Eileen Fisher organic handkerchief linen shell (gift from Eileen Fisher) | small (on sale in “unnatural”)
Chimala jeans
Beek sandals
Wearing/Shopping
No shopping for me this week…and I’m wearing just the easiest things I can.
But did you see the exclusives that just launched at Garmentory*? I don’t know, I’m finding some of it rather “blah,” and know the shapes would look horrible on my body. I think I might be over the styling too – I appreciate “ugly” fashion, as you will see below, but piling all-of-the-oversized-things on one on top of the other is completely unappealing to me. I do love this lilac Lauren Winter blazer, but case in point, I can’t get an idea of how it would look as part of a “normal” outfit, or something I would wear. I can’t even tell enough about the shape the way it’s styled…
And this hat!!! Loving the lavender/lilac/light purples now…
I also love all the ALR pieces (organic cotton, naturally dyed), but this tank especially.
Reading
What is Ugly? The opposite of beautiful? Having qualities we’re not “supposed” to like? My outfits have been called ugly. Maybe this outfit is “ugly”?
“Nothing is so boring as something beautiful,” the designer Dries Van Noten said in a 2012 interview. “I prefer ugly things, I prefer things which are surprising.” via Quartz
I don’t really like the word “ugly,” it’s so … ugly. I in fact don’t think “normcore” fashion is ugly – I try not to define anything as ugly, because it’s all rather subjective anyway, but I do concede that a lot of fashion nowadays is NOT traditionally pretty, or beautiful. It’s interesting.
And I love it. I love flats. I love slouchy jeans. I love to hide my body in huge dresses, or show it off in slim ones. I love black. I love the unexpected. I love “surprising.” I love things that others don’t.
Diamonds are out…apparently more and more men/women are choosing moissanite – a manufactured “diamond” – for their engagement rings. My husband was way ahead of the curve on this one; my engagement ring is moissanite. I didn’t really have any input in my engagement ring, but we had discussed diamonds at some point, and neither of us were interested in spending a lot of money on a diamond, but most of all, I did NOT want any stone that could have been mined under questionable circumstances. I did not want a blood diamond.
Sunscreen – Alden’s piece is a really great analysis of mineral vs. “chemical” sunscreens. I’ve been using Josh Rosebrook’s tinted moisturizer with SPF for a couple of years, and I’m really happy with how that has worked for my face, but recently wanted something not tinted, and started using the La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 sunscreen* that was rated highly in Consumer Reports.
While I felt like the Josh Rosebrook worked well and felt good on my face, but now, I need something a little cheaper, and something I can use when I don’t want any color on my face, or if I want to use my RMS un-cover up for a little MORE coverage. Anyway, I’ve been really happy with the La Roche-Posay and will probably continue to repurchase and use it.
Honestly, my primary “sunscreen” is a hat and clothing, although I do always wear a little sunscreen anyway, but I am concerned about applying chemicals to my body to keep out something that is natural – the sun. I know…I know…sun damage, etc., but I’ve read enough that I’m not 100% convinced that skin cancer rates are what they are because of sun, and not because of environmental toxins and what we put on our skin. Anyway…thoughts…
Ethical men’s fashion – Think they’re aren’t enough ethical fashion resources for women who don’t look like Everlane models? Try looking for ethical MEN’S fashion. I’ve tried to find things for my husband that first, meet his price requirements (he refuses to spend much money on clothes), and second, fit him. He’s not super tall, and has very muscular legs and arms, with a belly, so he can’t wear all the slim cuts that are so pervasive in men’s fashion now (so interesting women’s fashion is having an oversized moment, and men’s, the opposite).
Also, I need recomendations. Has anyone read or know of any very good books (preferably biographies) about Frida Kahlo and/or Georgia O’Keefe? I went to see the Mexican art exhibit at the DMA yesterday and was fascinated by Frida Kahlo’s works on display. Of course, I know nothing about her at all, besides what she looks like.
