It’s a moody, stormy afternoon here in New York City, so it feels apropos to be publishing the second installment of my favorite brands with a dark gaze to have on your radar (part 1 here). From sharp tailoring to a vampire castle headpiece (yes, they exist, and if you’re wondering why I don’t already own one, I’m asking myself the same question), sumptuous leather, poetic lace, and antique Victorian mourning wear, darkness is a spectrum and I love to explore every shadowy corner of it.

So, let’s dive deeper into the abyss today. I’ll go ahead of you with my candelabra to light the way (which I might be doing anyway if there’s a power outage).

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Simone Rocha

Simone Rocha is one of those rare designers who is so distinctive, even and especially as she continues to evolve and grow. As a fellow creative, I can appreciate the delicate challenge of maintaining consistency and staying true to one’s own committed vision through different seasons of life and ephemeral trends. You could pull any one of her pieces out of a hat and I would immediately know where it came from, and despite having a somewhat-encyclopedic knowledge of the market, I can’t say that for a lot of brands these days. She possesses something really special that defies definition.

The Dublin-born Rocha, who guest-designed a delectable SS24 couture collection for Jean Paul Gaultier, is perhaps best known for her signature pearl embellishments, voluminous silhouettes, and frequent use of lace, tulle, and maudlin florals. Many of her dresses look like they could be a baptismal gown or First Communion dress, and paired with the contrast of a heavy black boot, have become part of the unmistakable aesthetic that’s built her a cult-like following that spans multiple generations. And I have to be honest, I don’t typically cry at runway shows, but I may have shed a tear or two when I attended my first Simone Rocha show at London Fashion Week in 2025. It was such a pinch-me moment, and one that filled me with gratitude and awe, and an even deeper reverence for the world she’s built. I also got emotional watching her hug JPG after their couture show–nothing gets me like watching people realize their dreams.

Dilara Findikoglu

Dilara is the pinnacle of dark romanticism, punk symbolism, and subversive femininity. The London-based queen of darkness, who graduated from Central Saint Martins (where she worked for Mary Katrantzou and Jeremy Scott, and later interned under John Galliano at Margiela) launched her namesake label in 2016. Since then, she has defiantly carved out her own space in the industry. Her designs often include corsetry, sheer fabrics, distressed or deconstructed tailoring, and antique lace. Each collection tells its own vibrant story. For instance, the SS26 collection was titled “Cage of Innocence” and was dedicated to women “who were never allowed to express what they think or feel,” according to show notes. Perhaps most memorably, she sent a dress down the runway embellished with dozens of rotten cherries, something I found quite poetic. And many of the garments, including a Victorian cape worn by Naomi Campbell, and a christening robe, were sourced by London-based antique dealer Rebecca Sweeting (mentioned in more detail below).

Bella Freud

Freud founded her eponymous label in 1990 after working with Vivienne Westwood as her assistant. The spirit of the brand–of Freud’s, that is–has always struck me as quintessentially British, with a heavy focus on tailoring, a rebellious edge, and a dash of eccentricity. Her beloved jumpers, which feature clever embroidered slogans (you’ve probably run into someone wearing her “1970” sweater or the one that says “Je t’aime Jane,” and the latter might have been me), are perhaps her most recognizable work. Freud, the great-granddaughter of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, and daughter of painter Lucian Freud, has built more of a world than simply a brand, especially with the introduction of her award-winning podcast, Fashion Neurosis (one of three podcasts I listen to religiously), in 2024. In each episode, guests of Freud (including Nick Cave, Daphne Guinness, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kate Moss, and more) lie on a sofa as though it’s a therapy session, and intimately explore their relationship with clothing, identity, belonging, and self-image.

I also want to plug her 1970 candle–if you love the smell of church, you’ll love this.

Rebecca Sweeting

As someone who treasures pieces from the Edwardian and Victorian eras, I find that the UK has the best antique clothing. Rebecca Sweeting’s work, which specializes in these eras, has long stood out to me. She usually has space under the tent on Fridays at Portobello Market, and frequently at London’s Frock Me Vintage Fair (she also sells online here) showcasing a rare selection of mourning wear, hair jewelry, ethereal lace, chatelaines, and more. Her eye is unmatched, and she’s also very sweet (as her surname may suggest).

Alexander McQueen

Lee Alexander McQueen began his career on London’s Savile Row before graduating from Central Saint Martin’s. In 1992, he caught the eye of Isabella Blow, the late English magazine editor (and one of my favorite figures in fashion), after viewing (and buying) his graduate collection. Blow is credited with discovering him, and really championed his work, especially in his early career.

I struggle to describe McQueen’s otherworldly body of work in one succinct paragraph, as it was so vast and terrifically–often tragically–brilliant. He was more than a designer–he was, above all, a storyteller and true visionary–and each of his shows felt like cinema, blending themes of gothic romanticism, his Scottish roots, death, Victorian mourning, sexuality, religion, and exploring the tension between beauty and the macabre. It was all so visceral, as any provocative work of art is.

In total, he designed 36 collections (my favorites included the AW 1996 Dante collection; SS 1998 which was presented on a runway onto which it rained; and AW 2007, which was inspired by his ancestor who was executed during the 1692 Salem witch trials). He died by suicide in 2010, and was succeeded by Sarah Burton, who served as creative director until 2023. The brand is currently led by Seán McGirr.

Abodi Transylvania

Founded by designer Dora Abodi, whose noble Secler heritage dates back to the 16th century when her family was granted nobility by Prince István Báthori, the brand summons the energy of Transylvania, along with its legends, folklore and mythology. (Side note: there needs to be a brand trip to Transylvania. I’ll be first on board!)

Anywho, the world of Abodi is rife with enchanting storytelling and vibrantly brings to life mythical creatures such as the brand’s icon, the Unisus, a four-headed dragon; among others. RIP Isabella Blow, you would’ve loved their vampire castle headpiece.

And quite honestly, their art direction is what really lured me in. Their surreal work with the visionary photographer and art director Szilvesteszter Makó, to whom I would give my first-born to be photographed by, is the best thing I’ve seen in a long time.

Sea New York

Sea has such a strong, consistent visual language that I’ve come to know and love over the years. The brand is best known for its classic silhouettes and knits, signature lace and embroidered accents (which is what I’m most drawn to personally). The collections are romantic without reading too cutesy, and are something I reach for when I’m feeling very Victorian ghost or garden witch (surely I’m not the only one??). Right now I’m really into this dress, this blouse, this blouse, this blazer, and this dress.

Mel Usine

This year-old brand out of New York City, founded by Parsons grad Stephen Biga, reimagines historical dressing through a modern lens. A lot of his pieces feel like an oil painting during the Elizabethan era come (back) to life, or something you’d pull out of an antique trunk that you can’t believe you’ve lived without for so long. It makes me nostalgic for a time period during which I did not live (at least in my current lifetime). Existing between the real and imagined, each collection reinterprets the past through exacting silhouette, fabrication, and construction.

Jude

Whenever I chuck on a pair of shoes by Jude, I feel as though I could be stepping into a film noir. Founded by footwear veterans Jurgita Dileviciute and Denitsa Bumbarova in 2024, the brand makes the sexiest pumps that, to me, find their natural habitat on a rainy night in Paris illuminated by those alluring yellow street lights. My all-time favorites are the Fame pump (and they’re also quite comfortable!). Jude also now makes really incredible handbags.

Magda Butrym

Wearing Madga Butrym has a way of making me stand up a little straighter and feel more connected to the satisfying clomp of my black-leather boots. The brand, established in Poland in 2014, carries an energy that is divinely feminine and darkly romantic–and strong, severe, and sensual. It has a bit of 80s glamour, as well. She has a way of making black leather and delicate crochet work together so harmoniously in the world that is her own. A strong, broad shoulder is one of her signatures, as are beautifully-sculpted silhouettes and buttery-soft leather. From her current collection, my top picks are this draped top, this stunning crochet skirt, this faux fur cape, this cape trench, and this insane leather jacket.

Fidan Novruzova

I can vividly remember the first time I came across Fidan’s namesake brand a few years ago, and I was instantly captivated by her dark, and somewhat offbeat, gaze and feel. Since then, the Central Saint Martin’s graduate’s line has continued to flourish, and come to be held close by fellow fashion devotees. She is often duplicated but never replicated, and has a real point of view that is always ahead of the curve.

Batsheva

Batsheva Hay was working as a lawyer when she founded her fashion brand in 2016. She may be known for high Victorian collars, puffed sleeves, and prairie dresses, but everything is threaded with nostalgia, a bit of strangeness and a subversive edge. For FW24, she cast only women between the ages of 40-80 in her show (which, for the record, should not be subversive in this culture, but here we are). Also for this collection, Batsheva made a black velvet dress that included long gloves and a veil that resembled a nun’s habit, which I immediately requested (and wore) for a special event, as a self-proclaimed fashion nun. And she once made a shirt that said “Victorian Secret,” which I loved and hope she reissues. I’m also going to tell her she should make a t-shirt that says “Prim Reaper.”

Liberowe

This relatively young, London-based brand is situated at the intersection of Indian menswear and 1970s’ Paris. The result? Impeccable tailoring, exquisite hems and buttons (and peplums!), and a hint of playfulness that the Brits do so well. Extra points for their frequent use of deadstock fabrics. Words fall short of how deeply Liberowe satisfies my cravings, particularly this coat, this fun jacket, and this dress. They also do bespoke, which is so cool.

Diana Milkanova

The Warsaw-based Diana Milkanova knows what women want (or at least, what this one does!). If you, too, crave beautiful draping, oversized silhouettes, elegant tailoring, geometric shapes, and sumptuous leather, Diana is your girl. Her best-selling Mia coat, which makes me feel like a ch*c city bat, was my gateway drug into her impressive body of work, equally beloved by some of the best-dressed women on the Internet. This dress is another favorite. And while her outerwear is a huge selling point, the rest of her RTW collections are just as enticing.

Beare Park

This 5-year-old, luxury RTW brand out of Australia brings us a sense of under-stated sophistication in the form of impeccably-draped dresses, sharp tailoring, and capsule-wardrobe essentials produced in limited runs by a gaggle of master tailors. All of their offerings, which adhere to a mostly black-and-white palette, strike me as pieces I’d wear over and over and have in my closet for a long time, which seems aligned with their slow-fashion ethos. In fact, one of my favorite basics of all time is their frequently sold-out long sleeve t-shirt.

Nour Hammour

There are few brands I’m consistently excited about as I am with this Parisian-based, female-led outerwear brand. I mean, I can’t help myself, I am an outerwear fiend. I was gifted a divine, black leather trench from them almost five years ago and it remains on heavy rotation in my fall and winter wardrobe, as does the gorgeous floor-length black shearling that keeps me warm all season. Right now I’m obsessed with, well, all of it, but if I had to choose: this trench, this leather robe, and this bad boy. The brand also recently launched handbags for AW26. And hot tip: if you love Nour Hammour, you’ll also love Déhanche, the stellar belt brand also by Erin Conry Webb, the brand’s co-founder.

Gia Studios

From Ho Chi Minh City comes Gia Studios, a love letter to the designer’s home country. Traditional Vietnamese tailoring (the founder is a fourth-generation tailor) and modern sophistication give this brand a special touch with its impressive repertoire of structured, gossamer designs and asymmetric cuts. Divine!

Rick Owens

This list would be incomplete without this one-of-a-kind Lord of Darkness right here. His work and uncompromising style, known for its gothic minimalism, sculptural draping, brutalism, and signature black/white/neutral/oxblood palette, is instantly recognizable and occupies a league of its own. Owens launched his brand in 1994, and it gained momentum years later when Kate Moss wore one of his signature leather jackets in Vogue Paris and caught the attention of Anna Wintour. Since then, he’s become one of the most influential designers of our generation, never deviating from his singular perspective. The cult of Rick is real. My favorite collection was probably for SS09 when several of the looks appeared very nun-like.

Hope you enjoyed, let me know what you think!

XX

CG

Shop the Pouf Lighter Necklace here!

Follow me on Instagram and Tiktok <3

(Almost) everything I wear is catalogued here.

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As I’ve shared before, I’m a sucker for a poulaine. That said, they aren’t the most practical silhouette to clod-hop around town in, much to my dismay. I tried these on in-store earlier this summer–which feel like a modern take on the medieval shoe–and haven’t stopped thinking about them since. They’re oddly comfortable, and the toe can be left flat or bent upwards for a more dramatic look. They also come in a flat, a boot, a gorgeous snakeskin, AND calf hair which made me audibly gasp when I saw them for the first time. I have a feeling these are going to be the shoe of the season.

When the British creative director, Alex Eagle, collaborated with J.Crew last year, she did the most perfect tuxedo shirt that sold out before I could get my paws on it. Oddly enough, a women’s tuxedo shirt with a wing collar (and ideally French cuffs) is not all that easy to find. Cos just released this one, and it’s pretty great. I’m going to have my initials embroidered on it.

Summer in the city does a number on my skin, and I’m not as diligent about regular facials as I ought to be. This new at-home facial device has become a close friend to me as of late: it both hydrates my skin and acts as a vacuum on my pores. Seeing what comes out of them is both horrifying and fascinating (partner).

I don’t mess around with skin care, especially when it comes to the neck. Red-light masks have long been a staple in my routine, and I’ve recently added this one, specifically targeting that area, to my repertoire. Stevie is properly terrified of it, but hey, if it works, it works.

Speaking of my neck, my penchant for neckcessories (as I’m calling them) continues to flourish. Especially during the summer when I lean further into jewelry and other accessories. I recently received this charm necklace and it’s the perfect addition to my growing gold stack. I also love this zodiac pendant they make (seen below).

As the mother crow witch, this sublime, feather jacket has my name all over it and needs to fly out of the belfry and into my closet asap.

I’ve been on a DIY lipstick-necklace kick lately and I’ve turned lipsticks from Celine and Gucci into pendants. But I also ordered this one from J.Crew, and I love it.

Michael Rider’s Celine is one of my favorite brands at the moment. The styling is impeccable, and I really appreciate the way he balances minimalism with maximalism (all those rings make me so happy), masculine with feminine, vibrant color with grounding neutrals. I met with the team at the showroom a few weeks ago and had a closer look at the new women’s fall collection, which was such a treat. And props to the handbag team for creating one of my favorite bags in years: the frame bag, which is highly reminiscent of the Phoebe Philo-era and of vintage box bags that I seemingly cannot get enough of (the interior mirror is the icing on the cake!).

I rarely wear foundation, especially during the summertime. This new one, however, is truly something special. When it comes to foundation and concealer, terms such as “weightless,” “second skin,” and “blurring” get thrown around a lot, but my lord, if this isn’t all that, I don’t know what is.

White denim is a perennial staple for me, and the baggier, the better in my book. I recently got these ones on a whim (under $150!), and they’re pretty fab.

Canvas bags with leather detailing have really been calling my name lately. And I absolutely love what this new brand, led by a fellow midwesterner (gotta support my fellow divas of the corn!), is doing. I’m obsessed with this bag, and I really enjoy the color palette, as well.

October marks my 15th year living in New York, and I fall in love with the city all over again every morning (except when it’s over 100 degrees). It’s home now and there’s truly no place like it. And I love anything that evokes the spirit of New York: like this candle, which smells like pure heaven (Top: Plum, Cinnamon, Cade; Heart: Sandalwood, Violet, Black leather; Base: Cedarwood, Patchouli, Vanilla, Birch). Okay, New York doesn’t smell like heaven, but her energy does.

Hope you enjoyed, happy Sunday!

