35 WAYS TO INDULGE IN SPRING RETAIL THERAPY
I've been on a shopping rampage lately, partly retail therapy and partly because a new season is upon us! I've spent countless hours browsing all my favorite sites, so now you get to reap the benefits because I'm sharing everything I'm buying this season. And in the spirit of group retail therapy, I'm also sharing my picks for the office and wedding season because I get so many DMs about it.
My approach to shopping and personal style has evolved a lot over the years. I'm no longer concerned with having A LOT of clothes because I know no matter how much I have, I will keep going back to those select few pieces that just make me feel good. People always ask how to figure out their personal style, and I think we underestimate the importance of curating a wardrobe that just makes us feel GOOD. Not just an…
I guess this will do for today.
I take notice of what I'm wearing when I feel my most confident, comfortable, and stylish and find ways to replicate those outfits or pieces and continue to style them in new ways.
I'm sure it gets boring to hear…
just invest in classic or timeless pieces.
What's classic and timeless to me might not be to someone else. Maybe you don't really want to invest in a black blazer—that's okay! I think investing in pieces that feel right to you is the best approach. It's so common to get caught up in trends only to realize that we don't feel great in them or that we're unsure if we're really pulling it off. Yes, it can be fun to incorporate some hot new designer piece, or maybe put our own spin on it—but I'm not afraid to resist trends that don't speak to me or won't look good on me. Low-rise jeans? No, thank you. Ultra micro mini skirts? Not a chance. But who knows, maybe I'll be thinking differently when the weather hits 75 degrees or above.
Below, shop my picks for the office, wedding season, and what you might see in my closet in the coming months.
Back to the Office
I'm thankful I don't have to go back to a real office (my condolences to those of you that do!), but I dolove a chic office look—and I still try to dress up when I'm at home because that's just who I am. I've always enjoyed dressing up and sometimes I want to wear a suit at home! Even when I was working in an office though, a great blazer or a perfect-fitting trouser were the items I reached for the most no matter the season. My new go-to is the vest + pant combo and I really think everyone should get on board. But even for those on a tighter budget, a sleek new handbag or a cool loafer can make what's old feel new again.
(1) Anine Bing blazer, $499 (2) Frame dress, $498 (3) Aritzia vest, $110 (4) Anine Bing bag, $499 (5) Reformation skirt, $167.28 (6) Neil J Rodgerssandals, $475 (7) JCrew loafers, $178 (8) Acne Studios top, $620 (9) Aritzia pants, $148
Best Dressed Guest
The number one style question I get asked on Instagram is undoubtedly what to wear to a wedding! There's a lot of pressure at weddings whether you've got to nail a specific dress code, there's a chance you're going to run into an ex, or you're just hoping cupid's arrow will also hit you at Table 12. My look for weddings is always gonna be a little sexy, but I want to be comfortable enough to dance my ass off all night. And if these particular styles don't speak to you, I highly suggest looking further into these brands who make great dresses for any occasion.
(1) Shona Joy dress, $295 (2) Santi clutch, $175 (3) Roop bag, $63 (4) Significant Other dress, $305 (5) Mejuri earrings, $90 (6)Self Portrait dress, $440 (7) Andrea Iyamah, $225 (8) Thebe Magugudress, $735 (9) Schutz sandals, $118 (10) Brother Velliessandals, $495
Chrissy's Closet
The biggest perk of working in the fashion industry of course is the free clothing—but I've noticed over the years that I ended up with a closet filled with clothes that I sorta liked, but didn't always feel like me or they weren't things that I would have purchased on my own. But I was on an editor's budget! Now, I try to be intentional about buying a few pieces each season that I really want. I might choose things that are of moment that I know I'll wear the hell out of (yes, the micro minis are on every cover, but I won't succumb to thinking I need a hemline shorter than 10 inches) or something that has timeless appeal like a new LBD. I also love a comeback story—and I've loved the Balenciaga City bag since I was in high school (I bought a fake one on Canal Street back then) so I think I finally have to give in to the IT bag of all IT bags.
(1) Jacquemus dress, $775 (2) Balenciaga bag, $2590 (3) Jonathan Simkhaitop, $395 (4) Mach & Machskirt, $575 (5) The Row sandals, $800 (6) Vehla sunglasses, $160 (7) SLVRlake jeans, $280, (8) Wales Bonner top, $360 (9) Wales Bonner skirt, $505
Spring Beauty
Here's what's on heavy rotation as we move into the warmer months from my favorite new liquid eyeliner, a new mascara that just might take the place of my old reliables, a lipgloss that is flattering on everyone, and a face mask to help with pesky hyperpigmentation.
(1) Hyperskin mask, $48 [use code CHRISSYFORD20] (2) Augustinus Bader cream, $265 (3) Armani lipstick, $38 (4) Westman Atelier blush, $48 (5) Mac mascara, $28 (6) Ami Cole lip oil, $20 (7) R.e.m. Beauty eyeliner, $19