Recently, when I did my Substack Live with Laurel Pantin, she drew out a quote which said I wanted to shop like a man. I didn’t expound much on the topic, but it’s been playing around in my head for weeks and I think it has value. Why? I believe it has everything to do with fewer, better things and quality over quantity, two key ethos I strongly believe in when it comes to getting dressed.

I would not qualify my late father as an inspiring dresser. But, he did have a formulaic approach to buying clothes, a practice that happened twice a year at Brooks Brothers where he would replace any worn out button-down shirts, khakis, his horse-bit loafers (which he wore with no socks), and if needed, a navy blazer. We would gift him Polo cashmere cable-knit sweaters and Hermès ties at Christmas.

While men’s clothes have come a long way and there are many more options now, women’s clothes have always offered a cornucopia of ideas, silhouettes and personalities to entice you. Sometimes I get sucked in, but I am happiest when I stay true to the pieces and aesthetic that I am most drawn to which usually focus on tailoring, clean lines and monochromatic color choices. I like the idea of an evolving uniform, not a revolving closet, with a couple of surprises here and there.

This, to me, is how a man shops (or a more classically dressed man does). He has his tailor, his group of go-to designers, his favorite shoe maker. The personality comes in the accessories—his watch(es), belts, perhaps a signet ring, his sunglasses.

This is very similar to how I want to seek out the clothes I love.

I want to shop from brands that continually offer their best basics year in and year out, while evolving, slowly and cohesively, their other offerings so that last year’s buy, or the one from four years ago, still has its place. I want to be ok with wearing the same plaid Nili Lotan blazer every fall, because it’s the perfect plaid, fits well and I can think of no reason I should replace it. What updates it? The clothes and accessories I pair with it.

Brands that fit that ethos: Alex Eagle, Another Tomorrow, CO, Frances de Lourdes, Nili Lotan, Rika Studios, Rôhe, The Row, Toteme.

Then, I want standout bespoke pieces—a forever double-breasted black made-to-measure blazer, or white suit, and made-to-measure button-downs I can pull out again and again.

Brands that fit that ethos: Charvet, Chava Studio, Giuliva Heritage, Micky Paris, Saman Amel.

I want to my accessories to be the exclamation point. Beautifully-made handbags cut from leathers that get better with age. Occasionally a mad shoe, but mostly ones I can resole, or put away and revisit a few years later. Jewelry that is timeless, stands out and is meant to be slowly collected—my soft spot, obviously. (I think this brand rundown qualifies its own post.)

Of course, there are times when I want to dress like a man almost literally. My fall wardrobe is very akin to the cover of Abbey Road. Double denim? Check. Grey suit? Check. Black Suit? Check. White Suit? Yes, indeed.

The image below from Celine last Spring sits on my desk top—love the subtle color mixes, the pop of red, the accessories.

I like the intentionality that my father had when he shopped, or I do when I go to have a shirt measured to fit. It’s part of the reason most of my jewelry is made-to-order. These are not pieces purchased on a whim, but ones that you look forward to adding and treasuring for a long time. Frivolity has its place, but the majority of what I love most has been very deliberate in its acquisition.

Switching topics, as we come to the end of summer vacation, I want to thank Yolo Journal for including my Postcard from Hydra. I am such a fan of Yolanda Edwards' and her editor Alex Postman’s work, I rely on Yolo for most of my travel recs. If you don’t subscribe and you like to travel I highly recommend. Research = Memorable Trips. They have the best taste and do a superb job.

• I am considering doing a T-shirt 411 and would add this one, but it’s almost sold out. The color is so good.

• Anyone following the MET Gala brouhaha? My two cents, they should cancel the Gala period. Maybe forever. Or not do it every year. Galliano was a bad idea, but no matter, it feels forced and little to do with real fashion.

• The new Westman Atelier Suprême Bio-Complex Liquid Foundation is Gucci’s best foundation/concealer option to date. A little more coverage than I want in summer, but exactly the right amount for fall and it is oddly the perfect combination of dewiness, so it doesn’t sit in fine wrinkles, and matte-ness, so it doesn’t give you shiny nose. I’m sold.

x

Jennifer

Follow me on Instagram @theflairindex. Some links are affiliates, and I may earn a small commission from them.

After doing a recent closet clean out I am trying to be obstinately selective about what I bring in.

At this point, there isn’t really anything I need, except for perhaps one cotton weekend jacket because I seem to have misplaced an army green Toteme one that was a favorite (it didn’t make it back from Santa Fe last Fall). So, what gets the green light? Anything that really speaks to me and is not a replica of something I already have. It’s a short list. Intentionally.

Because I believe that your wardrobe should be an evolution, not a reboot, many things I bought or added last Spring, still apply here. The biggest change is the addition of a slightly different color scheme—one inspired by one of my favorite purchases, this lightweight wool brown/khaki Phoebe Philo blazer (bought a 34 which is a bit fitted, the 36 was boxier). This is a new color for me; I typically stick to blacks and greys, and it is a springboard for going into that color range a bit more.

The second blazer is the Rika Studios leather Steve blazer. It is a black textured leather and I’ve been circling it for a couple of seasons. (Am waiting for the XXS which is what I am wearing above.) I have this Toteme leather blazer which is dressier. The Rika is going to be my everyday/weekend/casual dinner out piece. Ulrika took one and crumpled it into a ball explaining how it only gets better with wear, which I am all about.

