Welcome to the August issue of the Monthly High-Five!
The Beare Park shorts I’ve been wearing on repeat (more to share on this in next week’s newsletter!)
5 Things I’m Loving
August is an interesting month to be shopping for clients.
We aren’t quite finished with Summer yet but also can’t wrap our heads around Fall.
This is the month I try to shift the focus away from really seasonal pieces into wear-now options that can transition from peak Summer into Fall because the goal is that anything you are adding to your wardrobe right now can continue to live and be a part of your wardrobe beyond specific months.
Here are some of the references that inspired my picks for the month -
A hill I will die on - a lower scoop neck tank will change how you feel in your outfits. When my clients show me their tanks, it’s always a high crew neck option but there is a subtle but impactful shift that happens when you show a bit of your neck, whether it’s a scoop or a v-neck. It creates breathing space, it feels more modern, and it’s honestly the easiest “going out” top you can have in your closet. Mine are old from Target and Marine Layer that aren’t carried anymore but this and this feel similar. Also love this if you prefer something more polished!
Mine is old Uniqlo Men’s but I get asked about it a lot so I’m always trying to find alternatives. There’s a lot of options from high to low for this type of jacket but I love how light this one is and the fact that it’s Navy as it helps it feel a bit more modern even though it’s a very casual layer. I wear for workouts, zip up and wear as a top, or use as a lever to dial down more formal pieces like wool trousers.
One of my most asked about pants — and it’s also one of the hardest to wear based on convos I’ve had with you. If you have tried these and they felt super easy, that’s amazing (yay!) but I know the high paperbag waist, elongated inseam, and long drawstring can make it hard to style so I found a new alternative that feels more wearable for most while still delivering that done-for-you styling detail.
I’m boring and got mine in Black to update an old croc pouch I’ve had for ages but the quality and structure is so good and it really helps you feel so chic!! I’ve been using mine nonstop since I got it and I really do love everything this brand does.
These satin ballet flats from The Row have been an unexpected favorite this past year. (Sold out but you can usually find secondhand!). At first they felt too feminine but i loved the color and higher vamp and when I tried it on, I immediately pictured 100 ways to wear it. That’s how you know you’ll live in an item! I use them as a tension lever - to add femininity to more masculine leaning outfits, to refine a super casual look, or to elevate a really simple outfit.
1// A SEXY COOL TANK - I’m always on the lookout for easy wardrobe staples that can live with you year round. I just ordered this, along with these pants, to wear now as an elevated update to my cotton tanks. 100% Cashmere with a great cut and refined color options. Whether it’s a cashmere tee or tank, the heathered yarn adds such nice dimension to simple looks. Wear on its own now with low slung pants and then just throw on a jacket or blazer for evenings or Fall. Also love the look of this tank. 2// A NO-BRAINER WINDBREAKER - This one just came out and love the simplicity. A great option if you want that slouchy-but-not-oversized look like my Uniqlo one. Navy (classic, modern, sleek) or Red (fun, bold, spicy!) 3// A REALLY GOOD FLAT - Leave it to Phoebe Philo to make a ballet flat feel craveable again. These feel inspired-by but still very much in the brand’s wheelhouse. Note the high vamp and subtle patent crinkle. A great everyday flat that feels modern but timeless at the same time. 4// AN OUTFIT MAKER PANT - A good alternative to my Matteau fisherman pants. This has an easier waistband and I like that it’s offered in Tall and Petites. 5// THE EPITOME OF CHIC CLUTCH -Same as the one I shared above but this Wine color is to die for. Also the Blue Lizard colorway! I honestly love all the colors and sizes, you can’t go wrong but if you are having a hard time deciding, send me a message or ask in the chat!
I had been specifically looking for a black croc clutch but there are always so many good structured clutch options that you can find that are vintage or secondhand. Prada Red Clutch // Hunting Season Clutch // Judith Lieber Convertible Bag (feels so similar to the Liffner one…wish this one was available when I was first searching!) // Gucci Leather Clutch
A few other flats I’m loving - Not super familiar with the brand but I love these colors in satin and crinkle options // A more almond toe flat option (reminds me of the shape of my satin ones from The Row) // An Etsy shop I can’t stop going back to. These flats are so fun if you like a pop of color. // If you feel like a ballet flat is too feminine, I love the look of these. Very Michael Rider’s Celine-inspired but still wearable nonetheless!
