The Finishing Touch
One of the great things about having an edited and simplified closet is the intention that you can then have with those personal finishing touches on your look. The goal is to have both the workhorses in your arsenal — the items that make up the foundation of your wardrobe — and the pieces that inject personality and evoke emotion. You can’t only have only the utility and none of the joy. My favorite accessories have become somewhat of a ritual in of themselves, and feel like an extension of my personal style.
I spent an afternoon with my dear friend and incredibly talented photographer, Ashley Soong, and in a very organic and uncomplicated way (my preferred way of doing things, both in dressing and in collaborating) we documented some of my finishing touches so I could share them with you.
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The punch of color
Ask me before I purchased this Proenza Schouler bag if orange was a neutral, and I would have answered “no”. But somehow, in trying this perfectly-sized crossbody bag on too many times to count and with so many different outfits, I realized that this beautiful shade of sunflower orange goes with just about anything and is the perfect injection of color in my usually monochromatic wardrobe.
Only to further emphasize my obsession, I’ve looked everywhere (to no avail) to purchase another one of these knowing that someday I will wear it out… heartbreaking.
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The special scent
The salesperson in Bloomingdale’s did not suggest this scent to me when I first purchased it — Jo Malone’s 154 is an eclectic cologne on the further end of intensity for the brand. But I was drawn to it right away. It’s woody, sexy, powerful, and difficult to define — something that I felt perfectly complimented my sometimes paired-down style. This is the little spice that I add when spending a casual Sunday at home in an oversized sweater and jeans. The scent develops on warm skin throughout the day and if applied correctly, is only noticeable when someone comes just close enough. And now I feel almost naked without it.
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The jewelry pieces with a story
A ring purchased during a romantic trip to Paris.
A pair of vintage Celine clip-ons from the ‘80s.
This typically minimalist accessories-wearer has gotten in the habit of picking up jewelry with an emotional backstory and is starting to fill up her jewelry box. The tradition of finding a piece here and there on each trip allows me to bring home a token without filling up my drawers with comfy tourist sweatshirts (my guilty pleasure… what can I do). Now I look forward to putting something on in the morning that allows me to revisit a place or a feeling, and add a bit of interest to my daily look.
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The 5 minute face
I tend to look at make-up as an elective — often I start my day with a more bare-faced approach and build from there. I usually carry a few items in my bag with me and add a little concealer, a little mascara, and maybe a bit of brow gel as the day progresses. When I’m looking for that extra injection of energy, I opt for the full 5 minutes or so in my morning routine and take the time to focus on highlighting a feature or two. Because it’s a choice and not a chore, adding a bit more color on my cheeks on a sweep of eyeshadow is another way I can be playful with my look and still feel like “me”.
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The sexy, strappy sandal
These barely-there sandals from Manolo Blahnik are in stark contrast to the rest of my shoe closet. Most of my footwear err on the more practical side and is better suited for Boston’s cobblestone streets. But there is a purpose for these strappy beauties — they go with pretty much anything, feel timeless and sexy, and add that extra oomph to something as simple as a white tee shirt and Levi’s.
I’d love to know what your favorite accessories and personal items you turn to as a finishing touch on your look. And as always, please share your feedback and what other topics you’d like for me to cover.