And I know nothing of Georgia O’Keefe either, although now a bit more with all the writing about the exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum highlighting her style, and how it shaped her public persona. She had art teacher style DOWN. 😉
Doing
We are leaving in the morning for our vacation to Atlanta. I can’t wait to see my sister (no results yet) and my family, and spend some time at the lake. I don’t have any posts planned for next week, but I doubt I’ll be able to stay away for long. James Perse will be adding new sale items on Sunday, so I’ll probably post about that on Monday, AND, of course, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts (early access) on the 13th. We should discuss that too.
*when you use my referral link to sign up for an account at Garmentory you’ll receive a $20 account credit
**I received the sunscreen directly from the company to review as part of my partnership with Amazon Fashion & Luxury Beauty.
You look great! Easy is always great, I find. I am actually liking much of what I see on the exclusives site, but the stuff I like the best is outside my price range. I personally think that the lilac jacket would go with everything. I think the cut is really practical because imo, it can go over almost any style or colour.
I’m pretty sure this is the biography I read…but it seems to be out of print? It’s excellent.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/frida-hayden-herrera/1111664453;jsessionid=7C3342AEDA8BD95911F36FCF85AFF4A9.prodny_store02-atgap03?ean=2900060085895&pcta=u&st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_Core%20Shopping%20Textbooks_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP62423
Please wear sunscreen Grechen, especially if you burn (or have moles…the more moles, the higher your risk of skin cancer) or have a family history of skin cancer. Skin cancer doesn’t always show up on the face, my mom has to have pre-cancerous skin burned off her hands and shins on a regular basis (even with regularly covering up and sunscreen….much of the damage was done in her childhood). My father-in-law is actually mainly darker skinned Native American, but has a strong family history of melanoma, so he is hyper-vigilant about sunscreen and hasn’t had issues yet (melanoma can be deadly as the cancer spreads internally, so if you have ANY moles keep them in check with a dermatologist). Skin cancer is almost always caused by exposure, often in combination with genetics (this is something backed by actual science…sorry, quack scare science makes me irate). If you are worried about the chemicals in sunscreen, look into ordering sunscreen from Europe or Japan/South Korea…as the US is extremely slow to approve new possibly better/safer sunscreen ingredients (you can often order off Amazon vendors, but it takes awhile due to shipping from overseas). Also, avoid the spray sunscreen, as sunscreen is safe on skin, but not healthy to inhale/ingest (likewise, zinc oxide is legitimately toxic to dogs, so be extra careful about Dagny inhaling/ingesting certain sunscreens).
Sorry for the rant…the outfit is very cute and flattering (just make sure to put sunscreen on your shoulders!).
Grechen, did you find that the Beeks stretched a little with wear? I am usually a 7.5 and the 8 was quite loose on my feet. I just got the 7s to try and they are on the tight side, especially the thicker leather band across, but if that stretches out a little bit, they might work. I love the look of them so much and am upset they don’t make half sizes!
Yes, they definitely stretched ! Did you get this same pair? What’s important is that they fit your footbed I think…the leather stretches.
What about the Josh Rosebrook non-tinted nutrient day cream with SPF? Check out Beauty Heroes. It’s a green beauty subscription box. You get a full sized product and a “side kick” each month. This month the product is the Josh Rosebrook nutrient day cream with 30 SPF.
I got the black/tan Finch, not the black/black like yours, but all of the sites say to size up. It fits my footbed juuuuuuust barely which is frustrating for something so expensive but they do feel really nice!
What?? Looking now…
Finding men’s fashion for any guy who doesn’t look like an Everlane model (ha!) is a nightmare. My partner is a barrel-chested chubster (his preferred term) and I would describe him in terms similar to how you described your husband. Finding clothes for him is always a challenge. Ethical or even local brands are basically nonexistent and the poor guy seems to get stuck in a uniform of tshirts and boring, generic work shirts from big and tall stores. The lack of options he has available give me the sads. I’d love to know of some better places for men’s clothes.
As for books, I just finished reading Hunger by Roxane Gay. It was beautifully written and heartbreaking in its content and I’d love to see more memoirs by women like this.
