Good morning, Thursday. Don't you just love waking up with a stuffy nose and dry skin? Welcome to winter in New York. Damn this radiator heat. Time to schlep out the humidifier. Merde.
So besides my cold weather malaise, I wanted to chat with you about one of my favorite brands, Universal Standard. I've shouted them out before but felt compelled to go a little bit deeper because they are probably my favorite brand of the last few years. Founded by Polina Veksler and Alexandra Waldman (pictured above), this inclusive, female founded clothing brand (they make sizes from 00-40) is a fabulous example of what modern clothing should be. In marketing, we talk a ton about disruption, and they are shaking up the space. From their new take on retail (using a bit of the Bonobos model and having a showroom where you can try and then order online and also work one on one with a stylist) to their fresh take on sizing (a size 10 is an XS), I love everything about them. And I know I've been on a sustainability tear of late- so I'm happy to note that this brand has a program called “Fit Liberty” so that consumers have the flexibility to return products from the participating collection if they no longer fit for any reason and so that women can feel empowered by bodies that are constantly changing. Products returned through this initiative are not wasted but are instead donated to organizations like Dress For Success and First Step, part of the Coalition for the homeless, that help empower women to achieve economic independence, according to Euro News. They also use fit models of every size they sell so they can focus on true sizing rather than a formula that feels more one size fits all (rarely true). Their pieces are all super classic and the quality is just fabulous. I discovered their Goop collab lin the fall of 2018 (pictured above) and fell in love at first lapel.
Recently an entrepreneurial and brilliant friend of mine who works in theater started her own brand and was looking for great options to wear to work. I'm going to take her shopping at the showroom as soon as both of us can get together- she's looking for pieces that are stylish and feel put together. And since she's starting her own thing, it's important for the clothing to be affordable. And I look forward to helping her put it all together.
So I recently visited the US showroom and while there, my favorite salesperson (who I met once and literally remembered me and the name of my dog) was helping a transgender person find the right clothes. Watching them try things on and feel confident in their own skin made me happy. Everybody deserves that, and to feel great about your style regardless of who you are is a wonderful thing. The showroom in New York has really lovely dressing rooms too- super private and luxe with not a hint of judgement.
Here are some of my fav things from their collection- great looks for an office party, Christmas dinner, or even New Year's eve.
This suit (link for pants here). OMG. It gives me Tom Ford in the 90s vibes. Everything I own from this brand feels and looks like a million dollars. I'm obsessed. I love the forest green so much.
This skirt is so elegant and beautifully made. I'm not usually one for pleats but this one is so flattering. I love it in black for a kind of Comme Des Garcons vibe, but it's also stunning in the wine color, which I also love for holiday.
This jumpsuit has been worn by me a million times. And I have a million jumpsuits. I love the utility of it- but it's also kind of sexy with a bit of bra peeking out and some high heeled boots. It has the nicest bit of stretch and is super comfy and easy to get in and out of- home run, hon.
I know I showed some pajamas yesterday, but here are a less fancy but super chic take- great for when you wake up at yourin-law's house and want to feel a bit more covered up on Christmas morning. Comes in a lighter hue as well.
And this suit is just my favorite thing- there is nothing better than a tuxedo jacket and slim pant combo with a heel or a flat or even an Adidas Gazelle. My love for good menswear pieces knows no bounds. Absolutely a top silhouette of mine that makes me feel my most confident. I guess I like to wear the pants after all. Bonus- great pieces you can wear separately too- excellent for any wardrobe. And it will never go out of style.
The point is- the name Universal Standard might imply there is one- but that's the trick. There isn't. But what is universal is our desire to feel great in our clothes and wear fashionable things that are "universally" flattering, and not just for a select few whose thighs don't touch.
One thing to note when ordering online- make sure to pony up some extra money to get your pieces more quickly and in time for all of your jingle belling. The standard shipping takes a minute but they offer several options so you should be great.
I'm all about a future focused fashion moment- and to me, Universal Standard is the brand we need right now, and we are going to need them as we continue to grow, change, and hopefully make peace with our bodies and ourselves. And yes, there's a lot of black. And?
Cause that's what's up this universally flattering kind of Thursday in the 212. Yours, in standard fare. XO
Here are five