Striped short-sleeve midi … curated on LTK

Have you noticed more tie back dresses this spring? Spring is the season for dresses and also the season for dressmaking shortcuts. The tie back waist cuts back on production costs and makes a dress seem to fit a wider variety of body shapes. But it looks like a shortcut. When compared to the fitted front, it’s sloppy. The fabric underneath it doesn’t distribute evenly. Sometimes you don’t want the formality of precise tailoring, and you do reach for tie waist dresses. They have a specific relaxed vibe. It doesn’t make sense thematically to combine a tailored front with a tie waist back. It just reads like a method for reducing production costs, not a designer’s deliberate choice. LTKstyletip LTKVideo LTKfindsunder50

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Paid links

Striped short-sleeve midi shirtdress | J.Crew Factory

Stretch-Cotton Poplin Maxi Dress | Banana Republic (US)

Silas Relaxed Floral Linen Midi Shirtdress | Neiman Marcus

V-neck pleated dress - Women | Mango USA | MANGO (US)

Printed crepe maxi shirt dress | NET-A-PORTER (US)

Polka-dot pleated dress - Women | Mango USA | MANGO (US)

+ NET SUSTAIN Rae floral-print linen mini shirt dress | NET-A-PORTER (US)

Saint Laurent Polka Dot Mini Flare Dress | Bergdorf Goodman

Johanna Ortiz Full Moon Hues Sequined Jacquard Halter Dress | Bergdorf Goodman

Bettina Satin Halter Maxi Dress | Banana Republic (US)

Silk Halter Maxi Dress | Banana Republic (US)

Roni

J.Crew vs. Alex Mill: which do you prefer?

Both brands have winners in this match up.

If you love that classic, effortless look from J.Crew and want that step up in quality – Alex Mill has some options for you. J.Crew wins some rounds, and coincidentally, J.Crew has a workwear sale now.

1. Lady jackets: Emilie vs. Paris. I prefer Alex Mill

2. Trousers: Portia & the Cuffed wide-leg vs. Soho
J.Crew!

3. Blazers: a selection vs. Soho
Good options in both, things to pass on as well

4. Cashmere: cropped V-neck vs. Rowan
J.Crew is lighter, thinner, more demure, and Alex Mill has really great quality in trendier, more substantial proportions

#LTKWorkwear #LTKVideo #LTKFallSale

Some really exciting pieces are marked down at J.Crew. These are all solid fabrics, and the proportions look great.

Note: the blazer’s collar leaves a gap at the neck in this photo. If you see it on you, I’d fill it in with a more full collar - say with a button down that has a structured collar or a turtleneck. Love these!

#LTKWorkwear #LTKStyleTip #LTKFallSale

Leopard print: skirts, dresses, and pants

What to avoid with leopard print and what to do instead:
1. Obvious repetition
2. Making it work
3. How to detect the tiles
4. Some illusions are good
5. Smart cut

Some people say leopard print is a neutral. I think of it more like a red. Red can look very refined, or it can create a more brash look. It’s not just the physical properties of a color or a print – it’s the social context that gives it meaning.

#LTKStyleTip #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKSeasonal

Leopard print from the waist up: shirts, sweaters, camis, and jackets

What to avoid with leopard print and what to do instead:
1. Obvious repetition
2. Making it work
3. How to detect the tiles
4. Some illusions are good
5. Smart cut

Some people say leopard print is a neutral. I think of it more like a red. Red can look very refined, or it can create a more brash look. It’s not just the physical properties of a color or a print – it’s the social context that gives it meaning.

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKStyleTip #LTKVideo

Can you believe it’s fall? I mean it’s about 100° in LA, so I am counting down until I can wear a bunch of these pieces.

I’m 5’7” and usually go for a 2-4 in tops, size 26 jeans. I ended up sizing down to XS with the striped J.Crew roll neck sweater, which I love. I also sized down for the jeans – they’re size 25, and the wash is called Dani Beca. So cute.