I did not size up and had no issues at all. I love them!!
Hunger is on my list ! As is difficult women. I have heard her speak on NPR on a few different shows recently and just love Roxanne gay. I can’t wait to read this. Thanks for reminding me!!
And yes on men’s fashion. My husband sticks with Levi’s for jeans and Ralph Lauren for polos and target for everything else. There’s really not many other options, which is really unfortunate.
Marina, yes! I’ve done quite a bit of research and talked to actual doctors and scientists, wear sunscreen! EWG is a money making group, don’t believe their scare tactics.
Hi Gretchen! I’m a relatively new reader to your blog but have really been enjoying it. However, this sentence really made me cringe: “I am concerned about applying chemicals to my body to keep out something that is natural – the sun.”
As someone who has survived melanoma (at 25; I’m 27 now) I just cannot stand to see this kind of pseudo-scientific sentiment becoming a trend. Exposure to the sun causes cancer. Just because something is “natural” does not make it good or safe. “Toxin” is a meaningless word that has become a moneymaker for fear-mongers like the EWG.
I hope that you’ll reconsider your stance on sun protection, chemicals (which are everywhere and in everything!), “environmental toxins,” and the whole rest of that bunch.
Anyway, please keep up the great work with Slowre and the fashion posts! I love your non-Everlane model perspective!
Your outfit: Cute! The Lauren Winter blazer: Cute! The Lauren Winter outfit (as styled by Garmentory): Looks like something I used to wear to Sunday School when I was 7. There was even a necklace that looked like a 4- yr old made it in pre-school. I thought there were a few cute pieces…but not worth those prices!!! Yikes! I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I’m going to keep playing with proportions, tho. It’s my “thang”!
I am definitely in the “Wear sunscreen!” camp with Marina, Holly, and Nicole. My husband had a very small mole that was melanoma and now has a HUGE scar on his right arm. He goes for full-body check-ups every 6 months (it was every month, then every three months…). I’m terrified that it will make a reappearance somewhere else in his body and take him from me, my daughter’s beloved father from them, and the best grandpa ever from his three grandkids. He spent his summers on Jones Beach, sans sunscreen, and he’s paying for it now! Sun exposure is clearly tied to skin cancers…you should sit in the dermatologists office and wait with me. It’s full of old golfers and young lifeguards…men and women…with bandaids all over their faces, necks and arms. If you don’t like the chemicals, it’s simple: Wear a physical sunblock with Titanium Oxide or Zinc Oxide. They are SAFE! That’s what I use. And LaRoche Posay makes a great tinted one for your face. Keep wearing the hat and cover up! 🙂
Frida and Georgia…genius! Strong women that were often overshadowed by the controlling men in their lives…and not given their due in their lifetimes. I’ve been to exhibits for both and loved the movies about them (one on Georgia was a TV thing, but very good!).
Have a great vacation! (And make it a genuine vacation! ) XOX
You’ll probably find some good books on Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keefe by searching Maria Popova’s site, Brain Pickings. (And if you don’t already know about that site, you’re welcome. It’s one of the most special places on the webs.)
all.of.this.
My partner and I were in Mexico the first week of April and both got burnt prety good (me more so, of course!) using that Honest Company mineral sunscreen. We’ve previously used Alba for body and Kiss My Face for face, and LOVED it, but this was at Costco for a good price. Never again. The Alba/Kiss My Face combo works great for me – never greasy, and I don’t burn with it. Of course I only wear it days I’m going to be out in the sun for more than just a dog walk, but I’m also a moley person — excuse me, beauty marks! And my great grandmother had a spot of melanoma on her face removed, and my grandmother keeps an eye on her skin regularly and has anything suspicious removed. Not worth the risk.
Count me in with another “wear sunscreen” plea. It’s just too risky not to, really. I don’t mind a chemical block for myself (and have had success with them) but there are plenty of zinc oxide-based physical blocks around. Drunk Elephant makes one, and the company is very transparent about the ingredients used in its products.