So two blazers, one brown, one black. What I want to pair them with most is white on white, kind of a continuation of my Spring and Summer edits and perfect for transition weather. This means a white tee of interest and white jeans (and my white linen Chava Studios pants for a bit). I have my Tibi Tuck jeans and the Still Here Cool jean, but the latest addition will be the Still Here Supply (ordered but not here yet). I saw them walk past me in East Hampton last week and knew instantly they needed to be the next pair. If you can get your hands on them, and want to spend the money, the Phoebe Philo Utility jean could be for you. I can keep a pair of white jeans clean, but a $1200 white pair of jeans seems like an invitation for disaster. (Note: Bergdorf’s has Phoebe in store; call the boutique. That is how I got my blazer. Devin was super helpful.)

What is a tee of interest? This from Phoebe. Was circling it, saw it on a friend, had to have it. (An XS fit perfectly, but the S gave me the slouch I wanted.) I have this from FDL (getting restocked, email to reserve) and still need the Lucie turtleneck in cream.

At first I thought I needed the matching pants to the Phoebe blazer, but I don’t wear suits often and realized I had a great pair of brown flat front trousers from The Frankie Shop (these in an M) and a vintage pair in my closet. Those are coming out when it cools down.

Then accessories: The biggest purchases were two bags. I have very few handbags—maybe 5 or 6 now including these. (Also think I need to do a handbag post.) This The Row Agnes 12—their version of the OG Hermès Bolide designed in 1923, which I have with gold hardware. Very similar bags, but I love this shape and it has silver hardware. It’s ok to stick to a silhouette, make it a signature! Also note, if BG has another gift card promotion, utilize it. (Bought the bag during one, paid for most of my Phoebe blazer with gift card from it.) Second bag, which I recently mentioned is the Suzanne Szatmary bag from Rika. My Row belt and Phoebe sandals I bought in Spring. And finally these Row Caden loafers. Ugh, how I love them so. They are soft which is a requisite for my blister-prone heels. Between those and my black eel soft loafers, I don’t need another pair. Maybe ever. And finally, my XL Mariner Link necklace. Always feeling gold, but silver again too, especially when it’s substantial.

For nights out, this navy silk shirt (XS) and pants (S) from Frances de Lourdes. She launched it this summer, but silk and heat don’t work for me, so it feels like the perfect Fall ensemble. I like the narrow silhouette of the pants, they feel different. With my Suzanne Szatmary bag and my leather Rika Studios blazer thrown over it.

Each of these new pieces integrates into the wardrobe I already have and each feels destined to get a lot of wear and love.

• On an aside, did you read this piece on the defintion of The Slipperiness of ‘Chic’ ? A good read and agree.

• Am waiting for one Fall fashion campaign to really get me excited. Nothing yet. But a lot don’t seem to be out.

  

• For all of you Vintner’s Daughter lovers (like me), they just launched their latest limited edition fragrance, Understory Volume 4. I love everything the founder April does. For this fragrance they created a Botanical Soundscape based off of the energy frequencies from the plants incorporated in the scent. That April is able to combine artistry with efficacy makes me happy. There is joy in that, and we could all use some joy these days.

x

Jennifer

Follow me on Instagram @theflairindex. Some links are affiliates, and I may earn a small commission from them.

In light of this event, I thought it would be fun to look back at my long-standing love affair with MB, which dates back to the 90s (which also dates me, lol).

I bought my first pair of Manolo Blahniks in 1990 or 91 when I was an assistant at Vogue for the first Seventh on Sixth AIDS event. As a Voguette, we had to work, which was a thrill, and I bought a black Sylvia Heisel sleeveless dress with a low back and my inaugural MBs. They had a 3 1/2” heel, were black suede and tied at the ankle. I kept them for years, but sadly cannot seem to find them. They might be buried somewhere. However….I have kept a few. I am not sure they will ever go out of style. Plus, I am attached to them. I might be cleaning out my closet, but these are forevers. Each pair below is at least 20 years old. And my all-time favorites are bottom right, with the lucite heel.

Those are from the 90s and I may or may not have have had too many martinis at The Odeon one night and ripped the heel off going downstairs to the powder room. They were thankfully fully restored.

I lived in Manolos in the 90s. I wore them all day long at work. (Can’t even imagine now.) And nothing beat going into the store on 55th (and 54th, it moved) and having Ben find something I couldn’t live without. Everyone who worked there had impeccable style and it was a time when shopping was a pleasure in every sense of the word. (I found Ben on IG for anyone else who remembers.) Plus, then, like now, you could place special orders (within limits obv) which is always worth the wait.

Fast forward to today and I still keep Manolos—newer, less vertiginous ones, in constant rotation. I love my faux croc Maysales and my black Susa’s with a kitten heel. There are so many versions of the Maysale now. You can find flat Susa’s here, which are the ultimate flip flop IMO and the kitten heel version here.

Is there anything easier or better together than a tee, your favorite pair of vintage jeans and a pair of Manolos? Maybe a jacket or sweater thrown on. The combination never gets old and always gives the best kind of not-trying-too-hard sexy.

There are other shoes I would add (or in some cases replenish) to my small collection. First, the Campari, specifically in black patent leather. I had a pair (and another in snakeskin), but completely wore them out. Here in 4”, here in 3.5”.

To me they still are the sexiest maryjane out there. I used to wear my MBs with my grey Helmut Lang suit and other flat front trousers and tops, now I’m switching out to wearing them with my Row and Phoebe Philo blazers and trousers….same mood, slightly new era.

Then the classic pump to end all classic pumps, the BB. Had a black suede pair, wore them out. In the 90mm/3.5” like the Camparis. The newer d’orsay style Taylernu is also very elegant (would order in black).

As far as boots go, the Calasso with its ruched leg is so good. It reminds me the boots former French Vogue editor Emmanuelle Alt used to wear with her jeans kind of scrunched into them. With an oversize blazer in the fall. Still love that look.

Amazingly, the one Manolo classic I have never owned is the Carolyne slingback, named for Carolyne Roehm, not CBK (who may have worn the best, or at least made them the most popular).

