You Asked, I Shopped #6
Plus size retailers, striped button downs, fancy shoes that aren't heels, and MORE!
Ok gonna just get right into it, there’s a lot to get through and limited space! If you’re new, I love to get emails, DM’s, comments - whatever - for requests of things to look for. Then I look! Here are this week’s requests.
Stripe button downs
Say no more! A true essential!
1. I posted this shirt a while back, and I’m bringing it back because it’s so fucking good. Black and brown on a “silky cotton relaxed” shirt? Yes please x 10. It also comes in a bunch of other stripes and solid colors, but this is my favorite combination. Everlane, $85
2. A very, very good men’s shirt - it’s slim-cut, so size up if you want it roomy, but I have a women’s AYR shirt that I’m obsessed with, but the stripe on that one goes the opposite direction. I prefer this because it’s more streamlined. AYR, $135
3. This is one I’ve posted TWICE! I love this color! I love this cut! I love this brand! Yaitte, $225
4. Grammar is a brand I really love - they basically just do shirts, and they’re all terrific. Super classic, no bells or whistles, this one is as straightforward as they come. I have this one in solid white and the poplin is the perfect weight, and the fit is killer. Grammar, $265
5. This picture pretty much says it all - right? It’s slouchy, it’s oversized, you can have it customized with your initials, and it’s made to order so is super sustainable. This is one of my all-time favorite shirt resources. My tuxedo shirt from them is my favorite thing ever. Chava Studio, $310
6. Maria McManus is one of my all-time favorite brands, everything is mega chic, and mega sustainable. Plus, Maria is the nicest, best person. I have this shirt in solid and it’s perfect. I love the cocoon shape on the back, it’s super special. Maria McManus, $440
7. Is $900 too much to spend on a button down? Yes. But will this button down be the softest, most luxurious, most beloved item in your closet? Yes. The Row’s cotton poplin feels like baby bunnies, and while a total splurge, this shirt is the definition of quiet luxury. The Row, $990
Fancy Shoes That Aren’t Heels
I love going out, but I hate wearing heels. I also think flats for black-tie or fancy thing is cool and modern. Flats! Always! You can dance (if you want to).
1. A very, very simple pair of ankle strap gold sandals. These are especially great with something like a long sleeve black midi-dress. Porte & Paire, $215
2. The most beautiful slipper of all time. If I were to get married again, I’d wear these to my reception. If they feel too bridal for you, they also come in dark red and deep moss green. The Row, $304
3. Fishnet ballet flats…..that’s it! Alaïa, $565
4. Insanely elegant smooth leather loafers from Khaite. I’d wear these with a dressed up pants look, but they’d also be nice for every day. Khaite, $820
5. Technically, sure, I guess these are heels. But barely. And they’re gorgeous, and such an unexpected choice for something black-tie or otherwise very dressed up. Toteme, $940
6. And finally, the most iconic black-tie flat, the Manolo Hangisi, but in a mule, rather than a pump or ballet flat. A little more surprising this way - keep them on their toes! Manolo Blahnik, $1,075
Rugby Sweater
A rugby shirt/sweater! A slightly more stylish go-to than a sweatshirt. I have one I bought during the pandemic from Land’s End, and it’s just preppy enough. Mine isn’t polished or fancy, but it’s between a sweatshirt and a cashmere sweater.
1. I love this one without stripes. The navy cotton, the patch elbows, the contrast collar - so good with light wash jeans and a brown belt. J.Crew, $98
2. And a cropped version! Homme Girls, $101
3. Ugggggggg this is so good! With a navy blazer and those light jeans, or a trench! Heaven! Lacoste, $155
4. And a knit one on sale from Wales Bonner. I love how 70s this is. Wales Bonner, $279
5. This one is overdyed indigo in French Terry - so it’s sweatshirty. SO nice. Polo, $280
6. And finally, a super luxurious knit version. I love how its styled here with a contrast turtleneck underneath - and the knit looks nice and springy! I want. Closed, $435
Walking Shoes
I’ve been on a little fitness kick lately, but since forever one of my favorite exercises is just plain old dumb walking. I love walking! I’ve gotten a lot of questions on cute sneakers that you can also exercise in but aren’t so fitness and here are my favorites. Also, I like a bouncy walking shoe, so keep that in mind.
1. If it ain’t broke! New Balance forever! My favorite sneaker, I wear them everywhere, including on long-ass walks. New Balance, $85
2. A very cushie cutie-pie shoe with a sort of vintage feel, but definitely updated. These are very, very attractive, IMO! Nike, $135
3. I have these and have been subbing them in for longer walks and they are SUPER bouncy, and very comfortable. Also, they’re cute. A joy to wear! On, $170
4. These are good for normal walks as well as hikes. They have a ton of cushion, are sustainably made, and look great. Veja, $210
5. And finally, the ultimate IYKYK! The fanciest walking shoe for the most old-school UES style fan. Mephisto, $399
Plus-Size retailers
And finally! Some extremely stylish resources for plus-size options. When I was an editor at InStyle, we were sure to always include plus-size picks on every shopping page. This is something I’m going to try and be more consistent about in my letter, too. I’ve gotten requests for size-inclusive retailers, and these are some of my favorites. They’re LUXURY, and FANCY, and FUN AND HOT. Let me know what you like.
1. Veronica Beard - Veronica Beard offers a selection of their polished but feminine pieces in extended sizing, most through size 24. Last week I linked to these scuba leggings, but there’s also a matching scuba blazer, as well.
2. Mara Hoffman also offers a fairly robust range in extended sizes. These jeans go from 00-20. Nearly everything in her collection is also made as respsonsibly/sustainably as possible.
3. Good American - Yes, Khloe K is involved, but this brand offers tons of great options in plus size. This blazer is offered up to size 4XL and the pants up to 22 plus.
4. Marina Rinaldi - under the Max Mara umbrella, Marina Rinaldi is chic. Mega, mega luxe options for sizes up to 33.
5. Lafayette 148 - another super luxe brand, they have a well-rounded offering in extended sizes. This jacket is reversible cotton and goes up to size 3XL. Look to them for beautifully made, generally minimalist essentials.
6. Universal Standard’s deal is in offering everything in a complete range of sizes - in the instance of these jeans, from 00-40. Another mainstay for minimalist, classic essentials.
7. La Ligne a go-to for romantic dresses and perfect cashmere also has an extended sizing section, with gorgeous finds up to size 3XL. This dress is heaven!
8. Henning was founded by former fashion editor, Lauren Chan. Everything is cool, cool, cool - this leather moto jacket is super solid, super indulgent, and goes up to size 24.
9. CoverStory is an aggregator for fashion sizes 10-28. There are lots of excellent pieces on the site, but one of my favorites is this tunic/shirt dress with black contrast piping, which also has cooling and wicking technology.
That's it!
Love, your friend,
Laurel
ok I have one for you - actually interesting black tie wedding guest dresses that i can rewear. i would rather invest in one dress that i truly love and feel interested by than some reformation thing for each of the handful of black tie events i will attend in my day
Love this! Have you done any roundups on watches? Would love one of those :)