I am very happy to say you loved Uniqlo this month, and some of the styles are on sale until 9/12

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKWorkwear #LTKFallSale

I love how trench coats are polished and easygoing at the same time, so they do work for a lot of occasions.

They reflect history, so each feature does have a specific purpose. Thus, it’s more than possible to get the feature wrong, set the example, and see the mistake duplicated over and over.

Top issues with trench coats
1. Gun flap
2. Collar
3. Faking it
4. Cringe

I continue to be impressed by the Clare Waight Keller trench at Uniqlo. I was worried it would sell out and not brought back, but it’s back.

I’d rather have a coat with no gun flap than the wrong one, so I love the one from Sézane.

#LTKWorkwear #LTKVideo #LTKSeasonal

I love luxury, but sometimes integrity comes well ahead of luxury. A moto jacket could have the softest suede and a beautifully rendered collar, yes. It’s great.

But a biker jacket could also make the most out of a more rugged suede with a slender cut and simple lines. I prioritize integrity and how I plan to wear the piece.

What I evaluate:
* drape
* collar construction
* does the cut make sense for the material
* topstitching & structure

Note the more rugged suede that Sézane uses works well for the tighter silhouette and boho look. In that way, it’s similar to Quince making the most of its suede by cutting the jacket closer to the body, setting you NOT to expect that rich drape we see at Brunello and Banana.

That’s integrity.

No, I wouldn’t turn down the Brunello jacket, but I would be very nervous to wear it. Gelato is my favorite food.

#LTKVideo #LTKSeasonal #LTKFindsUnder100

(My favorite Uniqlo trench is back in stock, so I’m including it even though it isn’t cropped.)

How much should a cropped trench coat cost?

Factors that should keep the cost lower than other coats:
* It is made of cotton, not cashmere and not a silk blend
* It doesn’t have overtly ambitious sculpting or embellishment
* It doesn’t require high performance insulation

Nonetheless, some labels focus on too many bells and whistles instead of getting the key features right. Due to the trench coat’s military history, its details have purpose beyond aesthetic signaling.

A gun flap on the wrong side may not affect you if you’re not wearing your coat in the stormiest of storms, but it looks really off to me.

#LTKStyleTip #LTKVideo #LTKFindsUnder100

Going out jeans on sale!

I prefer coated denim over faux leather. It has more of that organic drape we love in leather. Faux leather drapes like plastic usually.

Please note that you might not see the discount here - to see the sale price, tap on the product

#LTKSeasonal #LTKSaleAlert #LTKFallSale

My favorite Labor Day sale jeans in neutrals, mostly light shades. Some of the prices will be lower when you tap on the product

#LTKSeasonal #LTKFallSale #LTKFindsUnder100

I love sailor jeans - the bit of fit at the waist adds just enough polish. Mine are from Frame, and the style is Le Slim with Bardot pockets.

They have a really similar one on sale with a button fly. I wish they offered it in a second wash so I could get it. It’s now an extra 30% off.

I’m 5’7” and wear a size 26

#LTKFallSale #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKSaleAlert

How great are the Riley from Agolde! I love the darker wash that’s on sale. Straight jeans are wider now than they were a year ago, so you’ll find narrower ones like mine and ones that are a bit fuller, too.

I love the long line they create from the waist down to the hem.

I’m 5’7” and wear a size 26

#LTKFallSale #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKSaleAlert

Scarves are so often misinterpreted on social media.

Scarf styling content is a hazard because it’s often too precious, too perfected, too staid.

There’s so much joy in scarves, and they’re such a great way to bring in a luxe fabric no matter what you wear. Here are the mistakes I most often see and how I would avoid them:

1. Tying
2. Smaller scarves
3. Matching to outfit
4. Fabric body
5. Print
6. Corners

Shop my picks through my link in bio @fond.losangeles, and find me on LTK as Roni. Thanks for your support! 🙌

I can’t link to the scarf I’m wearing here, but it’s from the store of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and it’s called the Met Cloisters Garden scarf.

