Minimalist Wardrobe

 

Since we moved to Pigalle, my wardrobe has become nothing but black eco-rib tops from Reformation, cotton spandex, and vintage Levi's, all of which make sense for eating matcha cookies on the steps of Playground Duperre. I haven't worn white sneakers since 5th grade and now I practically live in them- I love the sound they don't make when I don't play basketball in them. Only my trusty trench coat, inspired by John Cusack's character in Say Anything, and Dior dresses remain.

My accessories are mostly the same- six pairs shoes (Nike Dunks and Air Force 1's, Louboutins, boots, Ferragamos, espadrilles for summer), Longchamp bag, two rings. I lost my sunglasses in Oman and considered ethical options including a secondhand Gentle Monster pair (because I'm Korean) and secondhand Dior (because I'm basic), but I squint so much I don't need them. I kept the white ribbed squareneck American Apparel tank top, white t-shirts, and plaid Isabel Marant shirt because they're useful, as appropriate in Sultan Qaboos' Grand Mosque as sitting on a bale of hay by the fire in Cleveland, roasting marshmallows and melting tires.

     

Since nobody makes eco-and-wallet-friendly lingerie in my size yet, I settled for non-vegan Stella McCartney: French Calais lace and silk, organic-cotton gussets, recycled metal hardware. I have the Clara Whispering and Isabel floating sets- like Asian eyelashes, my thoracic region essentially points straight down, so thick straps are important. I also wear old pure wool and solar powered Elin Nude / Stefanie seam Swedish Stockings.

Back to the new (secondhand) items. My jeans are Levi's, one Wedgie icon and one high rise short. Both are size 25 and respond well to freezer washing (UPDATE: Freezer washing does NOT kill germs. Exposing them to heat will kill bacteria, which feeds off dead skin cells, so mechanically removing dead skin cells or airing jeans out in the sun is better), but they stretch out a lot, so I recommend sizing down. I love pure cotton jeans. I love the marks they get and the nice sheen developing as a result of moisturizing with coconut oil before wearing. I still have the J Brand Maria high rise, which seem thin and disappointing after Levi's. For now, I mostly just wear them around the house. 

I heard mixed things about Reformation, specifically how high prices are for synthetic fabrics. The eco rib is substantial, warm, not itchy, and durable; the sizing charts, spot on. You have to wash synthetics by hand, but otherwise my shirts- an Edison dress shortened into a tunic (XS), and Piper top (S)- are perfect. Same for an American Apparel bodysuit, navy Ryder dress, henley dress, foil dress, crop top and circle skirt; Petit Bateau black t-shirt, H&M ribbed lace up shirt, and black tank top. I got a Closet dress from Asos' Eco Edit because I wanted something red and I got attacked in my red Dior dress. Nothing bad happened to me and nothing was stolen; I just didn't want to wear it after. I gave my Prada shirtdress to my sister and sold the red Dior.

I had my skirt and navy, black, and grey Dior dresses taken in, handwashed my alpaca hat, gloves, and sweater, and bought a black American Apparel bikini plus a purple wool coat. Those are all the wardrobe updates I have for now. If I'm not wrong, that's 40 items, not counting socks or lingerie? I wear the henley dress and white t-shirts primarily at home- I used to wear the dress outside, but then my friend's daughter called it "pajamas" so it's a nightgown mostly now. If I need to run out or answer the door unexpectedly, it still looks okay. Anyway the links are really ugly in this post. Sorry. Pictured here are most of my outfits in the wild, undoubtedly inspired by all the images of Sarah Michelle Gellar I was exposed to during my formative years. I'll try to photograph the other new stuff soon.