Style

Fall Shopping Lust/List

Fall is my absolute favorite season to dress for. Maybe its the New Yorker in me, but the layers and earth tones are absolutely my vibe. Plus an astrologer once told me that my birth chart showed I had an obsession with boots and, well, she wasn’t wrong. With the coming of a new season, may favorite one at that, I was doing a lot of (browser) window shopping. Several of these pieces I sat on for weeks before pulling the trigger. While some, after thoughtful consideration, remained abandoned in my cart never to make the expedient cardboard clad trip to my door. This post may be a bit late for some (chock that up to parenting a toddler), or maybe just in time for some tres chic holiday gifting. Either way, here’s what’s caught my eye!

My Bag Obsession Continues...

Oops, she did it again.

I bought another bag, but in my defense I did declutter a couple from my collection first. I have been an avid vintage Coach lover since my early twenties. In fact there are several bags that I found for STEALS over the years (i’m talking $30 and under), that I sincerely regret rehoming during my minimalism fueled purge sessions. All this backstory to say, I have added an beloved heritage style to my collection, and that is the Dinky.

I’ve loved this simple east-west style bag for ages, but haven’t loved the idea of the vintage crossbody version. That is why the reimagined style caught my eye. It comes with two shoulder straps, one being a chain (perfect if I ever leave the house after dark again), and a slightly longer leather shoulder strap. I loved this bag so much I even managed to film not one but two videos about it!

Summer 2024 Closet Additions

I’ve been on a quest to rediscover (or redefine) my style postpartum over the past several months. I recently completed a style workshop which was fun and somewhat helpful, but what has helped me the most is just wearing what I already own. I pulled out my spring a summer clothes a few weeks back and as I cycle through different pieces I have noticed gaps. Mainly, I have been craving variety, print, and pattern. I am also back to focusing on ease and function over polish, especially for the summer.

I’ve been doing a bit of shopping and I’ve had to unsubscribe from J.Crew’s email because their releases this spring and summer would have my wallet empty otherwise. When I did decide to look for some feminine cotton pieces to round out my wardrobe, these is what I selected.

  1. The Clio top looks like the perfect dress up or dress down piece and I truly need tops that aren’t ribbed tanks or simple tees for summer. I seriously considered the Clio dress in black but I have enough black dresses and the top will be more versatile for my lifestyle. If it comes out in an olive or periwinkle I can’t gurantee I won’t buy it though!

  2. I did not need a bathing suit, but I definitely fell in love with this gingham one. And if I am honest, I just don’t feel comfortable in my pre-baby swimwear anymore so I thought I’d treat myself to something that will hopefully make me feel happy in my current body. I love that the bum has good coverage but it is still sexy with the plunging neckline. I am hoping the texture and pattern also feel interesting and pair well with my overside linen shirt cover-ups.

  3. This is the dress I have been searching for. I’ve wanted a floral print in a breezy cotton. Maxi or midi style that was sleeveless but ot spaghetti straps. I didn’t know it would take months to find the perfect one but I think I have! Bonus that it has a high slit so it doesn’t feel like a muumuu.

  4. I have a very beloved summer hat with a massive brim but it isn’t practical with a toddler on my hip. I can’t count how may times I whacked him with my brim on our first beach day of the season! This chic bucket hat still has good coverage, but shouldn’t cause such havoc. It comes in so many colors too (I seriously considered the olive!).

  5. Isn’t this brown dress divine!? I haven’t purchased this one (yet) because I am uncertain if one-shoulder makes sense with a young toddler who is still nursing. I might just het it anyway though becayse this dress feels so elegant and special to me.

Indyx Style Workshop: Week 4

This week in the style workshop we are distilling our style inspiration down into just 3 words as a sort of “North Star” for your personal style. I liked this practical reasoning the most:

“It provides great guidance when styling an outfit. Say you have a pair of jeans, a tee shirt and some loafers that perfectly fit into your “classic”, “relaxed” style, and your third word is “edgy”, so you opt for a leather jacket over a blazer. It’s styling, made easy.”

After taking the style quiz the three words that resonated the most were clean, classic, and casual (alliteration intentional!).

My Three Words

Clean

Clean speaks to the simplicity and minimalism of pieces. I don’t like a lot of visual clutter nor do I like fussy clothes. Keeping simple always makes me feel more confident and comfortable through the day. Styles that come to mind when I think “clean” is Scandinavian sculptural or architectural style. Brands like COS and Arket come to mind.

