Slow Fashion

Summer 2024 Closet Additions

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I’ve been on a quest to rediscover (or redefine) my style postpartum over the past several months. I recently completed a style workshop which was fun and somewhat helpful, but what has helped me the most is just wearing what I already own. I pulled out my spring a summer clothes a few weeks back and as I cycle through different pieces I have noticed gaps. Mainly, I have been craving variety, print, and pattern. I am also back to focusing on ease and function over polish, especially for the summer.

I’ve been doing a bit of shopping and I’ve had to unsubscribe from J.Crew’s email because their releases this spring and summer would have my wallet empty otherwise. When I did decide to look for some feminine cotton pieces to round out my wardrobe, these is what I selected.

  1. The Clio top looks like the perfect dress up or dress down piece and I truly need tops that aren’t ribbed tanks or simple tees for summer. I seriously considered the Clio dress in black but I have enough black dresses and the top will be more versatile for my lifestyle. If it comes out in an olive or periwinkle I can’t gurantee I won’t buy it though!

  2. I did not need a bathing suit, but I definitely fell in love with this gingham one. And if I am honest, I just don’t feel comfortable in my pre-baby swimwear anymore so I thought I’d treat myself to something that will hopefully make me feel happy in my current body. I love that the bum has good coverage but it is still sexy with the plunging neckline. I am hoping the texture and pattern also feel interesting and pair well with my overside linen shirt cover-ups.

  3. This is the dress I have been searching for. I’ve wanted a floral print in a breezy cotton. Maxi or midi style that was sleeveless but ot spaghetti straps. I didn’t know it would take months to find the perfect one but I think I have! Bonus that it has a high slit so it doesn’t feel like a muumuu.

  4. I have a very beloved summer hat with a massive brim but it isn’t practical with a toddler on my hip. I can’t count how may times I whacked him with my brim on our first beach day of the season! This chic bucket hat still has good coverage, but shouldn’t cause such havoc. It comes in so many colors too (I seriously considered the olive!).

  5. Isn’t this brown dress divine!? I haven’t purchased this one (yet) because I am uncertain if one-shoulder makes sense with a young toddler who is still nursing. I might just het it anyway though becayse this dress feels so elegant and special to me.

Indyx Style Workshop: Week 4

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This week in the style workshop we are distilling our style inspiration down into just 3 words as a sort of “North Star” for your personal style. I liked this practical reasoning the most:

“It provides great guidance when styling an outfit. Say you have a pair of jeans, a tee shirt and some loafers that perfectly fit into your “classic”, “relaxed” style, and your third word is “edgy”, so you opt for a leather jacket over a blazer. It’s styling, made easy.”

After taking the style quiz the three words that resonated the most were clean, classic, and casual (alliteration intentional!).

My Three Words

Clean

Clean speaks to the simplicity and minimalism of pieces. I don’t like a lot of visual clutter nor do I like fussy clothes. Keeping simple always makes me feel more confident and comfortable through the day. Styles that come to mind when I think “clean” is Scandinavian sculptural or architectural style. Brands like COS and Arket come to mind.

Classic

I naturally gravitate toward more “classic” pieces. I noticed a lot of Americana references and timeless looking French girls in my inspiration images. It tracks because since my early twenties I have gravitated toward the lists of essential French wardrobe staples and classic capsule wardrobe lists. Brands like Buck Mason and J Crew exemplify this.

Casual

Casual is where my lifestyle comes into play. I am a toddler mom living in breezy LA working from home most days. Tons of tailored pieces, no matter how much I adore them, just won’t get the same level of use as the easier throw on pieces. Brands like Ozma California and AYR are the epitome of casual for me.

Indyx Style Workshop: Week 3

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This week in the Indyx style workshop they walked us through”editing up” and “editing down.” This was the first time I look at my style inspiration boards and thought more deeply about similarities. Typically I would look at individual pieces I liked and could add to my wardrobe to complete a look. But this week I looked at it through the lens of what is it essence of the image that I liked, and what were the through lines and patterns between the group of images. It was interesting what I discovered.