Proof that MB classics are like that for a reason, Colleen Allen used them in her Fall 26’ presentation. The best things never go out of style.

I hope you will swing by the store to check out their new fall arrivals and peruse some jewelry. Always happy to live vicariously and weigh in on shoe options with you!

x

Jennifer

Follow me on Instagram @theflairindex. Some links are affiliates, and I may earn a small commission from them.

Currently, the piles of clothes that are covering my guest bedroom—ones for Goodwill, ones for The Real Real, another for Resee, kind of gross me out. The Resee pile consists of very nice designer pieces I have bought and hung onto for sometimes decades (despite my massive closet clean out before), some are newer items I purchased that I can no longer wear or just don’t love. The Goodwill piles are old pieces I’ve been holding onto and anything I know TRR won’t take (and could probably go to another lower price point resale shop, but I can’t be bothered). The TRR pile, however, has a lot of those pieces I am talking about from above.

I need to reign it in a little. To learn to say no more often and to only bring in what I am sure about—those gut feeling clothes.

I am going to get back to practicing what I preach and I am starting with rereading and trying to adhere to the principles and solutions I believe can help one live with fewer, better things. I wrote The Wardrobe Project: Commit to Clean Out & Sharpen Your Style post-COVID after I did a massive closet clean out. I put my methods, because they are not the usual, into a PDF for purchase (it was not an off-the-cuff effort, a lot of time and energy). Some of it you may recognize; the topics are ideas I circle back to again and again.

I buried it for a while and recently a TFI reader/jewelry client purchased it (and helped me with a logistical issue that Luddite me couldn’t fix). I realized it was exactly what I need now. I’m sharing the Chapters and Intro so you can get an idea of what TWP entails.

I wouldn’t say this is a fun exercise, but it is rewarding. And I find that once I start, and get comfortable with paring down, I find even more that can go.

I have bought some fall pieces and want to share, but I feel that this reboot is needed first before I begin talking about another season. It also means that going forward, the goal is to have what gets discussed here evolve, and include more styling/reworking ideas and features on other women’s style etc. Some shopping, of course, but not always shopping all the time.

I hope you will come along for the ride!

Some notes on the TWP PDF: If you order it, you should receive a PDF via email (check your spam). If you have a Gmail account, the current online PDF is too large, so send me an email info@jenniferalfano.com after purchase, and I will forward it to you. I do have a smaller, compressed file, but have to get my tech person to upload it online (hopefully tomorrow). Once that happens hopefully won’t be delivery issues. Here’s to closet clean outs!

x

Jennifer

Follow me on Instagram @theflairindex. Some links are affiliates, and I may earn a small commission from them.

I also start to change my color palette. This summer I have been playing around a lot more with color, and have thoroughly enjoyed it, but now, I’m ready for a palette cleanse. While I’m still wearing my new favorite Suzie Kondi gingham set (top, bottoms)—me in Maine last week, below, in the top, the Literary Sport x Xero shoes I wrote about, old BSides shorts and Porto bag, I am also longing for neutrals.

I’ve also surprised myself by buying two pieces that are normally not what I gravitate towards: The first, a skirt from Rika Studios (maybe the 5th skirt I own) that I picked up at the trunk show we recently did. It feels so good on, it’s easy, and it reminds me of Jackie O. running around NYC. (I bought a small because the high waist didn’t zip over my ribs.)

I also bought my first (!) bodysuit, The Park Shan. The neckline is pretty and, more importantly, it has butt coverage because I don’t do thongs. In fact, it has the old school lines of a Balanchine-era leotard which I am sure is why it is so appealing to me (bought a small). I would wear it with the skirt and an over layer such as this G. Label belted cardigan (very JO vibes), or with my white jeans and an over-shirt or sweater. I am obsessed with these Christen sandals; do I own them yet? No. Would I like to? Very much. And finally, I’m starting to add some handbags here and there and have been circling the Susan Szatmary bags Ulrika carries at her Rikas Studio store in Amsterdam. The price-to-quality ratio is very high and Ulrika had the small version with her that was 7 years old and was in such good condition. Plus I like how understated and under-the-radar they are. I bought the larger version because I need sunglasses and reading glasses to fit without feeling stuffed. With the skirt and a blouse, it feels ladylike in a fun way. I will downplay it with a basic tee like below video Ulrika shot of me =:)

Then, browns and plaid are my other two late summer favorites. I bought this Tekla pajama top (I love this Matteau too). To wear with white jeans, my Row belt and some kind of flip flop or boat shoe or this cotton crochet knit skirt from Anemos that is quite flattering (new brand for me, this was a gift) and sandals. This Iris Von Arnim silk/cashmere sweater is like a fluffy cloud—good for chilly evenings and zealous air-conditioning. My Half Link Hoop drops to keep it classic and Tigers Eye Signet. Since I am transitioning from straw bags back to leather this roomy Manu Atelier Cambon bag in the large 40cm size. It is perfect as a short trip carry-on or a daily tote. Like the Susan Szatmary bags above, the quality-to-price ratio on this is great. Manu did gift this and I plan to use it a lot.

A note on gifted products in this newsletter: The majority of what I feature are pieces I actually buy. Do I get a discount? Sometimes, though often not. I also feature pieces that are gifted to me (and typically call them out). I ignore 85% of what is offered. I don’t need anything, but I also enjoy trying out new brands and sharing them with you. This newsletter is meant to convey my thoughts on style and dressing, that is my priority. Other newsletters cover more fashion and clothing options and do it very well. I do not need to compete with them, nor do I want to. This is something I do personally because I enjoy it and love sharing my discoveries and thoughts with others. That’s it, that’s all.

