October Outfits

An affinity for brown, mixing in recent vintage finds, and how The Real Real built my closet. Let's get dressed!

The current state of my outfit Note.

I had the idea to start this newsletter over a year ago, and have since been ruminating on how I could provide value on the topic of getting dressed. A few weeks ago, as I tapped my Notes app and scrolled to the note where I keep all of my outfit ideas, I decided a practice I’ve been doing for years might actually be the best place to start.

I find that using my Notes app to brainstorm and plan outfits is incredibly useful in getting dressed when you’re not feeling ‘it’ or are in a rush to get out the door. I open the Note any time an idea comes to me, or to reference holes in my closet when considering new purchases. As appointments get added to my calendar, I’ll add the date + occasion at the top of the Note and scroll through the list of outfits to decide what I want to wear, so that when the day comes past me has already styled something for future me.

I plan to publish my monthly outfits Note here, along with photos of my favorites, context of where I’d wear them, and links to similar pieces when possible. There might be additional newsletters on related topics, too: independent designers I love, pieces I am adding to my closet for the season, or a look at my current “obsessions” on TRR (which is essentially a reflection of my dream closet at the moment), for example.

Let me know what you want to see from me, or if you, too, are a fellow outfit planner. And thank you for being here!!! 💘

OUTFIT 1 (left)

• Maryam Nassir Zadeh Olympia wedge via The Real Real - I’ve had three versions of the Olympia wedge in my closet since 2017, they will never get old to me and are the most flattering shoes I own. I regrettably sold my black pair after my feet changed size postpartum (and then went back months later).

• MNZ dance pants in sandstone - Here’s a size 4 (hemmed) on Depop and a size 6 via Blackbox Boutique, I’m wearing a size 8 for reference (her clothing runs fairly small in my experience). Ssense has a similar color available here, too.

• Extreme Cashmere one-shoulder top - I discovered this piece via the queen of Substack, Subrina. This one-shoulder style isn’t currently available but this or this is a good substitute. I’m also really into this incredible vest.

• Gap organic cotton “Big Shirt” - I have been very into throwing an open button down over a tank, and swap it out for a leather blazer or trench when the temps drop. I prefer the look of a 100% cotton poplin button down and this Gap version checks those boxes.

• Brooke Callahan black flower belt - She makes these in small batches so my exact belt isn’t available, but Basic.Space stocks a few other versions. Her belts + necklaces are so interesting and beautiful.

• 90s Banana Republic bag via eBay - Try searching “black leather bag white stitching” for similar pieces. I just did and this one is cute!

Where I’d wear it: I wore this to dinner with my dad when he was in town a few weeks ago, and plan to wear it again this month to dinner and drinks with a friend.

OUTFIT 2 (right)

• Lacausa brown skirt - This color can read as purple-y, even though the shade name is ‘espresso,’ which has always kind of bothered me. I’m considering selling it if I find a similar skirt in a true deep brown, but it will do for now.

• Gemsun tank - I wear this top relentlessly and may buy another as back up.

• Narciso Rodriguez leather blazer via The Real Real - If you take one piece advice away from this newsletter, it’s to set up saved searches on TRR app for pieces you’re on the hunt for. I promise it will pay off.

• Manolo Blahnik black suede boots via The Real Real - See above.

• Vintage 90s Banana Republic bag

Where I’d wear it: I plan to wear this to several work meetings this month.

OUTFIT 3 (left)

• Vintage brown Levi 501s via Holdwest - These will be in heavy circulation for me this fall, they feel like a fresher version of the light wash 501s I wore to death from 2017-2019.

• Mare Perpetua ume top - There’s nothing I love more than an interesting basic, and I’m in love with the neckline, tie straps and color of this tank.

• Narciso Rodriguez black leather blazer via The Real Real

• Vintage Furla leather purse via Maj Kiosk - Her finds are some of my absolute favorites but they go very quickly. Sign up for the newsletter to shop presale.

• Gucci horsebit black suede loafers via The Real Real – Again, set up your saved searches and wait!

Where I’d wear it: to daycare drop off + running errands

OUTFIT 4 (right)

• Sportmax white skirt via Select LA - I had been looking for a casual white cotton skirt and the cut of this one is feels very early 2000s, which I love. I also love this white skirt from Nya Rea which is similar but feels more occasion-y to me.

• Malo brown cashmere cardigan via The Real Real - There are many good cashmere pieces to be had via our lord and savior, TRR.

• Manolo Blahnik brown thong sandals via Depop - Another incredible find sourced from Subrina’s newsletter. They were severely underpriced, too.

• Vintage Furla leather purse

Where I’d wear it: to an early fall dinner or work lunch

OUTFIT 5 (left)

• Mare Perpetua ume top

• Sportmax white skirt

• Dueple white socks

• Gucci horsebit loafers

• Vintage Furla leather purse

Where I’d wear it: Something about the cream colored top, white skirt and cherry red bag are really doing it for me. I’ll wear this soon for a weekend outing or early dinner, before it gets too chilly.

OUTFIT 6 (right)

• The Garment Copenhagen cashmere dress - This dress is from last year so it’s no longer available, unfortunately. I love the deep charcoal shade and it’s supremely soft.

• Same socks + loafers combo as above

• Vintage Furla leather purse - yes, again!!

Where I’d wear it: I originally planned this outfit with my black tall boots but liked the casual look of it with loafers and socks as a slight variation. I would wear the boots version to dinner and with loafers for a chilly day out with the baby.

OCTOBER OUTFITS (full list)

1. MNZ dance pants, extreme cashmere top, leather blazer, MNZ olympia wedge, black bag

2. brown skirt, yellow tank, leather jacket, black suede boots, vintage black bag

3. brown Levis, mare perpetua tank, leather blazer, loafers w/ socks, red vintage bag

4. white vintage skirt, brown cashmere cardigan, brown manolo blahnik thongs, red leather bag

5. mare perpetua tank, white vintage skirt, loafers w/ socks, red vintage bag

6. charcoal sweater dress, black manolo boots, red furla bag

7. brown Levi’s, brown cardigan, loafers with white socks, red furla bag

8. blue FEELs, white tank, yellow button down, brown thongs, red perla bag

9. white vintage skirt, gemsun tank, loafers w/ socks, black bag

10. mare perpetua tank, white vintage skirt, black manolo boots, black vintage bag

11. brown slip skirt, brown cashmere cardigan, brown Manolo Blahnik thong sandals, red furla bag

12. white FEELs, white shell tank, black loafers, black leather blazer, red furla bag

13. blue FEELs, black cardigan, Brooke Callahan belt, loafers, Chanel patchwork tote

14. brown Levis, white tank, yellow nanushka cardigan, loafers w/ socks, black bag

15. yellow OV skort, mare perpetua top, loafers w/ socks, black leather trench, black bag