I started writing my first ever substack post around this time last year, over a long sojourn in Palm Beach. The post never saw the light of day but the reason that I started writing it, is the reason I started this substack; because of how going to different places inspires how I dress. This newsletter will and has already evolved beyond that, but, how personal style and travel merge and the resulting effect is how it was originally ignited.
Last year’s Palm Beach moodboard (a lot from the 1998 rendition of Great Expectations. Alfonso Cuarón’s use of the color green created such a vivid mood, it’s completely transporting—it’s the Florida of my fantasy) Left to right: Tennis in the Bahamas - Slim Aarons 1957, The Brazilian Court, Gwyneth Paltrow in Great Expectations (this particular shade of pale sherbert green has always stuck with me, here is a caftan in it. She also has pearls up both wrists, I bought multiple sets of these on sale at J.Crew!) Anne Bancroft in Great Expectations (decadent green caftan in a similar vibe here), Grace Kelly in Pucci, a home in Palm Beach, Kaia Gerber in Palm Royale, C.Z. Guest, Anne Bancroft in Great Expectations (caftan with similar feeling here on the realreal).
This year’s moodboard: Couple walking to the beach (note how she ties her espadrilles*), Kate Moss, Everglades Tennis Club, my mom in Palmer Magazine, photograph by Slim Aarons inside Laddie Sanford’s Palm Beach Estate, Alice Wesselhoeft 1958, still from Great Expectations, Babe Paley & Francois Catroux 1975.
I’m always searching for an “authentic” experience— whatever that means. In a world where the individual cultures of places are disappearing, i’m always looking for what’s still left. As I’ve mentioned before, I think I also like to chase the idea I have in my head of what I imagine a place to be like, whether that’s rooted in reality or not. Hence, I really appreciate places with strong identities, and Palm Beach is one of them. While it may not be what it once was in, say, the 1960s, one can still be thoroughly inspired by it’s past and fascinated by it’s present.
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There have been moments in Palm Beach, where I’ve found myself mesmerized by the women— because 1) there’s a distinct uniformity to their look, and 2) they are all dressed to certain standard. I remember leaving the Kips Bay design show (a must if you’re ever in town) and just being transfixed as I watched the women file out at the end.
I think that these days, when getting dressed rarely comes with expectations or rules, I really appreciate places or events that still have those things in place, unspoken or explicitly. And beyond that, places with a strong and specific aesthetic make getting dressed even more fun. It goes without saying that this has nothing to do with quieting personal style, on the contrary, I believe these boundaries actually enhance it. By having to squeeze your personal style through narrower channels, you’re given a reason to stretch into a version of yourself you hadn’t previously considered. You might think, how do I bring my personal style to an aesthetic that I don’t consider my own? How do I walk into this place and embrace where I am while still honoring my individuality? Which brings me back to what this newsletter is all about: how a place can shape your personal style. What does your personal style look like when it’s in Palm Beach? Here’s what happened to mine.
(photos from The Four Seasons) There’s something really magical about beginning your day in New York City’s frigid cold and a mere three hours later stepping out of the PBI airport into pure balmy bliss, the sun hitting your eyes as if it hasn’t seen it in years. And 15 minutes later you’re sitting at Seaway have fish tacos and a piña colada, looking at the ocean. I love a good shock to the system and New York to Palm Beach in the dead of winter (or in Spring that still feels like winter ) is a great one.
If you haven’t gotten your vintage animal print scarf yet here a few new finds on etsy, all under $100: here, here & here. If you haven’t splurged on your JuJu Vera collar, here’s another chance - I wear mine all the time. She just released a new version as well - here. I got this cashmere jacket in Marrakech but you can find very similar ones here, the website says they are sourced locally from Morocco. Dress is old Rachel Comey, this jersey one could achieve a similar look. I think a simple nude dress is a great base for accessoires, scarves etc. Florie's, at The Four Seasons, a favorite place of ours for a classic daiquiri.
