Blank Expression

I've Spring Cleaned My Look. And another really good 40% off SALE

At the moment my body is rejecting prints, color, novelty and most embellishments. I’ll spare you some theory on any existential crisis that may be causing this sartorial exorcism. Maybe this purge of the palette is a par for the course rite of spring we experience collectively. New life. Clean slate. New growth. A refresh. Or maybe it’s a maturity thing. My body is also whinging at any attempt to show skin. Could be an age thing. A modesty thing. Hopefully it’s a good taste thing, A refined thing. Definitely not a bad thing for me and I’m going with it.

Blazer Mango x Victoria Beckham Dress Silk Laundry, Skirt Issey Miyake, Choker Beaufille, Shoes are sold out LOQ but here are

ome from The Row and $$some from Staud which are on 40% for one more day.

I think I have previously mentioned one of my styling MOs I call “One Weird Thing”. It’s like an updated take on Y2K’s “jeans and a ‘going out’ top” where you wear one statement piece among basics. But only one. Weird top or bag OR pants OR shoes OR jacket OR accessory OR color OR print. You get the idea.

Now, I’m refining it even more. I’ve wrung out the color and prints and silliness. But it’s not totally vanilla because I still have proportion, texture and drama. It makes me feel safe and dignified and empowered. It helps me feel better about taking risks with trends like layering dresses over pants or wearing structured shoulders - like less can go wrong if I limit to neutrals. In my head I call this styling MO “Blank Expression”. And now I’m sharing it with you.

Last week I got invited to the Mango x Victoria Beckham gifting suite and chose a few pieces including this really nice white linen blend blazer. It was a bit conservative in my size so I went up two sizes for the oversized look. I styled four looks around it which you’ll see below. I dig the huge shoulder pads. Just because I’m craving neutrals even more that usual, it doesn’t mean I want to dress like a snooze fest. I guess there are still some “weird things” in this edit, they just hit different.

I teamed up with photographer Tyler Nevitt over the weekend to capture my clean slate moment.

See! Not boring. Look at all that texture. Blazer Mango x Victoria Beckham, Dress Silk Laundry Skirt Issey Miyake Pleats Please, Choker Beaufille.

Here’s the full suit with the coordinating wide leg linen trousers. Imagine how comfy you’d be if you wore this to an event. There’s a textured tank in there, too.

Blazer & Trousers Mango x Victoria Beckham Dress Rue Sophie Satin Pants Vince (similar for le$$ at Reformation) Choker (as a belt) Beaufille, Shoes LOQ

Here it is again over a Rue Sophie dress over satin pants. I’ve color blocked with similar shades of cream. For extra drama I’ve shaped the big blazer with a choker repurposed as a belt. And I’ve mixed shiny and flat textures and stiff and flowy fabrics for a visually interesting balance. If you have a job so cool you could wear this to work, you could head to an event after in the same look or swap the pants for black nylons, wear the choker as intended, and slip into a heeled mule.

Blazer Mango Dress Silk Laundry Loafers are sold out LOQ but here are ome from The Row and here are $$ome from Staud that are 40% for one more day.

I want to be a person who can pull off a body con mini on its own (and with heels) but I feel smarter contrasting the sexy little dress and nylons with something big and menswear-inspired over it. And loafers…cuz loafers are simply tasteful, always. Oh and someone DM’d to ask for my favorite pantyhose. I just order these nylons over and over because I like the denier and the luster and that they’re sheer to waist .

Pleated tank Paige, Trousers Mango x Victoria Beckham

Again with the drama and the proportion play. Voluminous, floor-skimming, stiff trousers and a little tank. A winning formula.

Dress Rue Sophie, earrings Agmes, Heels Mango

This would be the perfect dress for a fancy event. Maybe you have to attend this event after work and you’d rather take a disco nap than use time and energy to put together a complex outfit. I love having pieces like this in my closet.  Pieces that are simple overall but powerful with enchanting details built in. Pieces that don’t require much styling. Pieces that do all the heavy lifting. The twist provides a subtle eye-catching detail.  A neckline like this doesn’t even need much jewelry. Just some bold earrings and let the clavicles do the rest. Then just a simple heel to give you a lift.

ANOTHER REALLY GOOD 40% OFF SALE

In the last post I told you about the Maison Rogue 40% off sale which goes until the items sell out. (What I forgot to tell you is that if you find something at regular price, you can use code SISSY15 for 15% off). The Shopbop 40% Off Sale, however, ends tomorrow. I’ve curated a round up of 25 of my favorites, that I think you’ll like, too HERE.

A Really Good Restock

The only other news I wanted to share at this time is that Roz has finally restocked the shampoo and conditioner I use and love. Shop Foundation Duo & more and get 15% with code SISSY15.

Paid subscribers will find a pot of gold after the Paywall. The rest of you will get your treat later this week.

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