XX

CG

Shop the Pouf Lighter Necklace here!

Follow me on Instagram and Tiktok <3

(Almost) everything I wear is catalogued here.

Free, peer-led support for fashion and entertainment professionals coping with an eating disorder here (run by yours truly!).

To know me is to know that I see everything through a dark (and dark-humored) lens. A childhood obsession with witches, mermaids, The Wizard of Oz, England, and The Addams Family; a Catholic upbringing and fascination with nuns, might be partially to blame for my penchant for the shadowy and mysterious. I’ve spoken at length about my preference for wearing all-black, and the thoughtful drive behind it. But this newsletter is less about a specific hue and more about the cohesive worlds certain brands and Houses, and the talented creatives behind them, have built with an angle that tells me there’s much more beneath the surface.

There’s a consistent thread of melancholy that weaves together everything I do, and it’s often evident in the ways I translate my personal style and taste, and my appreciation for others who operate on a similar wavelength. Some days, this is expressed in a look that’s more polished and tailored (think the Row, Toteme, Ròhe), others it’s inspired by femme-fatale energy (Khaite, Jude, Nour Hammour) and sometimes it looks a bit more like a Victorian witch who just emerged from an abandoned chateau (Erdem, Lili Curia, the Vampire’s Wife, etc.). But I’d say it all works together harmoniously, because it certainly does in my own wardrobe and under my own dark gaze.

So, if you love or identify with: the Victorian era, Catherine Deneuve in The Hunger, Patti Smith, the Olsens, Daryl Hannah in Kill Bill, Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 2002, Alexander McQueen (and specifically A/W 1996), Brigitte Lahaie in Fascination, Stevie Nicks, AHS Coven, Moira Rose, Morticia Addams, and the occasional nun or Cardinal, this roundup will (hopefully) make you feel incredibly seen (by candlelight, natch).

Below, find (part one!) the brands I think embody this dark feminine energy, whether they lean more androgynous, romantic, edgy, papal, or vintage-inspired. Welcome to the dark side. Can I get you a chalice of something cold?

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Pauline Dujancourt

Oh, how I adore Pauline. Her pieces, which are heavily knitwear-based and deconstructed, stripped, or shredded, embody dark romance and tattered dreams. I always kind of love when there’s a few rips or holes in an antique garment, so her work really speaks to me. Everything feels and looks very delicate yet strong at the same time, and that’s a contrast I so appreciate and identify with. Before launching her own London-based label in 2022, she worked with designers including Simone Rocha and Rejina Pyo, and has quickly come into a league of her own.

Susie Cave: Weddings and Funerals

You may know that I was (and still am) a die-hard fan of the Vampire’s Wife, which ceased operations in May 2024. I’ve never in my life felt so beautiful as I do in one of my TVW capes or dresses. Susie Cave, the beautiful brains of the operation, is so singular and has carved out her own distinctly-poetic world–which transcends being simply a brand and is a form of escapism–and I was crossing my fingers and toes and hairs she would embark on a new project. Thank all that is holy (!!), Weddings and Funerals was established earlier this year as a demi-couture brand in London’s Kensington neighborhood. From what I’ve seen, her designs carry a very similar energy to those of the Vampire’s Wife: one that is darkly feminine, quietly powerful, ethereal, a bit mysterious, and imbued with meaning. And the palette, to my complete and utter delight, is fully black and white.

Inferno Atelier

I have a running list of things from the past I’d like to bring back into the fold, and high upon the list are poulaines (medieval shoes with extremely long, pointed toes that were popular in Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries–yes, I am serious). Inferno, a brand out of Mississippi I’ve been following closely for quite a while, specializes in handmade poulaines and other historical silhouettes in rare textiles. I love a pump that looks like it could also be a weapon, and I’m currently working with the designer to create my own dream poulaine so watch out!

Lili Curia

I was first introduced to Lili Curia, a year-old footwear label out of London, by the brand’s publicist, Daisy Hoppen. Founded in 2025 by Chili Palmer, a third-generation shoemaker who was trained at Arsutoria (a shoemaking school in Milan), the brand has a very whimsical, vintage-inspired, witchy feel which really fires up my cauldron, so to speak. The art direction and branding is just as brilliant, and is always presented with a bit of a wink (and a standard poodle and Victorian hand, two of my favorite things).

“At the heart of Lili Curia is the idea of the theatre of the everyday—recognising how getting dressed can bring out different characters and sides of ourselves, and how much a pair of shoes can shift how you feel and how you hold yourself,” she tells me over DM. “We’ve always loved a darker, gothic touch, with Victorian influence particularly central to the Lili world—from corsetry and lacing to the romance and drama of the silhouettes. It’s never about directly recreating the past though; we’re much more interested in taking inspiration from it and bringing those references into a modern wardrobe.”

My favorites are a pair of lace-up ankle boots I enjoy styling with antique nightdresses, occasionally on the beach. If you’re based in the US, the brand is currently available here.

Harris Tapper

I am so thrilled that this female-led brand out of New Zealand is developing a stronger presence here in the U.S. Their collections look like my ideal closet in a state of pure nirvana: a mix of structured, masculine tailoring; jacquard, delectable lace, and sumptuous shapes. Their outerwear game is also extremely strong (unfortunately my over-loaded coat rack is not). I feel most drawn to this jacket, this skirt, and this coat (seen below). But this is an extremely abbreviated list–it’s all so good.

Colleen Allen

It’s no secret that I am a faithful disciple of papal dressing (I am, after all, the Papal’s Princess). And every once in a while, a brand will surface that just gets it (“it” being me)–Colleen Allen, formerly of the Row, is one of them. Her 3-year-old, eponymous brand out of New York City, is a study in structured minimalism splashed with rich hues, Victorian proportions, liturgical cuts, and ethereal witchiness (in my own words), and is one of the newer brands I’m most excited about. I find this coat, this cloak, and this jacket, absolutely mouthwatering, but feel a spiritual collection to all of it.

Róhe

If you’ve been around, you’ll know that the former Les Coyotes des Paris-turned-Róhe is hardly a new brand, but one that has carved out its own distinctive niche and continues to evolve so elegantly. If it is new to you, you’re in for a real treat! It leans far more art deco, minimal, and vintage-inspired than super dark or witchy, but it fits right into the mix. And they’re opening a shop in New York in September, which I am incredibly excited about. Some of my very favorite pieces, both in my closet and on my wishlist, come from Róhe, and it brings me immense joy to wear them again and again. Currently I am eyeing this ponyhair jacket, these amazing trousers, and this very striking top for Fall. But also, everything. It’s all so beautifully understated.

La Collection

If you love the Row, you’ll fall head over heels for the Antwerp-based La Collection, designed by one of the chicest women I know, Florence Cools. Her pieces, many of them unisex, are tailored to perfection with the most sublime fabrications. Several of my favorite pieces over the past couple of years have come from La Collection, including my beloved blazer dress that I’ll still be wearing at 84 years old. Also, their showroom in Paris is always a feast for the eyes. And if you, like me, enjoy referencing priests and/or nuns (maybe a bit too much), you’ll be pleased to know she cuts many of her garments from liturgical vestments. It’s the closest I can get to routine shopping at Gammarelli in Rome, without being an actual woman of the cloth. Heavenly indeed!

Bora Aksu

Bora Aksu is a Turkish-born, London-based designer who founded his label after graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2002. Everything he touches looks like it came straight out of a dark, Victorian fairytale or a distant, hazy, gothic dream. Think: lots of lace, frills, flounce, embroidery, tulle, and intricate layers. For example, the inspiration behind his SS26 collection was his own collection of broken dolls, and for AW26, he turned to the story of an 18th-century English ghost. It’s always one of my most-anticipated shows of fashion month.

Meruert Tolegen

This four-year-old, New York-based brand is known for having a dark edge with a playful side, seasoned with historical references and a nod to the designer’s native Kazakhstan. Tolegen often works with Victorian and Edwardian elements–such as corsetry and panniers–yet pared down with a more contemporary feel and tailored gothic romanticism.

Esant

Esånt is one of those brands that appeals to minimalists, maximalists, and everyone in between. The Mexico City-based brand, led by Aline Diaz, has been quietly taking over the wardrobes of some of the best-dressed women I know, and for good reason. Everything she does is brilliant, and has a minimal palette with maximal feeling. And it doesn’t look like anything else: Esånt is truly in a league of its own. I’m head-over-heels for this dress, this coat, and this coat.

Erdem

Yes, Erdem’s work incorporates a lot of florals and slightly upbeat colors, but to me, it feels delightfully morose in a way only the English can master. It’s alluring and mysterious, not saccharine, as if there were a Victorian murder mystery in a garden surrounded by a white picket fence. That’s Erdem, in my eyes anyway (and exactly what I’d wear under such circumstances!). Further, much of his work references historical themes, which adds another layer of intellectualism. And I love the frequent appearance of a ruff collar (can we collectively agree to bring back the Elizabethan ruff into the mainstream?). For his AW 2023 collection, he gave a strong nod to the Victorian era, inspired by relics of that time period he found in his Georgian home.

Khaite

If I had to name one brand right now that feels distinctly New York and gives me downtown, 90s Peter Lindbergh, cinematic, femme fatale energy, it would be Khaite. Whenever I slip into one of her beautiful garments (usually a sumptuous black-leather something), I feel like a more poised version of myself with a more assertive stomp, and that’s what fashion should be, in my opinion. Turns out, I’m not alone, because Khaite is equally beloved by some of the most stylish, discerning women I know. Currently, I am slightly obsessed with these poulaine-esque pumps, this blazer, this clutch,

Heirlome

This luxury RTW brand collaborates with artisans in Mexico and Latin America to create pieces that incorporate print, pattern, weaving, knitting and embroidery. The results are collections full of beautiful, often dramatic, draping and interesting textures that constantly give me major styling inspo. Dear lord, this dress. And this one. And this top. And this skirt!! I could keep going, but go and see for yourself.

Ann Demeulemeester

Although it’s perhaps the first, and most obvious, House that comes to mind within this theme, I couldn’t not highlight it. Ann’s work, while she was still at the helm of the brand, was (and continues to be) romantic in a way that was quite different from most of the other brands highlighted here: it’s more austere, androgynous, and undone, and feels part clergy, part rock star, part punk crow witch (if there ever were such a thing). Her signature black-and-white palette has always spoken to me (as have her perfect white shirts and the frequent inclusion of feathers and spikes), as someone whose closet is roughly 70% black and 25% white. And it’s impossible to mention Demeulemeester without Patti Smith, a longtime friend and muse, whose poetry has appeared on some of her pieces over the years.

Since 2023, the brand has been led by Stefano Gallici, and I do feel he both understands the house codes and has his own point of view. Under his direction, the collections feel more raw and a bit more sensual, and each one has been a source of great inspiration to me.

Hope you enjoyed, let me know what you think! Part II coming soon, straight from the dark abyss in which I write.

XX

CG

Shop the Pouf Lighter Necklace here!

Follow me on Instagram and Tiktok <3

(Almost) everything I wear is catalogued here.

Free, peer-led support for fashion and entertainment professionals coping with an eating disorder here (run by yours truly!).

But of all the pieces and wares that are emblematic of that time period, the chatelaine is one of my very favorites. It has inspired my own appreciation for functional jewelry (including the new lighter necklace I designed for Borne), and what it represents to me: finding beauty in the mundane. There’s something I treasure so much about an exquisite, everyday object. And I always say that if it’s something you’ll be using and looking at multiple times a day–such as a comb (hello the Row $1,550 comb necklace), flatware, or a timepiece–it might as well be beautiful. I think that makes the ordinary days–which most days are–all the more enriching and special.

For the uninitiated, the chatelaine (which has medieval roots) was essentially a Victorian woman’s ornamental tool belt, from which various chains, bells and whistles hung. Attached were the various objects and trinkets she might need throughout the day, including but not limited to: scissors, a perfume bottle, a coin purse, a thimble, a notebook, a needle and thread, a watch, a pencil, and a stamp case. Perhaps holy water and sage to ward off the spirit of Henry VIII, but that’s unconfirmed. And keys, which signaled she was the mistress of the household. Talk about convenience! As someone who is Type B and has ADHD, I would find one of these very useful to organize my daily life. No more digging through my capacious handbag for a misplaced thingamabob, huzzah!

And for as practical as these chatelaines were (and are), they were most certainly not something you’d find at your local Home Depot. Victorian jewelers tended to make them elaborately: in gold, sterling silver, and/or with gemstones. My, we’ve strayed so far from the light!

Currently, and as I humbly predicted, the chatelaine is experiencing somewhat of a modern renaissance. For years, brands such as McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Fendi, Hermès, Galliano, Khaite, and Chloé have given subtle nods to chatelaine-inspired accessories, and it was reinterpreted more literally on the runway at Skall Studio’s recent SS27 show in Copenhagen. For Fall 2026, Hermès sent models down the runway in silver chain belts, which would lend themselves quite well to a few trimmings.

To me, this points to a growing cultural thirst for decorative utility and personalization. As the market becomes more saturated and algorithmically-driven; and more people (at least online) start to look largely the same, I am always drawn to pieces and objects that are one-off or especially meaningful on a personal level. And I wouldn’t be surprised if countless others felt the same.

This is also a driving force behind my appreciation for heirloom accessories with sentimental value. Whether it’s a piece I inherited from my Nana’s jewelry collection or a pre-loved gem that spoke to me in an antique store or on Etsy, there’s something to be said for wearing things that feel inherited or collected, rather than purchased. There’s a story behind these objects, and it’s not just: I saw this on the Internet, or I was influenced (the irony of this, as I post this on the same Internet, is not lost on me). Because of this, I find patina to be such a flex, especially in this age of AI-generated imagery, because it says to me that you love this thing, it’s imperfect, it’s lived, and you use it. Nothing can replicate the human touch.

Below, find a thoughtful roundup of my favorite chatelaine and heirloom-inspired pieces on the market right now, both pre-loved and a few new. And I also want to plug Rebecca Sweeting who specializes in antique Victorian and Edwardian clothing, jewelry and chatelaines. She’s based in London, so if you ever find yourself in Notting Hill on a Friday morning, do visit her booth under the tents at Portobello Market (and tell her I sent you!).

Hope you enjoyed! And it goes without saying, you’ll hear me before you see me.

XX

CG

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One of the precious few rules I’ve set for myself over many years of developing personal style–a process that continues to evolve as I do and is never truly finished–is that for every object I bring into my home and my wardrobe, I like for there to be some meaning attached to it, or a story behind it. That was quite a run-on sentence, but you didn’t think I’d launch a product without a long-winded narrative, did you?

Tassels are having a moment, but as I wrote in 2024, they’re an adornment I’ve appreciated for as long as I can remember. My Papa, who passed away before I was born, was an interior decorator. He was also a professional singer and was instrumental in Sharon Stone’s early career, but that’s a story for another day.

If you’ve ever stepped foot into the beautiful Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York City, well, it looks like his sketches brought to life. My mom, thankfully, held on to them over the years and has them framed in my childhood home. He, too, had a thing for tassels, which were a recurring theme in his work. My Nana did, as well: I’ve luckily inherited some of her jewelry, including several gold tassels.

And then there was my paternal grandfather, a New York City native, who was a bit of a candle fiend, if you will. When he was shipped off to WWII, he lit one last candle at his home parish on Conselyea Street in Brooklyn. In doing so, he promised the Blessed Mother (we’re Catholic, and taught to not bother the man upstairs directly and instead go through his mother) that if he returned home safely to his beloved (then) girlfriend, he’d light a candle to her every day for the rest of his life. At the end of the war, he made it home, and fulfilled his promise for the following 70-some years of his life, each spent with my grandmother, Betty (104 this week!).

