On My Mind: Do-It-All Canvas Totes and Flore Flore Alternatives
I love a “nice” shirt as much as the next person. But after testing out so many to find worthwhile white tees under $100, I’m exhausted with the same batch of premium brands pushing the same kinds of premium tops. Release us from the shackles of Flore Flore, the boatneck, and the crew neck! Since my last dispatch, I’ve been focused on finding both plain basics and elevated staples from labels I’ve never heard of. Here’s what I’ve been loving.
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I totally fell for a targeted ad for this New York–based label, and I’m so glad I did. I have a propensity for a high-neck top, and this henley with a twist scratched my different-type-of-basic itch with its monochrome poplin placket and stand collar. It’s the first time I’ve seen the style with seven buttons, my lucky number. Worn completely buttoned up, it’s more refined than a typical slouchy henley.
[Editor’s note: This top is currently out of stock, but you can sign up for restock notifications on the product page.]
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I couldn’t be happier to have discovered Kye Intimates, a Los Angeles–based brand making tops and bottoms in the same vein of Flore Flore but with an intimatewear approach. This three-quarter-sleeve top’s high V-neck beautifully frames the face and neck without feeling suffocating, and the piping along the neck and chest emphasizes its strong lines. I felt like I had nothing on in the best way when trying this: The jersey is like a second skin with plenty of stretch but complete opacity.
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I recently popped into Mess in the West Village, a boutique stocking familiar favorites like Brooke Callahan alongside several lines I’d never heard of. Among them was By Signe, a Danish line making Flore Flore–like essentials from natural fibers such as organic cotton but a pinch more affordable (and more playfully printed). This tank came home with me; its silk trim is lovely. The striated ribbing adds a delicate texture and sufficient coverage, making it more of a top rather than just a tank.
Loyal as I am to my five-strong Boat and Tote collection, I’ve coveted a brightly colored, contrast-stitched Hèrmes Fourre Tout tote since I first discovered them on one of many aimless nights spent scrolling the RealReal. I have sifted through eBay, Poshmark, and Vestiaire Collective on and off over the past six months but have yet to find the right color, size, condition, and price point. However, I might’ve discovered something even better in these Field bags, which evoke the Fourre Tout in so many ways and can be endlessly stuffed (the snaps on the sides of the bag allow it to expand). I’ve tried both the Classic and Mini sizes, and the latter is perfect as a daily tote: I used it to schlep a laptop, a planner, paperwork, a water bottle, and snacks while reporting uptown last week.
Here’s everything else I’ve seen recently …
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I’m always pondering the going-out-top quandary. And I’m still fixated on this summer’s look, a deep racerback tank. This one from Orseund Iris, a gorgeous “your Hanes tank but better,” has lived in my head for weeks, and I indeed fell hard after trying it on. Think of it as the even fancier counterpart to By Signe’s April. I recently visited friends on the West Coast and packed this top with me; it was the perfect base for evenings out at swankier dinners. The thick silk trim coupled with the shoulder-blade-baring wide-set back is daring and elegant without showing too much.
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I didn’t know about Morjas until I spotted the brand’s sneakers on the feet of a gentleman in Chelsea while reporting on shoes. Browsing the brand’s site later, I found every leather boot, pump, and flat more handsome than the last. These shoes remind me of my Chanel flats — just as elongated and low vamped in shape and form but more sculpted. A stitched border around the opening frames the foot beautifully, and just a pinch of toe cleavage peeks through. I got them in an espresso brown leather, a welcome change from black, and have been doing my best to resist the ivory and ruby.
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Arih Modern Noodles
My love for spicy noodles knows no bounds, and Arih’s recently appeared on my radar. I’m curious to try the wide range of flavors I’ve never seen in instant-noodle form before: spicy seaweed, truffle bulgogi, gochujang butter …
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My OXO bottle stoppers are plenty useful but not cute enough. This one’s a part of Areaware’s latest relaunch, and there’s nothing more me than Yves Klein blue glass. I think it would make for a great under-$25 stocking stuffer.
High up on my holiday wish list is some new gold. I’m pondering a solitaire diamond bezel bracelet (or a few): Lindsey Leigh’s are delightfully delicate, and I was surprised how much I love the look of a singular pinprick stone on the first pick. It catches the light subtly with no shortage of shimmer. From Vrai, I’m enjoying the variety of shapes on offer. I’m very into the idea of building a trio stack in different cuts — round, baguette, and oval.
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The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
