There's Something About Tory

**In a pinch myself moment, big thank you Tory Burch who is sponsoring today’s newsletter! Can you believe!? As you know, I would only partner with brands I already hold in high regard, so happy to bring this edition to you today.**

Everyone has been talking about it. The New York Times. Substackers. My general group texts. Tory Burch is a DESTINATION these days, showering us with original, clever designs that feel on point, easy to mix and match and have that je ne sais quoi I love so much in a wardrobe-building item of clothing. They’re clearly doing something right, to make so many of us feel like we are in on a secret. I’ve been trying to pinpoint it, beyond the whole “brand updates image from classy classics to the must see show of New York Fashion Week.”

Lots of brands go through changes in aesthetic, new creative direction, etc. etc. But the thing that feels so distinct at Tory right now (in a sea of crop tops and puff sleeves) is that the brand doesn’t seem like they are chasing trends but coming up with ORIGINAL IDEAS, in a price point that (somewhat) doesn’t make us want to gouge our eyes out. That is extremely rare these days. And on top of it, they have figured out how to produce functional pieces that still have an air of excitement. They are not a “disruptor” workwear company looking to fill some banal gap in your closet (no offense DTC-ers, great black pants are a necessary evil) but trying to generate joy while ultimately getting you dressed for real life. Is this all making sense? I could really go on and on about this. Instead, let’s get to the juice.

If you’ve been following five things for more than five seconds, you'll know that we’ve found many hero pieces at Tory Burch in the past year. I check their new arrivals (and sale tab!) regularly and am excited to dissect their new high-summer collection with you today.

So, without further ado, five pieces to take us into the season.

THE SHORT

When I saw this short, I knew this had to be the first piece on our list. It is like the summer version of the pant of 2022, if you remember. It sort of reads as a skirt. But it’s comfy like shorts. And it can be dressed up and down and all around. The knit is not as stretchy as you might think, which is actually a good thing. It means the waistband holds you in ever so slightly. I mention this because you do not want to size down. You might even want to size up!

The shorts. Paired back to a Brunello Cucinelli blazer (sample sale! but lots of great alts on The Outnet), Another Tomorrow t-shirt and Gucci loafers. Is it giving you the last scene in Pretty Woman? I hope so! I even hair flipped for you.

They’re beachy. The shorts paired back to a Tory Burch one piece (with cute little bejeweled ties) and flip flops - more on those below. A Gap linen shirt and fancy wayfarers.

Left: Camp Mom! With a knock-around T-shirt, CDG x Salomon Mary Janes and old Oliver Peoples aviators. Right: With a jean shirt (short or long sleeve would work) and jellies. These are Chanel from literally like 15 years ago? But honestly any old jellies are great for summer. Could even throw your Fishermans into the mix.

For evening! This might be my favorite way to wear these. With a Rohe Frames blouse, Dorsey earrings, Nili Lotan clutch, Valentino Mules. A similar (on sale) pair here.

THE FLORAL WEDGE

This shoe!! It makes me feel alive! She’s sweet and chic and what is it about wedges these days!? This is my second pair this year. I’m confused, but leaning in. This one feels a little retro, a little humorous, a little glamorous.

The wedge with an Alex Mill dress that’s giving me Rachel Green. The Row bag.

Left: with a CDG cardigan, the Tory Burch skirt from this newsletter and the same Row pouch. Right: With a Tory Burch cardigan and Hanro tank top.

With a Miu Miu dress that is my most recent TRR conquest! This makes me feel like I’m going to a supper club in Honolulu to hear an up and coming group called The Beach Boys in 1963. How could I not have fun in this? This blue Reformation dress and this black Tory Burch dress do the same thing for me.

THE GOLF POLO

I was initially drawn to this top because it looks like something my Grandpa Sonny would have worn. I also love a polo, as you all know by now, and this one disguises its functionality SO well. It’s actually a golf polo, designed for technical wear so the fabric is paper thin and breathable. But really just looks like a great top. No hint of fuchsia stitching or logos or curved side seams that ruin technical pieces for everyday wear. Beyond the weight of the material, I also love the pale blue/brown combo and the contrast stitching. It pairs back well to patterns and fun accessories because it stands on its own - a cardinal rule of mine: no singular statements. Looks great with jeans. And falls perfectly into our mom-iform that we we discussed last week.

The Golf Polo. Left: with a pair of Prada knit pants reeking of the 70s. Insert your fun pant here! Right: With black jeans and silver Mary Janes. These are Celine and I found them in Paris a couple years ago. I’ve never seen this style stateside, but here is a great alt.

Left: with Adidas shorts and Birkenstocks. Right: With a Tory Burch full skirt (warning it’s sheer and you need to wear your slip under it.) and Manolo Blahnik Susas.

THE BASKET BAG

Yep, yep. Basket bag. Blah. Blah. It’s the bag of the summer. And last summer. And the summer before that. The good news is, this bag style is eternal. The great news is, how cute and fun is this one with its fun, colorful stripes and bright orange handle? People are really upping their basket game. We (I) love a playful bag here at 5 things. Wear it as a neutral!

A closeup of the bag with an Officine Generale jean shirt and Miu Miu denim mini. This Citizens one is just as good.

It even works for tennis! JK It does not actually fit my tennis racket. But I do love throwing my racket on my back and carrying an inappropriate bag with my whole get up. No function first bags! With a Tory Sport dress.

The bag with all things you’ve already seen, but see how it just goes with everything? It does have a logo on the front corner, but since I’m not a logo girl I just flip it around. And there’s always the trusty seam ripper if you really wanted to (which we discussed in the puffer newsletter about all those arm patches.)

THE METALLIC FLIP FLOP

Got in a debate with my sister this week about flip flops and if they can indeed be dressy. The thing is, you really have to dress around this shoe style (from the feet up) to make them look like fashion, we determined. But that is definitely easier to do with a fancy flip flop like this guy. The metallic helps, and so does the structured sole. And I like that they put the little bitty logo on in the same shiny gold to make it blend in. It also comes in silver for you non-mixing-metals ladies (and gents.)

The flip flop. Left: with a Tory Burch top, Khaite jeans and a Mason & Books pinky ring. Right: with a ringer tank, here is a similar one and Tory Burch skirt.

To prove my point to my sister, because that is what older sisters do, here they are (at left) worn casually. See how the metallic makes this feel way more dressed than just jeans and a tee? Toteme tee, a COS alt here, Levis jeans. Rebecca de Ravanel bag. Right: Prada jacket and pants. But the idea is just: brown pants, black jacket.

There she is. Endless outfits with five summer pieces that you can whisper to your friends: “It’s Tory Burch.” :)

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Yours TRULY,

Becky

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