Classic

I naturally gravitate toward more “classic” pieces. I noticed a lot of Americana references and timeless looking French girls in my inspiration images. It tracks because since my early twenties I have gravitated toward the lists of essential French wardrobe staples and classic capsule wardrobe lists. Brands like Buck Mason and J Crew exemplify this.

Casual

Casual is where my lifestyle comes into play. I am a toddler mom living in breezy LA working from home most days. Tons of tailored pieces, no matter how much I adore them, just won’t get the same level of use as the easier throw on pieces. Brands like Ozma California and AYR are the epitome of casual for me.

Styling Session: Floral Dress

Play dress up with me as I figure out how to integrate this floral midi dress into my wardrobe!

Look 1

Shoes: https://shopeitheror.com/

Basket Tote: https://bit.ly/3ZqZuwE

Look 2

Denim Jacket: https://bit.ly/44jh4qq

Mansur Gavriel Bag: https://bit.ly/4djWY3m or https://bit.ly/3UySYVo

Green Croc Sandal (similar): https://bit.ly/3Wgb5Ri

Look 3

Trucker Jean Jacket: https://bit.ly/4aTwq74

Mansur Gavriel Bag: https://bit.ly/4djWY3m or https://bit.ly/3UySYVo

Basket bag (similar): https://bit.ly/3WiLBTn

Crossover Sandal (similar): https://shopeitheror.com/

Look 4

Breton Top (similar): https://bit.ly/49OExBb or https://bit.ly/44fbsh3

Tank Sweater: https://www.solosix.co/

Straw Tote: https://bit.ly/3WiLWW9

Crossover Sandals: https://shopeitheror.com/

Look 5

Blazer (similar): https://bit.ly/3xOONvK

Blazer 2: https://bit.ly/3U8n2Ed or https://bit.ly/4aKdEiZ

White Sneakers: https://bit.ly/3VQEZbJ

Phone Pouch: https://bit.ly/3Wea38s

Look 6

White Shirt: https://bit.ly/3hkY0UL or https://bit.ly/3Itr1Jc

Flattered Bag: https://bit.ly/3vWhkPB

Ballet Flats: https://bit.ly/3xAKm7R

Look 7

Leather Jacket: https://bit.ly/3MyGXts

Demi Lune Bag: https://bit.ly/4dibOaH or https://bit.ly/3y6bwn2

Green Croc Sandal (similar): https://bit.ly/3Wgb5Ri

Look 8

Short Coat: https://bit.ly/3uml5Nx

Bag: https://bit.ly/4beUstv

Lug Boots (similar): https://bit.ly/4aSZQTr or https://bit.ly/3UaF62k

Boots 2 (similar): https://bit.ly/3WjxI7E

Look 9

Black Turtleneck: https://bit.ly/4aTDzoi or https://bit.ly/4dipmmt

Bucket Bag: https://bit.ly/3T5VDmf or https://bit.ly/4dippPb

Loafers: https://bit.ly/3uIiFVM

How I plan my outfits and track my wardrobe ~ Indyx App (free): https://www.myindyx.com/

Use my code GINASTOVALL for $10 credit for styling services (I'll get a $10 credit too!)

Style Workshop: Week 2

It’s week 2 of the Indyx Style Workshop and it’s all about collecting inspiration. You’re not gonna have to twist my arm to scroll Pinterest for inspiration! I already have a 2024 style inspo board going (you may have seen it if you’re subscribed to my newsletter), so I have been adding to that. One thing the workshop mentioned was to go brad and consider why I like each image I am pinning. Maybe it is a certain element or possibly just a vibe it gives off. That added thoughtfulness is something I hadn’t considered before and I think I am already gleaning more insight into why I like what I like. A few take aways so far:

  • I like unfussy clothing and styling.

  • The clothes need to be comfortable and made from high quality materials, even in the inspo pics.

  • Layering adds so much dimension, but it isn’t somethign I’ve mastered in my personal style.

  • Pops of saturated colors are so much fun!

  • Accessories make the look, bags, baskets, scarves, and sunnies are what I am attracted to most.

  • So much denim and pants overall. I love dresses but am very choosy it seems.

If you want to join the Indyx app (it’s free!) use my referral code GINASTOVALL and we’ll both get $10 credit for styling services.

Style Workshop: Week 1

I recently have become obsessed with the Indyx app. It’s a tool that helps you index your entire wardrobe, create outfits, and track how much you wear, all for free. It also has paid features that include a personal stylist and support for setting up the app (if you sign-up use my code GINASTOVALL and we’ll both get $10 credit for styling services).