On another note, did you watch the Substack Live I did with Laurel Pantin? It’s funny how you forget all the topics you cover in a conversation that flows so easily, but her title for our dialogue was “I want to shop like a man”….and I do, and feel like I need to dive into this a bit and explain, so stay tuned!

Happy Late Summer!
x

Jennifer

Follow me on Instagram @theflairindex. Some links are affiliates, and I may earn a small commission from them.

First, I wanted to share my inaugural Substack Live that I did yesterday with the former editor/writer/boutique owner (where I did a trunk in the Spring), Laurel Pantin. Laurel is an original. She is all about joy when it comes to getting dressed and brings an emotionality to everything she does that is contagious. She is kind of the yin to my yang. At the same time, there are so many things that we see 100% eye-to-eye on—from having an ability and need to be constantly inspired, a trait that is deeply ingrained in editors, to wishing designers and creatives would stick to the one thing they do really well, to the newest Row Caden loafers we both just lusted after and bought (chestnut for me), to why you always need something off and kind of ugly. Plus, what inspires my jewelry, how I edit what I wear, my fave grey cashmere sweaters and so much more.

Here is the link to the episode. Thank you Laurel for having me! Wasn’t sure how it would go, but I feel like there could be a round two at some point—but perhaps me interviewing her.

And, if you are in East Hampton August 20 and 21 I will be having a jewelry trunk show at Manolo Blahnik (how lucky am I?!)

My love of Manolos goes way back. I bought my first pair in 1990/1991 for the first Vogue 7th on Sale event to benefit AIDS. I thought I still had them, but haven’t unearthed them yet. That said, I have some very gorgeous old Manolos from that era which I will pull out to share with you (along with an embarrassing but so New York in the 90s story). Plus, my edit of Fall 26’ Manolos I have my eye on.

Next up—my Late Summer Edit, maybe a Maine packing/trip story (just got back from 4 nights), and more and more!

x

Jennifer

How would you describe 1818 Collective and how does it reflect your aesthetic and approach to design?

The 1818 Collective grew out of a shared belief that the most meaningful spaces are layered, personal, and endlessly evolving. Together, Analisse Taft Gersten and I created it as a creative practice where interiors, art, craftsmanship, and collected objects exist in conversation. Our gallery in Sag Harbor is always evolving, shaped by the artists, makers, and vintage pieces that continually inspire us. It’s a place of discovery—for us as much as for the people who walk through the door.

For me, design has always been about creating an emotional response. I love the quiet tension that comes from pairing the unexpected—old with new, refined with raw, or playing with shifts in scale, texture, and finish in ways that feel effortless rather than contrived. The most memorable interiors don’t announce themselves; they reveal themselves over time.

Whether designing a home or curating our gallery, I’m always chasing that feeling of discovery. I want people to walk into a space and feel something before they can quite explain why. Sharing that sense of beauty and curiosity with clients, fellow designers, and anyone who walks through our doors is at the heart of what I do.

What is inspiring you now and how has your taste evolved and at the same time stayed the same?

My inspiration has always come from nature and from paying attention to the world around me. I find as much inspiration walking down my driveway as I do while traveling. I’ve realized that inspiration isn’t really about where you are, it’s about how you see.

I’ve always been drawn to objects with age and a sense of history. My imagination immediately begins to wander. Where have they been? What celebrations or quiet moments have they witnessed? How did they earn the patina they carry? Those stories inevitably find their way into the spaces I’m creating.

While my aesthetic has evolved, that curiosity has remained constant. I’m still captivated by the details that often go unnoticed…a beautiful quality of light, an unexpected color combination, the texture of a weathered surface, or a small, almost imperceptible moment that makes a room feel alive. Those quiet discoveries continue to bring me the greatest joy.

How do you approach an interior design project?

Every design project begins with connection, collaboration, and a bit of dreaming. Before we talk about furniture or finishes, I want to understand how my clients want to live and, more importantly, how they want to feel in their home. Those early conversations are often highly visual…we’re sharing images, references, memories, and instincts as we begin to uncover a common language.

From there, we study the architecture and the qualities of the space itself: the light throughout the day, the scale, the textures, and the details that will ultimately shape the experience of living there. Those elements become our creative compass, guiding every decision that follows.

Only then do we begin to layer in the practical considerations including a budget, priorities, and timing. The constraints don’t diminish creativity; they help define it. The goal is always the same: to create a home that feels deeply personal, effortless, and as though it could never belong to anyone else.

What are the key elements to creating an inviting room?

An inviting room feels alive. It embraces natural light, has a connection to its surroundings, and is layered with art, meaningful objects, and pieces that carry a sense of history. When light, texture, and a sense of place are considered from the beginning, a room develops an effortless warmth that draws people in. The most memorable spaces aren’t necessarily the most perfect—they’re the ones that feel authentic, deeply personal, and quietly welcoming. Those are the spaces people naturally want to linger in.

At the moment are there any particular designers or work that you are drawn to?

I tend to gravitate toward designers with a distinct point of view rather than the latest trend. I love Prada for its unexpected proportions, Bode for the way every piece carries a sense of history and narrative, and Rika for its effortless ease. I rarely travel without a few of Frances de Lourdes’ featherweight cashmere tees. I’m also endlessly inspired by the worlds that Lisa Eisner and Alex Eagle have created—they both have an incredible eye for living with beautiful things. Ana Khouri creates the kind of jewelry I aspire to collect over a lifetime. Beyond that, I’m always hunting for extraordinary vintage—the piece with the perfect patina or the perfect worn-in pair of jeans that somehow couldn’t be recreated today.

You, like me, love clothes. What are your current obsessions?

I’ve always been drawn to brands that feel a bit under the radar—beautifully made, impeccably cut, and crafted from exceptional fabrics rather than defined by a logo. I love clothes that whisper instead of shout. There’s something incredibly chic about wearing a piece that people notice because of its silhouette, quality, or unexpected detail, not because they immediately recognize the label.