Vintage animal print scarf as belt. Classic chanel flats (I’ve had these since high school and keep getting them fixed up every few years, second hand pairs here, here & here) Favorite travel hat. Vintage cotton nightdress, I have a few and I wear them all the time. Some similar finds here, here, here, here & here. You might need to hem or take in.
This St. John cardigan & short set is an original design from the 60’s they brought back and it’s SO useful, seen here styled three ways. Vintage animal print scarf as belt and as tube top. Pants are highsport. Vintage velvet Pucci slippers, similar here & here. Khaite white bodysuit, a more pared down & affordable version here.
Same jacket as above. Cashmere t-shirt, I love this one but it’s almost sold out, a very classic version here. St. John shorts. My go-to old Rouje basket bag, here is a new cute version. I’m loving a pop of pink for spring, especially paired with darker and more grounding colors. I got these shoes in Marrakech but here are some others that I love: I have these in another color and wear them alot, so comfortable and easy. Also love these classic ballerinas and this loafer in this perfect guava shade of pink. Second hand options here, here & splurge here.
Bathing suit is Juan de Dios but mostly sold out, but a really pretty pleated version of the same suit here. Piña Coladas to go at Seaway and same hat. Kanga sarong found in Lamu a few years ago.
Vintage animal decoupage handbag found at The Church Mouse. Similar bag here. Sold out Rosie Assoulin top, same with the pants but found a version of them here. This belt is old Etro but it’s a very similar vibe to Sonia Petroff cord belts such as this or this. Palm Beach town at sunset.
My mom got this Alaia cardigan for me on the RealReal and I’ve been wearing it nonstop. A fitted, super classic, thin, ivory cardigan is so useful. This one would do the same job. These Rosie Assoulin pants are sold out but I highly recommend a pair of pink jacquard pants for Spring. These highsport ones are a dream & splurge. Ditto for these Dries and these La Double J. Some more affordable Real Real finds: here & here.
Kassatly's , an old school linen & nightgown shop on Worth Avenue. (Embroidered unicorn bathrobe on my daughter 💕)
Headband & shirt are amazon basics! Shirt is men’s and I have a few colors, I get a size small (this was a Caitlin Burke recommendation).
A walk through the residential area of Palm Beach. Wearing all the same accessories: hat, vintage scarf & shoes with a basic t-shirt & classic jean shorts. Artwork from The Bunker museum in West Palm.
It once took me 12 hours to get to Palm Beach because of one million flight delays and issues, alone with a 4 month old, when I finally arrived my mom & I had a midnight feast of stone crabs and cold buttery chardonnay - it was perfection. Palm Royale. Vintage silk jacket over another one of my vintage cotton nightdresses.
Vintage Pucci pants, top & skirt here in the same print.
My mom’s Pucci top from the 80s with highsport pants again. Some similar vintage Pucci tops here, here & here. My mom in head -to-toe Libertine at the beautiful church Bethesda-By-The-Sea, same pants & matching top here. My daughter in a little Gucci dress I found on the RealReal (it was categorized as a boy’s shirt), it’s a treasure trove for children’s clothes for those willing to look.
I think of Palm Beach as a warm, magical, little bubble that you can transport to for the weekend and get some much needed vitamin D and some sensory regulation. Wander through the residential areas off the ocean and marvel at the mizner-inspired pastel villas. Go to the Brazilian court for a cocktail before having dinner (Bricktops is quintessential PB, Oceano in West Palm for really good food, or Blue Door for a bit of a vibe) The next morning take a tennis lesson at the Four Seasons. Go to Aioli for a crack coffee and a homemade pastry. Hit antique row. Get the carpaccio sandwich at Buccan sandwich shop. Nap by the pool. Splurge on some stone crabs and your favorite white wine.
xx,
Jamie
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The Great Expectations references 🙌🏻
Wonderful and inspiring photos!!