Again & Again
When I was a teenager, I saw my mom wearing slip-on Skechers and was horrified — I remember her trying to convince me that I would one day choose comfort over style. This still makes me laugh, and while not entirely true, I’ve definitely struggled to feel inspired with my wardrobe after years of staying in and donning stretchy pants or cozy clothes.
I’ve gone through many sartorial phases in my life: High school Elise went from Avril Lavigne-loving skater wannabe (Dickies, spiked belts, flat ironed hair) to NYC-loving fashionista wannabe (tight bootcut jeans, neon pink pointed toe Steve Madden kitten heels). Then in my early 20s, I had little money and got super into thrifting and ugly granny clothes. Fast forward to the present in my mid-30s: I’m fairly proud of my wardrobe now, but can feel challenged by an ever-fluctuating body, an onslaught of digital ads, work that is primarily at home, or attempting to dress up for a night out.
When I feel confident, I take more risks. It’s hard to deny the way a great pair of shoes or perfectly fitting jeans can make you feel, and this is why I’ve always loved expressing myself through clothing and helping others find pieces they feel amazing in. As cheesy as it sounds, I do believe that when I’m taking care of myself on the inside, it naturally extends to caring for myself on the outside. Prioritizing sleep, connection with friends, time in nature, staying hydrated, creativity for the sake of creativity — it’s all so vital for my wellbeing. I’ve mentioned that I have been doing a lot of deep internal work this past year, and am so grateful to finally feel good again. To feel joy again. To feel a spark again.
I recently purged most of my closet. I came across the Instagram account of Amy Smilovic, founder and creative director of Tibi. I’ve spent hours going down the rabbit hole of her posts and story highlights where she shares incredible fashion tips and insights. The philosophy she calls “creative pragmatism” has resonated so much for me and been a lifesaver when I’m getting dressed in the morning. I’ve stopped buying products at the rate I once did and am slowly and thoughtfully adding to my collection, considering how each individual item works together. These days, I tend to gravitate towards resale or vintage whenever possible (and maaaaay have an unhealthy obsession with The RealReal). I’m having fun and working to rebuild a solid foundation, all the while sprinkling in some trendy pieces that I might not hold onto long-term.
I think it’s only natural for style to be ever-evolving or reinventing itself. Life offers many twists and turns, we grow and we change and we try new things. Circumstances change — I mean, I did move to a completely different climate a year ago! But we can always start over, reevaluate, make mistakes, ask questions, shift our perspective. I’m honing in and tuning in, and not only finding my personal style again, but finding myself again. And I will continue to… again and again.
Love,
Elise
NOTEWORTHY
—The impeccable Alexa Chung on how she found her personal style.
—Joan Didion’s Life in Objects.
—I’ve been singing the praises of my new so-ugly-they’re-cool Nike Air Rifts, thanks to Yara Flinn, one of my style icons and the designer behind womenswear line Nomia.
PLEASURE
I cannot stop listening to this song by Sudan Archives. It makes me so happy!
Some favorite IG accounts (shops + individuals) to follow with exceptional style and taste: Idun helmed by sisters Dahlia and Rachel, Beverly Nguyen, Melissa Bon, Fran Miller, Maimoun, Janicza Bravo, Nane Feist, Mari Giudicelli and TyLynn Nguyen.
A young Steve Martin appearance (from 1975!) on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Two of my husband and my favorite shows are back: The White Lotus and The Vow. Are you watching too?
CONTEMPLATING
How to get out of a rut. “If you can get yourself over the gap between knowing what you need to do and taking an action, things can only get better from there.”
At 72, Eileen Fisher meditates on what’s next. I’ve long admired Eileen and her slow approach to fashion.
A list of reasons why our brains love lists. Ha!
Photo Credit: ‘La Danseuse étoile’ (Star Dancer) 1991 by Marcel Mariën, via Tate.
