Why Not Shop the Spring Selects of 4 Very Chic Ladies?
A serious inquiry.
I am always present and accounted for when it comes to focusing on your intuition, getting a vibe for what truly suits you, and living your shopping life as authentically as possible. But we don’t live in a vacuum, and so much about getting a sense of your own style comes from resonating with how others dress and what they purchase. And while (a certain corner of) social media is sort of predicated on this very principle, sometimes you just want all of the inspiring shopping picks laid out neatly and orderly in one place. That’s where this seasonal Why Not? comes in. Here, I present four women who inspire me with what they wear, how they live, and their overall auras, because just like we don’t live in a vacuum, neither does style. In short, it’s not just about what you wear, it’s also about who you are.
Paulina Liffner von Sydow, founder, Scandi accessory brand Liffner
I’m a founder stan. I am consistently impressed by women who create brands out of thin air and build them into thriving businesses. Paulina is extra inspiring to me personally as a former editor. I also happen to love Liffner, her accessories collection that perfectly reflects her minimal-cool Scandi roots. The designer (semi) recently became an NYC transplant, and it’s always interesting to see how the city can influence someone’s personal style.
How would you describe your seasonal shopping philosophy?
I’m pretty disciplined with my shopping and make a list well ahead of each season that I mostly stick to. I’m an avid RealReal and Vestiaire Collective shopper—I love the feeling of finding something unique-ish.
How would you describe your vibe for spring?
I think ‘expressive minimalism’ sums it up well, both for me and Liffner! I’m usually in cream and black but love to add a little more color in the summer months. Tailored meets boho.
What is your spring shoe?
I wear two shoe styles exclusively in the summer: Sock shoes and barely there sandals. These two pairs will be in heavy rotation this summer.
Christopher Esber mesh ballet flats; Ancient Greek Sandals Celia sandals
What is your spring bag?
A Liffner Mega Sprout Tote for travel and our quirky chic new woven leather bag that packs flat and works with any look from a casual summer dress to a masculine blazer.
Liffner Mega Sprout tote in dark brown suede (and smaller size); Liffner Woven Black Mini tote
What is one "must" for spring?
This excellently cut Serenity silk pant. I have been trying to replace the turquoise pop of last year’s The Row jellies, that unfortunately fell apart, in my wardrobe and these pants does it. Silk pants in general are my summer staple—extremely comfortable, easy to pack and can be dressed up or down from the beach to a cocktail party. I avoid anything with pockets or a drawstring waist, they have to be super sleek to be flattering and work as a layering piece.
What is one "should" for spring?
I’m dreaming of a Marisa Klass shell necklace to add that touch of boho chic to my minimal summer dresses.
Elizabeth Damrich, creative director + designer, From the Sofa
Two seconds in Elizabeth’s world makes you want to pick up from wherever you are and move down South somewhere dreamy yet elegant. She perfectly melds my three passions as well—fashion, interiors, and antique busts—all while giving flawless Lee Radziwill and Jackie O vibes. And if you’re into interiors, watching her go from a breathtakingly beautiful self-designed Charleston estate to a seaside cottage, while she’s building her new seaside home from the ground up, is truly what Instagram and Substack were created for.
How would you describe your seasonal shopping philosophy?
I’ve been working to invest in strong foundational pieces for the past few years after having babies and finally feel like I’m in a good place! I’m now going to shift to looking for a few vintage or trend driven items that add some friction and interest.
How would you describe your vibe for spring?
A woman who used to live a very put together life but now is a little undone, having fun and leaning into whatever she likes.
What is your spring shoe?
I’m wearing Tibi’s weber sandal in black. I haven’t bought black heels in years, and these are just enough.
What is your spring bag?
I just invested in Phoebe Philo’s Gig bag in stucco. I love the size, color and the fact that it’s non recognizable (for now).
What is one must for spring?
Silver ice cream bowls make me happy and you’ll find a reason to use them every day.
Service Projects ice cream cup
What is one should for spring?
