Solving the khaki conundrum
+ Styling a cool tunic four ways!
Hi and happy Friday the 13th (spooky)
I’ve done it again by overloading this newsletter with too-big images and too much talking! What can I say? Substack can’t handle how much really good vintage is out there. So, below you’ll see “One item, Four Ways,” “Vintage Copycat,” and two styled looks. And then tomorrow you’ll get a bonus email with one more styled look AND a big list of cute things I’ve found over the last week.
By total accident, I’ve created three looks based on khaki bottoms and I’m leaning into my Troop Beverly Hills phase. I guess I’ve been wishing for khaki (and dreaming of cookies??), so let me know in the comments which one is your favorite!
On a personal note, I’ll be selling so much cute stuff at a pop-up this Sunday outside of St. Hrouda (at President Street) for the 5th Avenue Fair in Park Slope! There will - of course - be lots of striped button downs, silk & linen separates, and cute summer dresses. I’ll be set up from 10-6 so if you’re in the neighborhood, come by and see me!
Anyhow, let’s get to shopping!
I know a midi, open-side tunic is rarely a style conundrum for most people, which is why I chose it! It’s simple but surprising and could be just the piece your closet is missing? It’s so chic and could walk The Row runway tomorrow and not be out of place - yet it’s a mere $60! Sweet, sweet vintage. Let’s talk through four ways you could wear this sleek piece…
1. This look is for a summer date night to the ballet or a white tie event or just dinner out with friends! Under the tunic I would wear this very simple, very slinky silk midi dress and these Reike Nen-lookalike mules - oohlala! The cherry on top would be these brutalist earrings which are stunning and I love how the pearls echo the monochrome of the whole outfit.
2. This version could be cool for work (if you’re in a creative field) but would also be cool for hosting a dinner party (imagine fluttering around in this without spilling! So impressive.). The collar of the sleeveless top would fold over the neck of the tunic and is a lovely lightweight linen! Matched with some flowy silk trousers? Chicchicchic. I wanted to have a pop of contrast, too, so these cut-out wedges have enough visual weight to complement but not overtake.
3. The winter version of this look is all about layers! Start with the slip dress then add the turtleneck (which is slim in the body but has a big collar - perfect for the cozy vibe). Over all of that add the tunic and then the coat. So many textures and layers that are so interesting but also look easy somehow? Of course I would wrap it all up with knee-high boots, but this lace-up version is sexy yet demure and adds another textural dimension.
4. This is for a casual day out! To the farmer’s market, to a brewery, whatever! I wanted to keep this visually light so a light wash denim was called for and then a simple muscle tank adds an easiness to the vibe. Maintaining ease I went with a flat mule that echoes #2 with the pop of black!
I’ve always loved this photo of editor Laurel Pantin because it hits all my favorite notes: ultra feminine and sparkly top + masculine details! The best! She’s a constant source of inspiration for me, so give her a follow! I happened upon this near-exact-match top last week and knew I needed to fill out the rest of this outfit (but if you’re not a sequin person, this sweater vest would be super cute, as well!). Instead of cargo pants I went for a pleated, cuffed trouser but kept the color tone the same because I love the dark khaki with the bold red. I looove the seam detail of this tote, and while we can’t see her shoes, I’m imagining some super chunky sandals (though these would be cute, too) to anchor the whole outfit. NYC weather is perfect for this outfit right this minute so hop to it!
This outfit begins and ends with this top which is a showstopper to say the least. You could absolutely wear this outfit sans blazer, but if you want to only give people little peeks of your hot bod, throw on this oversized linen blazer! As per usual, I love subverting overt sexiness with masculine touches, thus the paleobotanist-approved khaki shorts that have the perfect cuff and flare, and then some super shiny patent tuxedo shoes.
This is about as easy an outfit as can be, but has enough special touches to elevate it. We love a loose striped button down and tucking them into some loose khaki pants makes you J.Crew catalog-ready! These navy flats are comfy, Martiniano-esque, and a gorgeous shiny navy, meaning they’re perfect. Throw on a cute little shoulder bag and this outfit could take you from running errands to a night out with ease!
That’s it for today but keep your eyes peeled for a bonus email tomorrow with lots more vintage! New Yorkers I hope to see you on Sunday and for everyone: have a great weekend!
xx Maggie
Loved this! Just bought the striped button down in the last look ❤️