doing things differently
Hi friends! I hope everyone is taking care of themselves. Fall is, to me, the New Year of the fashion world. A great time for a fresh start for you and your closet. A very different time in my life since last fall I was one year postpartum and the fall before that I was a new mom…wild! One thing I keep hearing is how different siblings can be (as if I didn’t already know that- my sister is my best friend but also very much the Ashley to my Mary Kate if you’ve seen the movie New York Minute), but I am trying to focus on that fact that I’ll be able to practice at least some of what I’ve learned over the past two years.
Since this is NOT a mommy blog- I will spare you the rest of my thoughts on that topic for now but all of these thoughts (of course) had me thinking about how ‘doing things differently’ could relate to fashion and style- so I asked some of my friends from Substack and beyond what they’ll be doing differently this fall.
This fall I’m trying to let jackets do the heavy lifting for me on outfits! I found in 2023 I was overthinking my outfits far too much. I love the way a jacket can take jeans and a t-shirt and turn it into a special outfit. I’m not much of a blazer girl so I’m relying on great jean jackets (like the Kallmeyer Elliott Chore Jacket in Black after hearing it’s praises from lots of newsletters!) and other standouts like a suede fringe jacket or a new leather bomber coming to me from TRR! I like that a jacket can be a layering piece or you can button it up to wear as a top like here. I have endless pins saved for inspo!
My biggest learning from last fall to this fall is that there is not a one-size fits all prescription for a "fall-wardrobe". I've seen a lot of discussion about barn jackets, chore coats, the perfect trench, and all things suede. While I love the outfits other people create, these don't necessarily fit into my lifestyle in a way that is worth investing in. Investing in the items I actually reach for all the time, like sweatshirts, oversized tops, good baggy jeans, and a winter parka to walk my dog in, has given me a lot more confidence as I get dressed. It has also helped me get a lot more creative! The options for "elevating" a sweatshirt and jeans outfit are endless: surprising shoes, a blingy piece of jewelry, a bandana around the neck, etc!Â
What I’m doing differently is repeating! I want to enjoy the outfits I loved again — even to enjoy the familiarity. In the past I have always felt all the joy in the creating and trying to have a new idea. I really am wanting to pivot to enjoying the wearing. I am also looking for new ways to enjoy fall even in Miami. Through color, texture, and light third pieces.
When I spend money on pieces, they can’t be a wear-it-once kind of thing. Like this pajama set, sure I’ve worn the top lots of ways, but I actually want to wear the entire thing over and over.  I don’t have to change a thing.
(PS- make sure you’re following her on IG here for some seriously good Inspo!)
Phong Dang- creator and designer of Phong Charmz.
During the spring and summer I enjoyed pairing my shorts and loafers with white crew socks for that effortless sporty chic look. This season, I decided to dye my favorite plane white socks grey and brown to help transition into fall without sacrificing silhouette. In total, this project cost about $13 to create the perfect shade you’re looking for. My socks are from Target for $5 for a pack of 5 and the dye was about $5-$8 from Amazon. Once I collected my materials, I just followed the dying instructions on the package. It was that easy! Much like the autumn leaves a subtle change in color can signal a change in season with your wardrobe. The devil is in the details!
(how cute is my bestie?!)
& finally, what I’ll be doing differently this fall…. first of all, being realistic. I bought a slew of new basics from skims (this bra, this bodysuit, and these tees), went through my entire wardrobe and did a deep clean but this time I set aside things I think I’ll want go go back to postpartum. Last time I didn’t have a ton of nice pieces I knew I’d want to revisit because I wasn’t investing in clothing at the time (late 20s and early 30s are so, so different ha!). Next, I bought my favorite Levi’s two sizes up so I could be as comfortable as possible during my first trimester as I started to grow and deal with bloating. Next, I unfollowed pretty much any and all social media accounts that throw me into a comparison trap- whether it’s with parenting, what their house looks like, body image, etc (ps- I recommend doing this even if you’re not pregnant/ in a hormonal and vulnerable place!). My mental health was especially fragile as my husband had a stroke a week and a half after we found out I was expecting and as silly as it sounds I didn’t need any additional stress.
OK back to fashion- as the temps finally cooled down in L.A., I pulled out all my boots before making yet another purchase. As much as I was drawn towards the boots of the black platform variety, I ended up going with this Stuart Weitzman pair and a pair of the leopard UGGs since comfort is a top priority right now.
I’ve also been considering how I can mix up the vibe of my outfits while still staying comfortable and embracing stuff that used to be oversized. For example, my big sweaters with leggings and a stacked heel versus a big moto boot. Or, a lace slip under a men’s tee to add some feminine energy.
And finally, I went through my jackets - more on that below.
the great jacket debate
If there’s one thing I love to buy, pretty much year round, it’s a good jacket. Despite the fact that yes, I live in Los Angeles and yes, in a part of the city especially prone to misery inducing heat-waves, I just love the comfort of a leather jacket or trench over a great outfit. It even might be my favorite part about crisp, fall weather!
BTW…..
Updated Shopbop hearts here. I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year and have this funky candleholder in my cart.
More on my recent trip to NY in the next letter, but don’t sleep on the MoMa store for holiday gifts! They have a great site here.
I’m getting myself this pair of Dorsey earrings. A nice pick me up for everyday looks and extra sparkle for holiday festivities!
Lot’s of DMs about the glasses worn in my cart chronicles letter- found them for you here!
So many of you were loving my initial necklace. Reminder to use code LIZBEST20 for 20% off.
Early access to Luisa Via Roma’s Black Friday sale here- use code LVR35 for an exclusive discount.
talk soon- as always my DM’s are open here for link requests or if you just want to say hi!
xx, Liz
What an absolute treat to get to be here Liz! So excited to see your style evolve during this pregnancy; you are everything I wanted to be when I was having kids!!