Sometimes you just need to feel like you’re carrying around a bag of glitter against all your neutrals.
Ulla Johnson Celeste sequin bag or Dries Van Noten green micro leather bag
Alexis Badiyi, stylist and consultant
A girl-about-town in NYC, Alexis’s beautiful approach to head scarves deserves note-taking and her outfit round-ups offer a unique perspective through a mostly-minimalist lens. As a stylist, she offers a stunning appreciation to details, which she showcases in imagery that whispers rather than shouts and illustrates a true point of view.
How would you describe your seasonal shopping philosophy?
I tend to focus more on timeless additions to my closet, like adding new paints to a palette I’ll keep expressing with. I mostly shop archival vintage treasures or make intentional, enduring purchases. Rather than trend-driven seasonal shops, I think in terms of my long-term wardrobe, crafting it slowly over the years. Each season, I also love to “shop” my own closet, rediscovering forgotten gems that have slipped to the back.
How would you describe your vibe for spring?
An element of ease and flow, with a dash of whimsy. I’ve been enjoying the fresh, warm breeze of the season and letting that translate to wardrobe, draped layers over structure, little flashes of skin returning, and playful accessories to match the mood.
What is your spring shoe?
I love a spring mule. They're my go-to for comfort, elegance, and versatility.
Some styles i've had my eye on for spring
Manolo BlahnikCallamu mules; AEYDE Ilvy suede mules Tan Suede; Toteme Suede sandals; ALAÏA satin wedge mules
What is your spring bag?
With the freedom of spring comes the joy of leaving the house without a coat or a big bag. I gravitate toward a smaller Mary Poppins bag, just big enough for the essentials, nothing more.
St. Agni Soft Tuck Clutch ; SAVETTE Symmetry textured-leather shoulder bag; Porto Pouch in Americano
What is one must for spring?
A piece that transforms with you throughout the day. A large, lightweight scarf can become a shawl, a sarong, a head wrap, whatever the moment calls for.
Prada Silk Scarf; Christian Dior Silk Scarf; Giorgio Armani Silk Floral Print Scarf; CH Carolina Herrera Silk Paisley Print Shawl
What is one should for spring?
Flow and play. Let textures move with the wind. Let color surprise you. Let yourself be a little less buttoned up. Perhaps take a gaze through rose colored glasses.
Tom Ford Angelica round acetate sunglasses
Shay Injune, stylist and brand strategist
I actually first found Shay on TikTok and immediately loved her elevated get-ready videos. She is well-known as a The Row-lover and collector, but also integrates other unique, smaller brands into her looks seamlessly. I love her refined yet interesting approach to proportions. And as someone who’s 5”2’ in the fashion space, I adore her insights on shopping for petite frames. Be certain though, her polished styling definitely transcends height.
How would you describe your seasonal shopping philosophy?
I take time when switching out winter and summer clothing to assess what I have, what I no longer wear, and gaps in my wardrobe. The very obvious gaps I will act on immediately, especially if it's a foundational item like a staple trench. For the rest I wait until later in the season when I have a clear picture of what pieces I keep wishing I had when styling. I make note of these pieces and refer back to this at the end of the season when the items eventually go on sale.
How would you describe your vibe for spring?
My vibe this spring is minimal with a twist. I like to keep my color palette neutral but add interest with texture and cut—think asymmetrical silhouettes, lighter suedes paired with linens. Or statement jewelry—think the new Jujuvera fish pendant.
What is your spring shoe?
My spring shoe is The Row Hugo—perfect for sunny mornings that transition to chilly afternoons. The color is the perfect elevated neutral and the shape - not too chunky, not too slim goes with pretty much every pant silhouette.
What is your spring bag?
This Hermès bag is on my spring wishlist!
What is one "must" for spring?
A good trench! I love the shade and cut of this one from Rue Sophie.
What is one "should" for spring?
A fun sandal! I just picked these up and am very excited to style them with denim and a white tee.