Review: MM. LaFleur

I’d been dyingggg to order from MM.LaFleur so I bit the bullet and DID IT! Especially since starting House of Cards (I know, took me forever to get on that wagon), I’ve been reassessing my wardrobe choices. When I see Claire Underwood, I see someone whose wardrobe is just as calculated and no-nonsense as her modus operandi.

While my wardrobe is devoid of frills and bright colors, it errs on the side of Japanese minimalism á la Muji. Loose boxy tees, simple sweaters, and cropped straight-leg pants; all in hues of black, grey, olive, and oatmeal. On any given day, you can find me in either oxfords or loafers. Unless I’m hiking – then I’m in Chacos.

On my MM wishlist for the longest time were two tops: the Deneuve and the Franklin. Unfortunately I waited too long and the Franklin was discontinued (a few pieces left on last call). But it looks like the Deneuve will be an MM staple for years to come.

Conflicted between black and blackberry Deneuve, I asked Reddit’s r/femalefashionadvice for just that – fashion advice. 100% of responders told me to go with blackberry. Turned out to be a solid choice for my predominantly dark wardrobe. The material has some weight to it, accentuating the built-in drape. The color helps show it off more. It’s sophisticated and makes me feel like a boss.

Deneuve 3.0 Top at my desk

Bathroom selfie

I also ordered the Fey in black. This is a super soft top that is very curve-hugging. I suspect a lanky, lithe figure would pull this off perfectly but with my smaller bust and short torso, I was conflicted about keeping this top. Spoiler: I ended up keeping it. The potential work outfit combos far outweighed the slightly, only-visible-to-my-discerning-eyes awkward fold in the bust area. Ndb. Turns out, no one but me noticed. So I’m glad I cut off the tag before I could have umpteenth thoughts about sending it back.

Fey Top at home

Sitting on my morning train to work

I am completely sold on MM.LaFleur’s aesthetic! It fits into mine perfectly, elevating my wabi-sabi style to a more corporate level. I think I’ve found my “thing” for formal wear. Draping and wraps. Simple, fuss-free draping and wraps. Next on my list is the Peyton top (whenever my size is back in stock).

 

The Past 6 Months in Outfits

Jamie and the Jones

It’s here! Nothing like a good mail day.

On my mission for a more conscious closet, my purchase from Jamie and the Jones arrived this afternoon! They are a small design house in Nashville with a set, sophisticated collection of raw silk tops in a palette of neutrals.

I’m so excited to begin adding these two tops in my regular rotation. Clean, ethical (as far as silk can go… I know, a debatable topic for the silk worms. But the fiber is eco friendly), and hardy.

Next purchase from J&J will be a piece in black once I’ve saved up enough (including some extra for Elizabeth Suzanne’s Clyde Work Pants in cotton twill).

Staying the Path… Is Tough

Transitioning into clean green beauty took about 3 years of trial and error. Testing products was a big part of it. But I adhered to one rule – one in, one out. For every time I finished a “toxic” shampoo or face moisturizer, I replaced it with its green equivalent (or better). Sometimes, I’d splurge and get another clean green face moisturizer just to test out. At least I never looked back to my toxic old beauty/grooming routine.

2017 has inspired a new transition to tackle – that of slow fashion. I’m pretty frugal so saving up and budgeting isn’t too much of a problem. The main problem is my guilt about spending over a certain amount for a pair of pants or shirt. I’m so used to fast fashion’s insanely low costs that I forget to look at the real cost. The human lives living below wage and in danger to sew up trendy looks that will fall apart in a year. I’m proud to say my first few purchases of 2017 were clean and ethical! Slowly transitioning my wardrobe. I need to stick to the “one in, one out” rule. I bought two tops from Jamie and the Jones, a pair of pants from 1.61, and two sweaters from Everlane. I’ve already almost ruined one of the sweaters by snipping a snagged yarn. Lesson learned.

Speaking of bad moves, I bought a new leather bag. I am racked with guilt. As a pescatarian (a pseudo vegetarian who eats fish) slowly weening herself of seafood and vowing never to hurt an animal again, I fell hard for a beautiful bag by 324 New York. When offered a discount, I pounced. Without a second thought I bought the bag. The realization of what I’d done only hit me when I was holding the bag in my hands. Sculptural, sleek, impractical, and made of leather.

What animal had to suffer for this? I feel so terrible. I was going strong! I usually buy my purses from vegan brand, Matt & Nat. But this one bag with a very chic Instagram account made me abandon all of my ethics. I’m ashamed. I’ve considered selling it on Ebay or giving it away as a gift. But I’ve decided to keep it. It will serve as a daily reminder of why I aim for a cruelty-free lifestyle. There’s a sense of guilt every time I look at it. I promise never again.

This will be the beginning of thoughtful living and mindfulness. Ethical, cruelty-free, and clean.