Mar 4, 2015

Wardrobe basics: striped shirt and slip-ons

I'm not sure what took me so long to add a striped tee to my wardrobe. I'm always drawn to them while I'm shopping but have never actually picked one up. That all changed recently while I was in Copenhagen. I spotted this shirt hanging in a tiny store, walked right in, walked right out no more than two minutes later with the shirt in hand. Turns out, it was from Armor Lux. Ah, of course. I loved the thick weight of it and how it was stiffer than a normal cotton tee. I changed right into it for dinner that very night.



Armor Lux seems to be a bit harder to find in the U.S. but Mark & Graham carries this particular style (mine is the Navy & Cream). I really love how basic it is; there are no bells and whistles to it and it's a great contrast to the other solid neutrals in my closet. I recently felt the Everlane version in person, and it's a great accessible alternative. It's also made from a nice weighty cotton and has a nice neckline. I have this softer number on my wishlist (just seems so easy to wear!), but I'm trying to take it slow or my whole closet will be stripes in no time.



I've also been living in black sneakers, as you may recall from this post. The obsession continues with the addition of these slip-on versions (quicker for TSA!) to my collection. What I really love about these pairs from Common Projects is that I can walk miles upon miles in them (they do require some breaking in, however) and still feel somewhat 'cool'. I mean, I love my Nikes and all, but can't help feeling a bit scrub-ish in them.

This particular pair also comes in a polished black leather version or a perforated version (which would be great for warmer weather). If $400+ sneakers aren't your cup of tea (it does seem crazy but for something I wear every day, it seems more reasonable to me than a $700 pair of heels that get worn ~5x a year), there is no shortage of wallet-friendlier options out there, including this pair from Emerson Fry and these from Vince.



Beyond the basics, I'm still struggling to find what will work for me, long-term. I live in a uniform of jeans and oversized sweaters. I don't want to hop on trends or be impulsive in clothing purchases, but I feel very boring recently. Step one this spring – add color. Will report back.

21 comments :

  1. Hi Alice

    May I kindly ask where in Copenhagen you found Armor Lux? I live in Copenhagen but have bought mine in Paris - which is a bit to far to travel for a shirt, although it would be a nice excuse to go :-) I am glad to see you enjoyed your trip and hope you will visit again soon.

    Best, Marianne
    Christianshavn

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    1. I found it at a store called Tricotage. Hope that helps!

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  2. Alice, heads up, there is an Armor Lux shop in noho on Mulberry st. A few shops down from McNally Jackson stationary goods! Also, for everyday basics Uniqlo have a tons of these stripe shirts right now. Quality is decent for the price! This is mellow (nam).

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    1. Oh! You're right, I've totally seen that in passing and never stopped in.

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  3. I love stripes but for some reason I don't own any either ! I too find it hard to find fun/bright clothes that can stay basics in your wardrobe. What I tend to do is to buy seasonal clothes at the local charity shop and since they don't cost me much I don't mind giving them back away when I don't like/need/want them anymore. The rest I make sure to get at top quality and therefore can be a tad more on the expensive side.

    xo, Charlie
    http://charlieleschroniques.blogspot.fr/

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  4. I live in striped tees

    Check out St James for some nice lighter weight tops

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  5. I have the same struggle with finding comfortable work clothes (I'm loving your jeans though - totally convinced they will one day be "professional" wear). I've found that oversized silk blouses are some of the most comfortable things ever and easily tucked into a high waisted skirt/pants.

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  6. I absolutely love those slip ons! They look super comfy!

    xo,
    Mindy | Blonde Nouveau

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  7. Stripes, once you picked them up, you probably wouldn't want to let them go, ever! x

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  8. Agree and love your not following the trend strategy. Love those slip-ons, the best!!

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  9. Less is more. Basics are always fashionable and chic ;)

    Really love your work Alice!!

    www.fabuloustuesdays.com

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  10. This is great post and inspired for me, thanks for sharing. Goodluck

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  11. I've been thinking about these shoes ever since you posted them! I suffer from the same love for the Nikes as you do, coupled with the scrub concern. I might pull the trigger because of you :)

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  13. Oh my, your couch is gorgeous such a lovely shade of blue.

    http://korinsusanne.blogspot.no

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  14. The shirt is lovely, yes...but that blue velvet tufted sofa is TO DIE FOR. Love. Love. Love.

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  15. You've got some elegant classics in your wardrobe. I've always wanted a top that I could wear for going out to dinner (as you did) and also wear casually. I find it hard to create a smart but casual look that doesn't look scruffy. I love your sneakers too. I do a lot of walking and will investigate getting a pair myself.

    Angella Frasier @ 4-Wardrobe

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