I was gifted the Met scarf that I wear in this video, but this video is not sponsored. I don’t make commissions or payments from any purchases at The Met Store. Please support The Met as one of our premier cultural institutions.

#LTKStyleTip #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKVideo

How can you tell luxury without looking at the price?

These are important aspects to examine. Here are some tricks to spot quality issues.

1. Stitches
2. Reinforcement
3. Leather quality
4. Hardware
5. Sole
6. Shape

#LTKShoeCrush #LTKVideo #LTKSeasonal

These are all capturing my eye for fall. I need to make a visit to try them on. I know the wool knits are exceptional. They’re excellent for travel because they don’t really wrinkle, and they fold flat.

So much to love!

#LTKSeasonal #LTKWorkwear #LTKTravel

I was figuring out which color to get in the sweater, and today I woke up to seeing it on sale! Okay, J.Crew. Let’s go!

I tried on the striped T-shirt with buttons, and the extra small was perfect

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKVideo #LTKWorkwear

I am so excited for fall! It is not simple to find truly polished bags at more approachable prices, and I’ve been very impressed by the leather at Cos. They know how to design bags to maximize the leather’s personality: no fussy details, no tricky construction no distracting hardware, and the design is itself compelling when it’s done with this integrity.

In this video, I’m showing the black leather version. This color way comes in and out of stock. The suede one has been available more consistently.

Items covered:
1. Studio Bowling Bag
2. Cavatelli Clutch
3. Sculpted Cuff
4. Mismatched Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings

#LTKVideo #LTKItBag #LTKFindsUnder50

What do people get wrong about dress shirts aka button ups or button downs? Let’s get into the different fabrics and how their names get lost in the shuffle:

1. Oxford
2. Poplin
3. Broadcloth
4. Chambray
5. Denim

I am wearing a Polo Ralph Lauren shirt in broadcloth. I love the structured collar, the smooth fabric, and the armholes that are high considering this fit is relaxed

I’m 5’7”, wear jeans size 26, and clothing size small, usually, or 2 – 4 US or 38 Italian.

Pieces reviewed:
1. The Cashmere Classic Crew Sweater, $158: S / Navy. Shoulder too low, but sleeves are a good length.
2. The Utility Barrel Pant, $118: 26 Regular / New Blue. Perfect fit, perfect length (hits at middle of ankle bone)
3. The Way-High® Sailor Jean, $128: 26 29.5" Inseam / Tint Blue. Yes, they’re supposed to be cropped, but I thought they’d be a full length on my frame. They’re too long to wear as cropped jeans on me.
4. The Cardigan in Ultrasoft Merino: S / Navy. Fits me well. Navy is not as deep or saturated as the navy in cashmere.

Not in the video:
The Draper Pleated Pant in Buttersmooth
$128
Size 2
30” inseam
Fit me well, perfect length for kitten heels

I love how this fabric drapes: clean line from the waist down. The waistband is firm, much more structured than the pants, so it holds you in and looks polished. Stitching was clean, except the loose thread in the inner buttonhole. i steamed and ironed them, but I couldn’t get the front to look like their photo, so overall, it’s a languid take on khakis, rather than dress pants.

The Washable Clean Silk Two-Pocket Relaxed Shirt
Size 4
Fits me well, perfect shoulder, good length for the sleeve.
The fabric is heavy enough so that you don’t see the outline of the bra, but it’s still medium weight. The collar is too small for my liking, and the top button’s stitching was loose.

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKWorkwear #LTKVideo

My SPF essentials on the road, chosen for functionality – and at least deliberate awkwardness when cute isn’t achievable.

I can’t link to Trader Joe’s, so the matte sunscreen is called Trader Joe’s daily facial sunscreen SPF 40.

I wear two sunscreens daily: the DRMTLGY and La Roche Posay. If I’m out for more than a couple of hours, I apply the Trader Joe’s or Cotz on top; both are matte

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKVideo #LTKBeauty

I’ll admit it: sometimes the quest for high quality can leave me with options that are well made, sure, but staid, frumpy, and just not aspirational.

