One of those 'never better' moments in my favorite trench and sneakers with an iced coffee sitting outside

and what to wear to weddings, miscellaneous style tips, shopping links, and screenshots

I had a baby a few weeks ago which is why it’s been a while since my last substack…thank you to everyone for your patience and continued support, it means the world to me.

I did school drop off for my two boys last week (my first time doing it since the baby) and it felt great to leave the house in the morning. I threw on my favorite trench and a newish pair of sneakers I haven’t had many chances to wear yet.

I felt so great in this outfit. Just sooooooo….myself.

I felt closer to the version of myself that’s been getting lost in the newborn life. After drop off, I wanted to hold on to that feeling a little longer. (*I am incredibly lucky to have a wonderful nanny that allows me to be out of the house and not attached to the baby).

It’s pretty crazy how wearing an outfit you feel proud of can completely change your day and energy. I talk about it all the time. But still, when it happens to me, I am in awe of just how powerful the clothes we are wearing can be for our mental health and sense of self.

Instead of drowning in wake and feed window calculations and giving in to sleep deprivation, I wanted to continue this high of feeling like myself….of enjoying moments instead of trying to make it through the moments.

With some extra pep in my step, I drove to my favorite coffee shop, ordered an iced coffee with whole milk (cc

Jess Graves

) and sat outside at a bistro table, people watching, enjoying the beautiful greenery and flowers, wearing my favorite trench, and sneakers.

A week after my daughter was born marked 13 years after my dad passed away. His name was Markus, and we named her Marlowe after him. Whenever people would ask my dad how he’s doing, how’s work, how’s his family…he would always say ‘never better’. It became almost like his trademark motto. So inherent to who he was that we put it on his tombstone. I have ‘nb’ (for never better) tattooed on my ankle in honour of him and to serve as reminder to be grateful for everything I have and enjoy my life. This was one of those ‘never better’ moments. A good outfit, a chic locale, some me time, a boost of confidence…extra pep in my step.

Coffee outfit.

linked these polo sneakers in the fall when I bought them and kind of forgot about them…here is your reminder to try a sneaker that you haven’t worn in a while. Giving some love to a pair that have been sitting in your closet is even more satisfying than going out and buying a new pair in my opinion. Wearing black lounge pants and a black crewneck sweatshirt.

Coffee staycation aside, this is my usual situation. Desk, baby-wearing and donni long sleeve wearing.

god bless this donni jersey long sleeve…it is the only top I feel comfortable in postpartum that doesn’t require me hiding (and sweating) under an oversized jacket of some sort. I have worn it almost every day since I got it (minus one day when I had to wash it). It’s sold out but if anyone finds a good similar one…let the troupe know!

ANYWAYS

moving along

I really want these carven mules

Here is how I would wear them out for dinner.

tove collarless blazer (a forever chic piece for all seasons. I have one from the row secondhand and don’t know where I would be without it), frame jeans (i have them in white, they are so comfortable, I love them), cesta navy basket bag (gifted from an incredible brand. each one is hand-crafted of locally sourced, renewable resources, by talented female artisans in rwanda, africa)

Reformation has a pretty identical pair of these mules in white. I also loveeee a snake embossed heel for summer (similar to my maryam nassir zadeh pair that I have had for a few years and match with everything…this is them in an outfit I posted almost 2 years ago. I still wear every single piece in this photo).

I have a wedding in a few weeks and wanted something fresh to wear…I never buy something just for an event or to wear once. Instead, I use the event as an excuse to add something to my closet that I can restyle in other ways aside from the event or fill a wardrobe gap. I got this skirt and it arrived last week and I love it!

Wedding guest outfit.

enzo black tank (they have great elevated basics…great for office, to dinner, to weekends etc) porto white pouch, soeur skirt (there was no duties upon arrival to canada, but you have to pay for returns…but this sportmax skirt is similar and on sale and return-friendly), doen gold sandals, red necklace from moda under $100

Every day casual outfit.

If you don’t follow me on instagram…I got these jeans for $100 on poshmark when I was at the hospital in labour. Retail therapy at it’s finest. They look exactly like the row ones…but besides that, they are extremely comfortable. I am actually wearing them right now at home even though I have no plans on leaving the house. That’s how comfortable jeans should be. Here’s the link. Slippers are charvet, bag is the row…both of which i got a few years ago and continue to wear.

A good shorts outfit for walking around the streets of new york on your next trip.

reformation linen bermuda shorts, tkee slides, the row bag (love the idea of a chocolate brown bag like this, and pairing it with black accessories like a black shoe), aureum belt

A good shorts outfit for sipping an aperol spritz in capri.

saw these silk bermuda shorts at a store last week, massimo sandals and bag, leset light weight boxy ish white tee, black donut ring and it’s on sale I might need to get it! (to me, a ring like this is such an outfit maker. makes an outfit feel more unique and interesting. similar function to what I always say my earring cuff does for my outfits)

I love the idea of a donut ring or quirky accessory to chill out a fancy outfit like this.

toteme black dress (one you’ll have forever and restyle with different shoes, accessories, oversized blazers etc), reformation heels (also great with a bermuda silky short or trouser short out for dinner)

Make a new outfit with old clothes by layering necklaces.

dorsey gold collar necklace, vintage jade necklace, black donni pant, white le monde beryl flats (mine are sold out but my other pair of favorite flats come in white)

The two necklaces was inspired by this outfit I screenshotted:

It might even be one necklace that looks like two…but either way, it inspired me to wear two.

Don’t underestimate the power of a white shoe…the pop can really make an outfit.

I also love a white or ivory bag in the summer with an all black outfit. Especially this bag.

manu atelier…looks great

Conversely, wear all lights and add a pop of dark! A good outfit has so much to do with the colour pairings.

Another great pair of white flats if you need (STYLE20 for 20% off), super cool sportmax ivory jeans, studio nicholson $100 navy canvas tote, the line by k grey twisted tee (it’s ribbed, I own it and will wear it alot this season…sometimes I get bored of a white tee/tank and going with grey makes the outfit a bit more interesting, unexpected, and chill)

I posted this in the substack chat…but if you have any weddings to attend this summer and are struggling to figure out what to wear. Keep this in mind:

Some other screenshots I took recently that I will use to inspire myself to come up with some new outfits from my closet

Things I have linked on instagram recently in case you missed it:

tibi backless nylon dress (and also this shirred cami looks like the perfect top for any shaped pant or short)

suede keds (use miu miu suede shoes as outfit inspo)

stirrup leggings I haven’t taken off…they make every outfit. Even just with a grey tee, flats, and a trench. The outfit wouldn’t be as good with regular leggings. And you have to feel them in real life, trust me.

trench is zara from last year…I get so many dms about it, I linked it when I got it. I love having a lightweight one that I don’t have to be precious with….easy to wear around the kids. I usually wear a tee or tank under it and wear it on walks so I don’t have to carry a purse or bag while I’m walking. Very functional to have a lightweight one for this purpose. This zara one looks like it could serve the same function!

Trouping substack is officially back in session - thanks again to every one of you for staying here!

xx

Reva