I’ll always be a vintage girl, although my standards have become much higher over the years. Now I’m looking for truly exceptional pieces with impeccable tailoring, beautiful provenance, and a sense of timelessness—usually discovered in one of the wonderfully curated vintage boutiques I inevitably seek out whenever I’m in New York or Los Angeles. And I’m perpetually on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans, whether they’re impeccably made new or an incredible vintage find. I don’t think that search ever really ends.

What do you love about Ulrika’s designs?

What I love most about Ulrika’s designs is that they’re effortlessly cool without ever feeling overstated—even when she’s working with bright pink or animal print. There’s a timelessness and thoughtfulness to everything she creates, along with an ease that feels completely authentic. Her clothes have a way of becoming part of the person instead of the focus. You notice the person first and the clothes second.

I also think she designs with an artist’s eye—creating possibilities rather than prescribing exactly how something should be worn. The clothes invite interpretation, which I love. They feel collected rather than styled, and somehow they always look both relaxed and incredibly chic.

In our discussions about this upcoming event, you talked about a desire to bring creative women together. Can you expand on this? What compelled you? Why is this important to you?

While I’m naturally more of an introvert, I find myself endlessly inspired by spending time with other creative women who are deeply immersed in their own work. It’s so easy to become siloed in our day-to-day lives, and I wanted to create a reason for people to come together in a way that felt intentional but effortless.

What excites me most isn’t just the designers, artists, or makers themselves, it’s what happens in between. The unexpected conversations, introductions, shared ideas, and moments of discovery that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. Whether you’re one of the women participating in the salon or someone coming simply to explore, my hope is that everyone leaves feeling a little more inspired, a little more connected, and perhaps encouraged to create a bit more beauty in their own everyday life.

Matteau towel; vintage Swedish pewter bowl;

Five Summer elements to add to your home

1. Something vintage in silver. Don’t save it for special occasions—fill it with lemons and leave it on your counter.

2. A new piece of art. It’s amazing how one new work can change the feeling of an entire room.

3. Books. A great novel, a memoir, and something beautiful to flip through that feeds your curiosity.

4. A large handmade pot with a rosebush or your favorite garden flower. An easy way to bring beauty and life into any space.

5. Beautiful new towels. Beach, pool, or bath—easy daily happy moment.

Summer Pieces You Wear in Constant Rotation

Margiela jeans; Frances de Lourdes Johnny tee and Bette camisole; Rika studios dress; vintage military jacket; Jennifer Alfano XL Mariner Link Necklace (available for pre-order soon).

1. Simple lace tanks in linen, cotton, or silk. They’re effortless, a little sexy, and always feel right in the summer.

2. Very lightweight, loose denim. Counterintuitively, I wear jeans all summer. I have the perfect slouchy pair from Margiela that look like they’ve lived a long life.

3. Vintage men’s military shirts. Sleeves rolled up, softened by time, and thrown over dresses, swimsuits, or just about anything.

4. A simple black dress with a touch of lace. It works just as well with flip-flops during the day as it does dressed up for dinner.

5. Heavy silver chain necklaces. I love the contrast of substantial silver against airy summer clothing. They look especially good on sun-kissed skin, alas not mine.

Follow me on Instagram @theflairindex. Some links are affiliates, and I may earn a small commission from them.

“I left [a meeting with Ulrika] inspired by her work, her almost stringent commitment to designing concise, evolving but never too different clothing collections, her partnerships with other female-founded brands, and her warmth and charm. She’s one of the few designers I know who has managed to create pieces that are at once modern and classic, but have an energy and playfulness (her use of color) that feels uncontrived and at the same time, very cool. She is also strategically kept her brand small, which to me, makes it special.”

Sometimes, I just want to live in Ulrika’s world. And her taste goes beyond clothes; now she has an adjacent boutique/art studio, Poetic Playground, that I want to move into. Pre-event, I wanted her to share what’s inspiring her, what she’s bringing and what’s next.

What is inspiring you now and how has your collection evolved and at the same time stayed the same?

I am soo excited to see you soon in East Hampton! I’m in Mallorca at the moment, which is always a inspiring place to come. I’ve been coming here 30 years and still discover new places each time.

I’m busy working on my SS 27 wardrobe with my team in the atelier in Italy. I always travel when I create a new wardrobe; I need to be away from the studio to feel inspired. I like to be surrounded with sun, art, nature and the sea and feel what I want to wear next season. The light here also helps. Miro’s amazing art in Mallorca is playful, artistic, and elegant and positive. It all looks so simple, but so well done. Can Lis, the Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s summer home here is the coolest. Put together, they are a perfect complement to what’s going on for my Rika Studios wardrobe for next season.

I work always on day-to-night looks and styles that will stay a long time in a woman’s wardrobe. I love it when clients tell me they still wear and enjoy items they bought a long time ago.

The fabrics and fit are most important and texture and touch is the key. The base of the wardrobe is usually cream, black, blue, brown, and green. Then the colors— like happy color cashmeres or cotton poplin shirts become the details. In my atelier in Italy we work with Italian fabrics, all made in-house, sometimes in very small quantities.

I love that—to stay small and unique, specialize in craftsmanship and support other small businesses.

You have a new place in Amsterdam, The Poetic Playground. What is the concept behind this boutique? How is different than your other store?

The Poetic Playground is next door to The Townhouse and its been open a year. It was once a Dutch bank, the vault is still inside, and it’s Bauhaus architecture built in the Thirties.

