Emergency Simples

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I was a meerkat whilst I was in New York and everything was "Simples".  Or at least, everything in my wardrobe was fairly "simples".  I had underpacked for my supposed three-day trip in New York because I did that last minute act of chucking in whatever was at the foot of my bed.  Then I got stuck for another five days and so had to turn to the route of "Simples".  I've never been ashamed of adapting my style for whatever situations that the powers that be throw me, and though someone on Twitter remarked they had never seen me in jeans and a t-shirt (well, it was a shirt, crop top and a pair of emergency Uniqlo $20 chinos…), I didn't feel like that that particular outfit was any less 'me' than when I normally have at my disposal, all 302 skirts and counting (let's not get started on the dresses..).   

I thought I would be alleviating the situation by setting myself $10 outfit challenges.  A hunt AND a blog post combined.  Then I was promptly reminded by New Yorkers that a single item under $10 is hard to find, much less a whole outfit.

Then aid came.  Like a food package tumbling down on me from a helicopter (or err.. me signing the acceptance slip at the hotel…), interesting simplists Yokoo (her autumn winter stuff is gonna STUN by the way…) and the people behind Doo Ri's Under.Ligne collection both proffered up some much-needed options that meant I could go out into the city feeling less like a dirty laundry basket and more like 'me'.  I say 'me' but like I said, it's the simples side of 'me' and to be honest, when all I was doing was scamming WiFi on my iPod wherever I could and checking Guardian.co.uk incessantly and re-organising lost meetings, I actually felt like I SHOULD be sartorially laying low.  The clothes aiders in question also both employ different modes of comforting material usage so I had say, a soft sleeve to wipe my on-the-verge-of-tears face when I tripped up on the subway steps (I often get careless when I don't know where I'm going…); Yokoo and her sturdy and nubby hand knits and Under.Ligne's use of soft SOFT jersey and washed silk. 

Along the way, there were a few augmenting buys too that contributed to the 'laying low simples' looks that I didn't snap when I was there but have re-donned here for demonstration's sakes.  

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(Under.Ligne navy sheer sweater, Jens Laugesen white shirt, Topshop grey side split dress, Y-3 wool trousers, Salvatore Ferragamo flats)

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(Yokoo knitted floppy hat in caramel, Under.Ligne silk and jersey black dress, vintage black and cream bomber jacket from About Glamour, vintage Michael Kors shearling boots from Brooklyn Flea)

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(Vintage denim blue tie dye shirt from Fox and Fawn, Under.Ligne rope jersey tank, vintage Loewe leather trousers, customised espadrille shoes from About Glamour, Yokoo country tote in citron and taupe, vintage sunnies)

Simples!

39 comments

  1. I just got back from NY the other day, and my experience was fairly the same. Simples. My own adaptation-to-the-environment radar gave this casual vibe. Alhough it is a city in which you could dress however, I still felt like some sneakers, and a black pair of jeans with a white tee. Maybe a biker jacket too, if it’s windy.

  2. You look great in whatever you wear!!! I can’t do anything other than simple clothing, and I’m glad you survive your 5 days 😀
    Please check out my fashion illustration blog http://toruu-tania.blogspot.com/ (un-ashamed self promotion)
    I’m nowhere near as good as Angie Wang, but I’m trying!

  3. Yes yes, got back fine, only half a day delay, so nothing compared to other. You where there two days more than you planned, no? Btw, did you see the Tim Burton exhibition while you where there? oh, and forgot to mention, I especially like the first outfit, you emphasized the drapping and volume really well by adding the topshop dress.

  5. Ioana: I was there five more days than planned!
    I did see the Tim Burton exhibition….I was a bit disappointed to be honest… it was so cramped in that space and there were SO MANY people…. the curation was amazing but the arrangement wasn’t… I enjoyed the p
    ermanent photography collections next door far more…

  6. Well simples suits you! It’s funny you said that because one of my recent posts was also called simples hehe. My favourite pieces are the green trousers, the Loewe trousers (wowowowow!) and the espadrilles which u matched amazingly (I would have been at a loss). Although its hard to say because I kind of like everything 🙂 <3
    skiepies.blogspot.com/

  7. really loving looks 1 and 3. those leather trousers are so perfect… great color and cut. while definitely still “you” i feel like the looks in this post are very “american” somehow (and i mean that in the very best way possible). maybe it’s the colors, or the sportswear vibe, or it could be the practical footwear. i’m not sure. i’ve just been curious lately how geography plays into style, especially in the era of the internet and blogging… sorry for the random musings in your comment field! really just wanted to say that this post especially caught my attention today.

  10. the first look is beautiful – all the layers and colours are just lovely.
    check out my blog if you have time 🙂

  11. Wish I could dress myself in simples with such style,
    I always find dressing other people so much easier-
    Really love the first look!

  14. The trousers in this post really steal the show for me, the Y-3 wool pair looks ridiculously soft and comfortable and is the sort of thing that I would end up ‘living in’ and throwing on all of the time even if I was just staying home. The Loewe leather pair is really incredible, the color is perfect and I like that they aren’t skin tight. I’m not a fan of skin tight leather and you always seem to find exactly the sort of garments that I have in mind. Oh the things I would do for your wardrobe Susie…

  15. I’m sorry for what your had to go through, hope you’re home now safe and sound. Glad to see some people came through to help you!

  16. Those Y3 trousers are awesome, I am loving the cut. And yay for the knitted hat. I am still at the scarf stage, but I will knit my own hat for this Winter. My only experience with leather trousers was a hasty trying on of some rather tight Acne ones, but I may have to give the idea another try.

  19. Oh! five more! now that it just too much . . . Totally agree with the exhibition. There where just too many people, to little space. But in itself well curated indeed.

  20. Haha, I think getting stuck abroad because of a volcano is a fantastic excuse for buying and receiving loads of new clothes!
    A school near me sent a whole year on a school trip to NY over Easter. It’s a total fiasco, so well done you for making through it… and maybe even using it to your advantage? xxx

  21. These could possibly be my favorite outfits of yours for a long while. They are still very you, without seeming too overdone. The clashing elements actually become harmonious.
    Cheers,
    Madeleine Louise
    wekilledcouture.com

  23. Hahah I love this blog title! How apt! I wonder how many of your readers actually know what you are blogging on about?
    That first outfit displays layers and swathes at it’s best!

  25. all these outfits are incredible. most striking to me are the loewe leather trousers combo. i love it with those shoes (so perfect!) and the layered tops… also that yellow on the bag looks so fresh. really gorgeous! xx

  30. You are so chic, a real sartorial inspiration. Thanks for the outfit posts. Your wardrobe must be to die for…

  32. So happy you managed to pick up some nice pieces while you were stuck in town! I’m only stepping in at The Sweet Ones once in a while to help out since the owner, Alyssa, is a friend. I’m so sorry that it was closed when you stopped by, Alyssa was off at Coachella and sales staff at the store has been somewhat spotty! Next time you’re in NYC you’ll have to stop by!
    xx
    Tiffany

  34. oh my goodness! I actualy ADORE every single one of these ‘simple’ outfits (all of which would take me hours to umm and ahh about and definitely the possibilty of getting drunk to wear in public- no guts, me :P)
    whilst i’m commenting, the instructions for the bf on your next post made me chuckle 😀

  37. so artfully casual! and your trademark colour combining hits the spot, yet again. well done!

  38. Super Cute looks. Great styling! Fox and Fawn used to be in my neighborhood (lower east side) but I really love their Greenpoint location so it’s worth the trip over the bridge. Again, great looks.

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