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| photo credits: via Pinterest |
Last week, I ended my post about Succession and quiet luxury with the question: "Can Shiv Roy's look of quiet luxury be reinterpreted for the rest of us to be "quiet" but not quite so luxurious...i.e.: expensive?"
In my opinion, the answer is..."Yes...to a point." Let me tell you a story about my personal experience several years ago with quiet luxury. You see, it's not really a new thing...
One morning I was sitting in a coffee shop in New York City, thoroughly enjoying a latte and a pain au chocolat. A wet-behind-the-ears home furnishings buyer, I was just beginning a career in interior design, and thrilled to be in the Big Apple. But on that particular day, I was surrounded by seemingly disgruntled people, dressed in gloomy business attire and impatiently waiting for their coffee so they could hurry out the door to...wherever.
There was a woman sitting at the table next to mine, sipping an espresso and reading a French newspaper. She was probably in her sixties, slim and attractive, wearing tortoiseshell cat eye reading glasses, a white silk blouse, beautifully tailored black trousers and black pumps. Her Burberry trench coat was casually draped over the other chair. On the table was an exquisite tan leather portfolio. Her hair was styled in a tousled chin length bob...nails flawlessly manicured...minimal makeup, but definitely there. She was the epitome of quiet luxury...ease tempered with discipline. And she appeared to be having a perfectly fine morning...
I was young and still trying to find myself. My style was all over the place. However, she clearly had hers figured out. And without even realizing it at the time, she became a major inspiration for the way I dress today.
Returning home, I began to edit my wardrobe, choosing fewer items but of better quality. I made purchases that were coordinated, rather than buying something that didn't go with anything. Carefully chosen, essential pieces became the core of my wardrobe. I was spending more but buying less...sticking mostly to a color palette of black, white, gray, and neutrals...natural fabrics like cotton, silk, linen, and wool...and playing with contrasting textures, clean lines, and minimal extraneous do-dads. (bells and whistles) And no, simple is NOT boring.
To clarify...I was spending more, but I was still purchasing within my means. I couldn't afford a $2000 Burberry trench coat, but I could get a nicely cut, similarly styled one at Banana Republic for $150. I could buy two or three pieces of Eileen Fisher each season, especially if I watched for sale items. And my Seiko Essential Watch...rectangle with Roman numerals and a black leather band, was an almost dead ringer for the Cartier Tank Watch...but it didn't cost $3000! I still occasionally bought trendy things but found myself wearing the timeless classics more and more...and continue to do so today.
What does this say about me? First of all, I want to look good, but not super girly, overtly sexy or flamboyant. Second, I'm not an avid clothes shopper, so I want my clothing to last, style-wise and quality-wise. I don't want to throw my money away on the latest fads that will be out of style...or worn out...in a few months. And third, I'm looking for comfort, functionality, and a wardrobe that is age appropriate...but not frumpy...and that can be worn in a variety of situations. I don't want to be THAT girl...you know the one...standing in front of a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear.
However...as much as I lean toward timeless and classic, I'll admit to hints of Laurel Canyon-ish, bohemian hippie from the sixties in my wardrobe...especially in my downtime. I love a vintage silk kimono with a pair of well-worn jeans, or a beat up leather jacket over a flowing slip dress with espadrilles or boots. ✌️
In conclusion...dress in a way that expresses your mood and personality, suits the occasion, and makes you feel attractive, comfortable and confident. You don't have to be pinned down to one particular style though...so have fun with it!
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