5 things I own in multiples

Am I turning into my mother? Maybe. Plus lightweight summer foundations I love.

I cleaned out my closet a few weeks ago and did a really critical edit, clearing out things I was holding onto for various reasons—there were a lot of pieces I thought I should be wearing, but turns out I really wasn’t and they were just taking up a lot of space. Isn’t it funny how we have clothes that we actually hate in our closets, but we hang onto them because they were expensive, or they indicate a certain taste level, or they’re “classic”? (Or is that just me?) Anyway, once I got down to only the stuff I truly love, I discovered that I own certain things in multiples. I feel like this is kind of a mom thing to do—once my mom found something she was really into, like a certain sweater or top, she’d buy it in a bunch of colors. (I am not alone; apparently Sean’s mom does this too.) I used to think this was a limiting behavior, but on second thought, there’s a lot of crap out there, so when you find something that really works for you, why not buy several? Here are five of my wardrobe workhorses that I own in multiples.

Isabel Marant Etoile Naomi Skirt

Isabel Marant has been making this silhouette for years—the photo on the left is from 2017!—and she keeps bringing it back every summer for good reason. It is flattering AF, incredibly comfortable, and you can usually find them on sale or secondhand for as little as $50. I actually have a third version of this one as well, from her collab with H&M, that I still wear all the time. It’s a classic!

IRO Shavani Jacket

This jacket is technically a cardigan—it’s knit, not woven—but whatever you want to call it, it’s one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe. It looks more structured and polished than a regular cardigan, but it’s softer, more flexible, and less fussy-looking than a blazer. I was contemplating getting one in black as well, but I do own a similar black jacket that you’ll see below, so that would just be overkill. Or would it?

Nili Lotan Emerson Jeans & Shon Pants

While the Flavie pant was my Nili Lotan gateway drug (and I own that cut in two colors as well), the Shon has become a full-on habit. I bought the twill pair on the right first, and they are the softest, most comfortable pants I’ve ever owned. I then bought the denim version at left (called the Emerson, but it’s the same cut). I almost bought a gray pair too, but Sean wisely told me to take a breather since I already own three pairs of gray pants. But maybe an army green is next? (Pro tip: go down two sizes—these run HUGE.)

Proenza Schouler Tissue Tee

Yes, these T-shirts are obscenely expensive but they are the most airy, soft, perfectly draped tees on the planet, and because Proenza Schouler makes them in various stripes and tie-dyes every season, you can usually find them on major sale and/or secondhand. They also last forever—I’ve had the above left one for close to 10 years.

Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals

I almost bought a third pair in white for my vacation to Italy in May, but I decided to switch it up with the thong Gizeh above left and while they’re comfortable, you know what? I should have just gone with another pair of Arizonas (yep, that’s my old friend Mr. Bunion poking out of the right shoe). What’s so great about the EVA is that it’s more lightweight and flexible than the regular cork-footbed Arizona, not to mention a fraction of the price. I also love that no matter how dirty they get, you can just hose them off and they’re good as new. Of all the fancy shoes in my closet, these are hands down my favorite style and certainly my most worn.

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This week on the blog

I recently started working in an office for the first time in five years and realized that the “touch up my appearance” Zoom filter I’ve been relying on doesn’t work IRL. Enter five lightweight foundation alternatives that are perfect for summer.

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