A few years back, my mom’s best friend from high school gifted me a pair of candelabras that once belonged to her parents, which often lit up the dinner parties both sets of my grandparents would attend. They currently sit on my mantle, probably (and hopefully) haunted.

Fast forward to present day. I’ve become quite the pyromaniac, so to speak. I’ve even lit my apartment on fire once (it was an accident!). I detest overhead lighting and have instead filled my home with various vintage candelabras now covered in dripping wax, dozens of candles, and an antique chandelier complete with actual candles (yes, a looming power outage fears me). And tassels: on doorknobs, upholstery, window treatments, and often dangling around my neck. Also frequently around my neck: a functional necklace, something else I’ve long had a thing for.

A few years back, I was sitting in a business meeting with two talented French women I’ve come to know and adore, both named Celine. One is never without a signature stack of gold necklaces, an art she’s perfected. The other wore a leather lighter case on a gold chain, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Now, I love an occasional skinny cigarette, particularly while in Paris, but would not bill myself as a smoker by any means (so please don’t take this as me encouraging you to take up smoking–don’t!). But given my love of a functional pendant, and lighting various forms of wax on fire, it got me thinking: I wanted a tassel lighter necklace. And I couldn’t find one anywhere. So what do I do? Create what I wish existed.

While in Paris last fall, I came across a brass lighter case at YSL. I loved it on its own, but had a vision of turning it into a pendant. I gave it to my cousin Jen, a metalsmith from Cleveland, OH, over Christmas and she helped me transform it into a tasseled pendant. The result felt like a tribute to both of my grandfathers in one. I posted it on my Instagram and it really popped off–I had dozens of comments and DMs asking for me to produce them.

I thought about who could be a great partner in creating it. A few names came to mind, one of whom is Mariana Ertmann, the founder of Borne. She has an impeccable eye, and everything she creates is full of beauty and with intention. Mariana had sent me a beautiful tasseled comb a few months prior, and while I thought it could be a great collaboration, I didn’t expect her to say yes, especially not immediately. But, she did. And we got right to work.

What followed were weeks of shared inspiration from vintage and antique lighter holders, and sketches sent back and forth. One thing that was important to me was that it could be multifunctional: I wanted it to be primarily a pendant, but also wanted there to be an option for it to be a standalone decorative object, designed to rest elegantly on a vanity, tabletop, bookshelf, or mantle when not worn. Thus, both the tassel and the chain are detachable should the mood strike.

Once we mutually agreed on a design, we worked with Borne’s talented partner atelier in New York to bring it to life. It took several months of tweaking, testing, and wearing to ensure it’s as utilitarian as it is beautiful. The result is a piece I’m incredibly proud of, and one that I’ve so enjoyed wearing over the past several months of production and will for many years to come.

It comes in both sterling silver-plated brass and 14K gold-plated brass, finished with a hand-tied fine silk tassel. And as of this morning, it’s available exclusively on Moda Operandi, which is a huge (!!) honor. And I love that it’s made in New York, the city I’ve called home for nearly 15 years.

This object means so much to me, and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.

Thank you for all of your love and support, I couldn’t do it without the wonderful community I’m so grateful to have built!

Love,

Christina x

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(If you knew that it was Virginia Woolf who spoke those immortal words, how’s your reverse seasonal depression going in this humidity?)

Anywho, looking back at the material glimmers that brought light to my least-favorite month (July), below!

By default, I’m not much of a cream or liquid blush gal. I find that they don’t have much staying power, at least on my personal cheeks. That said, I recently took this one for a spin and color me impressed! It applies so evenly and gives a natural, juicy, sunburnt flush. I’ve been wearing it a lot–latte praline is my favorite shade.

Why is it the simplest things that make the most impact? A lesson for life, I suppose, that was recently reinforced by the arrival of this perfect dress. It feels very young Jane Birkin, and is the easiest, throw-on-and-go situation (under $100!). I’ve gotten several questions on it already: I’d say it’s TTS, and it’s quite stretchy, as well.

When I retired from dance and ballet at the age of 22, I also called it quits on faux lashes, save for a few rare occasions. These ones, however, are gamechangers for when I want a subtle fox eye. They require no glue and adhere to the waterline of your top lash, making them very inconspicuous. I know that sounds quite uncomfortable, but I promise they’re weirdly not. I will also say the application tool was a must for me–I tried to do without, but it makes applying them easy and virtually idiot-proof.

Let’s talk about this robe, shall we? I know, it’s pink, and not wearing color is a strong pillar of my personal brand. But hear me out: if black were a color, it would be pale pink. I can’t explain why, it’s just my instinct. And I can’t say no to a sequin robe, especially with these sleeves. For autumn/winter, I plan to add a fur collar for added drama.

I can honestly say I have so far loved everything this newer brand has cooked up (if you have any questions, let’s hear them! I’ve tried it all), and each new launch is even better than the last. My newest favorite is their priming moisturizer, which is silky-smooth and contains platelet-rich plasma to repair and regenerate skin cells. It also contains SPF 30, which is a great added benefit (even though I personally will not go anywhere without a final layer of a true SPF).

On a trip to Milan in March, the lovely Irene Forte gifted this to me and it’s become my favorite weekender bag. This Italian brand makes a variety of styles (some of which strongly resemble the Hermès Bollide) and color ways, and I find the brown leather and canvas so classic and–even though the Internet has murdered this word–chic.

To quote Elle Woods, I am, indeed, a PSA for SPF. This one is a new addition to my vast portfolio, and what I love most about it is its weightless texture. It’s super creamy and hydrating, has no funky white cast or texture, and gives a healthy, just-had-a-facial glow. I look forward to using it, and who says that about a sunscreen? Bonus points given for its added benefit of repairing photo-damaged skin.

While searching for a sheer black caftan, I came across this one, aptly named after our favorite twins (they knew what they were doing and I took the bait). I christened it in the Hamptons on a particularly stormy night last week and it was, in my very humble opinion, sublime, especially with the added cinematic support of gale-force winds.

I’ve had this perfume in my fragrance bibliotheque for a while, and recently dusted it off again. It doesn’t smell like anything else, and I love it. It was inspired by Parisian streets during the time of the French Revolution, and with notes that evoke spilled musket oil, leather riding boots, and burning buildings, it’s meant to smell like gun powder. It’s a churchy fragrance, but sexier.

I certainly don’t hate shorts, but these shorts would also be suitable for anyone who does. The length is perfect, and I love a drawstring that does not contain elastic (which these do not).

There’s a time and place for an ultra-precise lip, but most days I’m after a low-maintenance, blurry color I can apply without a mirror. This new release checks all of these boxes, and the payoff looks as though you applied a blur filter to your lips (my favorite shade being Enigma).

If it weren’t obvious that I’m in my thirties, this is gonna blow my cover. I received the most incredible set of Sabre Paris flatware in a stunning tortoiseshell, and wow, I never thought I would be so ecstatic about kitchen utensils, but here we are. I live for a beautiful, everyday object, and these bring me so much joy daily.

I love a long sleeve pajama set with shorts. I don’t know why I am this way, but I get cold from the waist up when I sleep. This set is my new favorite: super soft, monogrammed, and I love the subtle bell sleeve.

Now, for things I didn’t (and still don’t) love: cyclospora. Can we please wrap this up? My contamination fears are RUINING the tour, I miss salads dearly, and I’m wondering if it’s too late to start growing lettuce on my roof (probably).

Hope you enjoyed! Just 50 days until Fall!

XX

CG

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As I was reflecting on this, I realized how frequently I’ve worn the pieces mentioned below, sometimes all together at once. For a split second I thought: God, Christina, you’re so predictable! And in some ways, I am. But on the other hand, isn’t that what personal style is all about? Having pieces you can wear over and over again that begin to feel like a signature, or an extension of yourself? Perhaps.

In any case, here are the five accessories that I’ve been wearing on repeat all summer (and will likely appear in my wardrobe for many summers to come).

Underwater Weaving Perfect Tote

Look, I love (and occasionally wear) a Jane Birkin-esque wicker basket (occasionally cinched with an Hermès Kelly belt which I am begging HQ to officially produce). But sometimes–and maybe it’s just in my head–it feels a bit too performative and on the nose, in the same way a pillbox hat often does (even though I love them deeply and have worn them for years). Still, a logo-free wicker, rattan, or straw bag is one of the rare things about summer that does bring me joy. This tote, which comes in a few different stains, has the same feel but in a more understated way. I’ve been wearing it nonstop, day and night, and it fits a whole hell of a lot.

Celine Disc Sunglasses

I’m so glad I pulled the trigger on these in February because they seem to be rather impossible to find now. Big, bug-eyed sunglasses have long had a home in my wardrobe, as I recently told Carolina de Armas, of Air Mail, and Kristen Bateman, for Elle. I think it’s because, as an inherently shy and sensitive person, they can serve as a form of armor in the same way black clothing does, and they’re evocative of the 60s and 70s, two of my favorite fashion decades. Think: Jane Birkin in La Piscine, or Małgorzata Braunek in Hunting Flies, or various candid photographs of Sophia Loren or Sharon Tate around that time period. It’s a total mood.

Additionally, the added UV protection is a huge plus for cloud chasers such as myself. Fashion and function, we love to see it, people. I also appreciate how these are almost an outfit in and of themselves, and therefore are even sublime with a simple white tee and jeans. Total interest makers, if you ask me! If you love the look of these (and can’t track them down), might I suggest these, these, these, or these, or searching for secondhand or vintage styles from YSL, Prada, Miu Miu, Tom Ford, or unbranded. Flea markets also tend to have a decent selection.

Borne x The Pouf lighter necklace

This incendiary gem has been cooking in the kitchen since January of this year, and I’m so pleased to share that it will finally be available on August 5th via Moda Operandi (more on that very soon!). I’ve been wearing it for months through various tweaks and revisions, and it’s been such a fun and special addition to my wardrobe this summer. Can’t wait to share it with you all!

And on that note, I’ve also been stacking it with a gold charm necklace by Chloè, and other various gold chains. I love that the charms on this are easily removable, because I’ve been switching them out all summer for additional pendants: a gold tassel, a cameo, a brass YSL lighter case, a vial of perfume. I’ll occasionally wear them under something sheer for more subtlety. I’m normally more of a ring girl, but my hot-dog hands kind of swell when it gets hot (sexy, I know), so my ring game has been pretty weak lately.

France Luxe hair pin

My hair has been particularly fragile lately (thank you, anemia) while simultaneously on a hair-growth crusade (when am I not?). As a result, I’ve been trying to stay away from hair ties to avoid further breakage and am instead opting for a tortoiseshell French hair pin that I got at C.O. Bigelow. It’s such a barely-there accessory, but it does add a certain je ne sais quoi (and the Row seems to agree). On one such occasion, I tied a pair of tassels to it, which made my French roll look like a fine window treatment. How nice!

Atelier Jéa cummerbund

It’s probably the evergreen influence of Princess Diana, but I think we women should be wearing more tuxedos. Atelier Jéa, the brainchild of the most elegant Montréal-based Andrea Ricci, was far ahead of the curve in designing a cummerbund belt (with a long tassel which I deeply enjoy fidgeting with). Taking inspiration from Thom Browne, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Michael Rider’s Celine, Gianfranco Ferré (S/S 2003, to be precise), Alessandro Michele’s Valentino, my old tap-dancing costumes, and Diana herself, I’ve been incorporating a cummerbund into my looks quite a bit this year. And aside from a sharp (I might sound 186 years old using that word, but it really works here) YSL suit, I love it with softer, more feminine, all-white looks. Kallmeyer and Ròhe also have some pieces, current and upcoming, that incorporate cummerbund styling.

Honorable mentions (that aren’t one-of-a-kind/vintage): this hat, these flats, this necklace (CHRISTINA15), this necklace (CHRISTINA20), this bag, this bag (it really is so good), these pumps (as comfortable as they are chic), and this scarf.

And as for accessories I’m eyeing right now: this bag really has my heart. I am such a sucker for frame bags, box purses, and train cases, and the addition of a mirror inside of this one really does it for me. I stopped into the boutique a few weeks ago to investigate in person and can confirm she’s a winner.

My favorite Parisian milliner recently posted their new turban, and I can’t wait to get my mitts on it when I’m in town in September. I’m picturing it with a vintage silk robe and ginormous sunglasses on a foggy day. Only 51 days until fall….

I’ve decided that my next big purchase will be this bad boy right here (in the largest size possible), should I have the good fortune of getting my hands on it. I am such a big bag girl, and it really is perfect to me.

Hope you enjoyed!

XX

CG

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(Almost) everything I wear is catalogued here.

Free, peer-led support for fashion and entertainment professionals coping with an eating disorder here (run by yours truly!).

By now, you know it’s my favorite color to wear, and why (in which I enlighten you here). The weather this time of year (heaven help me) offers plenty of fair, reasonable, valid reasons to opt for lighter hues (comfort, lightness, the will to live, etc.), but I’m tremendously stubborn and prefer to dress for the season I want–or at least, in the color I want regardless of the temperature. And how else will Autumn know that I’m mourning her loss (year-round, apparently).

It’s a sacrifice, I won’t lie, especially as someone extremely heat intolerant and prone to fainting like a Victorian woman. Life would be easier (and a bit cooler) if I, instead, felt drawn to wearing butter yellow, khaki, mint green, and ballet pink every day (that said, pastel shades of black–such as white and grey–have grown on me). Alas, I typically do not, and I must stay committed to myself. And yes, I’m well aware of how dramatic this sounds (consider the source).

But it all comes down to fabric, silhouette, and styling. If you’re not big on showing a lot of skin, breathable fabrics–such as poplin, voile, and linen–are your friends. As are UV gloves and a handy dandy parasol, to which I attribute my skin’s age being much younger than my actual age. And this is my favorite swimsuit, which, in combination with the gloves, the wide-brim hat, the giant sunglasses, and the parasol, really paints me as a caricature of myself.

And like most of my favorite warm-weather outfits, accessories–which add interest and magic to even the simplest looks while making it feel like “you”–do the heavy lifting. I love wearing a long strand of pearls with swimwear, because quite simply, why the hell not. It’s not at all a novel concept, but you can be wearing a t-shirt and a pair of shorts as pedestrian as they come, and totally transform it into a capital-L Look with accessories that mean something to you. Fall is to layering as summer is to accessories, in my book. Yes, as many as you want! The limit does not exist.

Anyways, on to the darker side of things, below.

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dress, ballet flats, basket, sunglasses, vintage timepiece, pearl studs, bandanna

silk shorts, long sleeve t-shirt, mesh flats, bag, sunglasses, vintage bracelet, necklace coming first week of August!

skirt*, top*, flats*, bag, sunglasses, necklace, bracelet

dress, sandals, vintage necklace, earrings, vintage bracelet, sunglasses, bag

trousers, sweater, hat, bag, flats, sunglasses, necklace

skirt, flats, t-shirt*, earrings, bag, sunglasses

caftan, sandals, bracelet, necklace, bag, sunglasses

shorts, t-shirt, belt, bag, sunglasses, flip flops, bracelet, earrings

caftan, bikini top, bikini bottoms, head scarf, sandals, gold cuffs, clutch (yes, it’s in honor of Thing), sunglasses

balloon pants, t-shirt, tote, scarf, sunglasses, earrings

dress*, sunglasses, necklace, bag, slides, vintage bracelet

caftan, sandals, vintage bracelet, earrings, clutch, sunglasses

dress, bag, sandals, sunglasses, choker, bracelet, sandals

taffeta pants, tank, bag, choker, sunglasses, bracelet, sandals

Hope you enjoyed!