Since I started using it about a month ago I have gotten so creative with my existing wardrobe. And that’s the whole point of the app… to show you what you own, and inspire you to get the most out of you wardrobe hopefully encouraging you to buy less and more intentionally.

Another free feature of the app is a multi-week style workshop. I started it last week and thought I’d share here as a sort of accountability measure and for posterity! Week 1 was all about setting intentions for the workshop, here are mine below…

Set your intentions

  • I want to use more of my wardrobe.

  • I want to have fun getting dressed each day.

  • I need to eliminate clutter in my wardrobe, it just makes me anxious and makes it harder to see what I own.

  • I want to (re)discover my personal style postpartum.

Set a commitment

I won’t fall for the the sunk cost fallacy and keep things in my wardrobe I don’t love and use.

Identify and release any negative or counterproductive beliefs or “rules” 

I am releasing the idea that a versatile and efficient wardrobe ias filled with basics and neutrals. I want to get comfortable injecting a bit of added interest through color, pattern, texture, and silohuette.

Unfollow accounts and unsubscribe from emails that don’t support this journey 

I recently unsubscribed from nearly all marketing emails and have been maintaining “inbox zero” for a few weeks. My next step is to audit the social media accounts I follow to make sure they align with the type of content I want to consume and aren’t just selling me on things I don’t want.

Spring Wishlist: 2024

Spring has sprung and I am in the midst of rediscovering my personal style post-baby. Nearly 16 months postpartum I am finally feeling more like my pre baby self, physically at least!

I’ve been lusting after a few new things in my wardrobe and I think to celebrate my second Mother’s Day I may splurge a bit. Here’s what has caught my eye and stuck in my mind.

Everlane Day Glove: I wanted a earth tone alternative to my black pair that I’ve been wearing all winter. I have a caramel color that I’ve nearly worn into the ground so this cocoa color is the perfect new addition. (Spoiler, I bought them!)

Emilia Dress: this dress looks like the perfect throw on piece and the color is just stunning.

Madewell Crystal Tennis Necklace: I may have been influenced by this one. I am really into layering necklaces and think this would complement some of the pieces already in my little collection.

GLDN Poet Pallete Studs: I have fallen head over heel for these studs. The colors and the romantic shapes tugged at my heart strings. I sat thinking about them for two weeks before deciding this would be my official Mother’s Day gift to myself this year.

Le Filet Market Net Tote: honestly I just want a new one as my old market bag in the natural color is pretty stained. This vintage blue color caught my eye and would be a find little pop to my neutral outfits.

Massimo Dutti Woven Bucket Bag: I definitely do not need a new leather bag, but I definitely do want a woven leather one and I am a huge sucker for green bags overall. That coupled with the unique shape and clever closure has me one click away from ordering.

French Hemp Fisherman Sandal: These shoes are all about the nostalgia. I’ve been considering a pair of Gardenheir clogs for a while but have been unsure of how I would style them. These sandals I could immediately imagine going with tons of summer looks I already own. And as a bonus they come in kids sizes too so I’m seriously considering getting my son a matching pair!

Cozy Slipper Round Up

A friend of mine recently asked me about slippers and let’s just say I had way more opinions than probably warranted.

My partner calls me the “queen of cozy” because I take being cozy very seriously, particularly in the winter. Name a clever little book on hygge and I’ve probably read it. Ask me about my tea drawer, I’d love to walk you through it. How many throw blankets is enough? That’s a trick question because there is no such thing as enough throws. So slippers, of course I had a few recommendations and so I thought I’d share them here too!

My current favorite are these Parachute waffle booties and they are currently on sale! These ones are a close second. Not only are these cute and keep your ankles warm, but the insole is memory foam. Simply divine.

If you are feeling spendy then splurge on these shearling Moroccan slippers are it. These are a classic and mine lasted surprisingly long (over 2 years) for being white and having a leather sole!

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Muji offers the best slipper under $15! They may not last season after season, but they truly are comfortable while they last. I like to get these for house guests.

If you are looking for something that could work indoors or outdoors these shearling slides from TKEES are it. These are also good if a super warm bootie isn’t up your alley.

I haven’t tried these but they are on my list for next time I need a pair. I have been very impressed with Quince thus far and have high hopes for their shearling slides. They just look so luxe and I am smitten with the greyish color.

