I had this dress made by my friends at Harput’s about 6 months ago. It was really so much fun to see them go through the custom process and I’m really looking forward to getting a few new items from them for Fall.

The idea for this dress came from me trying on one of Harput’s fantastic full-length trench jackets. I fell in love with the jacket, but I don’t really get much use out of outerwear here in the Bay Area. Gus and I both thought that a trench inspired dress would be so wearable, plus I needed to add more conservative options to my work wardrobe for my occasional trips to Tokyo.

The dress is a simple shirtdress, but I think the level of finish makes it much more of a workhorse for me than any of my other similar options. For example, the fact that the front doesn’t have any enclosures (like a wrap skirt to get blown in the wind or button plackets to gape when you are sitting) makes it so much more comfortable. Plus, the benefit of having something custom made for your body cannot be discounted, no matter how simple the piece.

There are a lot of great details to this dress that are not coming through in these images, so I’m planning a post to highlight the construction.

OUTFIT DETAILS - Dress: Harput’s; Shoes: J Crew; Necklace & Bracelet: J Crew; Ring: Jewelmint; Lipstick: NARS Heat Wave

I purchased these baggy slacks from Imogene + Willie under a spell almost two years ago. Being a ‘skinny jeans and oversized top’ kind of gal, they don’t entirely fit my wardrobe. And I also had zero outfits planned out for them when I pulled the trigger. Scary!

Now that I’ve trialed them a few times, I’ve come to the completely counterintuitive realization that the best way to balance out a slouchy trouser is with a boxy top. Who would’ve thought!

I opt for a top whose hem sits at the low hip or higher – a little crop is super cute with this style! If the hem of my shirt is hitting below the low-hip, then I’ll usually try to tuck it in a bit in the front. If you opt to go sleeveless with this style pant, then I recommend a square or u-neck neckline with a more delicate strap.

I sometimes worry that I’ll look tomboyish when I wear these, which is not a look that this haircut can pull off! So I try to keep my shoes and jewelry more ladylike. While these sandals do have a substantial, chunky heel, I also think the thin toe and ankle straps counterbalance for an overall feminine look.

OUTFIT DETAILS – Top: Everlane; Lips: NARS Roman Holiday; Necklace: J Crew; Pants: Imogene + Willie (old); Shoes: Opening Ceremony (old); Bracelet: JCrew; Rings: Jewelming X Luv AJ; Nails: OPI Berlin There Done That

Custom

Easy Work If You Can Get It