALL the time) // Neous Arias Heel (subtle and sexy!)

Loulou Studio Liz Mules // Anonymous Copenhagen Givia Sandal (a great work/social option; lots of color options) // Emme Parsons Chelsea Heel (a great work/social option) // Paris Texas Lara Mules // J Crew Robin Zebra Heels (love the animal pop!)

OUTERWEAR

Reader Request: “Light jackets that aren’t denim”