XX

CG

*starred items are available in a wider size range

Follow me on Instagram and Tiktok <3

(Almost) everything I wear is catalogued here.

Free, peer-led support for fashion and entertainment professionals coping with an eating disorder here (run by yours truly!).

When a model scout for Elite approached me in an Ohio mall at 14 years old and slipped me her card, I kept in close touch and really nurtured that relationship. When modeling was a no-go as a 5’7-inch shortie, my first role was instead as a New York Fashion Week intern at the agency. And that was like fashion boot camp for a 19-year-old in town from small-town Indiana–I was very green, and back then the industry was far more brutal than it is now. But I was determined (and enthusiastic!) to get the most out of that experience to create more opportunities—and I did. Over the next decade, I went on to work in various roles in fashion and beauty.

Fast forward to 2020 (or read about all of my various other roles here). I had just signed with an agency as a part-time creator, which was strange but ultimately somewhat divine timing. Because when COVID hit, I was laid off from my full-time job, and had no alternative but to give content creation a go on a full-time basis. And like every other worthwhile thing I’ve done, it’s taken time and consistency, and hasn’t been easy. A year later, in 2021, I attended my first Paris Fashion Week, and honestly, that changed the trajectory of my career. At the time, the borders had just reopened and there were very few creators in attendance, which allowed me precious face time with luxury brands, and invites to things I probably wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. Again, I put in the work, but lucked out with timing.

I’ve now been a full-time creator for six years. I’ve grown a lot, learned a lot, lived many dreams, worn several hats, and the landscape is constantly shifting. I can’t articulate in words how grateful I am to get to do what I do. I’m hardly a pioneer in this space, and feel very grateful to those who paved the way before me (i.e my bestie, Charlotte). Still, I’ve come to know it intimately enough to provide insight where needed. So, without further ado…

Find your why. Why do you want to do this? There are many perks and the big moments are euphoric, yet fleeting—you must be in love with the process of creating rather than the end result, which is often beyond a creator’s control. Because the truth is, while it can be a very lucrative business, mega wealth and fame are statistically unlikely and cannot be your sole motivation.

And on that note, learn to appreciate the mundane. This job is full of high highs and low lows, and constantly chasing the next high is unsustainable and unhealthy. The in between is where real life happens, and training your brain to appreciate the smaller moments will keep you grounded—and make the bigger things all the more exciting when they do happen.

Always send a thank you note. Written is such a lovely and impactful gesture, but email works, too, in a pinch.

If you’re currently working a full-time job and doing content on the side, my advice would be to keep it for as long as you can while doing both until you’re routinely out-earning your monthly salary with partnerships. I’d say for at least a year, unless you’re presented with an abundance of travel opportunities. For one, as a side hustle or hobby, you won’t have to take partnerships you’re not passionate about. And when a passion becomes your livelihood, it’s both a blessing and a curse as there is so much more at stake. Further, freelance work is fickle and unsteady, health insurance (especially when not employer-sponsored) is expensive, and it’s best to go in with financial security, if possible. It was definitely a challenge for me to do both and I had to be very efficient, but you can make it work, and I’m so glad that I did.

(I also think having traditional work experience is so valuable, as it teaches you a sense of professionalism, collaboration, and urgency that seem to get lost in this industry sometimes.)

Know that creativity is neither a constant nor consistent energy source, and it’s really challenging (at least for me) to be creative under duress, or on command. But when I’m in it, it feels like a bit of a mystical trance. Currently, and it’s probably the fact it’s 100 degrees, I’ve been in a little bit of a funk and feel like I haven’t created anything substantial in a minute. And yes I’m hard on myself but it’s frustrating. And the more I try to force it, the more it will evade me–but I know it’s temporary. I’ve learned that embracing boredom sometimes is essential, as is allowing yourself time to recharge (and experience inspiration from things that are not in your phone). I’ve gotten some of my best ideas this way.

Successful people don’t not fail, they just never give up.

Have fun, but always be professional. There is often a very casual undertone (and copious amounts of alcohol) when it comes to networking and events. But remember it is a business, a real job, and it’s best to err on the side of too formal rather than too familiar or casual when interacting with brands, PRs, and the like. Or at least, that’s how I see it.

Not everyone is, or has to be, a friend. Some people are merely acquaintances, and that’s okay. Recognizing people for what they are will manage your expectations of how your peers show up for you.

Learn to be assertive and say no. The nos are just as important as the yeses. You have to protect the world you are building when something is not a fit.

You don’t need to be everywhere! Every fashion week, every event, every festival, every brand trip. Once again, learning to politely decline is your friend here. Being everywhere will burn you out quickly, and from a branding perspective, being overexposed isn’t going to serve you in the long run. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and being selective with your energy is a great skill. Quality over quantity!

Support and uplift your friends and peers (!!!). Engage with their content, show up for their events, and never let a friend’s sponsored post run with zero comments. Yes, even when it’s an opportunity you’d love but didn’t get.

Being happy for others is a surefire way to feel better about yourself, and what’s meant for you will find you on your own timeline. Someone else’s win is not your loss.

Expect nothing, appreciate everything. This goes for giftings, invites, the whole enchilada. Just because you get something once, doesn’t mean you’ll get it again. Nothing is guaranteed, so enjoy and appreciate it while you have it.

Be kind, be pleasant, and be grateful. Genuinely. Sure, we all have bad days. But always try to greet everyone working events, and exhibit basic manners at the bare minimum (you’d think that goes without saying, but). Remember people’s names, give a firm handshake. It’s actually a very small industry, and people talk. Reputations can take years to build, and mere seconds to destroy. So behave yourself!!!

Play the long game. Sometimes, the faster you rise, the harder you can fall, and keep this in mind should you be creating for the sake of virality. Slow and steady wins the race (even when it might feel like it’s too slow), and good work speaks for itself.

Share what you genuinely love and makes you tick. That enthusiasm is infectious and will always shine through, and will attract a like-minded audience.

If you’re still in college or considering going, GO! Education is such a worthy investment in yourself and something that can never be taken away from you. Of course, you don’t have to have a degree to become a creator. But if you have the resources to do so, it is such a valuable asset and will also allow you the flexibility to someday transition into another role should you want or need to.

With that being said, school or not, never stop learning! I have a perpetual sense of curiosity and need to always be learning new things, usually regarding the creative process and the business side of this industry. And it helps to have a well-rounded perspective. I enjoy the following podcasts: BoF, Tetragrammaton with , ’s Fashion Neurosis, ’s Let’s Get Dressed, and The Run-Through with Vogue, to name a few. And I love following my friend Madè (aka )’s Instagram, as she is always sharing smart and interesting insights about what is happening in fashion from a data perspective.

Find your own POV and stick to it. I think every good creator has a signature that bleeds into everything they do, which allows them to create a strong, consistent, recognizable identity.

A lot of what’s online right now is just reheated nachos (no disrespect to nachos, love ya), and no great platform is built simply by riding the coattails of others’. Surely, some degree of similarity and crossover is normal, natural, and expected. Brands often gift and work with groups of creators with similar aesthetics and overlapping audiences—but copying things verbatim (whether that’s a concept, a take, an outfit) and without proper credit will not lead to anything worthwhile.

No sometimes just means no right now.

Find a way to create some separation between your online self from your actual self. For me, I’ve been very intentional about keeping my moniker The Pouf (rather than going by my legal name). I am her, and she is (part of) me, but treating The Pouf as a separate entity helps relieve some of the criticism that frequently comes with the territory of Internetting for a living.

On that note, learn to channel water on a teflon plan and let things roll off your back. This is not easy, especially as a sensitive person, and it takes time. But you must develop a thick skin in order to do this job successfully, because my god, it can be excruciating sometimes. People on the Internet can say whatever (and they do) and be unbelievably cruel (or incredibly kind!), and it’s not normal to have access to so many opinions on a daily basis. But if you know in your heart you have good intentions, are surrounded by good people, and can take things with a grain of salt, it will be so much easier to navigate.

Always be humble. Even when you find success, and especially when starting out. Entitlement is an incredibly unsavory quality. And maybe this is a little harsh (on myself) so feel free to take it or leave it, but I have a note on my mirror that says: you’re not special, work harder.

Don’t engage in, or spew, negativity online. This only has capacity to bring others down. It’s not a good look, and it’s definitely not good karma!

I think the cost of greatness, or success, often is embarrassment. Putting yourself out there in such a public way can feel very vulnerable, and it might be seen as cringe–until it works. But everyone starts somewhere, and the cringe is worth it.

Paid work ebbs and flows. Try not to panic. This is normal with freelance and the name of the game.

You will face rejection. A lot. Often multiple times a day. Sometimes it will sting, as this job is one that is so oddly personal, but you’ll have to learn to brush it off and reframe it as redirection. Some of my favorite opportunities have come after not getting what I thought I wanted, and you have to hold on to the belief that something good is always around the corner.

Don’t base your digital strategy solely on trending content. Allowing the algorithm to dictate your style and output will leave you with no brand identity, just as relying on what’s trending in fashion will not help you build your own personal style.

Be mindful of your digital footprint: I’m not trying to scare you, but the Internet is forever. Someday you might want to get another job, or have children you wouldn’t want looking at certain things, or whatever, and regardless of either things, brands don’t typically want to risk it with a loose cannon. The algorithm rewards oversharing, but it always helps to think big picture before you speak (and before you post).

This is optional but encouraged: find a cause and/or a charitable arm. I always think about the idea of, if social media were to disappear tomorrow, what would my legacy be? Having a platform is a privilege, and ultimately I want to use it for good.

Humans were not wired to be so aware of how they look at all times, and the Internet creates impossible standards to which very few people can measure up. If you’re not careful, this can make you incredibly self involved or feel flat-out insane. Learn to put the phone down sometimes and look away. It’s a hackneyed statement, but social media is not real life. And not for nothing, so-called imperfections are so much more inspiring.

Influencers are not the star of the show, they’re just (sometimes) the face of it. Having worked multiple roles in fashion, and been on the other side of influencer marketing, I know just how many people it takes to get a single paid post off the ground. PR, finance, marketing, legal, creative, production, etc. We’re part of a huge ecosystem, and it’s important to be humble, respectful, and collaborative with those who are effectively colleagues.

World building and consistency in tone and voice are so valuable.

Be punctual and if not, be communicative! Especially in New York, traffic and public transportation can be rather unpredictable. Everyone runs late from time to time, but it’s best to overcommunicate when that happens (this will come naturally if you’re already an anxious person). And don’t let it become a pattern: punctuality is a sign of respect, and chronic lateness is not a cute personality trait.

During fashion week, emotions and egos run high. Every season is different, and can serve as a reminder of where you stack up in a hierarchy that’s often quite arbitrary. Surely, there are endless opportunities to feel like shit about yourself, if you let them. It’s helpful to know that most brands aren’t particularly loyal, and PR teams and their targets are constantly on shuffle. After many years, I now make a conscious effort to put blinders on and focus only on myself—what anyone else is doing really doesn’t matter, and I consciously choose to channel my energy toward the opportunities I have, and showing up to them with light, positive, grateful energy. I also want to be doing this for a long time, and I know that with continued hard work, good things will find me when I’m meant to receive them (even when that’s not right now). Also, at the end of the day, we’re not saving people’s lives, and I like to have fun with it.

To that end, traveling for fashion weeks is totally optional. For me, it’s been an important part of my content and my relationships with luxury brands. Being invited is a huge (!!) honor, but it’s also a significant financial investment: the majority of expenses (flights, hotels, photographers, etc) for international shows are out of pocket for creators and can easily exceed 5-figures. It’s rare to travel on a brand’s dime unless it’s for a destination or off-calendar show. And it’s even less common to be paid to attend. So unless your content is heavily high-fashion centric, it’s not necessary.

Maintain friendships outside of the industry, ideally with people who don’t give a shit about appearance, clout, or social media. This will ground you and keep you sane, because as much as this world might be your norm, it’s not at all reflective of reality. This will keep you sane and humble, and give much-needed perspective.

Learn to be a good networker. That’s been a learning curve for me as an inherently shy person, but it’s a worthy undertaking. And know the difference between networking and social climbing (people can smell the latter a mile away, and it’s no bueno!).

The energy that you put out will make its way back to you. Always.

Know that the loudest people in the room often have the least of substance to offer. You don’t have to scream to be seen or heard (unless there’s a fire or an injured pigeon, in which case, please continue).

Do not buy fake engagement, followers, or subscribers. Yes, brands can tell!

Learn to evolve while staying true to yourself. Platforms and algorithms change a mile a minute, and being nimble will be an asset to your growth.

Although nothing is ever 100% original, every cool idea will be knocked off. It can be flattering, but sometimes it’s just annoying. Know that an original will always be worth more than a copy (or thousands of copies). And the good news is, there’s an unlimited amount of ideas floating around, and creative people are really skilled at cooking up new things before a half-baked dupe even comes out of the oven. So try not to sweat it too much.

Lift while you climb. I strive to be generous with my support to newer creators and serve as a mentor when I have the capacity to do so.

Be kind to everyone you meet. Kindness is not a strategy, but it does go a long way.

Take your sunglasses off at a runway show (unless you just had eye surgery).

If you RSVP yes to something and can’t make it, don’t just blow it off. These events take so much time and resources to plan! Send an email to let the team know, especially if you’re missing a seated dinner.

Success is not a zero-sum game. I touched on this a bit above, but it bears worth repeating: there really is room for everyone and we’re all in our own lane. If various brands of bottled water can coexist and thrive in a grocery store aisle, there’s hope of all of us!

Build as much structure into your days as you can. It will make you feel so much better and more productive during slower periods, and help you with time management.

Learn to be responsible and smart with your money. Influencing can be incredibly lucrative, as well as a lifetime career, but for many it’s not. Be frugal, spend (and save) wisely, invest when you can, and find a great accountant. Your future self will thank you.

The after party is rarely worth it.

Regarding representation, I’d say it’s unnecessary until your inbound offers become unmanageable. If you have the bandwidth to handle emails and negotiations, I would encourage you to stay independent. Agents usually take a standard 20% of your earnings which adds up, and truthfully you may get more work without one. Several brands have told me they much prefer to work with (and hear from) talent who are self-managed, as this tends to make projects, particularly time-sensitive ones, much more efficient. Even still, a large portion of my partnership offers first come directly to me and then are kicked over to my team (who then, to be clear on how it works, still get commission). I’ve been managed since 2020, and I have been adamant all along that I handle my organic relationships (i.e. with most luxury brands) in-house as it’s extremely important to me to be very hands on. Not all agents will be okay with this however, so if and when you’re shopping around for one, it’s helpful to have a sense of exactly what you’re looking for.

Make a point of regularly taking meetings with brands. Relationships are everything, and face time is so valuable.

Not every platform is for everyone, and no one has the bandwidth to do them all and do them well. That said, it’s important to diversify and not pull all of your eggs into one (Jane Birkin) basket. Play to your strengths and choose 2-3 and go all in. For me that’s Instagram and Substack–I have a presence on TikTok, but I know that is neither my strength nor my priority. And get on ShopMy. I love that platform so much.

Create what you wish existed—and only you can answer that.

Take risks! If you try something new and it doesn’t hit right away—and often, this happens—keep going. Cultivating community takes time, but it’s worth it.

No one is judging you as much as you are judging yourself. And if they are, well, congratulations you have a dedicated fan.