Banana Republic has been really great at delivering quality AND a vibe. Their proportions are current. The colors are relevant. Some pieces that really stand out:

1. The Icon Classic Wide-Leg Jean
2. Luna Cashmere Sweater Top
3. Caro Cropped Lightweight Cashmere Sweater
4. The Perfect Silk Shirt
5. The Boxy Crop Shirt

The Luna cashmere sweaters are more dense and thicker than Caro, which are the lightweight sweaters. Within each of these collections, they have different styles, all with the same knit. So if you like one, you’ll probably like the others

#LTKVideo #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKWorkwear

What are your favorite ballet flats?

Are we heading for a demure fall? Or am I being fed too many memes? Both can be true.

Styles mentioned and fabrication:
1. Chanel – Ballet flats: lambskin & patent calfskin, leather sole

2. Stuart Weitzman – Sleek Bow Flat: Nappa leather & patent leather upper, leather insole, rubber outsole

3. Quince – Italian Leather Bow Ballet Flat: Italian nappa sheep leather upper with 100% cotton lining, leather outsole with a TPU insert

4. Margaux – the Demi: Italian nappa upper, leather insole, leather outsole

5. Maeve – Metal Bow Ballet Flats: Leather upper, insole, sole

6. Mansur Gavriel – Dream Ballerina: Italian Lambskin outer, leather insole and outsole

7. J.Crew – Zoe ballet flats: leather upper, cotton twill lining, man-made sole

#LTKShoeCrush #LTKVideo #LTKFindsUnder100

Items reviewed:
1. Cotton Shirt, $40
2. Merino Ribbed Polo Cardigan, $50
3. Merino Ribbed Crew Neck Half Sleeve Sweater | Striped, $30
4. Wide straight jeans, $50
5. Sweatshirt, $40 (French terry)
6. Sweatpants, $40 (French terry)
7. Sweatpants, $15 (fleece)
8. Crew Neck T-Shirt, $15
9. Smooth Cotton Oversized T-Shirt | Striped, $20

They say the merino wool is machine washable, but I don’t risk it. I wash by hand. I posted my sweater washing technique- lmk if you want the link

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKWorkwear #LTKVideo

J. Crew added another Emilie lady jacket: a relaxed version. If you’ve been intrigued by the Totême silhouette and also love lady jackets, your perfect Emilie is now on sale for $90. (Worth it at full price imo, the cotton is really nice).

And, of course, the Sézane Betty is a beautiful option in wool. I hope they bring out new iterations this fall.

#LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKWorkwear #LTKStyleTip

J.Crew is welcoming fall by giving us a lot of going out options. How smart – they’re so easily layered, so they’re transitional by default.

Items covered
1. Sequin-embellished T-shirt in stripe
2. Collection sheer sequin tank top
3. Bungalow popover top
4. Camisole top in refined rib
5. Pointelle sweater-tank
6. Fine rib lace-trim tank

I have been looking for a pointelle tank since the one I have is very old and showing it (it’s from Club Monaco, and I’m wearing it in the video). I prefer it instead of a plain tank with a causal bottom like denim – it’s an easy way to add some dressiness while wearing something that requires no ironing.

I also like to wear it in place of a nude slip with a low cut sweater or a sheer linen. Yes, it shows through, but it looks intentional because it’s more substantial.

#LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKParties #LTKVideo

There used to be a big debate about which designer is actually a designer, and which is a “styliste” in French, meaning someone who tweaks the proportions and details of existing clothes.

Real designers are fluent in tailoring and couture. “Stylistes” give you dresses.

If dresses are less technically rigorous than suits, then we can generalize that tops are even simpler than dresses.

Nonetheless, tops suffer a lot of quality shortcuts in the favor of trends and size flexibility. Here are the top issues I’ve observed:

1. Smocking
2. Strap attachment
3. Messy binding
4. Satin
5. Sequins
6. Front ties

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKVideo #LTKStyleTip

I’m excited to bring you pre-fall at J. Crew! There’s so much to cover, so I’ll do it in parts.