The space has a selection of art, fine jewelry, objects, organic beauty and sculptures. It’s a collection of collaborations with artists in my community from my Rika Magazine and Rika Studios Paper—artists I have discovered and fallen in love with their art and creativity. It’s the perfect match to Rika Studios wardrobe. I like clients to have an experience entering Poetic Playground and to get inspired for their homes as well. Plus, there is always something going on there. Recently, we had a cocktail evening with photographer duo Inez and Vinoodh around their art photography, and in the vault was a unique limited edition jewelry made for PP by IV.

Other cool artists in house include: Hank Grüner sculptures; Elhanati fine jewelry; San Ming and Malene Birger paintings; Cathrine Raben Davidsen art and objects; Leif Sigerson ceramic vases; Perfumer H organic scents; Herbar organic beauty; Mackintosh limited edition trench coats; and Oliver Gustavs scents for home.

Let’s talk about the designs you are bringing with you to the event. You mentioned wanting clothes for late summer lunches and evenings…

I was excited when Kristin invited me to join this event. She is a client of mine and I will never forget the first time I met her at our store with her daughter. She was soooo stylish and simply and effortlessly dressed.

For the event, I was thinking of the favorite pieces Kristin loves to wear, because we both love simple elegant pieces we can wear from daytime to nighttime. For the late summer lunches to garden drinks I like the light Italian cotton dresses and shirts like the Corsica (and here) and Carolina (here and here). Then, the classic Italian cotton poplin pieces such as the Blaze shirt and Park shorts, the Knox shirt, Ralph Jacket and Tim skirt, are playful modern designs you can combine many ways and colors. They are my favorite travel sets and personal wardrobe favorites that I take with me all the time. From Paris to Mallorca to Venice, they are so light in my luggage. I also don’t mind if they wrinkle up a bit.

Then, I’m bringing the Inez and Vinoodh x Rika Studios cashmere sweater collaboration, inspired by all colors of their flower garden in East Hampton, which are perfect for summer evenings and hopefully become a favorite sweater in your wardrobe [I have the red and wear it all the time, what color will I get next?]

For evening I’m bringing some beautiful lace tops and silk dresses.

What is new that you’re debuting?

Something fabulous just arrived from the atelier: the Tux in a silk wool mix in the color Milk. It’s a statement that will be in your wardrobe forever, and is also cool for wintertime cocktail parties.

What will you be wearing early fall?

For early fall I love wear my cropped Tom pants in black nappa leather with a Luis short sleeve cashmere jumper and my Smart Penny’s, or the Steve jacket with white Ulrika pants and the white Pocket Tee is also a favorite.

Are you bringing back my favorite coat EVER, the leopard shearling that I bought last fall (and will wear into my 80s)?

Hahah—the Madison coat, handcrafted in Panther print shearling. Yes, it’s coming back this winter!! I love you how you wear that Jennifer with white pants last winter.

A chic panther-print coat is never a wrong statement…it’s classic elegance.

xx Ulrika

We hope to see you. And, if you can’t make it, but want to do a little phone/FaceTime shopping—we are happy to oblige. Just send me a DM.

x

Jennifer

Follow me on Instagram @theflairindex. Some links are affiliates, and I may earn a small commission from them.

If you want to come, you must RSVP to me—info@jenniferalfano.com. Then, I will share the address. I hope some of you can make it!!

Let’s get into some beauty, because there are certain products that are always in rotation, but I’ve also added new ones I think are worth sharing.

This photo, above, of Malgosia Bela in a recent issue of Harper’s Bazaar, is my summer beauty goal—slightly sun-kissed skin, a hint of shimmer….

Skincare

If I am going for a run, it’s sunscreen first—this one from Isdin. It’s lightweight, feels like nothing on and works. I have also gotten into massaging Filament’s Hair Masque through my ponytail if I am going to wash my hair after, because summer is hard on my hair. It makes it sooo soft. (Speaking of hair, I have been meaning to get on the Nutrafol supplement band wagon—can your hair ever be too thick and healthy, and am starting these.) Post run, I hop in the shower and wash my face with MBR Enzyme Cleansing Booster, which is expensive but the only thing that keeps my pores clean. If I’m staying inside or going to Pilates, it’s a quick swipe of P50 to keep sun spots at bay and my slightly oily skin under control.

A new trio of products I wanted to try (and lucky me received) are by Mimetiqué, a brand that positions itself as French drugstore beauty. Every morning for the last week, post cleanse, I have been using the Smoothing Face Serum, followed by the Nourishing Face Cream and Eye Cream (you can use it on your lids as well, which I love). You can buy all three in a bundle. I quite like these. My skin is well hydrated but not at all greasy or sticky. Plus they are a great size for traveling. Once I saw Violet Grey was also carrying them, I got the confirmation bias I needed. They are coming with me to Charleston this weekend.

At night it’s a cleanse with all-time favorite Vintner’s Daughter Active Renewal Cleanser, which they have re-formulated to make it even better. I love love love the smell. It’s also my winter morning cleanser. And I will never get tired of using Vintner’s Active Botanical Serum. It is has been a skincare constant for me for years and I use it religiously. Nothing is better after a day in the elements than letting a your skin soak in several drops. It’s my desert island skincare product.

Makeup

Super minimalist in this area, as always. First, I wanted a bronze-y lipstick like the one Malgosia has on above and realized I had it, Hermes Yachting Brun, which they sadly don’t make anymore. Luckily I have a lot left. What is a close second? This Chanel and this new lip liner color, Faun, from Fara Homidi (I use Doux a lot with a simple gloss). For those who can’t commit to lipstick re-application (moi), the pencil/gloss combo lasts the longest.

For a bronzed look, I am dabbing Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Creme in Parfait 2 on my cheekbones and eye lids. At night, I am either adding Thrive’s Anise eye brightener, or, hear my out, MAC Gel Pencil in Perpetual Shock which is a vivid blue. For summer I think a thin swipe at the lash line could be fun. Why not mix it up a bit?!