Be resourceful. Almost everyone’s email is Googleable, and it’s fair game to cold email a brand rep with an idea or a pitch, or to ask them to coffee. You likely won’t hear back, but you never know! My whole career was built on polite cold emails, in fact. (Thank you, Eva Chen, for always responding to me in 2010).

Being seen as cool is really overrated. And trying to be cool, frankly, is the antithesis of cool. It’s boring. But strangeness and silliness are not. Give the world a glimpse of something they’ve never seen before (yourself). Is that corny? Good, I don’t care.

Oh my God, enjoy it! Have fun! (Note to self) I have to remind myself of this sometimes. I love what I do and feel like I have the best job in the world. But I’ll sweat the small stuff and momentarily forget I’m living a life I could only once conjure in my dreams. And if we can’t enjoy that, what’s the point?

I hope this was helpful to someone, in some way (and by the way, these are also all reminders to myself!). Happy to answer questions below!

XX

CG

Follow me on Instagram and Tiktok <3

(Almost) everything I wear is catalogued here.

Free, peer-led support for fashion and entertainment professionals coping with an eating disorder here (run by yours truly!).

I recently came across Anna Grace Blower, a new fine jewelry brand, when one of her necklaces came up on my feed as a suggested post. She has such a great eye and a beautiful offering of interesting, mostly art deco-inspired pieces. I’m especially drawn to the Rio necklace, which is reminiscent of an old cigarette holder.

I’ve been such a fan of this brand since Erin Pollard, its lovely founder, launched it. All of her hand-woven baskets–and there’s one for everyone and everything–are perfectly minimal and she, herself, always makes them look so cool. My friends and influenced me on this tote, which is, as the name suggests, the perfect size and the perfect summer bag. When I unboxed it, Stevie (my cat not the legendary singer, although she would probably fit in it, as well) immediately hopped in, so I guess it’s the perfect-sized bag for her, too.

As it turns out, I’m quite particular about mascara. I have very moist eyes (not just because I’m a Pisces), so most offerings will have me looking like a raccoon by noon. I used to swear by waterproof, but then I found out that they can be very damaging to lashes and well, I can’t be having that, partner! Tubing mascaras give me the best of both worlds: durable, yet easy to remove. Merit recently launched their own tubing formula and count me as a fan. It’s volumizing, lifting, and unlike most of its tubing counterparts, it has a very slender brush allowing for ultimate precision and hitting those delicate corner lashes that make all the difference. It’s also, if you’re a fellow Pisces, tear-proof. I've tested the waters, so to speak. We’re good.

This brand is responsible for making two of my favorite dresses I’m lucky to have in my wardrobe. This one (finally back in stock!) is something I’ve worn over and over for the past two summers. I love its breeziness and the sleeve length, and it can be dressed up or down. This one is a bit dressier, but equally beloved, and although I’ve worn it at least a dozen times, it never loses its appeal. And bonus points shall be awarded because both of these pieces are lightweight and can be easily rolled up and tossed into a suitcase.

If there’s one color I associate with Milan, it’s green (probably thanks to Villa Necchi). I love everything this brand does, and these boxers–although a far cry from my usual palette–remind me of that beautiful place and are bringing me considerable joy (and making me thirsty for a Negroni). They come in an array of other colors if Milano green is not your speed.

If you read my last newsletter, you already know I love a kaftan. This one is my new favorite. It has a delicious cocoon shape and a subtle plunge neckline, which I love. I got it in cream, but it also comes in black. If you’re surprised I didn’t get it in black, so am I, and I shall be unpacking that in therapy.

As a total fraghead, the obsession seeps out of my soul and into my laundry. For a while, this has been my go-to. It’s musky and skin-like, in the best way. Recently, I took this one for a literal spin and not only does it smell exactly how I want to smell, but it’s (supposedly) free of known endocrine disruptors. And that’s a huge plus, because the last thing I need further disrupted–other than my non-existent attention span–is my endocrine system.

Speaking of fragrance, Bottega recently launched a new line, called Alta. I had the pleasure of trying it from top to bottom, and it’s a very pleasurable olfactory journey through Italy, indeed (although they’re missing one that smells like Sunday sauce). And the packaging is so great: recycled glass modeled after their iconic Intrecciato weave. I had a hard time choosing a favorite, but ultimately landed on Night Sounds, a warm, dark, peppery scent. Shocking news, I know! I’ve been layering a powdery vanilla fragrance over top, and have gotten stopped so many times.

One of my favorite footwear brands recently sent me their new mesh sock flats as a gift (thank you, Dearest Frances!), and I’ve been wearing them nonstop. I’ve always loved the Row’s version, but it’s rare that I splurge on a pair of flats purely for the sake of practicality as I wear them to death in New York. These are a less-expensive alternative, and I’m told they’re also much more comfortable, so do with that intel what you will.

If you’re in the market for beautifully embroidered pieces, might I suggest this traditional Ukrainian brand out of Kyiv. When I received this dress and this blouse, which were my introduction to the 17-year-old brand, I was sincerely speechless. The level of detail and craftsmanship are really outstanding (especially for the price point), and they’re among my most-complimented in my wardrobe this summer. This sundress, these trousers, and this dress are a few other favorites.

I always love discovering new (and in this case, just new to me) brands and pieces via Moda Operandi, which in my opinion, consistently has a stellar and considered curation. I recently came across Cano, a Colombian jewelry brand, and their offerings are truly something special. Think: lots of organic, slightly chunky shapes and sculptural silhouettes, and plenty of spirals and swirls (which I know we all love). I’m especially fond of this necklace, this cuff, this choker, these earrings, and this cuff.

Using the words “summer” and “sweater” together might be oxymoronic (or perhaps sometimes just plain moronic), but not in my typewritten book. Particularly when it’s the perfect, lightweight knit. After months of begging, my favorite boatneck sweater for summer is finally back in stock in black, and the brand recently released the most comfy, slouchy, crewneck knit that I’ve been wearing non-stop (when it’s not a heatwave).

This little gadget totally changed the game for me, lip wise. Though technically an eyeshadow brush, there are no rules in this house. I’m not a regular mom, I’m a cool mom. (I’m also just simply not a mom.) It’s double-ended, so one side is super precise (perfect for blending and blurring lip liner) and the other side is fuller and great for dispersing product on the rest of your lip. I love a hazy, blurry, low-maintenance lip year round, and especially during the humid months when lipstick is known to melt down my chin. I’ll add a touch of red lipstick to the center of my lips and brush outward for a popsicle-stained flush. My lips have quite honestly never looked better.

Have I not talked about this guy before? Aside from VBB’s frequently sold out lip definer #2 (which is fantastic yet more subtle than this one), this is my all-time favorite for some time now. It’s creamy and ultra-blendable but stays put once set, and the shade is especially great for anyone (like me) with light olive skin. It genuinely makes my lips look so much fuller. I also love to apply and smudge it above my eye crease and across the bridge of my nose for a natural looking contour.

As I’ve said before, I rarely wear a face full of foundation–I’m more of a tinted moisturizer girl. About a month ago, Tarte sent me their new CC color-correcting tinted serum and to be honest, it had been a hot minute since I was aboard the Tarte train. However, this has quickly become a favorite. It goes on stark white (and no, it doesn’t perfectly match my skin, surprisingly) and adapts to your skin tone within 1-2 minutes. The coverage is light, skin-like, and buildable–perfect for summer. (I use shade light, for reference.)

Being constantly on the go, a setting spray is a must for me. Summer in the city magnifies this need. Typically I reach for this bad boy, which is excellent and the mini size is especially handy for travel, whether that’s to the subway or to Positano. But for super hot days, or days during which I just need my makeup to stay put, this one is some kind of sorcery. Truly. I don’t know what they’re putting in it, and frankly I don’t want to know, but good heavens. It’s like a waterproof screen protector for your face. ♥︎

Hope you enjoyed!

XX CG

Follow me on Instagram and Tiktok <3

(Almost) everything I wear is catalogued here.

Free, peer-led support for fashion and entertainment professionals coping with an eating disorder here (run by yours truly!).

Yes, in fact, I was. Of sorts. My favorite airy black kaftan, by the brand Fil de Vie.

You already know I detest summer, so I won’t exasperate you with my own, well, exasperation (the temperature is set to reach above 100 in New York this week, heaven help us all). But as someone who enjoys the drama of an oversized silhouette and various layers, the warmer months pose a challenge.

Enter the kaftan. Ancient Mesopotamians had the right idea. They’re the ones, who, around 600 BC, came up with it as a means to combat the stifling heat (and I can’t thank them enough for doing so). From there, the kaftan (see also: caftan) has found itself in various cultures, hues, patterns, and fabrics. And much further down the line, it made its way into my own considered wardrobe, on the small, sub-tropical island known as Manhattan. And by “it” I mean “them.” Because I have accrued quite the collection over the years.

My ascent into kaftan obsession began with my childhood fascination with capes, and started to evolve during my first of many summers in eating disorder treatment. I had to restore weight, and kaftans are quite accommodating in that sense–not out of shame, but out of comfort and practicality (this is probably TMI, but it’s a question that comes across my desk rather frequently, so if this is your current situation, a kaftan might be your best pal until you land at your set point).

“I can’t imagine you in a bathing suit,” someone says in an interview for Rolling Stone, when Stevie Nicks says she likes to play in the pool in her backyard. “Yeah, well, you never will,” Nicks, no stranger to kaftans, shawls, and capes, says. “There is never–ever–a man in the backyard. If there is, he is banished to the front of the house. Men don’t get to look at Stevie Nicks unless Stevie Nicks wants men to look at Stevie Nicks.”

As I wrote in an essay in 2024, based on the above quote and my love for the Vampire’s Wife (now re-imagined as the London-based, demi-couture brand, Susie Cave: Weddings and Funerals), there is something so powerful and elegant to me about a woman who leaves a little (or a lot) to mystery. One needn’t bare all to be chic or sexy or feminine, or at least, that’s how I see it. And that’s how I also feel in a kaftan, tunic, robe, cape, kimono, or otherwise billowing dress. It seems I am in good company: Cher, Anjelica Huston, Diana Ross, André Leon Talley, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Bianca Jagger, Diana Vreeland; and Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, are (or were) known to slink around in a kaftan. Just to name a few.

In the late 1960s, the designer Yves Saint Laurent, inspired by a trip to Marrakech (which would go on to influence his signature color palette), introduced kaftans into his repertoire. This led to the kaftan becoming far more mainstream, and emblematic of bohemianism, art deco glamour, unabashed femininity, and resort wear.

Other Houses and brands worth checking out for either new or vintage offerings include: Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Halston, Cortana, Rick Owens, Zero Maria Cornejo, Etro, Bob Mackie, By Malene Birger, Abadia, and Johanna Ortiz. In particular, I am such a fan of Taller Marmo–they have the most vibrant offering, although it’s definitely more occasionwear. If you’re in the market for a traditional Moroccan kaftan, Etsy is your girl. And currently, I have this one, this one, this one, and this one heavy in my rotation.

Styling tips

Cinch the waist with a tassel belt, like this one.

Since a kaftan is pretty much a throw-on-and-go situation, don’t be shy with accessories. Add a long pendant necklace (or several), or a thick collar necklace; oversized sunglasses, a great pair of earrings, a cuff, etc. Or do it all! Over-accessorizing is one of my favorite ways to add interest to a minimal summer look when it feels too hot to be inventive (I did this today because my brain is cooking as we speak).

For daytime, keep footwear easy. A sandal, flip flop, or flat is perfect–and for evening, feel free to swap it out for a strappy heel or a slingback pump.

In the evening, I love a semi-sheer kaftan (preferably black, natch) worn with a black bra and a black, high-waisted brief peeking out (exactly this one, which zips up the back and feels more like dancewear, which I love). Sure, it’s not leaving much to mystery, but time and place, people!!!

And now, on to my favorites of the season!

dress, pumps, earrings, sunglasses, bracelet, clutch

kaftan (I have and LOVE, also comes in black), vintage gold cuff, clutch, sunglasses, necklace, sandals

dress (my favorite dress in the world, it’s Old Faithful), necklace (coming soon!), bag, sunglasses, bracelet, sandals

kaftan, earrings, cuff, pochette, sandals, sunglasses, Saint Christopher medal

caftan, clutch, sunglasses, choker, sandals, cuff

caftan, sandals, sunglasses, choker, earrings, clutch

dress, sandals, pouch, earrings, cuff, sunglasses

dress, tote, necklace, flip flops, sunglasses, bangle

Hope you enjoyed!

Xx CG

Follow me on Instagram and Tiktok <3

(Almost) everything I wear is catalogued here.

Free, peer-led support for fashion and entertainment professionals coping with an eating disorder here (run by yours truly!).

Another one of my favorite things, as it pertains to getting dressed in general, is taking a high-low approach. As a result, you will probably never see me in a head-to-toe designer look, if I have the final word. It’s usually a mish-mosh of designer, vintage, and the occasional high-street find sprinkled in. It’s realistic and it keeps things feeling like me.

In this spirit, please find 11 looks below from Cos, Massimo Dutti, Zara, J.Crew and the like, polished off with some of my favorite accessories at the moment.

(And if you wondered, I’ve been wearing this dress, this dress, and this dress on repeat. Currently, I am wearing the former with a Chloé necklace and my favorite big ol’ raffia tote.)

tunic (which I found on a whim and purchased immediately because your girl loves a tarp!!!), The Pouf x Borne edit lighter necklace (coming soon! I promise!), vintage YSL sunglasses, antique Victorian silver bracelet, tote, earrings, sandals

I love this skirt, which reminds me of how I styled a pencil skirt with a cummerbund earlier this week, here. t-shirt, skirt, silk pouch, mesh boots, earrings, bracelet, sunglasses, vintage silver collar necklace

I die for a basket bag, and maybe it’s just in my head, but sometimes it feels a little too performative for me. I can only leave the house with one when the rest of the look doesn’t feel like total Jane Birkin cosplay. embroidered lace shirt, embroidered lace pants (I have, and fair warning they are a tad sheer!), sandals, basket bag, cuff, sunglasses, vintage tiger’s eye ring, vintage Dior collar necklace

This belt, designed by my friend Andrea Ricci, has been getting a lot of airtime in my wardrobe. longsleeve t-shirt, balloon pants, bag, sunglasses, pumps, earrings, cummerbund, cuff

Something about butter yellow with black lights up my amygdala (in a good way–no fear here). dress, sunglasses, flats, pouch, necklace, earrings

I live for the drama of a robe worn in the wild. jacquard kimono, linen pants, linen overshirt, mesh boots, tassel pouch, sunglasses, onyx cuff, earrings

A look I wish I could wear without spilling coffee down the front of it within 2 minutes of departing Pouf HQ. white shirt, white denim Bermuda shorts, bandana, belt, sunglasses, bracelet, earrings, tote

I am head over heels for this mirror necklace by Maison Ola. embroidered tassel blouse, balloon pants, sandals, bag, vintage Victorian Revival ring, necklace, cuff, sunglasses

Lately I’ve been feeling so drawn to pink, but I’ve found that’s not uncommon among people who wear a lot of black. It makes sense to me. cotton midi dress, flip flops, bag, necklace, sunglasses, bangle

tank, skirt, bag, necklace, cuff, sandals, sunglasses

Three summers ago, I found a lace table runner at a charity shop in Notting Hill. I remember thinking, damn, I wish this were a cape. So I guess here it is. crochet cape, linen pants, necklace, clutch, cuff, sandals, sunglasses

Hope you enjoyed!

XX

CG

Follow me on Instagram and Tiktok <3

(Almost) everything I wear is catalogued here.

