So many cute outfits! I'm in a phase of selling a ton of clothes that at one point I was convinced would finally articulate my inner self and then turned out to hardly be worn. Or clothes that are too small and I was keeping because what if I lose 5 pounds?? It's satisfying but now I have no idea what to wear or buy. I live in Paris where last week it was extremely beautiful and spring-like and this week it's cold and rainy and I'm actually relieved by the cold and rain because I was not emotionally ready for spring because I want to stay a little longer in the possibility that I will be a new true-er more put together person by spring who wears clothes that perfectly express myself AND guard me from the world. That feels impossible right now but I love this newsletter; so cool to see the work and thought that goes into being a rare someone who succeeds at dressing in that way! I'm a new subscriber after reading man repeller all throughout high school. :)
Anyway -- I have a question for Leandra or anyone who owns the LMND shirt. Did you size up to get the perfect fit or not? On the website it says the models are wearing a M in tops, so I'm tempted to get a M too instead of my usual S. But I also hate an overly-oversized top and have been burned before. Also the prospect of returning something to Australia makes it feel really high stakes.
What took you to Paris? I am always so in awe by people who pick up and move. The early days must bring you so close to yourself in so many ways. Question though: do you always feel like you have to dress to guard yourself? Not a leading q! Something I think about often lately as I’ve discovered the distinction between clothes that open you up and those that keep you closed
And finally: I wear a small in LMND. So I’d say they are pretty true, although I’m sure if you were to go for a medium it wouldn’t be a calamity. The sleeves are slightly cropped so at worst, they’ll
I came to Paris to study abroad for a year and then stayed for love, haha.
I don't think of dressing to guard myself as excluding the possibility of heart-opening... by "guard myself" I mean give myself a sense of confidence and self-assurance that makes moving thru my day easier. Like if I'm wearing the right outfit, things will bump off me rather than sticking. I guess what I'm trying to achieve is getting ahead of traits that I find puzzling about myself and somehow transmitting them thru an outfit, thus embracing them and showing up "authentically" even if I'm the only one who knows it?? That way the psychic work of facing the world is already done by my clothes and I'm freed up to focus on the real stuff, like hopefully being present and connecting with others. Which does open the heart!
(And actually, living in a foreign country probably gives me more reason to feel I need to be a little guarded -- there is a lot more opportunity for mild humiliation)
Ohhhh, well that concept I love — bulletproof dressing in a way. This reminds me of something I realized for the last few interviews I’ve done for the dressing series on here. The common denominator among some of the people I’ve spoken to with the most acerbic sense of personal style is that as kids they just wanted to FIT IN. It sounds like it falls inline with exactly what you’re after/the ~self acceptance~ of it all.
A fun challenge to figure out what it means for you!! Are you in our Geneva group? It’s a good place to test outfits
I woke up dreaming of limbo outfits, some color, some pattern but it's a freezing, rainy, dreary day in New England today. So for a day of zoom meetings and a few errands I'm going to channel my inner Tonne Goodman w/ a pair of white jeans and a black turtleneck. That works, right? It's basically never wrong! (But do love some of your typically wonderful whimsy here!)
Not as effervescent in the city today either. Wearing low rise jeans rolled up with grey socks, blue suede driving loafers, a tie dye crew neck sweater and an a-line leopard print coat 🫠
So. Much. Inspiration!!!!!!!!!!
So many excellent outfit ideas, Leandra!
You had me at Open Toe Gold Chanel Brouges. Only You.
This is more looks than I put together in a YEAR. Brava
It’s honestly the most fun part of the whole Substack thing (although I am starting to itch to start working on another book)
Do it!!
This skirt for example! https://kalmanovich.net/collections/spring-summer-2024/products/voluminous-taffeta-maxi-skirt Which they sent my way, and can vouch for (wearing it to my sister in law wedding next month)
Between you and Becky Malinsky I vow to attempt to wear a mini dress over pants!!! I can do hard (for me) things!