Polyester has a springy body, so it tends to form bulbous shapes – hence the bulky appearance at the waistband. Polyester can be made into a thinner or thicker fabric, but it will form a “puff” beyond what you’d see with natural yarns like wool or linen.

1. High-rise slim wide jean in 1996 semi-stretch
2. High-rise straight jean in 1996 semi-stretch
3. Mid-rise crop kick-out jean in 2003 super-stretch
4. Cropped Natalia pant in four-season stretch
5. Wide-leg trouser in four-season stretch
6. Madelyn blazer in four-season stretch
7. New going-out blazer in stretch twill
8. Collage: delicate tops

So nice to meet you at the Century City store, Monica!

#LTKSeasonal #LTKStyleTip #LTKVideo

Banana Republic’s summer sale is winding down with an extra 30% off. I’ve bought a bunch of their pieces at full price, so a discount is really welcome.

Their silk scarves are glossy and very fluid; they’re a lot like the ones from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Hermès silk twill scarves are thicker and less shiny.

Here are excellent summer pieces that transition into fall.

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKWorkwear

Is Reiss just overpriced fast fashion polyester or is it actually worth it? What’s your experience?

In the past, I’ve primarily come across pieces from Reiss that look great but have a high percentage of polyester. In store, I saw many different fabrics, and it was a really great experience.

Styles covered
1. Gabi blazer and pants
2. Lori Double Breasted Blazer
3. Belle Linen Shirt
4. Micah Midi Dress
5. Holly Stripe Maxi Dress
6. Annie Wool Blend Jumper With Cashmere

#LTKStyleTip #LTKWorkwear #LTKVideo

Refinement isn’t always more expensive. Sometimes it’s a matter of design and quality control, not complexity of construction and not entirely the quality of materials – although lower quality leather is also more difficult to craft into graceful shapes.

I’ll discuss this feature in the following situations:
1. Top handle totes
2. Shoulder carry totes
3. Rounded (rope) handles
4. The whole bag’s composition

While many of us love Phoebe Philo’s Celine bags, there’s really no upside to bags inspired by her work while blatantly missing its grace. I’d much rather carry a $20 nylon bag from Uniqlo than a $670 bag that falls short.

#LTKStyleTip #LTKVideo #LTKItBag

Note: if you get the JCrew Capitaine dress, you may need to stitch the sleeve cuffs up. I’d just add a few tack stitches hidden inside the cuff; no need to go all the way around.

JOHNNY COLLAR
* Think polo shirt but on a V-neck
* Usually knit
* Casual to smart-casual with a sporty vibe
* Evolved from golf clothes

DRESS SHIRT COLLAR
* Button down shirts
* Usually woven in cotton, linen, and silk
* Casual (denim) but usually more business-y or even formal in menswear
* Evolved from the detachable collars of the 19th century

It doesn’t have to cost more to look better. Dresses that have this issue aren’t more or less expensive to produce than dresses that have better designs.

For me, a better design is one that incorporates function, occasion, and history. It reflects social context. It has layers of cultural meaning.

Trend opportunism is the opposite of what I value in fashion.

I don’t begrudge trends. They reflect the time, and they usher in progress. They’re a way for us to communicate what we believe about the current moment. In that, they’re very valuable social shorthand.

They also re-jigger status with each cycle, and it’s heathy, I believe, to have status mobility.

These dresses only reflect the most desperate aspect of the trend cycle. They’re not introducing a new way to wear a shirt dress, either with its functionality or context. You’d wear these dresses to the same occasions you’d wear “correct” dresses.

Really the only reason for this design element is the trend cycle. How depressing.

#LTKStyleTip #LTKVideo #LTKFindsUnder100

I always love looking back at your favorites for the month. It’s striking when they create a capsule wardrobe that you just want to mix in different ways!

#LTKxNSale #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKShoeCrush