AMA, No. 7
Loads of shopping questions, for when you feel behind, getting laid off, peptides, tretinoin, thoughts on AI, vintage jewelry shopping, what I love most about my job, and more.
How was your weekend? It’s birthday party galore over here but I also managed a lot of work, laundry (I will never understand how I, a woman living alone, manage to produce so much dirty laundry!?), and reading time in between. I finished reading Mad Mabel, and absolutely loved it.
I try to do an AMA every six weeks. I am not the best at replying to longer questions via Instagram DMs (fat fingers, little screen), so doing these is an easier way to answer them. This month’s questions were mostly around shopping but we also talk about peptides, tretinoin, AI, what I love about my job, and a few more personal things (getting laid off! feeling behind!). I hope you enjoy it.
You can read the last one below. Also, on The Stripe, we are styling some of last week’s best-sellers. Three really cute outfit ideas.
Q. Truly comfortable + chic summer shoes for Europe (not sneakers) A. My two personal favorites are my Miu Miu sneaker mary janes (mine are 3 years old, but they still make them!) and boat shoes. Both are very chic but also super comfortable. I’d add my Jada flats to the list, especially in suede — so comfy! For something more affordable, try these suede flats or these gold slingbacks. And when in doubt, a classic pair of birks is always timeless and chic.
Q. What brands do you buy for Geoff? My boss was told he needs to dress better 🤣 A. I have a shelf with some of his favorites here. He loves Faherty, Theory, and Vince. I also got him this jacket, which he adores.
Q. Looking for a light white spring coat/jacket, any recs would be super appreciated! A. I was just looking at this one!
Q. I’m looking for a shoe to wear to my daughter’s wedding in the fall. I’ll be wearing a floor-length gown and need a heel for height, but the ceremony is outside, and a stiletto heel won’t work because I’ll sink into the grass. Comfort is a consideration but would equally love something pretty. Thank you :) I feel like I got this exact question last time, and my answer is the same: these Margaux sandals. Classic, elegant, chic, and extremely comfortable. I’d also add M.Gemi’s Lizza Due. Similar vibe but a small platform which will be great on both grass and the dance floor.
Q. Summer casual shoes that are a step above flip-flops.
First, some flip-flops that are a step above flip-flops. These, with their little crystals. Also, how fab is the TKEES J.Crew collab?
A huarache. My gold Miu Mius are one of my most worn pairs of shoes. Nisolo has a great alt that’s under $200.
A dad sandal. I’ve been a dad sandal fan for a long time. I got my Chanel pair five years ago and still wear them constantly; Steve Madden makes some really fun options as well — I like these a lot.
A classic Birkenstock. I live in mine. I have before they were a trend, when they became a trend . . . now I think they’re a classic.
The rest are below the paywall. Read on for my tretinoin journey, thoughts about peptides, what to do when you’ve been laid off, and approximately eight million shopping questions (travel bags, wedding guest dresses, vintage jewelry sourcing, and more!).