Editing Down

A few things stood out in my inspiration board and most of them were unsurprising. I pinned a lot of denim looks and that makes so much sense considering what I reach for in my closet 90% of the time. I also noticed a lot of button ups, layers with jackets, knits on the top, and simple crossbody or basket bags. Somethings that surprised me were the number of skirts that I pinned. I don’t wear a lot of skirts, I think I only own 3 of them actually, and when I do story them out they feel a bit fussy. But a long, gathered cotton skirt is something I’d like to try this spring and summer to give my denim a rest now and then.

Another pattern I identified is a lot of white bottoms for spring and summer. Unfortunately for this phase of my life with a young toddler I don’t think that’s practical at all. There are just way too many sticky fingers and spill happening these days and I think light bottoms would just stress me out. I also noticed a lot of the inspo images are a little oversize and slightly disheveled in its styling. To get that casual effortless look I’ll need to be very intentional and polished in my styling. I love the slicked back buns and minimal jewelry. I also noticed that the open oversized button downs were almost always paired with a fitted tank or tee underneath. A lot of my tees are also relaxed so maybe this year I try out a couple of more fitted ones.

I’m starting to realize that ideal style is a bit of California coastal with a touch of minimalist city girl, and a splash of French countryside. If I infuse an element of that in every outfit I think I’ll find enough interest in each outfit and still feel like myself.

Editing Up

It was unsurprising that this exercise revealed my love of neutrals pretty blatantly. One thing I did not expect was to crave primary pops of color. In some images there was a deep cherry red, or a cobalt blue and I realized that’s severely lacking in my wardrobe. A fun scarf, shoe, or bag could easily inject more personality and give a somewhat basic outfit a lot more personality. A bit of pattern out side of my beloved mariner’s stripe could do the same.

The last part of the exercise was fun for me. I made a list of designers and brands that align with the style aesthetic I am cultivating. I won’t lie, I already have a list of brand I love lingering on my notes app. I use it to search for items preloved so I know which search terms to use. After this exercise I think the list has become more refined. They range from classic Americana heritage brands, to relaxed and organic Cali vibes, and timeless French and French inspired brands.

  • Vintage J Crew, Ralph Lauren & Esprit

  • Buck Mason

  • Balzac Paris

  • Apiece Apart

  • Ozma California

  • Sezane

  • DISSH

  • AYR

  • Modern Citizen

  • TIBI

  • COS

Week 3 was fun, while it wasn’t a lot of action, there was tons of insight. I’ll see you back here for week 4!

If you want to join the Indyx app (it’s free!) use my referral code GINASTOVALL and we’ll both get $10 credit for styling services.

Styling Session: Floral Dress

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Play dress up with me as I figure out how to integrate this floral midi dress into my wardrobe!