A signature move for me! But you’ll be surprised at how much easier it is than just wearing the damn dress plain 😁
So many cute outfits! I'm in a phase of selling a ton of clothes that at one point I was convinced would finally articulate my inner self and then turned out to hardly be worn. Or clothes that are too small and I was keeping because what if I lose 5 pounds?? It's satisfying but now I have no idea what to wear or buy. I live in Paris where last week it was extremely beautiful and spring-like and this week it's cold and rainy and I'm actually relieved by the cold and rain because I was not emotionally ready for spring because I want to stay a little longer in the possibility that I will be a new true-er more put together person by spring who wears clothes that perfectly express myself AND guard me from the world. That feels impossible right now but I love this newsletter; so cool to see the work and thought that goes into being a rare someone who succeeds at dressing in that way! I'm a new subscriber after reading man repeller all throughout high school. :)
Anyway -- I have a question for Leandra or anyone who owns the LMND shirt. Did you size up to get the perfect fit or not? On the website it says the models are wearing a M in tops, so I'm tempted to get a M too instead of my usual S. But I also hate an overly-oversized top and have been burned before. Also the prospect of returning something to Australia makes it feel really high stakes.
What took you to Paris? I am always so in awe by people who pick up and move. The early days must bring you so close to yourself in so many ways. Question though: do you always feel like you have to dress to guard yourself? Not a leading q! Something I think about often lately as I’ve discovered the distinction between clothes that open you up and those that keep you closed
And finally: I wear a small in LMND. So I’d say they are pretty true, although I’m sure if you were to go for a medium it wouldn’t be a calamity. The sleeves are slightly cropped so at worst, they’ll
Cover your wrist bones
I came to Paris to study abroad for a year and then stayed for love, haha.
I don't think of dressing to guard myself as excluding the possibility of heart-opening... by "guard myself" I mean give myself a sense of confidence and self-assurance that makes moving thru my day easier. Like if I'm wearing the right outfit, things will bump off me rather than sticking. I guess what I'm trying to achieve is getting ahead of traits that I find puzzling about myself and somehow transmitting them thru an outfit, thus embracing them and showing up "authentically" even if I'm the only one who knows it?? That way the psychic work of facing the world is already done by my clothes and I'm freed up to focus on the real stuff, like hopefully being present and connecting with others. Which does open the heart!
(And actually, living in a foreign country probably gives me more reason to feel I need to be a little guarded -- there is a lot more opportunity for mild humiliation)
Ohhhh, well that concept I love — bulletproof dressing in a way. This reminds me of something I realized for the last few interviews I’ve done for the dressing series on here. The common denominator among some of the people I’ve spoken to with the most acerbic sense of personal style is that as kids they just wanted to FIT IN. It sounds like it falls inline with exactly what you’re after/the ~self acceptance~ of it all.
A fun challenge to figure out what it means for you!! Are you in our Geneva group? It’s a good place to test outfits
what would you wear for a garden wedding in this limbo weather?
Do you know the brand Kalmanovich? It recently relaunched, and there are some great pieces there
A few things- where is your couch from?
and love these two shoes from Clarks we just brought in with all of your looks: https://interwovenap.com/collections/womens-shoes-1/products/clarks-torhill-bee and https://interwovenap.com/collections/womens-shoes-1/products/clarks-ritzy75-faye
xxo-B
I woke up dreaming of limbo outfits, some color, some pattern but it's a freezing, rainy, dreary day in New England today. So for a day of zoom meetings and a few errands I'm going to channel my inner Tonne Goodman w/ a pair of white jeans and a black turtleneck. That works, right? It's basically never wrong! (But do love some of your typically wonderful whimsy here!)
Not as effervescent in the city today either. Wearing low rise jeans rolled up with grey socks, blue suede driving loafers, a tie dye crew neck sweater and an a-line leopard print coat 🫠
You had me a tie dye......and blue suede driving loafers.....and leopard anything!