wardrobe planning: spring 2018 [update]

via pinterest

i'm convinced that spring this year will be condensed into about a week and a half before it will be time to break out the Birks, sigh. on the other hand, i'm feeling more inspired this season than last year. and something about a baby Kate looking wistful in a Parisian cafe just makes me smile.

style notes: lessons i've learned pt.i

via la cool et chic

it's been nearly a decade since i started this blog, and it feels apropos to reflect on some things i've learned along the way.

foundations: 5 timeless handbags under $500

source: The Row 

i get this question a lot from readers: "how can i build a functional and timeless handbag collection when i'm just starting out?"

wardrobe planning: spring 2018

the inspiration: a new minimalism, two decades ago and now.

top: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, photo taken in the 1990s // bottom: a recent effortlessly elegant street style subject

there's snow blanketing everything as i write this, but i am firmly in the mood for spring.

#askLAM: a quality black blazer?

image credit: j.crew

reader Kate asks: Hi Sophie! I have really been enjoying your blog and especially the concept of investing in good foundations. I am looking to purchase a black wool blazer and am wondering if you have any recommendations on brands and styles. Thanks so much! -Kate

foundations: the 10 best winter essentials under $200

 

via pinterest

having recently survived the onslaught of Bomb Cyclone here on the east coast, i wanted to share some of the hardest working winter essentials in my wardrobe.

the find: the luxe reversible shearling coat

the outside world is a flurry of white right now. naturally, i'm dreaming of shearling everything.

wardrobe building 101: the perfect convertible clutch

the perfect convertible evening clutch is one of those wardrobe essentials that's curiously hard to find.

style notes: reflections on an edited wardrobe

recently, i went to the Met and saw a fascinating exhibit.

wardrobe building 101: the pretty + versatile dress

great find: love this Liberty-print classic sundress on sale

style tip: at the end of summer/start of fall, great deals can be had for certain perennial wardrobe staples.

wardrobe planning: chic athleisure essentials under $50

image: H&M

love it or hate it, the advent of athleisure in the last few years has one big upside: it's never been easier to look good in your gym clothes.

sale PSA // the Golden Goose boots

hello hello, i'm thinking about fall already, and this incredible sale on my favorite Italian maker of luxe boots is way too good to pass up. i have the Charlyes and after 8+ years, they're like old friends. i wish i found mine at these prices!

any ones catch your eye?

style notes: thoughts on fall 2016

via

hi again, i can't believe we're halfway through October!

now that we're back to sweater and leather jacket weather, i'm feeling newly inspired again with all of the familiar signs of autumn.

wardrobe building 101: the best leather jacket under $500

the official start of spring – aka leather jacket weather – calls for a great leather jacket. 

problem is, quality leather doesn't come cheap and the sky's the limit when it comes to luxe leather options (Rick Owens, i'm looking at you). problem solved: this perfect cropped version by Oak popped up on my radar and i had to share. i love the cropped sleeves and the slightly shrunken fit –ideal as a top layer over lighter spring tanks and dresses. (tip: try to avoid too-long or baggy sleeves on a leather jacket.) also, there's just enough hardware for the classic moto look without going overboard.

what do you think? do you have a favorite leather jacket in your style rotation? 

wardrobe planning: spring 2016

goodbye, mild but draggy winter. hello, sunny days ahead!

PSA: midweek spring sales roundup

spring uniform right now // via

it's a great week for spring shopping if you overlook the random April cold snap we've stumbled into here on the east coast. first up: if you're wondering where to start with the big shopbop sale, these are some of my picks.

1. the best skinny jeans by AG
2. this elegant and nifty bluetooth radio
3. a boss lady navy blazer
4. this beautiful turquoise and gold ring (can't go wrong with this combo!)
5. an all-season leather jacket
6. a utilitarian chic crossbody by Jerome Dreyfuss

elsewhere, there's also a ton of f/w and s/s gems at la garconne – scope these Margiela ankle boots with just enough of a heel, and these GG classic tall charlyes.

happy midweek! are you wishlisting anything for spring?

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the find: relaxed garconne loafers

longtime readers of LAM know that i love a classic leather flat.

spring mood: palette cleanser

i. didion tee + easy jeans

ii. emerson slides all day

iii. peonies via

mood snapshot as we get into March: currently craving the sartorial equivalent of a palette cleanser. maybe it has something to do with my Marie Kondo reading, maybe it's the hint of spring balminess this week. also rediscovering the clean cropped line of my old everlane box tees after forgetting about them in the bottom of my dresser drawer for a while. does that ever happen to you? 

what are you in the mood for lately?

sale PSA: the big one

via

just in time for a midweek boost, the big shopbop sale is now on until Friday! depending on what you're in the mood for, there are plenty of fun wildcard gems like this adorable anya hindmarch coin pouch (whimsical + practical is always a good idea), or foundation pieces like my favorite A.P.C. jeans (see my review here) and this classic navy wool blazer.

are you wishlisting anything? happy shopping, happy Wednesday :)

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foundations: the oversized cardigan coat

budget find: this H&M super cozy oversized cardigan coat/wrap

this is the new hero piece of my winter wardrobe.