Easy No Think Clothes

Sale PSA: Cropped denim from Madewell, now 40% off, A long sleeved midi dress from The Great, now 60% off, a really chic blazer from Ann Demeulemeester, now 60% off, and a pretty floral dress from Ulla Johnson, now 40% off.

Hi there. Yes, the world is both incredible and infuriating right now. I’m cognizant that a) we need lasting and actionable change, less posturing and coddling of the comfortable “majority” and that b) many of the people who visit this site do so as a small escape from the rest of their very serious lives. To that end, I’m starting off this Monday talking about clothes but before that, want to share two quick bits:

The first is this op-ed, by Chad Sanders, I Don’t Need Love Texts From My White Friends. When I read this I thought that the sample text given was….stunningly accurate. And that I can probably list twenty people in under a minute I know in real life that would send a text like this. That being said…if that’s you, if you’ve sent a text like this, don’t be embarrassed or afraid to change. Everyone has a starting point. Everyone is learning. We need you to make this country (and world) better.

The second is that I’m going to be doing a post (possibly an interview) to answer any questions you have about writing, getting published, the acquisitions process, etc. This is open to everyone but especially to black writers who are interested in writing, and have questions about this notoriously opaque industry. I’ve already been in private correspondence with some of you – if you are a black writer with questions, feel free to email me at featherfactor<at>gmail.com and I’ll try to get them answered, either privately or in my post. And if you are not a black writer but have questions and can afford it, I ask that you either make a donation to an organization supporting black causes (happy to suggest some of my personal choices) OR buy a book or two or three from a black author (I’ll have a list of recommendations, mainly fiction, that I’ll be putting together to help with suggestions).

Okay! Now moving on to my recurring topic as of the last few months…lazy, stay at home fashion. I’ve been feeling the itch lately just to feel a little better about myself – to be a little more stylish, while still being comfortable, cool in the hot weather, in natural fabrics that let me feel free. Here are some items I’m looking at:

This long loose cotton dress, from Mango. Made from 100% cotton and their sustainable fabric initiative. Love that there is no waistband – ultimate freedom, baby!! It is interesting that this dress, which is so simple, costs more on a relative scale than their other items – how inexpensive is the other fabric they use?

Mango has been going on sale for 30% off its whole site so if you want to wait, it’ll likely go down further.

Everlane crossover sandals. Yes, I am getting a little tired of my Birkenstocks. To be honest, my default shoe of choice stuff but sometimes you need a little variety, you know? And my feet are getting those tan lines in the shape of the Gizeh again. I love the color of these and the simple leather and rubber sole make it an easy choice. I don’t want to be dealing with buckles.

A simple Topshop dress. Great price, almost all cotton. A little slit for some movement. Flattering and sexy. My only worry is that it might be too tight? I want my clothes to be flattering and yet also wish to wear only large sack dresses right now. The ever present struggle.

My favorite Cole Haan sandals. I got these three years ago and still wear them. Also, the price is awesome – $65. I’m a little worried about Cole Haan. I feel the prices are so low and are they going to survive this?

Tory Burch Striped Caftan. I love this design, the fabric, everything about this. My size is out of stock but in stock at Net-A-Porter, which still refuses to start its sale (any intel on this? WHY? Someone else from a competing site suggested to me it has to do with synchronizing with European sale dates, which have been pushed? I love the readers/commenters here!!). My dream is always to live the caftan life but I feel that I am stymied due to my height. Anyway.

Wishing you all a beautiful week.