Inspired by Basics
and also, wondering whether there is something special in the water in Spain?
I am freshly back from a quick work trip to Spain where I had a whirlwind 4 days of meetings, workshops, late dinners and as much walking around the city of Madrid as I could squeeze in.
Getting ready for the trip, I spent a lot of time thinking about and planning for what I would wear. I knew I would be doing a lot of different types of things — days spent in meetings and workshops, but also multiple dinners, and even a team outing on Segway scooters. Plus, I had one day and night to myself when I first arrived to adjust to the timezone and see as much of the city as possible. I planned all my outfits, tried everything on, created a packing list, even made some collages of inspirational outfits, and I ended up picking up a few new things — mostly because this was the first time I was getting dressed for work in an office setting three days in a row in over 2 years.
I also spent a lot of time thinking about (and some worrying!) both about what it would feel like to be on my own for basically 4 full days (pretty much the first time that has happened since I’ve had kids), and about how my kids would do without me. On the kiddo front, I knew they would be totally fine — in the very capable hands of my husband plus our nanny and other family and friends on call if we need anything, and especially in circumstances where our normal routine is interrupted. But, the thinking about them, the wondering what they are doing right in that moment, the simmering worry that they are okay, the sneaking a peak to see them sleeping soundly on the monitor - it is uncontrollable. Basically second nature at this point. I knew they were totally fine. In fact, I was assured of the fact that they weren’t just fine, they were having a great week, by my husband on pretty much an hourly basis. But yet, my mind was constantly occupied by thinking about them.
On the clothes front, I was very pleased with my outfits. I had exactly what I needed - I brought one dress I never ended up wearing, and was a little overly ambitious on the idea that I might workout while away, so my workout clothes and sneakers went unused. My only regret is that I didn’t preserve very much space in my suitcase. So, when I went to Mango and Zara and tried on a million things, I had to settle on just one new thing to squeeze into my bag.
I spent a full day wandering around the center of Madrid. I saw Plaza Real, Jardines de Sabatini, Cathedral of the Almudena, Plaza Mayor, Palacio de Cibiles, the Opera House, and walked many of the main streets in the city center. It’s a beautiful city and I could have spent days walking around, popping into stores, trying food, sitting in cafes. I ended up downloading a google map of a walking tour of the city from a travel blog that I found via a quick search and this turned out to be the perfect guide for my day. A pro tip for future brief moments in new places - I had a plan for the day and I didn’t have to think much about it!
It was surreal to be traveling by myself - something I haven’t done very much of in my life, but certainly NONE of since having kids. It felt bizarre to only be responsible for me, to have nothing to carry, to not need to plan around anything other than my own hunger and needs. It felt good - it was fun! Despite the jet-lag and general fatigue that came from a very busy few days in a totally different time zone, I was grateful that on top of it all I didn’t have to worry about how my schedule was impacting the rest of my family.
I think other parents usually understand when I describe that being away from your kids is simultaneously the amazing break you need and also painful. I’m sure many people can understand the idea of feeling two, fairly opposing emotions, at once. I’ve written before about the many, many paradoxes of parenting, and I was struck by them over and over again during my trip. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over how regularly it is that I can feel two completely opposing emotions, simultaneously. Or how quickly I can oscillate between feeling absolute freedom and independence and then shift to a wild aching for my family.
What I was surprised the most by while in Spain, was how much simple, basic things solved everything. With my kids it was taking videos and sending pictures to my husband, with instructions on stories to share with them and what to tell them about what they were looking at — we never even FaceTimed (honestly, mostly out of the scheduling complication because of the time difference and the fact that my days were so full). I got them little toys from a cool Scandinavian all-purpose store that I randomly walked into in the center of the city. They are obsessed with their castanets and wooden trucks.
With the clothes…THE CLOTHES!!!! My goodness, there is something about Spanish women and their style that is just… a source of envy for me. Maybe there is something special, some air or essence in the city that changes things, or maybe its just the simple fact of being in a city (where, these days, I rarely am) that changes the way I perceive fashion and automatically elevates everything that I see. I was overwhelmed, in a good way, by the inspiration I found.
In all honesty, most of the fashion that I saw and loved was basic (and I use the word in a positive way), yet elevated. Women were wearing simple pieces that fit, had the right amount of contrast and the way they dressed looked like an extension of their personality. It made them look comfortable — both physically comfortable and comfortable in their selves. That’s what I’m always hoping for when I think about my personal style and how I want to be and present myself in the world!
There were a lot of neutral colors, but not necessarily in a “capsule” or minimalist way - more in a - the seasons are shifting and in fall and winter people tend to reach more towards darker, muted, moody colors. I know this is true for me — while in more recent years I have embraced a more colorful wardrobe in the summer months, in the cooler months I start to gravitate away from the bright color and patterns. That’s not to say it seemed “anti-color” or like there wasn’t room for color, just lots of neutral colors, simpler and smaller patterns (like darker florals and lots of stripes), layering pieces and occasional color through accessories or single pieces.
Some other takeaways from my Spanish fashion stalking:
Blazers make everything look good. Note to self: I need an oversized navy blazer.
Trousers and more work-wear inspired pants are in, and not just in black. I saw them in blues, grey, ivory and off-white, and of course, lots of shades of brown.
