A simpler wardrobe: Spring outfits + starting one year of nothing new (this is a long post)

“Comfort, simplicity, practicality – these are all American words. It is simplicity in fabric and way of cut. You cannot produce complicated clothes or spend ten days making a dress. Mine is all done by scaling measurements. I use the body as the land, as when building a house.” -Zoran Ladicorbic

While reading Teri Agins’ The End of Fashion I developed a mild obsession for Zoran Ladicorbic, a minimalist fashion designer of the nineties who has seemed to evaporate entirely in the time since. Zoran draped neutral tones of silk, cashmere, wool and linen into perfectly proportioned and cleanly cut pieces. Garments came in just one to three sizes, fitted with elastic waistbands and free of closures and ornamentation. He once showed an entire collection out of a briefcase, as each of his pieces folded neatly into the notion of jetpack fashion.
He was evidently eccentric and outspoken. In a bar one night he gave a garbage man a hundred-dollar bill so his friend Kathy could “ride dump-truck for birthday”, and on another he grabbed a pair of shears and tablecloth during dinner and began chopping away at his client Suanne’s long hair. He prescribed his loyal Zoranians dress exclusively in his label, from the silk blouses and linen sweaters down to the peg pants and suede loafers.
Perhaps subconsciously I am slowly joining the Zoranian tribe. This weekend I finally articulated the formula to a hair style I’ve been eyeing: long and angled, tousled into waves, with a touch of ombré (and after watching this how-to video and asking Chad “does it look even now?” seventeen times, successfully DIY’ed it!).
Exfoliating my closet (again) last week, I narrowed my wardrobe palette to an even smaller range of neutrals and colors that play well with one another. I even broke down for a vintage pair of velvety suede, noir smoking slippers last month – itsy Miami Vice gold chains and all. Part of me wants to jump for one of the rare Zoran pieces that occasionally show up on a frequented eBay search, but another thinks that I already have the right ingredients to attain Zoranian enlightenment.
Harold’s linen sweater (thrifted, similar by Everlane), basic peg pants (old T.J.Maxx find, similar by Everlane), Michael Kors Runway watch. Vintage slippers by Selby, similar velvet and suede smoking slippers and loafers by Everlane, Charlotte Olympia, Stubbs & Wooten, Munro.

IN REVIEW: BARBOUR BEADNELL JACKET

I appreciate a good pair of aviators. Even though they constantly slid down my nose, I indefinitely borrowed, then lost, my dad’s 62mm Ray-Ban Classics in high school. I parted with many a pair of gas station look-alikes on spring breaks throughout college. And since the summer we first met, I’ve commandeered the Serengetis of my affianced Chad. Last week I set my sights on these Ray-Ban Classics. The 58mm size, polarized Arista green lens, and gold frames fit are just my cup of tea.

Also, I found this gold pyramid necklace at Assistance League Atlanta. It came with a tiny compass and book of magic powers and healing spells. It also has a secret compartment, to, I don’t know, perhaps hide all of one’s dreams and secrets?

BLACK LEATHER & VEGAN LEATHER SHORTS. RAY-BAN ORIGINAL AVIATOR CLASSICS. Vintage Lord & Taylor cable grey wool sweater (similar options). Vintage gold pyramid necklace (similar on Etsy). Michael Kors “Runway” watch.

I hope your corner of the world is sunnier than dreary, rainy Atlanta this week. I’m relying on a trusty trench and ankle-skimming cigarette pants (and a zillion TedTalks) to shake off stubborn winter blues.

Khaki trench coat: Thrifted, Zara (similar Cuyana, Everlane, Zady). Top: Old, Lela Rose Neiman Marcus for Target “Guipure.” Cigarette pants: Thrifted, Club Monaco (similar Everlane). Flats: Vintage, Ferragamo “Vara” (Nordstrom, The Real Real). Bag: Phillip Lim Pashli Medium Black: The Real Real / Shopbop / Nordstrom. Jewelry: Necklace by Petitor. Vintage gold bamboo and tortoise shell cuffs.