Look 1

Shoes: https://shopeitheror.com/

Basket Tote: https://bit.ly/3ZqZuwE

Look 2

Denim Jacket: https://bit.ly/44jh4qq

Mansur Gavriel Bag: https://bit.ly/4djWY3m or https://bit.ly/3UySYVo

Green Croc Sandal (similar): https://bit.ly/3Wgb5Ri

Look 3

Trucker Jean Jacket: https://bit.ly/4aTwq74

Mansur Gavriel Bag: https://bit.ly/4djWY3m or https://bit.ly/3UySYVo

Basket bag (similar): https://bit.ly/3WiLBTn

Crossover Sandal (similar): https://shopeitheror.com/

Look 4

Breton Top (similar): https://bit.ly/49OExBb or https://bit.ly/44fbsh3

Tank Sweater: https://www.solosix.co/

Straw Tote: https://bit.ly/3WiLWW9

Crossover Sandals: https://shopeitheror.com/

Look 5

Blazer (similar): https://bit.ly/3xOONvK

Blazer 2: https://bit.ly/3U8n2Ed or https://bit.ly/4aKdEiZ

White Sneakers: https://bit.ly/3VQEZbJ

Phone Pouch: https://bit.ly/3Wea38s

Look 6

White Shirt: https://bit.ly/3hkY0UL or https://bit.ly/3Itr1Jc

Flattered Bag: https://bit.ly/3vWhkPB

Ballet Flats: https://bit.ly/3xAKm7R

Look 7

Leather Jacket: https://bit.ly/3MyGXts

Demi Lune Bag: https://bit.ly/4dibOaH or https://bit.ly/3y6bwn2

Green Croc Sandal (similar): https://bit.ly/3Wgb5Ri

Look 8

Short Coat: https://bit.ly/3uml5Nx

Bag: https://bit.ly/4beUstv

Lug Boots (similar): https://bit.ly/4aSZQTr or https://bit.ly/3UaF62k

Boots 2 (similar): https://bit.ly/3WjxI7E

Look 9

Black Turtleneck: https://bit.ly/4aTDzoi or https://bit.ly/4dipmmt

Bucket Bag: https://bit.ly/3T5VDmf or https://bit.ly/4dippPb

Loafers: https://bit.ly/3uIiFVM

How I plan my outfits and track my wardrobe ~ Indyx App (free): https://www.myindyx.com/

Use my code GINASTOVALL for $10 credit for styling services (I'll get a $10 credit too!)

Indyx Style Workshop: Week 2

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It’s week 2 of the Indyx Style Workshop and it’s all about collecting inspiration. You’re not gonna have to twist my arm to scroll Pinterest for inspiration! I already have a 2024 style inspo board going (you may have seen it if you’re subscribed to my newsletter), so I have been adding to that. One thing the workshop mentioned was to go brad and consider why I like each image I am pinning. Maybe it is a certain element or possibly just a vibe it gives off. That added thoughtfulness is something I hadn’t considered before and I think I am already gleaning more insight into why I like what I like. A few take aways so far:

  • I like unfussy clothing and styling.

  • The clothes need to be comfortable and made from high quality materials, even in the inspo pics.

  • Layering adds so much dimension, but it isn’t somethign I’ve mastered in my personal style.

  • Pops of saturated colors are so much fun!

  • Accessories make the look, bags, baskets, scarves, and sunnies are what I am attracted to most.

  • So much denim and pants overall. I love dresses but am very choosy it seems.

If you want to join the Indyx app (it’s free!) use my referral code GINASTOVALL and we’ll both get $10 credit for styling services.

Indyx Style Workshop: Week 1

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I recently have become obsessed with the Indyx app. It’s a tool that helps you index your entire wardrobe, create outfits, and track how much you wear, all for free. It also has paid features that include a personal stylist and support for setting up the app (if you sign-up use my code GINASTOVALL and we’ll both get $10 credit for styling services).

Since I started using it about a month ago I have gotten so creative with my existing wardrobe. And that’s the whole point of the app… to show you what you own, and inspire you to get the most out of you wardrobe hopefully encouraging you to buy less and more intentionally.

Another free feature of the app is a multi-week style workshop. I started it last week and thought I’d share here as a sort of accountability measure and for posterity! Week 1 was all about setting intentions for the workshop, here are mine below…

Set your intentions

  • I want to use more of my wardrobe.

  • I want to have fun getting dressed each day.

  • I need to eliminate clutter in my wardrobe, it just makes me anxious and makes it harder to see what I own.

  • I want to (re)discover my personal style postpartum.

Set a commitment

I won’t fall for the the sunk cost fallacy and keep things in my wardrobe I don’t love and use.

Identify and release any negative or counterproductive beliefs or “rules” 

I am releasing the idea that a versatile and efficient wardrobe ias filled with basics and neutrals. I want to get comfortable injecting a bit of added interest through color, pattern, texture, and silohuette.

Unfollow accounts and unsubscribe from emails that don’t support this journey 

I recently unsubscribed from nearly all marketing emails and have been maintaining “inbox zero” for a few weeks. My next step is to audit the social media accounts I follow to make sure they align with the type of content I want to consume and aren’t just selling me on things I don’t want.

