red birkenstocks are my identity now
and other outfits from this spring
Here goes round 2 of sharing my outfits here on Substack so that I can try to cut down my time on Instagram. I’ve worn these outfits since that last post, and they are not planned, posed, or otherwise staged, just what I wore. I’ll include where items are from and will link directly to them for paid subscribers at the end.
***Note: Many of the items here are from Universal Standard. They’re having a huge sale right now, 25% off everything until 7/7. I know sometimes the prices there can feel high, so this is a chance to give it a try. US is a brand I respect for its quality and size inclusivity (although I wish they’d stop adding new styles so often) and is the only brand I’ve worked with consistently in the 11 years I’ve been in business. If you use code INFS-AMBDACY at checkout, you’ll get an extra 10% off on top of the 25% off and I’ll get a commission (between 8-15%). They also have a promo running right now for a free tee shirt (one of their best products) if you sign up for their newsletter - there’s a pop up when you open the site. Beware of any final sale items unless you’re a regular shopper, that’s a marketing tactic that usually ends up with you losing money.
This outfit was an accident - essentially, I was getting dressed and was intending to put a top on over this bra top, but then I looked in the mirror and loved the color combo and the cropped-ness, so I just wore it without the top! It also inspired a post on Instagram that seemed to resonate with many people. The top is from Target
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“I’ll be 47 in a few weeks. My 17-year-old self would be mortified by some of the things I choose to wear on this body that she never could’ve imagined, this belly, these thighs. She would have NEVER despite looking objectively better. She would be appalled at how far I’ve ‘let myself go’. But I’ve never felt better (not saying amazing all the time, but better) or cared less.”
I’m so grateful to be in this place with my body and couldn’t have said that a couple of years ago.
This is the perfect amount of color in an outfit for me. Vintage denim shirt, thrifted men’s jeans, Birks, necklace made by me out of chew beads.
Another good amount of color. This one is almost straight from my spring Pinterest board. Old Gap shirtdress (other options linked below), thrifted jeans, secondhand bag via Poshmark, birks.
how to shop intentionally for a new season
Maybe it’s spring where you are, maybe it’s not, but I wanted to share an example of how I think about my wardrobe for a new season. You certainly don’t always need to buy new things each season, but having a plan ensures that you don’t end up with stuff you don’t actually need. I see many people making one of these three mistakes:
This dress is such a workhorse. It’s from Universal Standard (25% + 10% off right now!) and while I’m not always excited about wearing it, it’s so good to have. I always wear slip shorts under dresses, my favorites linked at the end.
I really love this sleeveless sweater from Eileen Fisher that’s no longer available, but it’s not as easy to throw on as a tee or button down, so I’ve been making an effort. Here with thrifted H&M pants and birks, old Target Sunglasses and Zenni readers.
Even though these Everlane barrel pants had been in my closet for a month or so, I was still undecided about them and had left the tags on in case I changed my mind. This was during my “let me see how many outfits I can make with them” process, during which I committed to them. Thrifted men’s button down and birks.
Another outfit from that styling session. The pants are a bit too long for me, but I tried rolling them like this and liked that, so I’ll either keep doing it or have them hemmed (I had just spent $150 on alterations to other clothes, so wasn’t really ready to do it again so soon). Thrifted red linen top and same chew bead necklace.
That necklace is getting almost as much wear as the birks! These vintage silk pants I found on Poshmark were one of the item’s I’d just had tailored, and I’m not sure I like out they came out, or it’s possible I just don’t like the proportions with the volume of the top. I wore this to my oldest son’s cello recital. Top is old Vince, Everlane flats.
My friend Rachel and I started a tradition last year of planning a summer trip to a town with good food and good thrifting (taking suggestions for 2025!). In June, we went to Portland OR which did not disappoint. Here’s what I wore on the plane: off white tee from Polished Prints, Universal Standard leggings, Birks (I left the red ones at home for this trip), and my Elizabeth Suzann denim Clyde jacket, which sadly was a limited edition piece, although you can find other colors on resale sites.
This is the epitome of my summer uniform: button down+bike shorts+birks. This top is thrifted and I’m wearing a thrifted tank underneath, with Target bike shorts (an option I’m happy with, although the Universal Standard version, which I also have, is much better quality.)
While in Portland, I was able to visit some of my west coast family for dinner. I wore the Elizabeth Suzann jacket, Polished Prints tee, Everlane pants and flats. The bag is Uniqlo and is such a great bag for travel and running around that even though I caution people to think hard before buying multiples of any item, I actually have two, this one and one in red. The necklace is my favorite necklace of all time, and purchased from the now closed store Need Supply 8 or 10 years ago.
Whew! That’s all for this time. Paid subscribers, read on for the direct links. I’m excited for next week’s post,
’s style story 🎉