l.a. isn't so bad after you brave the traffic

Anine Bing's album release at Chateau Marmont and a Tibi styling session in Beverly Hills

Regarding my previous post, I am so amazed by the comments and feedback. It is so validating to know that I am not the only one who felt the disconnect (and sometimes imposter syndrome) between loving fashion and wanting to be part of that space while working on a very data-driven, clinical and (dare I say?) unsexy profession. I am so grateful for this community where I can voice my thoughts honestly, without feeling insecure or afraid of judgment. Thank you for being here.

Back in April, I was invited to a Los Angeles event from one of my favorite brands that would take place at the Chateau Marmont in early May. Around the same time in April, I signed up for a styling session at the Tibi L.A. Stylist House in Beverly Hills. As someone who was new the Tibi brand and its Creative Pragmatic philosophy (which I have now embraced wholeheartedly), I was looking forward to my May appointment and the opportunity to try on Tibi ready-to-wear pieces. And though I enjoy online shopping, it is a preferable experience to shop in person, try on clothes and connect with the brand’s styling team.

ANINE BING Sounds the Spirit of L.A. took place at the iconic Chateau Marmont, a venue I’ve always longed to visit. Designer Anine Bing officially launched her album THERAPY, and the namesake label gave guests a sneak peek inside the latest Spring/Summer 2024 collection, which included a gorgeous army green jacket, summery tees and an essential white tank, timeless denim pieces, as well as a beautiful pair of leather shorts that I am now coveting.

Guests were given a black tote designed with the exclusive ANINE BING Sounds: The Spirit of Los Angeles Summer 2024 graphic. Inside was a THERAPY vinyl album, lighter (so handy for candle lovers like me), and a choice of either a sweatshirt or vintage style tee.

Chateau Marmont at night

Clockwise from L: The Rose Wood candle smelled so elegant and familiar (I have the perfume); the iconic Chateau Marmont sign at night; the spot where Anine Bing and her amazing all-female band performed; some of the pieces shown included accessories from the designer's collab with Kate Moss

Poolside performances by Anine (she sang two of my favorite songs on her album, “Beautiful Girl” and “Addicted”) with her all-female band, as well as Lisa Ekdahl Winona Oak were soulful, harmonious, and personal (Lisa Ekdahl and Winona Oak are renowned Swedish pop music artists).

Tibi comes to L.A.

Last autumn when I went down the Tibi rabbit hole and found Amy Smilovic’s IG, her Creative Pragmatism philosophy intrigued me. I was unable to visit the SoHo store (will definitely prioritize the next time I am in NYC) and when Tibi arrived in Beverly Hills, I had already bought the red Borg sock shoes and silver Mikhail flats. I had gotten lucky with these two online purchases (I still hesitate at times when I blind buy without trying things on first) and wasn’t sure if any of their ready to wear pieces would fit my frame.

So of course last April, I quickly signed up for a styling appointment through IG as soon as I saw that they were coming to L.A.

The stylists are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the brand (Darianne works from the St. Simons Island location and she is now my go-to stylist for clothes and accessories).

It was a little overcast when I left that morning. Sweatshirt is Polo Ralph Lauren in size S, and the canvas pant is the Garra by Rachel Comey.

Tibi try-ons

The Tibi color wheel

The Tibi color wheel is so hand when it comes to learning the language of color, mixing different hues that work with your style and tone. I have a sticker of it on the back of my phone now. It is a great reference tool in case I hit a styling wall.

I love an earthy palette, and though the trouseres did not work out, the cocoon tunic in Ivory was my favorite from this rack.

I was pleasantly thrilled to see this lineup of denim mixed in with blazers and button downs. I guess I had Tibi style sort of invented in my head after going through their IG, but I realized that they are an incredibly versatile brand that carries EVERYTHING. I was happy to try on the Oversized Washable Cashmere T-shirt in Navy because if there is one thing I NEED to have in my suitcase, it’s a navy top.

Look One: When You Need Someting to Wear Throughout the Year

My bright blue wide legged pant contrasted so vibrantly well with this Tibi Liam vest in Dark Hazel. Even with the basic white tee underneath, it gives my outfit depth without trying too hard.

As someone who sees patients and manages a private practice, there are times when I just don’t have time to play dress up and analyze when I need to wear for work. But as an outfit repeater, I have no problems wearing the same pair of jeans or cashmere knit multiple days out of the week. When I want something different but still exude the same undone, effortless look, I would reach for this Liam vest to go over my tee or tank.

Look Two: Something for a Bit of Room and Warmth

Car coats are IN and I am so excited for it. This Cassiterite Suede Carcoat was one of the more expensive pieces I tried on, but it is both practical and stylish. Amy Smilovic is all about being practical yet creative, and this hits all the points. I am obsessed with an oversized silhouette. There is something about suede that makes me feel so put together. Although I didn’t buy this one (yet), I could easily think of at least five different ways I can style this coat.

For reference, I am 4’11 and under 100 lbs, so as much as I would LOVE to wear oversized coats and jackets, I always felt insecure that the clothes were wearing me. Now, I just make it work with what I love; roll up the sleeves, tuck in the front, button halfway or all the way up, whatever works. I also learned in the past decade that the way you carry yourself can really make a difference in how you wear the clothes. Also this Substack post on car coats is a great read; what I love about fashion is how it is influenced by culture and history.

Look Three: A Versatile Nylon-Silk Blazer for Elegant Evenings and Casual Office Days

So light and packable, what I love about this Silk Nylon Liam Blazer (I bought mine in a size S) is how it won’t take up much room in your travel bag you can get so much wear out of it. So easy to tie around the waist when it gets too warm, and because it is nylon, I won’t have to worry about it getting a little wrinkled. This is low maintenance with a high amount of chic.

I have had blazers, but none made of nylon and silk. I don’t treat my coats like fragile pieces so they get wrinkled and crinkled all the time. I am always in need of something functional but easy to take care of without feeling stressed or pressured.

Look Four: Separates that are Without Fails (WOFs)

My favorite color from the brand is this cinnamon (the ribbed tank in size M is very fitted) and definitely belongs in Ring 3 of the color wheel. It looked so balanced and soothing when styled with the acid wash Winslow sweatpant . What makes this sweatpant so comfortable is the elastic waistband that sits mid-rise (below the waist and above the high hip).

Amy talks and writes about the “no color” colors in ring 3 of the color wheel, and I know this ribbed tank is one of them. I had to rack my brain on what color this specifically was, but I don’t think it really matters. It’s not fun for me to put a color in a box, as much as I don’t want to be placed in a box either. Another pleasant surprise (I had a great many surprises this day) was this acid wash sweatpant, because I never wore acid wash anything, and this one was a definitely hit.