Spring Wishlist: 2024

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Spring has sprung and I am in the midst of rediscovering my personal style post-baby. Nearly 16 months postpartum I am finally feeling more like my pre baby self, physically at least!

I’ve been lusting after a few new things in my wardrobe and I think to celebrate my second Mother’s Day I may splurge a bit. Here’s what has caught my eye and stuck in my mind.

Everlane Day Glove: I wanted a earth tone alternative to my black pair that I’ve been wearing all winter. I have a caramel color that I’ve nearly worn into the ground so this cocoa color is the perfect new addition. (Spoiler, I bought them!)

Emilia Dress: this dress looks like the perfect throw on piece and the color is just stunning.

Madewell Crystal Tennis Necklace: I may have been influenced by this one. I am really into layering necklaces and think this would complement some of the pieces already in my little collection.

GLDN Poet Pallete Studs: I have fallen head over heel for these studs. The colors and the romantic shapes tugged at my heart strings. I sat thinking about them for two weeks before deciding this would be my official Mother’s Day gift to myself this year.

Le Filet Market Net Tote: honestly I just want a new one as my old market bag in the natural color is pretty stained. This vintage blue color caught my eye and would be a find little pop to my neutral outfits.

Massimo Dutti Woven Bucket Bag: I definitely do not need a new leather bag, but I definitely do want a woven leather one and I am a huge sucker for green bags overall. That coupled with the unique shape and clever closure has me one click away from ordering.

French Hemp Fisherman Sandal: These shoes are all about the nostalgia. I’ve been considering a pair of Gardenheir clogs for a while but have been unsure of how I would style them. These sandals I could immediately imagine going with tons of summer looks I already own. And as a bonus they come in kids sizes too so I’m seriously considering getting my son a matching pair!

What's In My Bag | Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Bucket Bag

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This year I haven’t added much to my wardrobe. Given the current flux my body is experiencing with pregnancy, clothing hasn’t been something on my mind. I like to add pieces I know I will love for years to come, and since I have no idea what my body will look like week to week, much less postpartum, I have skipped garments and instead thought more about the accessories that jazz up my pretty basic outfits.

A new addition to my slowly developing bag collection is a beautiful smooth leather bucket bag in a neutral taupe-tan color. The Mansur Gavriel bucket bags have been on my wishlist for many years, initially I envisioned adding a black one to my collection but instead I added the Jenni Kayne bucket bag in black a few years ago. I absolutely love my JK bucket bag but one thing I have realized is that a large sized bucket bag is not my favorite. I love the look but I am not disciplined enough to not overstuff it and weigh down my shoulder. I also find manuevering a large, structured bucket tote a little cumbersome throughout the day.

All that said, this is why I started looking at the smaller Mansur Gavriel bucket bags. I had been eyeing one for summer but when this one popped up on sale for Black Friday in my preferred color, I had to pull the trigger.

Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Bucket Bag on sale at ShopBop. Shop all the colors here.

The Perfect Cashmere Turtleneck

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Sweater season is upon us and bundling up in one is something I look forward to as soon as temps drop below 70. This year I have found myself reaching for what I am now calling the perfect turtleneck sweater. Just the fact I am writing a review about it speaks volumes as I don’t typically review a single clothing item unless it is truly something to write home about.

Last year I picked up my first in ivory and no fail, everyone I wore it I received an unsolicited compliment. It’s such a luxe and chic sweater that immediately makes me feel like I should be a character on Big Little Lies. This year I grabbed a neutral sandy brown version in a size up (Medium) to accommodate my bump and surprisingly it is the perfect sweater to go a little incognito pregnancy wise. I wear it over dresses and leggings and under my favorite outerwear for extra warmth.

I think the cut combined with the ribbing, generous neck, and perfect length lend to this sweater being a timeless investment piece. I particularly love that The cashmere feels substantial and I have not had to depill or wash either yet! All in all a sweater worth of a little extra praise.