And some more windbreaker-as-a-top inspo for you! I shared the Rohe red version back in March but it can feel kind of overwhelming so that’s why I like the SoldOut version (also comes in red). The other images I screenshotted this week from Copenhagen Fashion Week. This type of style feels a bit like a chameleon. It’s sporty but you can really do so much with it and switch up the vibes easily! A nice easy change of pace from a basic tee or sweatshirt.
4 Ways To Style
As always, I like to repeat some of the same pieces throughout so you can get some ideas for how to restyle in new ways, whether it’s one of these pieces or something similar that you might already have in your closet.
Sharing some things I’ve been gifted recently that I think you might love! I’m not obligated to post these and I will only ever share things that I truly enjoy and would repurchase on my own or that I think you’ll enjoy too.
A lightweight and durable everyday tote - Sometimes you just need a really practical bag but I find most are not cute so I use my old designer totes but they aren’t the most practical for schlepping things around town. I love how nondescript this bag is, in a good way. It would make a great mom tote. Or gym bag. Or commuter/travel bag.
I got this a couple months back but haven’t shared it until now. I like to live with the items for some time to see if I want to recommend them. If you know me, you know I’m a bag lady and will have at least 2-3 bags on me at all times. I’ve used this a lot to move things back and forth from our Airbnbs to our house, quick trips to the city, and for local days where I need to carry a lot of things. It comes in multiple sizes but mine is the larger weekender one. I also love the navy/black combo!
a practical tote but make it cool!
You can’t tell but it’s packed inside. I use it to carry park blankets, magazines, workout stuff, use it for package drop offs etc. What I like about it is that it’s light but feels secure and padded. Some of my other large totes are incredibly light but feel more fragile, or incredibly durable but are so heavy to carry around. It has a laptop sleeve, pockets, pouch, all the bells and whistles! (Color looks wildly different with these photos but the one on the right is more accurate)
Spa day in a bottle - I actually got gifted this oil which I gave to my mom and she said it was her favorite oil she’s used so I decided to try some of their other products. This essence is so luxurious to me. I love the clean sea smell and it’s just been a lovely way to start and end my days. It’s light and dries quickly and the pearl peptide leaves a really nice glowy glow on your skin so it’s been perfect for the days I don’t wear makeup (which is often). It’s labeled as an essence-toner-serum but I find it works nicely as a primer too. Honestly, I’ve just reapplied in between my day when I need a little spa moment!
Knix Underwear - Ok, I might be late to this idea but if you haven’t tried these yet, just trust me. I actually first learned of this brand when my sister bought me some and to say it was life changing is an understatement. I was gifted another pair so I welcomed the chance to restock my undergarment drawer. It’s a very practical but important purchase!!
2 Styling Updates
Just a quick update on what months I’m booking now for my services:
Office Hours 1 Hour Sessions - I have a couple spots open for August for anyone that has some styling or wardrobe challenges or questions they’d love support with.
Style Renew & Style Reset services - I have spots open in Sept for my Style Renew service (doing more with what you already own) and late Sept/Oct for my Style Reset (signature transformational service).
If you need help navigating which service is best for you, or just want to see if we’d be a good fit, you can book a free call with me here - would love to meet you! And if you are curious about what it’s like to work together, you can see the BTS of my client stories here!
1 Quote I’m Resonating With
Less focus on the things outside our control - more focus on the little luxuries that provide so much if we just pause to notice it <3
See you next week!
xx,
Angie
The Found Journal is a reader-supported publication. Every like, share, or comment truly means the world to me!
I admit that Reva wearing a teal clutch sent me down a TRR rabbit hole and I came to that same Gucci one you recommended. But now I’m tempted by the Prada AND Judith Leiber. If it were you, would you just take the strap off the Leiber and wear like a clutch? That’s my instinct!
I admit that Reva wearing a teal clutch sent me down a TRR rabbit hole and I came to that same Gucci one you recommended. But now I’m tempted by the Prada AND Judith Leiber. If it were you, would you just take the strap off the Leiber and wear like a clutch? That’s my instinct!
PS- the Midimalist tote 🥹🥹🥹
also I cannot justify $350 shorts - any Beare Park dupes out there?