And finally a scent, I used to love either Jil Sander Sun or the classic Clarin’s Eau Dynamisante for summer, but now I find these kinds of scents too overpowering and synthetic alcohol-y. I want something complex yet subtle.

Perfumehead, a boutique brand from Los Angeles (carried at Violet Grey, Just One Eye, Bergdorfs, etc.), gifted me their Icons collection minis eons ago, but I put off trying them out. I love fragrance, but am picky—so many are always a bit off. It becomes a chore to find something I like, so I usually give up and stick with what I have. But I finally (!) tried Perfumehead and can’t choose a favorite. It’s between Room NO., Alone Together and Moon Flower. Maybe I can layer two?

Of course my all-time favorite Summer scent remains Bain de Soleil.

x

Jennifer

Follow me on Instagram @theflairindex. Some links are affiliates, and I may earn a small commission from them.

Then stay tuned for more information because the next is another private event hosted by a very cool woman who convinced Ulrika of Rika Studios to come for her first stateside event (yay! we love Ulrika). So stay tuned for more details on that event, which will also require an RSVP. Then, I’m setting up shop in Manolo for a couple of days which will also be fun. Hope to see you at one of these!

Now that I am settling into the rest of summer (which for many just began), I have ideas of how I want my vacation wardrobe to evolve. Since I saw this gingham outfit on Crystal Voyager’s IG two years ago, I have been wanting a bit in my life.

That bit is now the Vella top and Pan Pants from Suzie Kondi below. (The shirt is quite small, pants a bit more forgiving, but I took a size S in both.) I am enjoying playing with color and the occasional print this summer and this duo really hits it for me. Ground it with dark sandals, but then maybe go crazy and add a striped bag or long sleeve shirt around the waist? I will also be using my Leen navy sweatshirt with these when the evenings start to get chilly.

Other elements to throw in the mix are a jean jacket and a bandana and a pop of red ballet flats. Do I need the Old Stone Trade field shorts? No. Do I want them? Definitely. The best thing, these are all pieces you can grab again and again. I have most of them already. Maybe it’s about mixing them with more abandon.

x

Jennifer

Follow me on Instagram @theflairindex. Some links are affiliates, and I may earn a small commission from them.

This was my first trip to Greece—Athens, Patmos, Hyrda, and I had no preset notions of what to expect. I do plan trips around a specific hotel, because I find when it’s done well, it can be a profound experience that stays with you (more on this below). Every hotel on one trip does not need to meet this standard, but one does.

I am a big fan of Yolanda Edwards’ Yolo Journal and thoroughly trust her opinion. She has a keen interest and deep knowledge of Greece and when she wrote glowingly about the small, three room guesthouse, Pagostas on the island of Patmos, I managed to snag a five night reservation and planned everything else accordingly.

Athens

Most people zip through Athens on their way someplace else, but one important aspect of this trip for me was to balance the chance to take in some of Greece’s incredible history with time spent relaxing on a couple of islands. We spent three nights in Athens. I could have easily spent a fourth. Sure there are a lot of tourists but the energy there is fantastic, and there are a lot of young, quite cool people. Gregoris, the owner of Pagostas, mentioned that Athens was getting buzzy, and I can see it. I would definitely go back. I think my daughters would love it, too.

We stayed in a suite at the Apollo Palm hotel, which I consider affordable. It was fine. I didn’t want to spend a lot at the Grand Bretagne, but next time I might try the St. George, which is next door to GB and similar pricing to AP. No one I talked to has a favorite hotel in Athens. Maybe it’s about a rental?

Our first evening we met our guide Michael Patmanidis at the base of the Acropolis and spent the next 2 1/2 hours touring it and the old Plaka part of the city that surrounds it. Don’t go midday, you’ll melt. If you’ve never been to Greece, book a guide, in fact, book Michael if you can (and you cannot do this last minute). He is a fantastic history nerd so you not only learn a lot, but he has great recs—visit the Acropolis Museum at 6:30 pm when the crowds are gone, knows how/where to get the best photos so it looks like you’re solo (when you are so not), and much more. Acropolis pro tip: as I mentioned in my packing list, wear rubber-soled shoes.

Museums: Two musts are the Benaki Museum, with it’s collection of artifacts, jewelry and Greek costume and the Acropolis Museum which has, on the third floor, a full-scale replica of the Acropolis with some of the OG statues etc (many of the pieces at the actual Acropolis are the replicas). It is a brilliant, modern museum filled with ancient treasures.

Food: Standouts included Thespis for lunch (NY Times conveniently put out a 36 hours in Athens the day we left, which is where I found it), LS + SIA for dinner (make a reservation, do NOT miss this one), and the wine bar with a food menu, Wine is Fine. One night we went for drinks at the Galaxy Bar which is a throwback trip—my kind of hangout. Next time, I’ve been told to try Seychelles.

Shopping: I managed to buy quite a few things on this trip, almost all of them unique to Greece. It is so hard to find local crafts anymore so when I do I snatch them up. Mouki Mou, owned by Maria Lemos who is married to Gregoris of Pagostas and the founder of Rainbow Wave showrooms, has an Athens outpost (as well as one in London) which carries designers such as Daniela Gregis and Arts and Science, plus jewelry and home wares like the glass carafes they use at Pagostas. I bought one daughter a bracelet by Yannis Sergakis and the other an evil eye ring by Leda Athanasopoulou (whom I later met), both Greek artists. Naxos Apothecary is a must along with Ancient Greek Sandals above in the same space. Hyper Hypo books is fun and I bought a dress from Zeus + Dione (Marios Schwab is the creative director) at the store in the Grand Bretagne. The store gives a duty free vibe, but I like Zeus + Dione designs for summer (discovered at A’marees a few years back.)

