Wardrobe basics: the almond-toe black boot

It's been a while since I've put out one of these wardrobe basics posts, but this year flew by so quickly that I didn't even realize it. I recently snatched up these boots after they were marked down 60%, and I've been living in them since. They are at that sweet spot of a heel that's chunky and low enough to walk in all day. I also love the slight pointed toe, "almond" if you will. I also recently cycled out my Acne Loma boots because they were too aggressively pointy for my tastes and started to feel a void in my closet as they were my main black walking boot.

Here are some other great options at all price points:
-Ok, this is me just trolling, because these boots are the price of a used car. Terrifying. But if you have the budget and want real alligator and not just "alligator or croc-effect", I suppose that's the price to pay.
-This pair is a great dupe for the Altuzarra ones I picked up, and they're also on sale! They have a square toe, which I've also really been into recently.
-Well, these are SICK (and also on sale). I love how they look like traditional wingtip brogues from above but totally aren't from the side.
-Your best bet under $250. I'm all about that extra chunky heel.
-If you want an even lower heel, but not a completely flat boot, I like the simplicity of this pair from my favorite sneaker brand.



Other details: Saint Laurent varsity jacket // Assembly New York tee // AG jeans (these are probably my favorite jeans ever and they are on sale!) // Loewe bag and charm

Wardrobe basics: the bomber jacket

Is it just me, or has pretty much every brand out there released a version of the MA-1 bomber jacket this season? I'm not complaining because I've recently converted to loving the style and think it's a super versatile and comfortable piece to own as a staple.



[Old Uniqlo bomber // Ankle Boots // Jeans // Tee]

The one I'm wearing here is actually a circa 2013 men's Uniqlo piece that hasn't been available for a while, but it's surprisingly warm and was perfect for a recent flight where I went from freezing-ass NY to warm Mexico. It allowed me to forgo wearing a heavy coat that would have been completely unnecessary for the destination.

But I've scoured the Internet and picked a few current options in this style (with gratuitous commentary below):
-The olive color of this one got my attention – I only wish the back weren't ribbed!
-Another olive option that I really love. The silhouette is different from the classic but I'm into it.
-If you want to shop the men's section, this one looks pretty similar to the one I'm wearing and has simple clean lines.
-A classic version from the brand that mainstreamed the style.
-And for the person who has an unlimited budget, THIS one by Vetements is far too cool. I actually tried it on recently and it feels pretty glorious to the touch.

Now if only it were warm enough to wear them right now...

Wardrobe basics: white denim

It's a little late in the season to be getting into white denim, but who's really paying attention to the "rules" nowadays anyway? I have had my eye on this pair for months, but when it finally hit sale with an extra 30% off code, I pounced. There doesn't seem to be a code at the moment, but this pair feels well worth the regular sale price. I had pretty much given up on white denim after trying on countless pairs over the years that just felt incredibly unflattering. What I love about this pair is the relaxed fit through the legs and high-waist. And the material is thick enough that you don't have to worry about what color underwear you're wearing. Finally, white jeans I like!

I also feel like I can wear whatever shoes I want with it, though my current pick is this fun option from J.Crew. I've already waxed poetic about pointy-toed and slingback flats, so this pair is right up my alley.

Photographed at The Press Hotel in Portland, Maine.

Madewell Jeans // Old first-gen Everlane French Terry // J.Crew Flats // Larsson & Jennings Watch (or, better price here) // Mansur Gavriel Backpack

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.