Dear Reader,
As we stepped out for a dog walk this evening, I turned to my husband and said, “I’m cold.” Funny, since just this morning I’d noticed the light in my kitchen window was slightly off-center. I’m taking both as quiet signs that the season has shifted, even if we still have five days to go until the official calendar date that marks the start of fall.
Inspired by the change, I put together a week’s worth of outfits to match a busy agenda. Below, what I’ll be wearing this season — and hopefully, what I’ll be up to.
All my best,
Natalia
On the agenda for Tuesday: a visit to my therapist’s office.
I don’t know about you, but I miss in-person therapy. When I lived in Mexico City, I’d wrap up work by 4pm on Tuesdays, and head out for my 5pm session in Roma Norte. My therapist’s office always smelled of warm sandalwood, and that hour was where we’d untangle whatever was on my mind. As soon as the session was over, I’d walk out and stroll over to Panaderia Rosetta for a hot chocolate and a debrief with my journal.
These days, I take therapy from the couch. Buuut, if I were still making an outing (and outfit) of it, I’d wear this cozy grey polo sweater from Almina Concept tucked into straight-leg AGOLDE jeans, finished with a Nili Lotan black belt, Freda Salvador ballet flats (NATALIA10 gets you 10% off), and a roomy Liffner east/west tote. Sunglasses from Heaven Mayhem are non-negotiable, just in case I spend the entire session holding it together, only to burst into tears five minutes before my therapist says, “we’re coming to the end of time.”
On the agenda for Wednesday : taking meetings at the coffee shop during the day, then making my way to the westside for a fabulous event.
I often meet colleagues and friends for lunch or coffee around LA. The nature of my job is pretty solitary, but a major bonus is getting to connect with internet friends IRL. Lately, I’ve been scheduling these catch-ups at Great White (I think I’ve been to every location at this point), Cafe Telegrama (pictured above), and good ol’ Tartine.
When dressing for these appointments, I want to feel both comfortable and put together. I sold nearly all of my blazers last year (I kept only a collarless one that I wear as a top), so I’ve been looking for a new option this season. My first try will be this merino wool one from COS, styled with a white tshirt from RLT (top three tshirt pick for me, just make sure you size way up for a looser fit // see pic at the end), Pistola jeans, Manolo Blahnik boots, and a slouchy Chanel bag (both via The Real Real). For accessories, I’d add a leopard print cashmere bandana and a leather journal. My aunt recently gifted me the journal, and it’s reaaalllly cool.
The easiest way to take this outfit from day to night is with a few intentional swaps. I’m keeping the COS blazer, but trading in jeans for a cream silk dress from Nili Lotan (currently on The Real Real if you’re a size small). A pair of black Jimmy Choos, and a red Chanel clutch (a less $$$ alternative here) immediately shift the look into evening territory. The finishing touches are pared back but deliberate: diamond studs from Heaven Mayhem (NATALIA15 get you 15% off) + a swipe of Westman Atelier’s gloss in Chou Chou. I’m on my third tube of this perfect pale pink gloss.
On the agenda for Thursday : wfh + a quick facial at the Derm’s office + 6:30pm date night reservation.
Running out for a lunchtime hydrafacial at my dermatologist’s is hands-down my favorite midday reset. I swapped my striped DONNI. linen pants for the silk version in brown, layered on an oversized v-neck sweater, and slipped into my brown Margaux ballet flats (a staple in my closet). Finished with the chicest green tote from Liffner — very high up on my wishlist. If I’m going all out on my skin, I’m also going all out on my hair with the Crown Affair Leave In Conditioner. The scent alone is reason enough to try this product (plus, it leaves your hair so soft!!).
I’ve been making more of an effort to really dress up for date night, even if we’re just headed to a local neighborhood spot. For tonight: a romantic DÔEN dress (currently en route to me), Dorsey earrings, Stuart Weitzman denim wrap-up heels, and a Prada satin bag.
On the agenda for Friday: hosting game night.
Since joining my husband’s family ten years ago, they’ve introduced me to a card game I now love: Continental. Think Rummikub, but with playing cards. We love to host dinners that end with a few lively rounds (I’m extremely competitive, hehe) — best played with four to six people.
Inspired by the photo of Zoe Kravitz and Harry Styles that went viral on the internet last week, I’m styling an RLT navy baby tshirt with black straight-leg denim from Madewell, and black ballet flats from Margaux. Tying the look together with the ultimate necklace stack, featuring a heart charm necklace and a simple golden chain, both from Stella & Dot.
In case the navy tshirt is sold out in your size, I love this one from Asher. I recently tried their tshirts and am obsessed with the vintage-like fit and wash of their pieces. For a picture of the RLT and Asher tshirts + sizing info, see the end of this post.
On the agenda for Saturday morning: unplugging for a long day of hiking.
The last two years, thanks to some gentle nudging from my husband, we’ve become avid (and consistent) hikers. We just got back from a weekend in Yosemite, and all I can say, apart from the fact that I literally cried as soon as I saw Half Dome, is this: I wish I’d had this outfit. It’s time for me to upgrade my gear and start putting on some serious looks.
Starting with the Literary Sport jacket (100% waterproof), the Halfdays hiking pants and top (the ruffle neck detail is lovely), the Comme Si hiking socks, and black Salomon hiking sneakers (also 100% waterproof). Nothing hits quite like the meal you have after a long day of hiking fifteen miles, except for a hot and delicious bath. Please include the Oak Essentials Dream Bath Soak and Cloud Foaming Bath Oil for the most relaxing bath of your life.
On the agenda for Sunday: a solo date to the farmers market and the bookstore.
My perfect Sunday starts with an early morning run to the farmers' market, followed by uninterrupted time at the bookstore. I know… wishful thinking, but I can dream!! I’ve heard so many good things about the Clyque black pants (now sold out, but back in stock next week). I’d pair them with an oversized Jenni Kayne v-neck in black, a crisp tshirt peeking out, Freda Salvador ballet flats, and black sunglasses from Le Specs (because early means 8am). The red bag is from the French brand, Call It By Your Name — I have it in blue (shared in my last outfit roundup post), and just yesterday, I saw a mom with a customized version using it as a diaper bag.
On the agenda for Monday: errands, errands, and more errands.
In case you missed it,
put together a delightful post about how we’d spend $500 of birthday money. Like I told her, I really thought I’d blow it all on one fabulous thing, but I surprised myself and pulled together a whole outfit (minus the bag!!!). It’s exactly what I’d reach for on a Monday morning, when the car needs gas and a wash, the dry cleaning has to be dropped off, the groceries picked up, and of course, loads of laundry to be done.The Still Here navy sweatshirt, Buck Mason white tshirt, Madewell straight-leg jeans, and Matisse cowhair ballet flats bring the total to exactly $500. I couldn’t resist adding the croc-effect Celine bag in navy leather, along with the body mist I keep in my car, which somehow keeps me zen and focused during my errand run.
Ok, before I sign off, here are the two tshirts I mentioned above.
By the way, I loved
post last week on Effortless Style, especially how a resounding part of effortless dressing requires us to ignore the sizing label. It’s all about the clothes and how they fit you, and sometimes that means sizing up or down. If you haven’t already, read the whole post because it’s filled with tips from so many women I personally consider style inspo!!
The world needs more of these ‘outfits I wore in real life’ posts with a bit of a backstory! Really enjoyed this morning read! Thank you for the shoutout and for sharing your effortless style tips! x
Loved all these outfits, so good 👌🏻