Read more

If it hasn’t already, a heat wave is coming for you at one point this summer (New York’s first one will be later this week) and I’m taking inspiration from Phil Oh’s latest Paris men’s shows street style reportage. As much as I enjoyed wearing color in Greece, when I’m in an urban environment I prefer black and white with shots of blue, red and brown.

I love monochrome combos like her’s above and below on Ludivine Poiblanc who is the new Creative Director at A.P.C. (Also I always carry a fan like the gentleman above, it’s a necessity.)

Replace Ludivine’s red Celine invite with a little red bag. Both of these looks are easily replicated, probably with pieces I already have in my wardrobe.

Above, I like her striped shirt with white and his belt that breaks up an all-white look. Below, an effortless white shirt and black pants combo still always resonates with me.

And then there is something refreshing about a blue button-down and vintage jeans when everyone else is going over-the-top. (Did you see my recent button-down guide?)

A couple of additions I am making to my city wardrobe are a pair of cotton long shorts (I guess we don’t call them bermudas anymore?) I have always worn them in the summer and have some narrow-cut old Dries and another pleated wool pair from Dries that I wear a lot, but these from Beare Park (the Australian brand Margot Robbie kind of put on the map, at least for Americans, with her baggy black shorts/Chanel bag airport look) that I found through Ali Pew’s newsletter Uniform fill a void. Ordered. Will report back. Next up, some cotton black pants as I only have old linen Matteau pleated. Love these and these (blouson pants are coming back, these are more subtle), these classics (the white version are good too.)

On a side note: I loved this article that Becky Malinsky recommended and then this by the founder of CO (so brilliantly stated).

For funsies: Kind of obsessed with the little beaded jewelry on display at Auralee’s latest Spring 2027 show. Found on Etsy. My girls and I all ordered necklaces.

And finally the code….

Subscribe now

Read more

Typically, I post a packing list before I travel. But post-trip packing lists allow for a reassessment on what worked and what didn’t. Plus I read other people’s lists, take cues, do people-watching research and test things out. I have not been on a beach/resort vacation in two years, or bought much in terms of summer clothes since then. So did I go a bit overboard for Greece? Maybe? But I wore almost all of it, many things on repeat and will for the next few months.

Subscribe now

Read more

Travel Journaling

So, the first does have to do with my trip to Greece. I always collect ephemera on trips—receipts, tickets to museums, maps, postcards, photos and they just sit in a box. I am taking cues from travel expert Yolanda Edwards who wrote about how she journals on trips, which is a very inexpensive and easily copied idea. I bought the same, slim Muji notebooks, som…

Read more

Subscribe now

This post is also based on biased reporting (I am not Wirecutter). It’s not inclusive of every brand, something I don’t have the time or interest in doing. After all, you are here for my editing skills. Instead, I focus on brands I rely on and others I am curious about. Most are women-founded. As a brand, if you don’t see your name here, I apologize. But these days everyone makes a button-down so….

I have always worn classic button downs. Case in point: Me, pre-braces, in my add-a-pearl necklace in seventh and eight grade wearing Polo button downs when I lived in Charleston. (I remember these pale yellow and lavender shirts vividly….I felt so cool putting them on. My love of clothes has been a constant.)

Why do a button-down post now? Because Summer is the season I rely on them. When it’s melting hot, I want a loose top that isn’t touching and sticking to my skin. A button-down shirt works with everything, can be fitted or oversized, and can take you from the beach to dinner al fresco.

So let’s start at the top with three brands who makes shirts worth splurging on. Note: I have never ordered a shirt from Charvet (I do love this NY Times article on Charvet collectors). Nor do I have one from The Row. But I would argue the cost to quality ratio isn’t any better than the shirts from these women.

Read more

Read more

Each season, I start by creating a color palette that evolves every couple of years and a few key pieces that anchor the mood. A few years ago my palette included a lot of navy. Last year (which I posted in Spring, but the items featured were more summery), I was into adding shades of brown and russet. This summer I want to mix my russet and browns with white and pale blue. Not the electric blue everyone is into right now, but something a bit more aqua.

This season it is all about a white suit for me, one cut from linen that you can separate the pieces and wear the pants often no matter where, …

Read more

These images of Lee, Jackie and Yves are perennial summer inspiration for me and this year they were the jumping off point for a fruitful search for a pastel tee. This is something usually easier said than done because I have criteria when it comes to color and cut. A good pastel is hard to find. The color cannot be too saccharine, too Barbie; it has to be a little off, sophisticated. Then cut and fabric. The fabric can’t be thin and flimsy, none of those slub cotton tees (which seem to have thankfully become less popular), and it should be slightly fitted. It used to be that the best ones came from Petite Bateau. I did find one (below), but now they have added a logo in the corner. Why? If you are a tucker ,then it’s ok. While the Gap tees I found don’t have the perfect fit, it’s close enough and colors and the price are spot on.

Tees: Gap organic cotton tee in Havana yellow, Moonstone blue and Tangerine orange, Vince pima cotton 90s shrunken tee, Matt…

Read more

My Elements of Style is meant to be a questionnaire that highlights someone’s style through their wardrobe and ideas that inspire and define their taste. It is a broader style dissection, not seasonal, not specific to the year 2026. It’s what you would discover if you opened someone’s closet.

It is about the continuum of what one loves and wears and purchases again and again. The tweaks might be a newer iteration of a wardrobe staple that fits with the current mode, but ultimately it’s about the style uniform one creates that evolves over time. It’s a good questionnaire to give yourself, as I am doing her…

Read more

She used to clip images out of Vogue (she still has tear sheets from the 70s) and I would sit at the kitchen table and read her W subscription, back when it was like a newspaper and more society driven. Shopping for her was (and still is t…

Read more