Why not embrace Gwyneth's ‘90s shades, a perfect skirt, and your own mortality?
But really why not?
Why not? is the gift that keeps giving. I love hearing people’s insights on it. A writer I’ve known for years now but have never met in person sadly! said she used to call guys she dated in her 20s that she wasn’t serious about her why nots. I love that. My aunt told me that Tim Leary, a famous psychologist and father of the psychedelics movement in the ‘60s last dying words were “why not?” I read The Electric Kool Aid Acid Test, it tracks.
I’ve been able to succinctly see where I’m not letting why not? lead me in my own life. I’m becoming a little skittish and not heeding my own words. It’s time to practice what I preach. But we always give other people the advice that we actually need, don’t we? It’s interesting to watch it happen once you’re aware of it. So maybe that means I need to live my one wild beautiful life more boldly, or maybe it means it’s time to buy a bust. (In the bold category, if you like reading this newsletter, it would be the greatest gift if you’d share the subscribe link however you see fit!) See what other insights I’m hawking below. Why not?!
Why not add a little scarf?
I believe I mentioned my Jane Birkin basket of scarves and ribbons in a past newsletter. It’s the preppiest thing in my closet room. Sorry future visitors, my guest room is for bags and coats not cozy sleeping chambers, je suis désolé. The scarf basket doesn’t take up much room but it is impactful. A good silk scarf can be tied nearly endless ways—on a bag handle, around your neck like I have it or in the middle like a tie, around the end of your braid, or on your head a la Jackie O in Capri. Lee wore one well, too. There’s no denying the appeal of a good headscarf. Even if you claim to avoid drama, embrace it here.
This Toteme scarf is perfection. ($260) and this Toteme one ($220) I love the Italian silk scarves from Janie Kruse Garnett, they’re very special ($75). And a girl can never go wrong with Hermes ($425).
Why not also embrace slip skirts as essential?
The Type: The polished classic girlie.
This is a major throwback but I was obsessed with Vena Cava in 2011 (RIP). One of its designers went on to found her namesake jewelry brand Sophie Buhai years later and it’s obviously very chic. But Vena Cava had my heart first and it had so much to do with their bias cut maxi skirts. They’re elegant and flattering and make the ideal statement. It’s very Sharon Stone at the Oscars or Carolyn at a black tie gala. Its history is with Madame Gris who invented cutting on the bias and it’s still wildly flattering 100 years later. I bought an Alexander Wang one in maybe 2012 and I still own and wear it which speaks to the staying power of this style. Nili Lotan is the reigning queen of them, here’s a dress you can layer similarly, they’re wonderful with big cashmere sweaters. Shop more skirts below.
Rixo skirt, $216
MM6 skirt, $435
Acne Studios skirt, $470
If you’re a 2, this Nili Lotan skirt is the deal of the century. ($200) Plus a similar Staud skirt for a similar price in more sizes.
Shop my shoes*: Alexandre Birman shoes, $695
Why not live by the motto busts or bust?
Photo from the fantastic designer Liz Damrich
God, I love a good bust. They’re not all one size fits all. I saw a Beethoven bust at an estate sale last week and its vibe was patently creepy. But overall I do adore an antiquity and busts in particular. I have a Winged Victory of Samothrace bust (see the above photo) that I got at the Chelsea Flea Market 10 years ago and it’s followed me through 2 apartments and one house. [Here is one for $308 on etsy] Aka maybe none of my ideas are new! Which also means they have staying power.
English sculpture bust, $225
Neoclassic Antique Copeland Parian bust of princess Alexandra 1862, $375
Cast Iron Aphrodite ($196)
Why not emulate Gwyneth’s best 90s shades?
While we’re on the topic of antiquities and the late 1900s (lol), so many images from this day in the life of Gywn and Brad keep coming up on my Insta feed. Their love may not have lasted but these iconic shots are forever. Also, as an aside I never liked Gwyneth more than when asked on the Call Me Daddy podcast if Brad or Ben Affleck were better in bed and she said that Ben was technically excellent but she was in love with Brad so he takes the top spot. It just really made me laugh and adore her for being so honest.
This pair by Oliver Peoples is a total dopple ($525) and I love this pair by Vehla too ($200).
Why not shop 3 chic things for no good reason?
This Staud top is so good ($240). Pair with baggy jeans or a slip skirt!
I love a Celine inspired boxers moment and these are great. Wear in the early fall with a cream cableknit sweater and flat boots. Frankie Shop ($135).
I continue to contend that these are perfect from Khaite. ($1200)
*Partnership with Alexandre Birman