Denim jacket, similar here & here | White jeans | Stuart Weitzman sandals | Raffia clutch
Popular Items I Tossed — And What I Swapped For Them!
Nothing brings me more joy than helping you all discover new things. And, it makes me so happy when you message me about a purchase you love! I take all of this very seriously and make sure the items I choose for you really are that good. They’re either ones I own (or would love to own), have tried myself, or ones that come highly recommended by my most trusted stylist friends. If I wouldn’t buy it myself, I won’t share it here.
Which brings me to today’s post — a few of these things might surprise you! Many of us have these exact style and beauty finds (and it’s ok if you still love them). For example, the Donna Karan deodorant started giving me a headache, so I swapped it for another one. I also stopped wearing uncomfortable thong panties and tight leggings. A few of these were harder to let go of than others … but the second I made the switch, I instantly felt more comfortable, more youthful, and more confident. I know purchasing online is tricky, and relying on reviews can be hit or miss. Hopefully this post will give you some new ideas you might be excited to try!
P.S. I started a Substack with my daughter Emily called Susie & Em Unfiltered. We’re covering wishlist-worthy finds, hotel recs, trends worth knowing about, and what it’s really like to work and travel together. Think different decades, same taste, zero filter. Check out our recent post the May Edit, and subscribe here if you like it!
Recent posts ICYMI
Most White Jeans Don’t Make the Cut — But These Do!
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Stopped Wearing: Tight White Jeans
Not wearing as much: Mother hustler ankle jeans | Right: Frame denim shirt | Paige Anessa
Finding a great pair of white jeans can be tough, and I’ve tried more pairs of white denim than I can count! When it comes to looking & feeling a little more stylish, loosening up your jeans is the way to go. Not only will you feel more comfortable, but your outfits will look current. To read more about white jeans, and which ones made the cut, click here. Right now, I’m preferring long lengths. I’ve also swapped écru for white, and it’s an easy switch. See below for a few options.
The best-selling wide leg: Paige Anessa jeans
Best cropped styles: Paige Anessa ecru: For petite sizing click here | Mother Hustler Roller: Best selection here — petite sizing here
The new jean that makes everything look cool: White Lemon twist | Ecru Lemon Twist
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Donna Karan vs Salt & Stone Deodorant
Donna Karan deodorant | Salt & Stone deodorant
Everyone loves the Donna Karan deodorant, so I know you might not agree with me on this one!! But, after years of trying different deodorants, and even going back to the Donna Karan one after it started giving me headaches, I finally found one that’s a winner. Salt & Stone is known for clean beauty, and this scent (above) smells like a soft version of Le Labo Santal 33. It’s aluminum-free, and most importantly, it really works. One other pro-tip: the saffron & cedar scent smells really similar to Rouge 540, and I’ve been layering this body cream with the perfume. It’s a great combo!
Stopped Wearing: Tight Denim Jackets
Frame denim jacket | Paige Anessa jeans | Raffia clutch | Sandals
Fitted denim jackets have a way of dating our outfits. And, while there still might be a place for them (possibly with a dress), generally speaking, ones with the seams right at the shoulders don’t quite feel right anymore. Instead, look for unique shapes like the one I’m wearing above, or this Nordstrom one that looks like Chloe and is only $129. There are many options, and finding one that’s a little looser will make your outfits look more up to date. I also noticed that L’Agence just updated their best-selling denim jacket here.
Chantelle Thongs vs Chantelle Panties
Left: Chantelle thongs | Right: Chantelle High Waist Briefs & High Cut Panties
The other day, I cleaned out my lingerie drawer, rounded up all the Chantelle thongs, and threw them out! After trying them on countless occasions and feeling uncomfortable every single time, I decided it was time for them to go. The Chantelle Soft Stretch panties are a whole other thing. After all, they’re a top recommendation in the Nordstrom lingerie department for a reason. They’re super soft and comfortable, and you’l thank me later! Try either this style or this one.
Set aside: ALC renzo dress
Left: ALC Renzo | Right: Staud Phare | Gold sandals | Clutch
I still LOVE the ALC Renzo dress, and think it’s one of the best little black dresses out there. But I wanted an update, and this Staud dress is an all-time favorite. (Last year I wore it to an event in a pretty colorful stripe). This style is available in several options, including this long length stripe, this brown one and this new floral print. I sized up to a six, and had the length altered for reference.
Loeffler Randall vs Dolce Vita Sandals
Left: Loeffler Randall sandal, $350 | Right: Dolce Vita sandal, $140
Both of these sandals get my highest recommendations! Not only do they go with everything, but the heel height is perfect, and the pretty little bauble almost looks like jewelry. I own both of these sandals, and they are very similar. If they were priced the same, I’d go for the Loeffler Randall ones because I prefer the very slight heel difference and the toe box (slightly more rounded). However, since they’re so similar, you can’t go wrong with the more affordable Dolce Vita ones. They both some in several colors giving you many good options.
Stopped Wearing: Leggings
Frame crop trench | Soft white knit top | Aritzia Lodge pants | Away luggage
When it comes to working out, I still might wear leggings … if I ever make it to yoga again 😂 But, there’s a good chance I’ll be opting for long or crop flares like this or this instead. When it comes to airplane outfits or running errands outfits, then it’s time to switch things up. Wearing looser, drawstring pants is a super easy way to update all your casual outfits. They’re comfortable, and they just look more modern. You already know that the Lodge pants are my highest recommendation, and they’re available in satin, linen and crepette. If you only chose one, make it the crepette. They’re ideal any time of year, they wash up perfectly, and they don’t wrinkle.
Stopped Wearing: Belt Bags
Left: Lululemon dress, similar | Belt bag | Right: Frame eyelet top | Mother Tripper jeans | Dragon Diffusion woven bag
After years of squishing necessities into my belt bags, I finally decided I just don’t like the look. For exercising – that’s a different thing. But for running around town, switch them out for much cooler woven bags. Some options include this Madewell tote and this one from Anthropologie that looks almost identical to the Dragon Diffusion one above. For a designer option, I love this one.
Stopped Wearing: Hanky Panky Thongs
Left: Cosabella thong | Right: Hanky Panky thong
I love a good thong under jeans or nice pants, and believe it or not, they can be quite comfortable. I stopped wearing the Hanky Panky ones awhile back, and moved to the Natori Bliss ones. But then recently my local store stopped carrying them, and so I decided to try the Cosabella ones that everyone loves. Well let me tell you, these are SO GOOD! Super comfortable, the lace is really soft, and they don’t ride up. Give these a try and let me know what you think.
J.Crew Linen vs Quince linen
Left: J.Crew linen vest & matching pant | Clutch | Right: Quince linen dress
Quince linen – Hands down, the linen pieces from Quince are SO good! They’re well priced, super stylish, and I can’t say enough good things about them. Some favorites include this dress, these linen pants and matching shirt, and this shorter dress that I love with a cashmere sweater over your shoulders
J.Crew linen – I LOVE this vest and matching pant that I’m wearing above, along with this casual linen pant – two of my favorites
Thank you for reading xx
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