New Year, New Goals

Last week I shared my intentions for the year, and today I have been thinking about concrete goals. There are a few areas I want to focus on this year home, money, hobby, health, and style. Family is notably missing because so much of my life is about my little nuclear family and creating time and memories with extended families that I do t think I need specific goals at the moment. These other areas have been somewhat neglected and I have some concrete things I want to accomplish which I’ll dive into now.

Home

I have the goal of making our rental our own this year. We’ve been here for three years and plan to stay for several more so I want to invest in some cosmetic changes that do more than what furniture and decor can do. First on my list is my en-suite bathroom which is the epitome of builder grade.

Money

Ever since getting pregnant and especially having my son I have paid very little attention to my spending. My shopping is typically pretty intentional, but it exploded with buying things for the baby and I have deeply evaluated how much of that is necessary, convenience, or now frivolous. I want to start with a low buy challenge to slow down a bit. And I plan to reconcile my 2023 budget with my actual expenses to see exactly where my money is going. Fingers crossed!

Hobby

Last year I knew all hobbies would need to go on hold to survive the baby phase but this year I want to start dabbling again. Particularly with more writing (and reflecting). I write a lot for work and want to strengthen my creative writing muscles.

Health

As with many things I mentioned above, fitness was put on a bit of golf last year. In particular this year I want to get back to daily stretching, some strengthening, and a steady and sustainable routine.

Style

The last goal is about clothes and styling what’s already in my closet. My body seems to have normalized a bit and I am fitting back into some of my pre-baby clothes and culling some that not longer serve my needs. I want to have fun with my wardrobe again and rediscover the pieces I have so getting dressed and sharing that is on my list for 2024.

Modern Folk + Other Pretty Things

I think the cottagecore bug finally bit me. I couldn’t resist the cornflower design on our holiday cards this year, and now I’ve just ordered this floral embroidered sweater (no regrets). Before I know it I am going to be ordering ruffled collared shirts and the hyper-trending mary janes!

But in all seriousness, those pieces are cute on many but my take on cottagecore is just enough to satisfy my desire for the cozy, feminine, and wholesome feel it exudes while still fitting into my classic and curated wardrobe. Here are a few cottagey and granola pieces I’ve added in the past year and love.

Sézane New Additions

Sézane continues to have a special place in my heart and wardrobe. These are the new pieces I’ve added to my collection over the past few months!

From left to right:

  • Clément Sweater - I have long had a thing for stripes, and a classic navy and white Breton stripe is my favorite. This sweater caught my eye because of it’s versatility pre- and post- pregnancy. Plus the beautiful buttons up the side seams are both a unique and functional design feature.

  • Large Alfred Card Holder - I’ve been gravitating to carrying more kid-sized bags and with that I felt I needed to add a card holder to my collection to save on space. The Alfred car holder is small but highly functional with 3 card slots, a zipper pocket, and slit pocket. The leather is stunning and will patina beautifully over time and I was thrilled to get my name embossed on it!

  • Mederick Coat - I have wanted to add a stunning double face wool coat like this one to my wardrobe for years. I always thought I’d add a camel color, and Sezane carries one, but then I fell in love with this olive color. I wear a lot of neutrals but always love a pop of green where I can add it.

  • Cleopatra Scarf - I have a small collection of silk scarves that I love, but have never found a floral that I truly love, until now. The colors and print of this scarf feels classic while still interesting and not too basic. I can’t wait to style it throughout the spring months too!

  • Seraphine Scarf - This classic houndstooth is softened in this camel and white colorway. I think this classic pattern in a high quality wool will serve me well for many many years to come.

  • Canvas Tote Bag - I saw this tote bag and just loved the materials and proportions. I immediately thought it would make a great and inconspicuous diaper bag with its generous size and tactical pockets.

Polène Paris Umi Bag

I recently shared in my Mansur Gavriel bucket bag review that I have been refining my bag collection (especially since my wardrobe has been pretty drab all year throughout my pregnancy). One brand I recently discovered is Polène Paris and after falling down a YouTube rabbit hole I really wanted to own one of their bags.

I ended up falling for the Umi Bag, mostly because I wanted a medium sized shoulder bag and the clever strap design won me over. I love the rich camel color (although the clay was hard to pass up), and opted to pre-order it since it was not available in October/November when I went to purchase.

Unfortunately for several reasons that I share below and in my unboxing video I ended up returning this bag (and replacing it with something I absolutely LOVE and have been getting ample wear out of!).

