A funny thing here. You look around your closet, and you feel you’re missing…..tops. I hear it in the dressing room and in the past I’ve sat with Traci to discuss the commentary, we’ve sketched, we’ve draped, we’ve made. But here’s the thing, nearly every time without fail, we found that we could make the most interesting top. The one the declares for sure that THIS IS A NEW TOP. But alas, you some times realize you created a great solve, but for the wrong problem.

We nailed it, shown here. Keturah and I got the problem articulated, Traci solved it, and the results are here.

The problem: I need ways to create new feelings in my closet.

The non-negotiable: I need creativity and pragmatism. I need utility - no “one and dones” - the top that works for day needs to be easily manipulable for evening or work.

The solve: A range of tops that build varied proportions, tactile sensations, and new perspective to the bottoms we already own.

The class is a great listen and watch. I’m going to summarize here.

The bodysuit: a range of colors, a super built in bra that is accommodating a range of chests- I was just hanging with some double d’s in the dressing room in Chicago and they loved the size Medium (the woman is a size 8). Here you see it on someone with a chest at 5.8”, no chest (me) at 5.5” and a 5.9”er. This gives you a slim foundation for wider leg options, Sloane later tosses a blazer on this to pull back on some of the slim,slim, skin; and the ring 3 option for me gives so much nuance to any ring 2 neutrals. And remember, if you read my story a while back on the new lens for dressing at any age, you’ll know this bodysuit has not guardrails based on time spent on earth. Ok?

The bottom has drape and a bit of volume. I’m sure you have lots of pieces in your closet that can be similarly described. The fitted top adds good balance and the fabrication is one that you’ll simply have to touch it IRL to truly a value. The Layered Tee gives a very chill - but just right vibe - especially if the pant has a bit of refinement to it. It tells the pant to just take a beat, but in a good way. The Button Down is woven striped- you feel the weave, it has the drape - it’s got the good sexy slouch but can be equally all business. And the sheer viscose knit - employing sheer lightens the mood. You know when you’re dressing sometimes and the look feels to heavy and serious? This is the solve - especially with the high neck - because sheer and a lower neck gives off a lot of pheromones, you know what I mean? Great for the bar but maybe not so much for picking up the kids or office time.

Here are the sheer viscose knits in action again. What you are getting here is: an item that gives a lot of depth - quite literally being able to see the underpinning ads interest. I’m wearing the bodysuit underneath the turtleneck. You have lightness. You have subtle drape. When your closet is missing something that is a bit sexy but no too, light but right for all seasons, and has a point of view but isn’t all righteous about it, this is the answer. Sarah’s wearing the knit with the denim for the good contrast.

You’ve got a stirrup pant, a legging or a track pant (even better a track pant with stirrups as above) and you want to give it refinement. Make it a thing - but not an ALL CAPS THING. These are the tops that take the chill and then dial it up a notch. The slinky top is boardroom right living room right at the same time. Don’t get me started on this Bonded Viscose interesting sleeve detail top that can confuse for a sweatshirt but is hardly. The same material is here in the fitted tank - the tank with guts. Sturdy. It sucks you in a bit too if anything needs sucking. And the blazer here - it has the cross strap so you can just wear over your shoulders. It’s more narrow than a Liam, the Herringbone is right for office, over a black evening dress, with even with jeans and riding boots looking (nicely) for foxes somewhere in England. So I’ve heard.

A slim bottom - whether jean or pant - balanced off with something sculptural (the good big) often feels just right. Options, variety - that’s what we crave in our life. The plaid snap jacket gives edge but oddly screams tradition at the same time; ditto for the white shirt with the tailed hemline.

A jacket that can be cinched or left swinging gives options. When worn with a jean that is crazy c-suite appropriate but also just cool, it keeps everything toned down refindly effortless. The muscle tee adds …..muscle to the look with the strong rich fabrication. The oversized tee here, all that drape on the shoulder, is the counterpoint to a stronger tailored denim.

And maybe best for last, Keturah here…

The Skirt here is everyone’s everything - our classic pull on midi with the great extra details - and the fabric….the fabric. And we love it with the snake combo’d soft lamb boot - cozy but crazy modern.

We’ll tackle a class focused on bottoms next, working our way top down. If you have questions, load them up here - whatever you’re asking it’s likely someone else is thinking the same thing. Appreciate it,