workplace & what-to-wear woes #4
raffia accessories and how to position yourself if you've been fired
Happy Saturday! Who else is still fuming over Harrison Butker’s commencement speech?! I couldn’t help myself and posted a response video on Instagram earlier today. Let me know what you think!
If you didn’t already know…Butker’s mother is a lauded medical physicist at Emory University. I’m sure the networks are already abuzz and thinking about how to snag a sit-down interview. I would 1000% watch.
It’s a gloomy weekend here in NY, but this weekend, I’m ushering in summer by tasting the best ice cream sandwich out there. It makes the OG Chipwich taste like dust. We all love the thin & crispy Tate Bake Shop chocolate chip cookies—but their ice cream sandwich is transcendent. You can snag it at their flagship Southampton, NY location or at various farms across Long Island.
Let’s dive in!
A workplace woe
Q: I’m a meditation teacher and want to get more clients. How? Need your help!
Three actionable ways to increase your reach and engage future clients:
1) Study the methodologies of a few practitioners you admire. Do they have relationships with doctors / other referral sources? How are they showing up on social media? How are they communicating their value add to potential clients? Take the learnings that feel most authentic to you and go from there.
2) Go through your personal email and make a list of all of your contacts. Then, send out a nicely worded email to everyone in your contact list introducing you and your services. You never know where your next client could come from!
3) Reach out to practitioners in your space to seek advice.
A what-to-wear woe
Q: Do you have recommendations for summer clothes / accessories that feel seasonal, but aren’t too trendy? Bonus points if they’re also work-appropriate!
Yes! I love a good summer trend (personally don’t understand the boat shoe obsession, though—do you?!) But there’s a way to lean into the fun of the season…while selecting pieces that will carry you through summers to come.
Raffia comes to mind as a timeless summer essential.
published an excellent deep dive on raffia earlier this week—its history and raffia picks from top designers. Highly recommend reading!
These raffia slides are adorable (and will look cute today and next season). I have a similar pair and love them. $185, and you can easily pair with sundresses, jeans, and matching cotton sets.
If you’re looking for a non-flat option, these low raffia heels are a great pick. Well-priced at $99. Perfect for nights out and summer weddings!
For a play on the traditional tan raffia, these low black heels fit the bill. I love the leather & raffia juxtaposition—and are a great shoe for work or play.
On the bag front, this raffia clutch is *perfect.* $22…but doesn’t look like it! I bought this a few weeks ago and have been wearing non-stop.
There’s also so many incredible, well-priced raffia bags on eBay. This one is $110…
…and this navy clutch is $60. I feel like this is the bag version of THE blue / yellow dress a few years ago—could be navy, purple, or black depending on how you see it.
My full roundup of tan raffia bags can be found here, while my roundup of black raffia / wicker bags is here.
Also, if you’re not someone who typically delves into texture, don’t be afraid! Yes, you can pair a raffia shoe and a raffia bag—but I like to mix it up.
I have a wicker clutch I love pairing with raffia heels.
If I’m wearing a tan raffia shoe, I have also paired with a bold clutch that picks up the colors of my dress.
An ode to independent designers
As an aside, I wanted to share three independent designers I love. I buy often from mass-market retailers (why spend $$$ on a white T-shirt when the $10 version is that good)? So the pieces I *do* invest in are well-crafted, unique, and things I’ll have in my closet for years.
Ranna Gill is an Indian designer whose first US outpost is in Southampton, NY. She is known for bold prints and beadwork. I stopped by last summer, and walked away with a gorgeous white lace blouse. Prices are reasonable for the level of craftsmanship ($252 for these pants).
I also recently discovered A.W.A.K.E. MODE, a London-based womenswear brand. I fell in love with their denim blazer (it was my spring splurge). My fiancé and brother hate it and think I look like a superhero…but if I piss someone off with the way I dress, I I’m doing something right.
Finally, Coco Shop. It’s an Antiguan brand introduced to me by
and . Their specialty is structured dresses in fun prints. How fun is this fish-printed dress?! (Even if the model does look like she’s allergic to fish).Liked what you read?
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***The fine print: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products that I use, love, and can’t live without.
Omg that commencement speech was horrendous. But on the bright side, YES to independent designers and highlighting/supporting them whenever possible. There's so much talent in the fashion world beyond just the big brands. And ♥️ Tate's cc cookies!! Thanks for reminding me to make room for a lot of dessert this long weekend 😄
I love your round up of independent designers! I have been trying to buy more and more pieces from ID’s and love being introduced to new favorites.