Pros

  • Versatile with the two srap options and very clever strap design

  • Lovely hardware that isn’t a typical buckle

  • Minimal branding and an elegant logo

  • Beautiful pebbled leather that will likely wear well

Cons

  • The interior feels unfinished with the construction of the bag being so clearly visible

  • The zipper is stiff and not effortless to open

  • The bag opening is a bit tight to get things in and out

  • Adjusting the strap was difficult and the leather loop meant to hold the excess strap was a bit too small and rubbed harshly on the glazing. Overall it felt like an afterthought and not the best design

  • The customer service is pretty abysmal. I didn’t receive a shipment notification for my pre-order and after inquiring it took nearly a week to hear back from Polène who blamed it on DHL for not sending. Returns are also not free which sucks for a brand you can’t see in person, but that is stated on the website and understandable.

What's In My Bag | Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Bucket Bag

This year I haven’t added much to my wardrobe. Given the current flux my body is experiencing with pregnancy, clothing hasn’t been something on my mind. I like to add pieces I know I will love for years to come, and since I have no idea what my body will look like week to week, much less postpartum, I have skipped garments and instead thought more about the accessories that jazz up my pretty basic outfits.

A new addition to my slowly developing bag collection is a beautiful smooth leather bucket bag in a neutral taupe-tan color. The Mansur Gavriel bucket bags have been on my wishlist for many years, initially I envisioned adding a black one to my collection but instead I added the Jenni Kayne bucket bag in black a few years ago. I absolutely love my JK bucket bag but one thing I have realized is that a large sized bucket bag is not my favorite. I love the look but I am not disciplined enough to not overstuff it and weigh down my shoulder. I also find manuevering a large, structured bucket tote a little cumbersome throughout the day.

All that said, this is why I started looking at the smaller Mansur Gavriel bucket bags. I had been eyeing one for summer but when this one popped up on sale for Black Friday in my preferred color, I had to pull the trigger.

Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Bucket Bag on sale at ShopBop. Shop all the colors here.

The Perfect Cashmere Turtleneck

Sweater season is upon us and bundling up in one is something I look forward to as soon as temps drop below 70. This year I have found myself reaching for what I am now calling the perfect turtleneck sweater. Just the fact I am writing a review about it speaks volumes as I don’t typically review a single clothing item unless it is truly something to write home about.

Last year I picked up my first in ivory and no fail, everyone I wore it I received an unsolicited compliment. It’s such a luxe and chic sweater that immediately makes me feel like I should be a character on Big Little Lies. This year I grabbed a neutral sandy brown version in a size up (Medium) to accommodate my bump and surprisingly it is the perfect sweater to go a little incognito pregnancy wise. I wear it over dresses and leggings and under my favorite outerwear for extra warmth.

I think the cut combined with the ribbing, generous neck, and perfect length lend to this sweater being a timeless investment piece. I particularly love that The cashmere feels substantial and I have not had to depill or wash either yet! All in all a sweater worth of a little extra praise.

Sézane Summer to Fall Transitional Styles

Summer has come to an end, but I wanted to share the Sezane pieces I picked up this summer. The beauty of all these pieces is that they are all perfect for the transition from summer to fall.

From left to right:

  • Gaspard Jumper - I love this classic cardigan tucked in as a top for the very French laid back look. It will be perfect for layering as the temperatures start to drop and top with a contrasting jacket.

  • Marcelo Top in white - this tank is the perfect base layer. I love how thick and structured the rib knit is. The white is classic and will go a long way underneath button-ups and sweaters this fall.

  • Striped Tomboy Shirt - what I love most about this shirt is how well tailored and timeless it is. The fabric is high quality and I can see this wearing in beautifully over the years. I often like to thrift well made mens shirts, but inevitably the fit is a bit too oversized. This shirt is cut and finished like a man’s but with a woman’s body in mind giving the best of both worlds.

  • Marcelo Top in grey - I loved the white tank so much I naturally had to have this tank in another color! The greay is great to wear alone, but I am sure I’ll layer with it until the weather is warm again.

  • Gatsby Marinière - I love a breton stripe, it just screams summer by the sea. But I also love a classic through the fall, winter, and spring as well. The Gatsby is a boxy breton with a perfect placket with tiny buttons down the front so you can switch up the neckline. You can event layer collared shirts underneath which I am planning to try this fall/winter. I think it will hold well with under layers due to the very structured organic cotton knit, anything lighter-weight or stretchier would become crumpled and messy looking with under layers.

  • Dorine Top - Last but not least, the Dorine Top. I think this lovely open crochet crop top will look fantastic layered over body-con dresses and turtlenecks. I feel like that will be the perfect way to add a bit more outfit interest and a tab more warmth as well!