In today’s edition of What to Wear This Week, Jade Lai, founder of Creatures of Comfort, breaks down the mechanics of what she wears and why.
What do you think about when you get dressed in the morning?
How I really need to carve out some time to clean my closet or “Where is XYZ,” or “Oh, I forgot I had this…”
Do you start from the shoes and then work your way up, or clothes and then down?
Shoes are usually the last thing for me. I start with a key piece, like a top or a new pair of pants, and let that lead the way.
What was missing from your own closet that made you want to start Creatures of Comfort?
Nothing in particular really, I was craving more simple, luxurious and usable pieces and I want multiples of them.
How does living in NYC influence your style?
Ultimately, personal style is not just what you put on every day but how you carry yourself. In a city like NY I dress more pragmatically than I would in LA, since I don’t have a car to carry my things around. Plus we have cold winters here, so warm coats and shoes and lot of layers.
Do the pieces you choose to wear aim to say anything specific?
Yes, that I am pretty laid back…
What’s your foolproof styling trick?
When in doubt, go to your boyfriend’s closet. (Look for button downs, sweaters and jackets.)
The one garment that never lets you down?
An oversize white button-down and vintage Levi’s.
What item of clothing makes you feel most like yourself? Why?
High-waist sailor pants and a perfect tee. A simple, flattering silhouette that’s not fussy. It’s very classic and a little hippy.
At what point in your life did you really start to come into your own in terms of personal style?
In high school when I started to do a lot of vintage shopping and began “collecting” clothes…
What are your favorite three places on the Internet to get inspired?
Pinterest, Tumblr, and Man Repeller, duh!
What about three favorite places in the city (or the world) to get inspired?
Marrakesh, the Rose Bowl flea market in LA and Dia:Beacon.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned in the last week?
I was in Big Sur last week and it was mating season for elephant seals. Did you know that elephant seals lose two-thirds of their body mass while nursing their cubs on the beach? Pretty astonishing.
Best song to get dressed to?
Follow Jade on Instagram @lilmingling. Follow Creatures of Comfort @creaturesofcomfort and shop the site here! Photos by Krista Anna Lewis.
See what Miranda Levitt wears on gray days then thank Instagram for getting you dressed for your holiday parties.