Sézane Summer to Fall Transitional Styles

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Summer has come to an end, but I wanted to share the Sezane pieces I picked up this summer. The beauty of all these pieces is that they are all perfect for the transition from summer to fall.

From left to right:

  • Gaspard Jumper - I love this classic cardigan tucked in as a top for the very French laid back look. It will be perfect for layering as the temperatures start to drop and top with a contrasting jacket.

  • Marcelo Top in white - this tank is the perfect base layer. I love how thick and structured the rib knit is. The white is classic and will go a long way underneath button-ups and sweaters this fall.

  • Striped Tomboy Shirt - what I love most about this shirt is how well tailored and timeless it is. The fabric is high quality and I can see this wearing in beautifully over the years. I often like to thrift well made mens shirts, but inevitably the fit is a bit too oversized. This shirt is cut and finished like a man’s but with a woman’s body in mind giving the best of both worlds.

  • Marcelo Top in grey - I loved the white tank so much I naturally had to have this tank in another color! The greay is great to wear alone, but I am sure I’ll layer with it until the weather is warm again.

  • Gatsby Marinière - I love a breton stripe, it just screams summer by the sea. But I also love a classic through the fall, winter, and spring as well. The Gatsby is a boxy breton with a perfect placket with tiny buttons down the front so you can switch up the neckline. You can event layer collared shirts underneath which I am planning to try this fall/winter. I think it will hold well with under layers due to the very structured organic cotton knit, anything lighter-weight or stretchier would become crumpled and messy looking with under layers.

  • Dorine Top - Last but not least, the Dorine Top. I think this lovely open crochet crop top will look fantastic layered over body-con dresses and turtlenecks. I feel like that will be the perfect way to add a bit more outfit interest and a tab more warmth as well!

My Sezane Collection | Spring 2022

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I've recently fallen in love with Sezane and built up a small collection. Today I will share my spring pieces including some try-ons! Links to each piece are below as well as the sizes I own.

 
 

What I Wore Last Week

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Another week of outfit documentation! This week I made an effort to wear pieces I haven’t reached for lately and style them in new ways.

Outfit 1: Two Days Off Vicki Pant in moss, Universal Thread shirt, and Eileen Fisher mule slides.

Outfit 2: Two Days Off Two Days Off Okaasan Tie Top, Arq Tank Top, and Zara Jeans.

Outfit 3: Two Days Off Kaneko Dress in natural linen worn as a duster, Arq Tank Top, Aliya Wanek pants, and Jenni Kayne bucket bag (15% off with code GINAS15).

Outfit 4: Two Days Off Koto Skirt in black linen, Aurorei Yuna Top, and Kaneko Dress in natural linen worn as a duster, Jenni Kayne crossover sandals (15% off with code GINAS15).

What I Wore Last Week

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Another week of outfit documentation! This week I made an effort to wear pieces I haven’t reached for lately and style them in new ways. It’s a bit of a test as I get closer to October (when I am planning a huge closet clear out!).

Outfit 1: Two Days Off Olivia Top in ivory over my Jenni Kayne slip dress (15% off with code GINAS15). Tree Fairfax extended half moon bag, and Wilder Maude slides.

Outfit 2: Two Days Off Suki Dress in clay linen, Elizabeth Suzann linen vest, and Wilder Maude Slides.

Outfit 3: Two Days Off Suki Top in black linen, Universal Thread jeans, ABLE Amber Boots (20% off with code GINA20), and Irro Irro naturally dyed tote bag.

Outfit 4: Two Days Off Kaneko Dress in natural linen worn as a duster, Jenni Kayne tee dress in sage (15% off with code GINAS15), my well loved Eileen Fisher mule slides, and my A.P.C. half moon demi bag in nut brown.

Outfit 5: A relaxed Friday repeat from last week. My Two Days Off Mioko Duster in natural linen, ARQ tank top, Madewell double gauze pants, and my beloved Jenni Kayne Shearling Slides (15% off with code GINAS15).

What I Wore Last Week

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Last week was a great week in outfits for me, I wore what I love and felt like myself! Here are my favorites (and why) with details.