Free, peer-led support for fashion and entertainment professionals coping with an eating disorder here (run by yours truly!).

Today is June 13th. It’s national pigeon appreciation day, which is relevant to precious few people beyond myself. It’s also Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen’s 40th birthday, which you fellow fashion-obsessed millennials probably already knew. (And for the record, I’m happy to remember this one.)

I was introduced to the Twins when I was quite literally still in the womb. I was raised on Full House, a series which followed me through my early childhood and continues to be my comfort show (and that of my entire family’s–my brother is opening a restaurant this fall and I begged him to call it the Smash Club, which he is, much to my dismay, not). I still have every episode on VHS.

And then there were the Barbies. The lip gloss. The line of clothing at Wal-Mart. I had to have it all.

Ashley and Mary-Kate were, in my opinion, the original influencers. And their book, Influence? It still sits, dog-eared, in a stack underneath my mantle.

I was, I suppose, an early fan of the Row, too. In 2013, I cold emailed Ruthie Friedlander, then the PR manager for the brand and a perfect stranger to me, requesting a job. She never responded, though ironically we reconnected several years later when we founded The Chain, and this email never fails to make us chuckle.

To this day, the way the Olsens get dressed scratches an area of my brain nothing and no one else can reach, and has been extremely impactful in my own approach to style. As I touched on in my earlier essay on personal style, I don’t seek to replicate anyone else’s outfits verbatim, but I do see my clothing and point of view as both an emotional outlet and a scrapbook of sorts, taking inspiration from all of life’s experiences and the beauty I encounter within them.

Moreso than any specific outfits, I’ve gleaned a few style principles from them that guide my own process. Without further ado…

It’s not what you wear, but how you wear it

In theory, this sounds obvious enough. But I’ve always said these two are a prime example of the difference between wearing vs. styling. This can be seen in the way The Row is styled in shows and on e-comm vs. how they, themselves, wear it–and it’s a world of difference. I mean, it was a brand founded on the idea of creating the perfect t-shirt. They deliver a (very elevated) foundational wardrobe season after season–absolutely exquisite garments, to be sure, but not exactly revolutionary. The secret sauce is in how one interprets it, which is also the fun part.

Contrast is key, imperfection brings interest

To me, there is nothing less interesting than when a look is too done, too clean, or too perfect. When there’s an element of something a bit offbeat or undone, I find that it gives texture and intrigue in a look. Whether that’s their lived-in hair or beat-up Hermès Kelly, it makes their style that much more compelling. Not unlike ’s signature “wrong shoe theory”, these two always show up with at least one element that feels unexpected, and I think that’s what makes it so great.

Vintage makes a look one’s own

During an age of short-lived micro trends and algorithmic dressing, incorporating vintage elements into a look makes it personal and more memorable, and it’s unlikely many others will own the same pieces. There can also be such a significant storytelling aspect to vintage or antique clothing and accessories that I find so special and captivating: why it speaks to you, how and where you found it, what it means to you, etc. The same usually cannot be said for a piece you or I impulsively buy online through an affiliate link. By now, I’d say at least half of my closet is vintage, antique, or pre-loved, and it’s so fulfilling to be able to associate meaning with the pieces I wear over and over.

Clothing can be a protective shield

At 19, I didn’t swear off wearing color because of the Olsens, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they shared a similar rationale (for frequently wearing black) considering how private they have become. For me, as a sensitive person, it serves as a buffer between the chaos of New York and myself (also no stranger to chaos). This early realization was my gateway into viewing clothing as so much more than purely decorative, or merely utilitarian. My wardrobe has become such an extension of my emotional expression, and I’ve found this to be a common sentiment among others who also wear a lot of black.

Flip flops can be worn year round

Yes, even during winter. I have nothing else to offer here because it doesn’t make sense. And yet.

Outfit repeating is actually really great

Although an Olsen sighting is about as rare as a snow leopard (and prompts a litany of full-blown dissertations which bring me no small amount of entertainment), they aren’t shy about rewearing their clothes. (And that even feels stupid to say out loud, because clothes are meant to be worn!!!) I’ve never understood the stigma surrounding outfit repeating. To me, that signifies a strong sense of identity, and the people whose personal style I admire the most have some sort of signature something. And that’s on personal taste.

On that note, if there’s one single piece of clothing I associate with these ladies, it’s a tailored black maxi coat. So in their honor, here’s a gaggle of favorites.

Hope you enjoyed!

Xx Christina

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(Almost) everything I wear is catalogued here.

Free, peer-led support for fashion and entertainment professionals coping with an eating disorder here (run by yours truly!).

Getting dressed for such a climate (New York City is now officially considered sub-tropical, but the horrors persist and so do I!!!) is anything but inspiring for me, a person who detests the sun; revels in layering, being swallowed by her black wardrobe, and leaving plenty to mystery (except when I don’t, but who am I if not a bundle of contradictions?). During the summer months, as my highest, most creative self floats somewhere just out of reach, I do become somewhat of a specter of myself. This time of year, as the juice of a sweet cherry drips down my chin and onto my white poplin dress, has always felt a bit haunted to me. Might as well dress like it?

If it’s cool enough to sleep in during a heat wave, it’s just as suitable for day-time wear during the hottest months of the year: Enter the white cotton (lace, embroidered, poplin, etc.) nightdress. Several summers ago, I realized I had free will (imagine that?) and could wear them anytime, including not only at night. Styled well, it’s much less Young Woman on Her Death Bed, 1621 (which, to be clear, sometimes does feel like looking into a mirror) or cult leader, and more Chloé girl, Jane Birkin out with Her Candelabra (and wicker basket) Looking for Herself (sorry Emily Dickinson, the lantern wasn’t cutting it). It gives a nod to Sofia Coppola, particularly her work on The Virgin Suicides, Marie Antoinette, and The Beguiled. I think of Picnic at Hanging Rock and the protagonist in one of my favorite old films, Valerie and Her Week of Wonders. It’s Georgia O’Keeffe when she said: “I have done nothing all summer but wait for myself to be myself again.” (Same, girl.) And it can be worn anywhere, be it amid the haunted remains of a Victorian home, the local farmer’s market, a picnic in the park (or graveyard), shelling on the beach, a flea market in Provence, in a field harvesting corn, or on a Target run (or its more desirable Parisian counterpart, Monoprix).

Wearing a nightdress as a daytime ensemble somehow feels like the softer end of the spectrum of a femme fatale–perhaps it’s the embodiment of the sensitive soul she seeks to protect with her black armour (I wouldn’t know anything about this). Delicate, but impenetrable.

My favorite way to wear a nightgown depends on where I’m going and what I’m doing. If I’m hitting up the flea or farmer’s market, I love adding either a rattan tote (loving this one after seeing it on and ) or wicker basket, and often a baseball cap. If I’m feeling more Victorian ghost out for a cemetery picnic (can we bring those back?), I’ll opt for a white sock, a black Mary Jane, and a leather box bag of sorts. In the fall, which I suppose is irrelevant here, I love doing a pair of witchy, Edwardian boots. If I’m wearing it out at night, which I’m wont to do, I’ll usually pair it with a black Chanel slingback and black sunglasses. And if I’m wearing it over a bathing suit (to go sit in the shade, natch) I’ll usually add a leather flip flop and a giant straw market tote. Regardless of the scenario, I love adding a stack of gold pendant necklaces (my favorites are vintage, my bespoke YSL lighter necklace, and various from Chloé).

Below, I’ve rounded up some favorites as well as a few styling tips and fragrance pairings. As usual, those items starred are available in a more generous sizing range.

Sleeveless

Dôen Patience dress (my current fav)*, If Only If cotton poplin nightgown*, Cou Cou cotton slip*, Dôen embroidered mini nightgown*, Aritzia riverine nightgown, Mango cotton lace nightgown, Matteau cotton eyelet mini dress, Dôen eyelet dress*, Petite Plume twill nightgown, Hillhouse Lorelai nightgown*, Dôen lace mini dress*, Free People mini slip dress, Zara Home embroidered nightgown, The Great eyelet mini dress

Short sleeve

Salter House lamb nightdress, Sea New York lace cape dress, Salter House broderie anglaise nightdress, J.Crew lace pintuck dress*, Zara Home short-sleeve nightgown, If Only If cotton voile nightgown*

Longsleeve

Salter House Wendy nightdress (I have and LOVE!), Rixo laced-trimmed cotton mini dress, Les Vacances cotton maxi dress, Sea New York lace dress, Salter House Sofia nightdress (inspired by Sofia Coppola), Zara Home cotton lace nightgown, If Only If cotton voile nightgown*, Posse linen kaftan (not quite a nightgown but if fits the ghostly brief!)*, Sandy Liang Daiku dress

Shorts (for underneath)

The Great eyelet tap shorts, Dôen jacquard shorts*, Posse Marilyn Shorts*, Cos lace-trimmed cotton shorts, Cou Cou bloomers*, Salter House play shorts, Sea New York lace shorts, J.Crew eyelet shorts*, Posse Ezra bloomers (I’ve been living in these)*, Zara Home lace cotton shorts, Posse Veronica shorts*

I’ve also found so many great pieces on Etsy! If you search for some variation of the following word salad, “French linen, broderie anglaise, white cotton lace nightgown” you’ll find some gems :)

And, if this is your vibe, you’ll love: Salter House, Dôen, Free People, Chloé, If Only If, Nuisette, Bora Aksu, Sea New York, Cou Cou Intimates, Posse, The Great, Petite Plume, Zara Home, Rixo, Simone Rocha, Turner Vintage, Deiji Studios, and Sandy Liang.

Hope you enjoyed!

XX

CG

If you fancied this, you may also love: The under $300 spring staples I wear over and over and In pursuit of Olsen-esque, pre-Raphaelite hair

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Sleeping in a pajama set makes me feel like I have my life together even though I most definitely don’t. I recently received this set (and am currently wearing it as I write this, in bed at 8am with my coffee) from Lake and consider me a new fan. I’m especially fond of a long sleeve/short combo, and modal is my favorite material to sleep in, so 5 stars on all fronts.

I don’t usually pine for actual bananas in my daily life; but banana-flavored anything (especially coffee) is my kryptonite. This new variation of Rhode’s famous lip peptide is an absolute pleasure. I’ve also been pleading with Nutpods to please make a banana almond creamer, and so far, no luck.

It’s flip flop season. They’re ugly as sin, as are my feet, but you know what? Oh well. These are by far the most comfortable ones I’ve ever worn; and the price is right.

I know I already shared that I love this bag so much. But I can’t emphasize enough how perfectly versatile the mini size is. I have gotten so much use out of it for both day and night.

On that note, the new Balenciaga campaign for Fall (featuring Sarah Pidgeon) is a love letter to New York City. It’s also pure cinema, the likes of which I haven’t seen in a fashion campaign in a long time. Elevating the mundane is a recipe for magic, in my opinion, and they illustrated this in such a beautiful, theatrical way.

By now you know I love anything that smells like a church, including Trudon’s Ernesto candle. Good news if you’re already a fan of that: it now comes in fragrance form, called Carmen. It’s woody, it’s spicy, and it’s absolutely divine. And nobody cares but me, but I also love the name as every variation of Carmen (and Carmela, Carmelo, etc.) are family names, making me love it even more.

These are the Row Gala pant in short form. They’re so great, and constantly sell out (and are currently sold out again), but I’m telling you in case you’re in the market for a solid Bermuda so you can keep an eye out for when they restock.

Another pair of shorts I’ve been enjoying are these guys. Silk shorts give me the will to live when the temps rise above 82 degrees.

I went to a dinner earlier this month for this new-ish skincare brand. Typically, the way I view my tried and true routine is like a group of stubborn, old friends that have no room in the inn for new ones. But, I was intrigued, so I gave it a whirl. And I LOVE it. The resurfacing serum smells a bit like Biologique (bad in a good way), so I know it works. I also really love this peptide moisturizer (and the packaging is quite satisfying to use). I sat across from the brand founder’s mom, a 70-something retired nurse from New Jersey, and I wish more dinner parties invited 70-something retired nurses from New Jersey, because she was a hoot and totally made my evening. (Brands, if you’re reading this, please ALWAYS seat me next to your moms!! I was a child who always preferred talking to adults and now I’m an adult who prefers talking to older adults.)

I wore this dress for the opening of Dôen’s new uptown outpost, and I know it’s gonna be a frequent flyer all summer. It’s just a tad sheer, so I wore a little pair of (very cute!) white shorts underneath.

Because I have the musical taste of a 71-year-old man in boat shoes, I’d like to tell you that I’ve recently re-discovered my love of the circa 1978 banger “How Much I Feel” by Ambrosia. “I’ll Be Around” by the Spinners is another one. You’re welcome.

I recently had the revelation that I probably look better with a little life in my (ghostly) face. But since I’m effectively translucent, most bronzers look entirely too orange on me. This one is the absolute perfect tone: not too warm, not too cool, and the creamy texture is a damn delight. I love applying it on the bridge and sides of my nose. I’ve also fallen in love with this powder bronzer in shade Palermo.

I wash my hair three times a week at most, so dry shampoo is a great friend of mine. I picked up this one a month or two ago, and trust me when I tell you that it’s sorcery. Contrary to the name, it actually goes on wet (yet dries instantly), and the amount of capital-V volume it gives my hair is unbelievable. I can’t stop talking about it.

Yes, I have been loving my tassel cummerbund made by my terrifically chic friend, Andrea. I have a hunch Princess Diana would’ve loved it, too. I wore it with this shirt, which has excellent cuffs.

I’m not typically a foundation girl, but this week I had the pleasure of trying YSL’s new cushion foundation and it’s really, really beautiful. It looks glowy and skin-like, and is virtually seamless.

Things I didn’t love: being on the precipice of summer, having to sit in the sun for 15 minutes/day so my bones don’t turn to dust, the yassification of Mary-Kate and Ashley (who did this??), receiving a jury duty summons the very day I was meant to show up to court (sending and receiving mail here in a timely fashion has been kind of a mess as of late) and spending the night convinced I was headed for the slammer. I didn’t, thankfully, and I’m excited to serve (looks and civic duty) this fall.

Hope you enjoyed!

XX

CG

If you fancied this, you may also love: The under $300 spring staples I wear over and over and My full (and foolproof) in-flight routine

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. My favorite resources are: The Chain, the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, Jed Foundation, Born This Way Foundation, the Mental Health Coalition, and Crisis Text Line.

Below, I’m gonna take you through the whole shebang: how I prepare for a flight, what I wear, what’s in my bag, and a few great little hacks. So with summer travels in mind, let’s dive in.

Morning and day of flight

This is not all that interesting, but I am extremely mindful of water intake before I travel (when I’m not traveling, I’m perpetually parched, so there’s that). It’s no secret that flying is tremendously dehydrating and can totally throw you off-kilter. I usually pop in a sachet or two of electrolytes (these ones are my favorite and not too salty) throughout the day for additional hydration. I try to fit in a workout, or at least a long walk, if I have time in the morning. I’ll also take vitamin C, as I seem to always catch something when I’m traveling. Does it work? Well, I don’t really know, but I suppose it can’t hurt!

At the airport

Lounge access is great when it’s available to you, but I always try to budget enough time for a few laps around the airport to keep blood circulating, and because I’ll be spending the next, however many hours, quite sedentary. I’ll also grab two giant Smart Waters for the flight. Even when I’m checking a bag, and usually I do, I will still always bring a carry-on suitcase (usually this handsome fella) containing my handbags and an extra outfit or two. For one, you never know when (unfortunately) baggage will go off on its own world tour. And two, it’s so much easier to roll my other bag around on top of it instead of carrying it (Birkin Elbow is apparently a real condition, and it’s sweeping the nation). Air tags go in every bag, whether checked or not, because Saint Anthony can only do so much.

