Going Out Tops for Grown Ups + Some Thoughts on Jewelry
I don't know about you but there's not a lot of play in my closet between tees that I work out in and button downs that I take meetings in. I'd like to have more fun. Also jewelry is hard, can I help?
I’m feeling nostalgic this week — maybe it’s the holiday season. It’s hard to explain but I’m feeling grateful for coming of age in a time before the internet ruined (most) things. I’m also very relieved that my university bar looks were not documented as thoroughly as they would be now because, oof, not great. I met my husband in a bar at Dalhousie wearing a kangol hat and a shirt that had a picture of the state of Idaho (to which I have no personal connection) and read “Idaho? No, You da hoe!”. There’s a lot to unpack there. Let’s toe the line between yesteryear and present day together.
Did you also come of age in the 90’s? Here are some adult jellies for your nostalgic pleasure -
A lot of people have been asking about Jewelry. High, low, everyday, special…you are all over the map. I’m not going to tell you what to buy but I will round up my favourite designers/brands and let you make some of your own decisions for once.
We’ll start at the top —
Sophie Bille Brahe for all things pearl. I especially love the Venus Diamante Earrings - timeless and elegant, not your grandmother’s pearls. Unfortunately.
Mateo New York, undisputed pearl king of NY. My favourite is this simple, painfully chic pearl choker.
Foundrea is a great places to invest in modern heirlooms. They are best known for their extension chains with charms or tokens added to them. I love the more modern direction as of late with chunkier, shorter gold links.
Clockwise from Top left - Sophie Bille Brahe, Mateo New York, Foundrae, Adina Reyter, Wendy Nichol, Tiffany, Lauren Rubinksi, Eva Fehren
I’m also including the Tiffany’s and Cartier’s here too — The classics are smart if you’re investing in a piece. The Tiffany hardware collection is good — this is the necklace you see everywhere — if that’s your vibe, look at Lauren Rubinsky as well. You probably already know how I feel about Eva Fehren. The iconic EF piece is the X Ring - instantly recognizable and often copied, this is the original. Wendy Nichol is an outlier for me - I love her pieces a lot but the price points seem to start at $200 and go north of $50k so it’s hard to know what you’ll get. I love the gemstone pendants. Adina Reyter sits in a bit of a middle ground as well. There are lower priced options but the fine stuff gets up around the $10k mark. The Bead Party necklaces are great for layering.
In the mid range —
(These are. still pearl heavy, fair warning) Completedworks, Muddpearl, and Timeless Pearly are all excellent, but I’m most excited about Muddpearl. It just feels cooler than everything else. I desperately want the Diana Necklace and the Muddpearl stud earring -
Ottolinger’s jewelry is more directional but still very feminine. They also have some clip-on options which is fun and unexpected. Agmes is top notch for architectural, sculptural, minimal. Sophie Buhai fits that bill as well but for me Agmes wins. Oremme makes beautiful hoops, rings and chains but the signature rune is my favourite — makes a great gift.
Going Out Tops, The Grown Up Edit —
Every time I went out from the age of 18 until, oh — 28 maybe? I was in jeans and a Going Out Top. We all were, don’t judge me. Anyway I went through my closet last night trying to get ready for a dinner with friends and I ended wearing the same top I have worn 9 out of 10 nights. I realized I have t-shirts, some very bizarre and fancy blouses, and button down shirts. I have precious few tops that serve a purpose at my big age. I’m having zero fun, shirtwise. See below for some options worth exploring.
Orseund Iris White Tank - There is nothing sexier than a white tank. I like this best with a low, loose jean (not baggy. Just a straight, full leg. I don’t know why I’m dancing around this I’ll just find them for you - here, these). and a crisp white button down open over the top. A sharp heel would be good, it doesn’t have to be high just sharp. And lots of jewelry. Pearls would be fun and a little ironic.
Alix NYC Bodysuit - Bodysuits are your best friend. Good for layering, sexier than the average tee and exciting enough to stand alone.
Goldsign Bodysuit - This one is actually not good for layering. Sorry. It’s bunchy at the neck. The good news is it doesn’t need anything else. It’s thick but still has a slinky, slippery feel to it and the rib adds a bit of interest.
ALC Draped Satin Top - I’ve always been a bit confused by ALC. I remember seeing racks and racks of it on the contemporary floor at Barneys but it seemed to fade away in recent years. Still, there are some nice, surprisingly sophisticated pieces like this one. The navy is chic.
Miss Sohee Cropped Lamé Top - If you can, please do! This is tough for so many reasons but if you were to get it right it would stop time. For me at least. I think it’s the gloves.
Bernadette Off The Shoulder Blouse - Voluminous and short, Net a Porter says to style it with slim pants to balance the proportions but I say lean in and go full Dick Tracy. Massive, billowy Drapey man-pants that hang really low on the hips with a pleat. And flat shoes, no heels, thanks.
Batsheva Faux Pearl Faille Blouse - Fuck me up Batsheva! I love everything. This top is so cute and I would do a drop crotch baggy silk pant here but that’s me! I also like it with a baggy trouser, I guess jeans if you have to but no rips. Ooh would you do a short straight mini with sheer tights and a pointy kitten heel? I would love that.
Coperni Cutout Bodysuit - I think the cutout placement is complete chaos (that part of my body where my armpit meets my chest? Yes I would love to show that off to the world, thank you!) but it’s possible that you are very into that specific part of your body and in that case I love this for you.
I would like to wear this today //
Dream With Me! //
Danielle McKinney - Prophetic, 2022
1994 Balmain by Oscar De La Renta Haute Couture Baby Blue Corset Dress -
Yesssss this is why we get each other!
The t-shirt was from urban outfitters right?! I had it too. And I still can't help but say you-da-hoe when someone says Idaho.