First up, a beach look. I have been reaching for my Two Days Off Koto Skirt because it is light, easy on and off, and has the most perfect slits for that beach breeze. It’s precisely what I always wanted to wear on my “two days off.” And of course I wore my tried and true Joss Hat from my friend Candace’s shop, Selah (currently on a break).

The second look was what I wore on my birthday outing to the Getty. I added my Okaasan Tie Top over a black jumpsuit I got on Amazon of all places. My shoes are my beloved Maude Slides in black from Wilder, my bag is a new favorite from Cuyana (the Double Loop Tote I reviewed in this video), and my watch is my classic Nordgreen Native watch with the brown leather strap.

In this third outfit I was cozied up at home all day (bliss). I wore my all time favorite head scarf from a shop my friend Jakiya used to have, an ARQ tank top, my Two Days Off Mioko Duster in natural linen, and some old Madewell double gauze pants. My slippers are new and lined in shearling from TKEES, ultimate cozy.

I loved this fourth outfit so much I wore it twice! My dress is a relatively recent addition from COS, topped with my black linen Mioko Duster and Jenni Kayne slides.

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Finally, this last look is another version of the earlier beach look in different colors. I am wearing a Kordal knit tank I bought second hand on Instagram, my natural linen Koto Skirt, and my Joss Hat.

I hope you enjoyed this little round up! I am hoping posts like these will remind me of all the clothes and looks I like to wear! And for discounts at some of my favorite shops like Two Days Off, Cuyana, Jenni Kayne, TKEES, and Nordgreen check out this list. Some of the links there will give me a small commission if you do end up purchasing so it’s a win-win!

G is for Grandma

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One year ago my Grandmother passed away. It astonishes me how quickly time passes by, and even more so how much a person can change in such a short amount of time.

My world changed, when my grandmother died. I am a different person than I was a year ago, nine, six, and even three months ago. The grief has changed how I want to give love. Her absence has made me create space for others. Her wisdom and guidance echoes louder than ever, and I repeat it to myself until I can almost feel her beside me. There won’t ever be a day I don’t miss her, nor will there be a day I am not grateful to have been her granddaughter.

To mark this milestone I made a locket with her initial so I can carry her with me. I made a similar one for a dear friend who recently experience loss as well. If you are looking to make one I cannot say enough good things about GLDN. I ordered the oval locket with a 20-22” round box chain and had the photos printed at my local pharmacy using the template GLDN’s their website.

Cuyana Oversized Double Loop Bag Review

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I have a new and beautiful addition to my wardrobe, the Cuyana Oversized Double Loop Bag! This is the kind of bag I will love for so many years to come.

Cuyana’s ethos of fewer, better has come to mean considered our design, material, and production that help poeple develop a timeless wardrobe without sacrificing the planet or people (and bonus that it’s a female-founded company). Obviously this is something I relentlessly preach so I am very proud to now be a Cuyana partner. I decided to add the oversized double loop bag to my closet because I have wanted a sophisticated every day bag that is highly functional and will fit my laptop. After a few weeks of use I can say I have fallen in love with this bag. The large side pockets, versatile straps, and sof leather in particular make this bag easy to toss around like a tote with a major upgrade. And I love that for a leather bag, it isn’t extraordinarily heavy even with my electronics in it.

As far as how it is made, Cuyana partnered with a small, family-owned business in Italy to create the double loop series. I can see the skill of these leather artisans in the quality and execution of this bag. It’s been a while since I have raved so much about a new addition and it feels really great to wholeheartedly share that with you!

Check out my video below for what I am currently toting in my bag. Once update since I filmed this is that I realized my water bottle also fits perfectly in the side pockets so that was a bit of a thrill 😆!

Full disclosure this bag was gifted, but I never accept items unless they are something I would purchase myself. Ps- if you decide to invest in any of their pieces, use my Cuyana link and I can earn a small commission which helps me maintain this site and create content. I certainly appreciate your support!