In-flight

If I’m Europe bound, I’ll usually opt for a 7:30PM flight. I know a lot of people swear by not drinking alcohol while flying, but I’ll never turn down a glass of champagne or two (after Cloroxing every square inch of my seat, natch). Despite being quite an anxious, hyper-active person in every other aspect of my life, flying never really gives me anxiety and I try to use it as time to relax, as I rarely do so otherwise, and to catch up on emails. I like to do a full, extensive skin-care routine in my seat while watching The Conjuring, or some other moderately terrifying or morbid material. I’ve found that the more disturbing the movie is, the less disturbed I am by turbulence, my own thoughts, or the person next to me who has decided to remove their socks.

The in-flight skin-care routine

I’ll start by sanitizing my hands, obviously. They’re probably still not clean after doing so, but you know what? I’ve learned to pick my battles. I tend to arrive at the airport freshly-showered and bare-faced, but if any remnants of makeup remain, I'll remove it with these makeup wipes or a cotton pad and micellar water. I avoid airplane water at all costs.

Before going in with any products, I like to use my ZIIP Halo. I’ve been ZIIPing for a few years, and it’s easily my favorite facial device. It’s small, light, portable, discrete, and packs a punch, sending tiny electrical signals that naturally communicate with skin cells, coaching them on what to do (and they listen). I also love that it kind of looks like an Elsa Peretti bean. Four to 12 minutes, depending on the routine you choose on the app (there are 17 of them!), are all it takes to appear more spunky, brightened, sculpted, and lifted. It’s also quite effective for lymphatic drainage, which is great, because I always feel a bit puffy during and after a flight (don’t we all?). I cannot tell you how much I swear by this thing–in my everyday life, as well, and not just while traveling (code THEPOUF for 10% off the ZIIP HALO & Gels).

Then I’ll go in with my favorite toner, which I’ve used religiously since 6th or 7th grade. It keeps my skin even and blemish-free. For a hit of refreshment, I’ll spritz a facial mist, either this one or this one. The former is a great, spa-like reset, especially amid the recycled humid air of a plane, and the latter contains hypochlorous acid which is antimicrobial, and therefore great for preventing breakouts.

Following that, I’ll go in with a serum or two. I love this one because it contains everything I want in a serum, and it’s efficient. Then I’ll apply an eye serum. I will always do eye patches (either these ones or these ones), and depending on how dry I’m feeling at cruising altitude, I am also no stranger to a face mask (usually this one or this one). The penultimate step is slathering on a thick moisturizer–either the Rich Cream, or this mask which I just leave on to absorb. And then I’ll add my favorite lip balm and hand cream, because they’re usually dry as a cracker at 30,000 feet. If it’s daytime, I will of course do an SPF.

On overnight flights, I swear by this melatonin. I can’t say enough about it. I’ll pop one or two of them an hour or so before I want to fall asleep, put on my “sleepy” playlist, and like clockwork, I’m out. I don’t know what kind of sorcery Ms. Kourtney Mary put in these bad boys, and perhaps I don’t want to know, but they’ve been key to combating jet lag.

The Outfit

Airport style, specifically of the 90s, has been a hyper-fixation of mine for years, and I’ve written about this at length. My formula is the following: a black trouser or jeans (these if it’s a red-eye, or these if I’m flying during the day), a white t-shirt or long-sleeve, a black sweater, and a trench or tailored black coat. If it’s winter, I’ll wear my heaviest shoes on the plane (usually these boots)–otherwise it’s typically a black loafer or my Hermès Chypres with a–gasp–sock. This allows me to be comfortable while still looking put together. I also never get on a plane without my prized Saint Jude medal that I got at the Vatican many moons ago.

What’s in my bag aka personal item

My friends know that–judging by the contents of my bag–I’ll be fine in case of an apocalypse. Seriously. I put Ms. Poppins to shame.

Typically, I travel with my vintage Birkin 40, which is utterly capacious (and an arm workout) and I treat it just as I do any other bag. She has lived and loved and lost and I love her for it. If not, you’ll usually find me with my trusty Liffner tote or divine croc Toteme bag. Inside you’ll find my MacBook and a Russian doll situation of pouches: one for TSA-friendly skin care; my Ziip Halo; one for light makeup; another with hand sanitizer, dry shampoo, a mini hair brush, toothpaste, gum (always Doublemint), a toothbrush, mouthwash, eye drops, roll-on peppermint oil (which combats headaches and nausea), perfume etc. Another contains OTC meds, vitamin C, electrolytes, and stevia drops (which I bring everywhere with me). Noise-canceling headphones are a must (these are my favorite), as is an eye mask. And I always keep all of my jewelry in this bag, as well, because you just never know.

One can never predict the weather conditions inside of the plane, against my best wishes and even if you’re on the same flight as Al Roker himself, so I always bring a cashmere travel wrap that I can drape over my shoulders, or use as a blanket. Another pouch contains all of my chargers, film, wallet, passport, and a Moleskine that comes everywhere with me, and contains all of my to-do lists, hopes, and dreams. Wearing compression socks is the opposite of sexy, but I’ve found they really do make a difference, no matter how long the flight is. And if I don’t have the pleasure of flying business, this contraption is a game changer for more comfortable sleep.

Another little thing that I’ve incorporated on my return flight is taking the hotel slippers and popping them on after take-off. It’s a comfier footwear option, and then I’ll dispose of them on arrival.

Upon arrival

Before landing, I’ll do a quick skin-care reset which includes toning, facial mist, a serum, an eye cream, moisturizer, and SPF. If I have time, I’ll ZIIP again–it just revives my face and brings me back to life. And then I’ll brush up my brows, add a touch of concealer (this one is excellent and great for travel), and my favorite balmy lipstick. I’ll wait to disembark before dousing myself in fragrance, out of consideration for my fellow passengers (even though I’m sure they’d love a whiff of Byredo Vanilla Antique).

The first thing I do, before baggage claim, is find a cold Perrier. And if there’s a place for coffee or an espresso, I’ll chug that too. Airport coffee never hits, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

I try not to look at my Oura ring after an overnight flight, because I like to operate on the assumption that I slept more than I actually did (usually ~3 hours, as flights to Europe from New York are only 6ish hours, depending). Somehow, this helps and lowers sleep anxiety (why do I feel worse when I KNOW how little sleep I got???). The key, for me, is then staying awake the entire day (no naps!), having a late dinner, and going to bed around 10-11PM. If I do that, and take a Lemme Sleep, I always sleep all night and wake up the next morning feeling refreshed. Maybe it’s the sleep gummies, or perhaps it’s the regimented efforts I put in for the prior 24 hours. Either way, this routine does the trick.

Bon voyage!

Thank you to Ziip for sponsoring this newsletter.

Hope you enjoyed!

XX

CG

If you fancied this, you may also love: The under $300 spring staples I wear over and over and 48 Hours in Milan

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I wore this blazer last week. It’s great as is, but because I love making things my own, I added a vintage fur collar and my Nana’s old cameo brooch. It was a hit! Also, never have I ever gotten more compliments on my makeup (below) than I did that night. The only thing I did differently was apply a bit of cream bronzer (this one, it’s AMAZING) across the bridge of my nose, cheeks, and temples; and enhance my “beauty marks” with this pen. Maybe I just looked much less like the crypt keeper, aka my natural state.

I stopped by Hermès HQ for the AW26 Objects presentation. All was fabulosity per usual (and the iced latte service really slapped), but two things really struck my fancy: a leather lighter necklace, and a lipstick belt/purse strap. I mean, come on!!! I’ve written about my love of a functional pendant a few times on here, but I don’t think I’ve told you yet that I’ve been working on a beautiful lighter necklace for months that will be dropping soon (!!).

Further, the Copenhagen-based LIÉ STUDIO released a leather, lip balm pendant in collaboration with LESSE. I love it so much!

Read more

I learned early on that the secret sauce is not always what you’re wearing, but how you wear it. Maybe that’s trite, but it’s true. I also have found that my most creatively abundant spells have come from periods during which I felt strained, whether in terms of time, resources, ideas, etc.

All that to say, I appreciate the value of doing more with less. And this also means less space. Because I must fit my entire life into a 500 sq. foot apartment, I don’t have the capacity for mediocre shoes, clothes, men, wine, trinkets, fragrance, or otherwise. Only the best will do. Sometimes that’s the Row, and sometimes that’s the Gap.

Below, find the pieces I wear over and over again all spring long, under the $300 mark, as well as how I style them.

Two housekeeping items, svp: 1. I’m not suggesting that $300 is inexpensive, especially in this economy. But it feels like a more accessible pricepoint in comparison to other luxury or high-contemporary brands that I also often wear, and 2. I’ve starred those items which are available in extended sizing. I realize it’s not much, but I still hope it’s helpful somehow, in some way.

Alrighty. Shall we?

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Shirts, tops, and sweaters

Leset long sleeve boatneck t-shirt: there’s something about a boatneck that just elevates an everyday staple. It also reminds me so much of my mom. This one is my favorite, and Madewell* also makes a good one in black.

Rouje white shirt: Leave it to Jeanne Damas to make a perfect white shirt. It’s crisp, simple, no-fuss, and always chic. I wore this on a date recently and the dude complimented it very intently, noting how crisp and white it was. This sounds like a corny lie, but it’s not. Unfortunately I never heard from him again, though, so I’m not sure what to make of it. And no, it’s not because I spilled something down the front of it (for once). Maybe the shirt was so good he’s still too stunned to speak. Regardless, I might need to sage it before wearing it again.

Filippa K. tuxedo shirt: I’ve gotten so many compliments on this, mostly because of the cuffs. It’s a divinely starchy poplin, and the collar (and bib) is also great.

Dôen lace top: I reserve the majority of my ghostly lace pieces for summertime, when the heat makes me, in fact, want to become a ghost. Just kidding (no I’m not). But I love this flouncy number on a warmer spring day, the likes of which we’ve yet to experience here in New York. I’m not complaining, btw.

Brooks Brothers blue shirt: Okay, I initially got this because it says “no iron” and I hate ironing (early days as a fashion assistant might’ve scarred me). But it’s such a great, substantial shirt. I have it in blue and white. Pretty sure my dad does, too.

440me oversized t-shirt: I love these because they’re a bit oversized in every way: longer length, longer sleeve, and a bit boxy. I have one in black and one in white.

Leset t-shirt: my favorite white t-shirt, and thanks to New York’s very hard water, I’ve gone through so many. I guess that’s more of a reason to just buy one in butter yellow to begin with.

With Nothing Underneath poplin shirt: I love WNU’s shirting and poplin sets. I especially love that they can embroider them–I get my initials on the lefthand side, below the pocket (per the below).

Agolde tank: I’ve waxed poetic about my favorite, $8 Target tank, which gets the job done, indeed. But this tank is my actual favorite, and has a fabulously stiff neckline that does wonders beneath a sweater.

440me high v-neck sweater: I went on a hunt for a black, high v-neck sweater when Reformation did not, against my best wishes, restock theirs. This one is great.

Still Here t-shirt: my favorite white t-shirt to wear on its own (aka not under a sweater, etc.) with jeans or whatever. I sized up so it’s a bit boxy on me, and it has a stiff texture that I love.

Ralph Lauren Oxford shirt*: Honestly, you can never go wrong with an oversized, Ralph Lauren Oxford shirt (just ask Princess Diana). I love to wear mine with a pair of jeans, or black capris. I have one in white, blue, blue/white stripe, and yellow.

Still Here sweatshirt: for off-duty days worn with jeans and a trench coat. My favorite sweatshirt.

440me cashmere polo: Most people probably cannot imagine me in a polo shirt, and it’s true, I don’t own many (retired most with my school uniform). I do have and love this one, though, which I enjoy styling over a white tank with a pair of easy black trousers and flip flops.

J.Crew cashmere sweater*: I’m wearing this right now. It’s such a great, lightweight sweater on chillier spring days. I wore mine today underneath this coat and it was perfect.

Skirts and shorts

Leset city shorts: these are my favorite everyday Bermuda short and remind me of a cropped Gala pant by the Row. They also remind me of the sold out Beare Park shorts Margot Robbie was seen wearing to catch a flight.

Leset satin boxer shorts: on warmer spring days, when I feel like blinding the neighborhood with my alabaster legs that have never met a spray tan in their life, I whip out these bad boys. I also wear them on repeat during the summer.

Dôen lace shorts: I got these last spring and wore them straight through September. And now they’re back in various colorways! I like to style them in a way that roughs up the lace a little bit (i.e. black leather).

All Three Studio cotton maxi skirt: I have this in black, and it’s such a great, comfy, everyday piece.

Rue Sophie maxi pencil skirt: One style tip I took from CBK (long before the days of Love Story) is that every woman needs a solid, black pencil skirt in her life. And don’t overthink it: styling it with a white button-down shirt and a pair of black slingbacks or a t-bar heel will do the trick.

Trousers and jeans

Leset wide-leg pant: I have these in black and cream and wear them constantly. They’re such a chic, easy, throw on and go, pant. They are, however, quite long, so if you’re below, let’s say, 5’6, I’d recommend the below instead (or get them hemmed).

Leset crop drawstring pant: Okay, so these are technically $20 over the limit but wanted to include anyway. As the name suggests, they’re slightly cropped (and more low-waisted), so they’re a better option for my shorter girls than the traditional Barb pant. (That Barbara! She’s so versatile <3) I also just love a drawstring. I have them in black and sand, and they hit right above my ankle (I’m about 5’7’.5).

Reformation Cynthia jean: These are probably my most-worn pair of jeans ever. I’ve had them for over 5 years, and that’s also probably why they’re so good. Super stiff (just the way I like my denim), but I sized up 2-3 sizes and they’re straight-legged and perfectly loose.

J.Crew linen pant*: my favorite linen pants! I have them in black, white, and drumroll please–red.

Leset carpenter pants: white poplin trousers for spring/summer are a staple in my wardrobe, and I love these ones.

Athleta capri legging*s: I ordered these and I’ve been getting so much wear out of them, both for exercise and the everyday (I love them with an oversized button-down and ballet flats). It made me remember how much I love Athleta leggings.

Banana Republic wool ankle pants*: these are an excellent cigarette pant. I love them so much I got two pair.

Cos wide-leg pants: put me on to these over a year ago. The waistband is adjustable which allows for a bespoke fit, so if you love extra volume in your trousers, size up (I think I bought two sizes larger than I would normally take from Cos). They are my favorite wide-leg trousers.

Agolde white jeans: I mean, if I didn’t self-impose a price cap on this, I’d suggest the Phoebe Philo Drop Jeans. But since we’re practicing restraint and fiscal responsibility today, these are another great option for a baggier white jean.

Chan Luu taffeta pants: full transparency, I haven’t tried these yet. I just ordered them in copper because I friggin LOVE taffeta, and they look promising. Also love the blue?

Cos jeans: I feel like Cos denim is so slept on. I’ve had these for a while and they’re so good: baggy, but not overwhelmingly so, and a great length.

Splits 59 stirrup leggings: Yeah, I feel like my mom at an aerobics class in the 80s when I wear these, but you know what? She was on to something because I love them. It took me a while to find a pair that doesn’t slide down at the waist (as stirrups are wont to do)–these don’t, and they’re great. I don’t wear them to jazzercise, though, so I can’t speak to how they would wear in such a scenario.

Jackets and trenches

Rue Sophie satin trench: Very lightweight and easy to throw on over a t-shirt, and its pearlescent sheen makes me very happy.

