For reference #02
Looks I’m saving, notes and links vol. 2: spring inspiration
This series is my attempt to make my scrolling useful by sharing with you the looks I’m saving for future reference, notes on what I like about them and a few links. Occasionally, I might share how I tried to recreate a look that inspired me.
Think of these as a collection of ideas for real-life dressing.
I find most of my inspiration for getting dressed on Instagram and (now) Substack. Am I ever “influenced”? Sure. But I try to be mindful of not buying everything I see and like. Mostly, I find the practice of having references helpful for knowing how to put together similar pieces I have in my closet and narrowing down my shopping list.
I’ll share a few links here as that’s something I would want if I were looking for a particular piece—though I always suggest sleeping on things first to avoid buying something you don’t need. More than anything, what I hope you get from these are some good ideas, not the urge to shop more.
After another blast of Canadian winter this past week, I’m very much over the cold and in serious need of some warm-weather inspiration. Here are a few spring ideas inspiring me right now.
1. Layer, but make it feel like spring—incorporating button-ups seems to be a good way to do this. I would leave it unbuttoned and wear a thin shirt or tank underneath. I saved this look from @ariellecharnas last year and wanted to recreate it with a striped green poplin shirt I have from Zara.
I don’t have a similar chunky cardigan, so I’m resorting to my go-to these days and throwing a sweater over my shoulders for added texture.
2. Speaking of button-ups, do you do the full tuck, French tuck, or no tuck at all? I’m finally coming around to the latter. I think that with the right shirt, it gives off a casual, cool and undone look—definitely a vibe for spring.
The top above is Suzie Kondi, and for similar options that are a bit more affordable, I like this and this. What else I love about this look: the red and silver accessories. I bought a pair of pointed-toe silver flats from OAK + FORT last year and plan to get more use out of them this season. If you’re looking for a pair, I really like these metallic ballet flats.
3. Now that my kids are a little older and no longer crawling all over me, wearing white on white doesn’t feel as risky. I’m all in for an all-white look because it feels fresh for spring, and also love the idea of breaking it up with darker colours, like a black belt or brown leather jacket.
I’m currently on the hunt for a new pair of off-white jeans and have been debating between this style and this. For white tees, I’ve found that Zara ones have worked just fine for me, but if I were to splurge a bit, it would be on this top.
4. I save a lot of trench coat references because I like to keep ideas of how to dress it up and down. I’ve realized, though, that when you have a good trench, you can throw it on top of almost any outfit and it will look good.
A simple and classic look like this—knit, jeans and a trench—will forever be my spring mood. I own the OAK + FORT oversized trench coat in Brindle and can vouch for how good it is, but there’s also this Mango one I like and this style from Aritzia.
5. Here’s some more colour for you because it is spring after all. Loving this combo from @ladydianamay with the blue hues and light brown suede bag.
Her sweater seems to be this gorgeous Naadam one, but for a more budget-friendly option, there’s this OAK + FORT sweater in a similar shade of blue.
As for suede bags, the consensus from the ever-reliable Substack chats is that Little Liffner ones are where it’s at (word is their quality is top tier.) I like this, this and this, but really, they’re all so beautiful. Known for their chic silhouettes and minimalist aesthetic, the Scandinavian brand is unlike your typical statement bag. In an old Vogue article, founder Paulina Liffner von Sydow, put it this way:
“It-bags come and go, but the more classic shapes always have a timeless appeal.”
More for reference
*This post contains some affiliate links, and I may receive a small percentage from anything you purchase through a link, at no extra cost to you. As always, I provide suggestions for only the things I love and would wear.
Bc I can't do anything efficiently, I've tried ~8 trenches this season. To date, I have acquired 2 new ones but remain ill at ease bc I don't have a classic fallback yet.
The ultimates (idc idc idc) are of course the Toteme classic khaki or the Clay summer babies but not happening this year bc I am terrible at money (wildly surprising if this comment is any indication, I know).
Snagged the Oak + Fort trench in Brindle early on in this endless process but it felt too...A-line? Same with Sezane (Scott, not Clyde; not into the lapel-devoid look). Now I'm back to Brindle but 2 sizes down.
I love the way you break down outfits and make it approachable to recreate them! 🫶🫶