Belts are a great accessory - especially with the resurgence of pants, and trousers especially, belts are everywhere — they help to balance out the masculinity of the trouser pants, accentuate your waist and tie a full outfit together.
Structured and fitted menswear is big - not just the trousers, but also button-down shirts, vests, and loafers — all with feminine tailoring and a good fit, and carefully balanced with the right contrast! Meaning - a vest with a slightly plunging neckline, or wide-leg trousers with a bodysuit, an oversized blazer and suit pants with a big belt to accentuate your waist, or a billowy button-down with a fitted slip skirt.
A tonal or monochrome looks is very chic. Even in a “loud” color — its one of those cases where if you’re going to wear bright pink - wearing bright pink pants and bright pink shirt just…works. Same goes for matching sets — a great way to embrace color or pattern that you might otherwise not be leaning towards in this season!
Everyone was carrying a cool bag - I felt out-of-it with my belt bag (obviously super practical, but in general the “look” was more sophisticated and formal than that) and definitely am feeling like I want a more modern, interesting purse for fall.
It was in the 80s all week, so not many people were wearing coats but they were EVERYWHERE in the stores I went into - I think we will all want more than just a gigantic down jacket this winter!
I came home and I am feeling more inspired by what I have in my closet than by what I don’t. I refined my fall/winter wishlist a little bit and feel re-focused about the pieces that I want to add to my closet and confidence about a few pieces I need to replace (5-year-old white t-shirts that are extremely grubby, I’m coming for you).
So, I bring you some of the best (basic, mostly!) pieces that are inspiring me after my trip. You can shop all items here.
1: And Other Stories Heeled Leather Chelsea Boots - These boots are to-die-for. They will work with every pair of pants you wear all season, with dresses and with skirts. The texture and color make them just a little different and special.
2: Sold Out NYC Black Not So Basic Dress - This dress is great. As I discovered when planning for my trip, I don’t own a good tank dress, and they are surprisingly tricky to find because you are looking for a thick enough fabric that doesn’t cling too much (especially if you want to wear it in an office or corporate setting), but has the right amount of stretch. I love that this dress could clearly work in so many scenarios — go more casual with a jean shirt or flannel over it, a little edgy with a leather or suede coat, stay warm with a cardigan or crew-neck sweater, or wear it to a meeting with a great blazer. Equally obsessed with the belt.
3: And Other Stories Braided Leather Bucket Bag - A conversation starter that is also practical and at a very accessible price point.
4: Sam Edelman Buckle Flats - You’ll never regret a black ballet flat - will get you very far, and this one feels a little special. If your budget is a little higher, I love these too.
5: Rebecca Taylor Long Sleeve Floral Belted Mini Dress - A simple silhouette with a beautiful pattern that you can wear so many different ways.
6: And Other Stories Jacquard Knit Cardigan - Create an instant-outfit with this sweater!
7: Mango Pinstripe Blazer - A contender for my desired oversized navy blazer.
8: ASTR The Label Athena Dress - Gorgeous color and patter. I could see this with a great blazer and boots.
9: Avec Les Filles Houndstooth Coat - Also available here.
10: And Other Stories Boucle Mini Skirt - Minis are clearly back this fall, and this one feels special! Love this in a tonal look with a cream-colored sweater.
11: And Other Stories Merino Cable-Knit Sweater - To go with that mini.
12: And Other Stories Band Collar Blouse - Simple, but interesting with the beautiful embroidering.
13: Ulla Johnson Eve Shirt - The most perfect floral pattern to wear with skirts, pants and jeans all fall. Would look so good under a blazer!
14: Mango Shirt with Slit Sleeves - Collared shirts are in. I like the jersey, stretchy fabric of this shirt that gives a way to wear the collar with automatically choosing an oxford button-up. Also, this will give you the perfect contrasting look when paired with high-waisted, wide-leg jeans. Buttoned all the way up for daytime, and unbutton a couple buttons for night.
15: And Other Stories Tailored Corduroy Trousers - Another non-black trouser option that looks awesome. A great way to bring in color to a darker season. The model is wearing them with a tonal sweater — I’m not making this stuff up!
16: Sold Out NYC - The Culotte Sweatpant - One thing I saw a lot of in Spain was interesting pants — not just jeans, not just trousers. I’m probably not ready to go too crazy, but I think this pair is really fun. The kick flare is extremely flattering, the fabric and cut looks extremely comfortable and the length is great to wear casual or (like in the picture) with a fun heel.
17: Mango Croc-Effect Bag - This bag looks way more expensive than it is in person.
18: And Other Stories Collared Boxy Knit Sweater - This is just a great, simple piece, with interesting tailoring (in the cropped length). This pairs very well with skirts or dresses.
19: Nation LTD Elizabeth Top - An ultimate in elevated basic - I love the slightly puffed sleeve and the neckline that makes it feel just a little fancy.
20: Mango Fringe Sweater - This sweater is just so cool. I could see it worn so many ways and I love that it takes a classic piece and makes it a conversation point. Obsessed with the idea of wearing it with the matching skirt.
21: Mango High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans - I actually bought these jeans in Spain. They are great. Comfortable, flattering, a little trendy. I saw a lot of the wide-leg style in Spain, but not much off a very slouchy/too oversized fit which I was happy about — even your wide-leg, more relaxed denim should still fit.
Thanks for reading,
Christina
No one asked, but