Massimo Dutti parka: I love a black, high-neck tech jacket worn with a black stirrup legging (especially for errands). I love erands!

Rue Sophie cropped trench: I don’t have this one specifically, but I wanted to offer an alt to an old one I have from Cos that I wear on repeat (and is no longer available).

Dresses

All Three Studio cotton maxi dress: I wear this constantly during spring and summer. It’s such a good piece to have around, especially on days when you don’t know what else to wear. I have it in black and white.

Left on Friday shirt dress: It’s hard to find a good, simply, starchy white shirt dress–and this one is great.

Aritzia satin dress: This finally restocked in black! I love this dress so much. It gives bat witch, if you’re into that (which I am).

Easton Marley Odette dress: I just received this dress, and it’s everything I could ever want out of a dress.

Reformation cotton mini dress: I get so much wear out of this year-round. Simple and elegant (if I do say so myself, which I just did).

Accessories

Wicker basket bag: I’ve had this for a few years, and when the mood strikes (usually when I’m headed to frolic at the flea or farmer’s markets), I take her for a spin in the spirit of Jane.

Margaux ballet flats*: can’t go wrong. Simple, easy, and comfy.

Jimmy Fairly sunglasses: In an effort to not overuse the term “obsessed,” please allow me to state that I am, indeed, quite fond of these specs. The shape is great and the lens is particularly good on cloudy days when you still want to hide.

Monica Vinader huggie earrings: I simply don’t take these off. I like a barely-there earring for everyday wear, and I also love a mixed metal.

Havaianas flip flops: Not the most elegant sandal on the market, but what do you expect? It’s a flip flop. And they’re the most comfortable pair I’ve ever worn. And that’s important, because if you’re going to be wearing something as grotesque as a flip flop (guilty) it best not be hell to wear!

Gap pajama set*: I don’t know where else to put this. I’ve tried just about every luxury pajama brand there is, but nothing compares to this set from Gap. Falling asleep with the windows open in this humdinger–doesn’t get any better.

Aurate pearl necklace: Pearls are so stately to me. I was generously gifted this necklace at a Caudalie dinner, and I reach for it frequently.

Margaux pointed-toe flats*: Slightly over budget (mi dispiace, signorinas) but I have these in black and cream. They’re so comfy, and the shape is great for days when you want the elegance of a pointed toe, but the comfort of a flat. I love them so much.

Sam Edelman Mary Janes*: I wore these to the ground for two years, and finally got a new pair. They are the comfiest flats I own.

Monica Vinader x Kate Young onyx ring: It’s rare that I’m not sporting a gaggle of rings, and even rarer that I’m not wearing this ring in particular. Onyx makes my dark heart sing, and I even influenced my mom, who does not participate in the Internet, to get one.

B-Low the Belt Kennedy belt: Easily one of my most-worn belts.

Hope you enjoyed!

XX

CG

If you fancied this, you may also love: The best trench coats at every price point to shop right now and Future heirlooms for the maternal figures in your life.

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Jewelry can also be a future heirloom, and something future generations will get to enjoy. Certainly, that’s what it’s been for me.

To that end, I would consider myself to be an excellent gift giver. At the very least, every gift I give has considerable thought behind it, and honestly whoever first said, “it’s the thought that counts,” was correct.

The older I get the more I internalize the absolute truth behind that notion. Over the years, my most treasured gifts have been the more meaningful ones: jewelry, a handwritten note, or some combination of the two. (Truly, despite living in a New York City shoebox, I’ve kept every handwritten note I’ve ever been given.)

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Perhaps this harkens back to the very first gift I was ever given (other than, you know, life), by my parents: an Elsa Peretti open heart pendant on the day I was born. For my 8th grade graduation, it was a Return to Tiffany bracelet. For my 16th birthday, I received a Chanel necklace that I had ogled for years (and wore to my first Chanel show in Paris in 2022 as a sort of talisman). For my high school graduation, my parents gave me a pair of Chanel pearl earrings. My college graduation I was given a diamond French cross necklace, the emblem of my school (founded by a French convent). And last Christmas, my parents gave to me an Elsa Peretti bean necklace (my family nickname since early childhood has been “Bean”, so beyond enjoying how this piece looks, it has additional significance).

All that to say, jewelry clearly makes an impression. I will hold onto all of these pieces forever, as they’re imbued with meaning. Jewelry is special in that way.

My Nana, whom I never got to meet, seemed to appreciate a similar POV. She left behind quite an extensive collection of jewelry, which I’m constantly discovering on trips home to visit my parents. I wear it frequently–especially her old brooches, lockets, and tassel earrings. If she were still here, I know she’d love strands of Chanel pearls and a brooch. And she loved tassels, so I think she’d live for the Chanel Première Sautoir-Belt watch.

So whether you’re celebrating your mom, your grandmother, your wife, or another maternal figure; or yourself (!!), below are some of my favorite special pieces from Chanel that will stand the test of time and make her (and you!) shine a little brighter. I chose and styled some favorites, and they look even better stacked (especially the rings!).

And I would be remiss not to acknowledge how full circle this newsletter is for me, a Chanel-obsessed child who grew up to be a Chanel-obsessed adult. Please enjoy this photo of me taken with a tripod at age 15 in my childhood bedroom and a pair of Chanel costume earrings I bought with a summer’s worth of earnings as an ice cream scooper.

Hope you enjoyed!

XX

CG

If you fancied this, you may also love: The best trench coats at every price point to shop right now and 48 hours in Milano.

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This newsletter is written in partnership with CHANEL.

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If you or someone you know are suffering from an eating disorder, please reach out to the National Alliance for ED at +1 (866) 662-1235. If you are a fashion or entertainment industry professional coping with an ED, I run a monthly support group for my non-profit, The Chain. If you are a brand or media outlet interested in learning how to more delicately cover this subject, we are here to help you, too.

I’ve struggled over the years with what and how much to share regarding my experience with an eating disorder, and my desire to help others is constantly at odds with my fierce preference for privacy, and intense fear of saying the wrong thing. Ultimately, my growing frustration with the cultural discourse surrounding body image, weight, and EDs—and the shame that still clouds each affected person’s experience with them—encourages me to continue offering my perspective, gently, for what it’s worth. I cannot just look away.

It’s hardly a rarity during these absolutely trying times (!!) that I am confronted with material that glorifies EDs, ultra thinness, or both. The combination of watching women everywhere shrink before our eyes, and people on the Internet such as Liv Schmidt peddling ED behaviors under the guise of “health,” have left me with a pit in my stomach, as someone recovering from 20+ years of a very serious ED that forever altered, and nearly ended, my life. I hate to watch another soul tumble into the same trap I did, yet I feel like I’m watching it happen daily, in real time. And I worry about the ramifications of the current cultural tone, that sometimes, astonishingly, feels even more harmful and sinister than the one in which I came of age.

As a fashion-obsessed child and teen (and, well, still), the early 2000s were brutal, and I know I’m not the only one left scarred (but we millennials soldiered on) . The runway standard for fashion models back then was impossibly, painfully thin–and the ways in which mainstream media treated and discussed women’s bodies were nothing short of horrendous. Of course, fashion doesn’t cause an ED, a biological illness, but it can trigger it in an already-susceptible person. And it most certainly does not foster recovery from one, particularly right now. On the contrary, it often enables disordered behavior instead.

One of the (many) lies my ED has told me is that it would be beneficial to my career. It is true that, in fashion, thinness is (often, not always) currency, a reality I detest but cannot, against my best wishes, change. But in my case, unnatural thinness, as a side effect of my ED, took me out of the game entirely, resulting in my having to take medical leaves from work and school for months at a time. (Although I did once, in my unwavering determination, continue a fashion internship while hospitalized for several weeks–it was remote, and neither party knew, but that’s a story for another day.) And I’ve made the conscious choice, repeatedly, to continue my work in this difficult, beautiful, imperfect, chaotic, creative, cut-throat industry, because I love what I do and refuse to let a disease I did not choose preclude me from living the life I’ve worked so hard for. (This was a huge part of why I co-founded the Chain in 2017, with the hopes of creating an open dialogue and a supportive community for my peers in the industry who also struggle.)

I’ve learned the hard way that I can’t be deep in my disorder and make my dreams come true simultaneously. And no one gets to actually “enjoy” being in a smaller body when it’s the result of an ED, no matter how much it will try to convince you otherwise. When the time comes that you want your life back, if you’re lucky enough to get that chance, you don’t get to keep that body, either. Indeed, coming to terms with, and accepting, that fact is not easy. Especially now, in a culture and an industry in which thinness is just a shot away, and in a society where eating and taking up space sometimes feels like a radical act of resistance against patriarchal beauty standards. So here is your reminder, in case you need it: everyone has a different, optimal set point, and it might be higher than you would like it to be, aesthetically. This is not a moral failure, and this is also partially why the $135 billion diet industry persists.

To be completely and utterly frank, the more normalized GLP-1s and other injectables have become, in service of ultra thinness, the more challenging it is for people like me to make recovery-oriented choices. That’s no one’s fault really, it’s just the way it is, and this is certainly not an admonishment of anyone who chooses to take it. There is also nothing wrong with being thin, or wanting to be thin, to the extent that it is not life-interfering. But I know from firsthand experience, and from my peers: now is a very precarious time, to say the very least, and many of the things being normalized right now are, in fact, not normal. It’s hard not to internalize it when semaglutides and peptides have become so common, leading me to question what really is “normal” anymore.

Now, is recovery anyone’s responsibility but my own? Nope. Is everyone entitled to do with their own body as they please? Yep. Should brands and media be a bit (okay, a lot) more careful with their words and more sensitive with their messaging surrounding weight? 100% (but unlikely to happen). But guess what, it’s still hard as hell to navigate and try to tune out, and no one is really talking about it. I think we’re all just supposed to pretend we’re okay, that this is okay, everything is okay! But it’s not okay, and I can’t just avert my eyes. The frog in the boiling pot probably thought it was okay, too, until it wasn’t. I feel the weight (no pun intended, but here we are) of responsibility to say something, even if it’s just this word-salad of an acknowledgement of how much it sucks. And it bears worth remembering that recovery isn’t a slight matter of weight preference–it can be, and often is, a matter of life or death. And dying–no shade to the Victorians, my homeslices, who seemed to think otherwise–is not chic. Withering away should not be framed as aspirational.

Most people (including the general medical community), unless they’ve experienced it personally or know somebody who has, lack proper education about EDs, and to no fault of their own. They’re vexing diseases that are routinely trivialized, misrepresented, periodically mocked, and shrouded with misconception, and our culture does little to mitigate this. It’s maddening, even to me. So it’s heartbreaking, but not surprising, when I hear of another impressionable soul falling victim to an ED, which, to the uninitiated, may appear as a fast-track ticket to thinness and its various social benefits. This illness promises but never delivers–and when it fails, yet again, as it always does, it can convince even the wisest among us to try, try again. It’s conniving and sly; a shapeshifter. Trust me, I get it. With many years of treatment under my belt (once again, no pun intended) I have all the insight in the world, but I’d be lying if I said it sometimes didn’t swindle me, still. And how could it not? So I worry for those with less insight in the face of messaging that romanticizes EDs. If it feels hard, that’s because it is.

The brutal truth, if you need it, is that the very picture of an ED is not a lovely, quiet, slight young woman, simply prone to under-eating and living an otherwise normal life. EDs are, in fact, utterly heartbreaking and grotesque–and there’s no way around it. They’re also extremely lethal, claiming the lives of up to 1 in 5 who suffer. One needn’t suffer medical consequences to be in danger, but it’s rare to make it out unscathed. Your heart can slow to the point of stopping, and without warning. You may lose your period and be unable to bear children in the future. Your bones may weaken and you may develop osteopenia or osteoporosis–the latter of which is likely irreversible. Your blood sugar can drop to a dangerous level, leading to seizures or a hypoglycemic coma. EDs can cause brain, kidney, and liver damage. Your esophagus may tear, which can be immediately fatal. Your skin will likely be dull and lifeless, while you clutch onto the strands of your once vibrant hair, which will also stop growing. You will feel intolerably cold, even in the heat of summer. And I don’t mean a slight chill–it’s a type of cold I’d never felt before or since, one that seems to live deep within your bones. You will have no energy, little ability to focus, and your memory will be toast. It can, and likely will, compromise every major organ system, a reality many often face only when it’s almost too late. And this is just a short list. Regardless of whether you experience all or none of these symptoms, you will constantly feel like utter shit, and yet you’ll be convinced you somehow deserve it, that it’s still better than feeling the very things you’ve been attempting to numb through behaviors and their intended results.

Still, you may read the above paragraph and be convinced it’s “worth” it, or that you will be one of the lucky, invincible ones. An ED serves a purpose that far transcends body image, after all, as a mental illness. The truth is, you may lose weight. You may get thin(ner). But you probably will not reach the dangerously low weight your ED promises–and that is not meant as a dare–as less than 6 percent of people with EDs are medically underweight. And even then, it’ll never be enough. What this means is, most people with an ED don’t “look” like they have one. Most are hiding in plain sight, insisting, in an ever-convincing manner (as we do quite well), they are fine.

It will never, ever be glamorous. It all comes at a steep price, and one I wish I’d fully grasped earlier on: everything good in life. It’s not as though your body will shrink and everything else around you remains the same, nope. At least in my experience, as my ED worsened, my life diminished in size to that of a small, airless room–one in which I could see out of, but that no one could see into. I still, to this day, don’t think I’ve fully processed the gravity of my experience. Neither an eating disorder, nor a thin body, whether or not the two are related, are an accessory, and “skinny” is not the outfit. Sorry, it’s just not. And one cannot turn the illness on and off at will, or at convenience.

No one ever realizes how dire it is, myself included, until it’s in the rearview mirror, a perspective not granted to everyone. Hindsight, in this case, is a gift. I’ve devastatingly lost one too many friends from treatment to their disorder each before they turned 30, and had you asked them even on their last day on earth, they likely would’ve sworn they were fine–and believed it. It could’ve just as easily been me.

Eventually, you’ll have to choose recovery, which feels like learning to walk again and is (probably) the hardest thing you’ll ever do. And I’d be lying if I said that’s a choice I always feel compelled to make. Because the harsh reality is, “life” with an active eating disorder will either kill you, or torment you for the rest of your life and then kill you. And it only gets more difficult, and more isolating, with age.

There is no trophy for being the thinnest. There are no accolades for being “good” at an ED, or for starving oneself for any other reason. And losing weight in this context, as much as we’re conditioned to think or feel otherwise, is not an accomplishment, especially at the expense of everything else. It’s all so completely empty and backwards and sad. What a shame it would be to reach the end of one’s life and realize that the best years were spent at war with oneself, and completely distracted by a chanting litany of numbers. And pardon me for being morbid (my specialty!), but no one is going to be remembered at their funeral for being thin, or for leaving an indelible mark on society through their weight alone.

I, like many of you, feel overwhelmed and exasperated (clearly!) by the current state of things, and often, despite my best efforts, feel powerless. I wish I could tie this up into a nice bow, and with it, offer a solution. Unfortunately, I can’t do that. But my hope is that this reaches someone, even one person, who needs to hear it.

Love,

CG

If you enjoyed this, you may also love: Sometimes I’m More Aware Than I’d Like to Be, and 7 little lessons learned a decade on from a life-altering hospitalization

If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, please visit the Alliance for Eating Disorders, The Chain, and Crisis Text Line for resources.

If you’re worried about a friend of a loved one and don’t know what to do, see here.

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