Fall Essentials
‘Tis the Season…
and you need some new stuff.
1. An excellent pair of jeans.
We like Levi’s, here are some of our favorite cuts (make sure you pay attention to the inseam length):
- Classic 501s (classic, straight)
- Wedgie (straight, good for a curvy frame)
2. A chic pair of booties
These can almost be worn year round (you can even wear the right pair in summer w a dress—try something western inspired), and are a great investment piece. Try the second hand market for a pair that will last forever, but is more affordable (many available are barely worn, some not ever worn at all). Also note: the cobbler is your friend!! J. Crew also has some cutie pairs rn.
3. New sneaks
4. Socks (!!)
5. A thin layering sweater
A chic way to stay warm. Layer under an oxford, another sweater, a blazer, or wear on its own. Intimissi makes some good options: (1); (2).
6. A vinyl coat.
Trust. These make the right statement… and work in the rain, or not. Warmer than you might expect. Here are some good options: (1); (2); (3)
How to keep your style CURRENT & FRESH
Maybe it’s just us (we don't think it’s just us), but it seems like there has been a major style shift over the past few years, and our sense is that the shift has been disorienting for some people (read: everyone older than Gen Z). Where to shop? (Shop Tuna Gs). How to not look out of style/OLD ? (Youth is a state of mind, ppl.). How to seem hip & current, but not try-hard, not look like you’re wearing a costume, not look like you’re trying to be a teenager when you’re not. How to not look too trendy, but still look “cool?”
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Below are some of our tips and tricks for keeping up with the style times.
Identify what “classic” means to you. Identify what style vibe you’re going for, regardless of trends etc.
Classic may mean Audrey Hepburn, or Nina Simone to one person, Jane Birkin, or Keith Richards to another. Even Nirvana grunge is a classic approach to style. All are valid. The important thing to think about is what worked then that still works now. When you look at a picture of a style star from years past, think about the elements of the outfit the person is wearing separately. Jane was known for her basket bags, Audrey her nod to balletcore, Keith put a bohemian, piratey spin on classic tailoring, Nina’s style was majestic and all about a headpiece moment, and Kurt Cobain was into being snuggly, chill, and a little bit wacky.
Celebrity stylist Allison Bornstein has a good trick for achieving the vibe you are going for at any given time. Think about three words that describe the style of the person you’re trying to emulate, and three words that embody the vibe you already embody, or would like to embody, and remind yourself of those keywords when putting together an outfit.
For example, her three words for Alexa Chung are 1. Preppy 2. Whimsical 3. Edgy. She has a great TikTok series about this going on if you need more examples.
It doesn’t have to be as strict as three words. Think critically about the energy and aesthetic you’re going for, write it down, journal it. Just get some concrete thoughts out so that you have them for reference next time you go shopping. And do the same with style stars whose vibe you would like to try to mirror. Breaking something visual down into words makes it feel more approachable and less intimidating to try to recreate. When you have the three words (or your version of what the tree words are), you can more easily pick and choose elements to incorporate into your own closet.
Once you have figured out our own particular brand of classic you can start to play. Like clogs? Try a funkier, fresher style with your go to jeans and tee. Like a classic trench? Try going for one in a more unusual fabric (like vinyl, leather, or even denim). Wayfarers your typical jam? Try a slightly tweaked, or exaggerated shape. Once you identify your style words, your personal brand of “classic,” you can start putting spins on tried and true pieces. Et voilà, all of a sudden you’re very au courant.
Alternatively, incorporating a very, very classic piece—say a timeless fisherman sweater, or a pair of tried and true penny loafers—into an otherwise trend-heavy outfit is another way to put a personal spin on a look. What you want to achieve is the twist. The twist is what’s gonna make the outfit look like you, like it’s yours, and not something simply stolen from the closets of teenage cool girls everywhere. No shade to teenage cool girls. We think this rule applies to teenage cool girls, too. The point is, in order to achieve great style your looks need to look like they’re coming from your brain, not someone else’s. Ain’t nobody got time for lemmings up in here.
2. Identify what trend(s), no matter how small, you like.
First of all, we can’t overstate how useful thoughtfully curating your Instagram feed is. MUTE anyone who makes you feel less than, bad, cringey… FOLLOW people who “have something” (this can be an energy!) that you aspire to embody. This will help you start to notice trends, and identify which ones appeal to you.
Over the top style is often more about expressing a mood, or idea, than representing practicality. Think of it as art. It’s similar to going to Paris, walking into a museum, being overwhelmed by the pastels in a Monet, and starting to incorporate a similar color palette into your everyday life. Your instagram feed should feel inspiring, and if it’s not, it is within your power to change that.
Another great place to go for inspo is Vogue’s RUNWAY website. Start flipping through the shows each season and you’ll start to see the relationship between street style and the runways. Obviously some of the best of the best are working the shows and styling designer’s clothing in new interesting, fresh ways. It's a great way to start to train your brain to think outside of the box (especially if you live somewhere where people tend to stick to a sort of uniform, or are less likely to wear new things in new ways).
Re incorporating a trend: take the bucket hat for example. A little too casual, or funky for you? There are so many refined versions of the bucket hat available these days… Your spin on a trend makes your participation in that trend even more unique and stylish. See if the store you are already comfortable shopping at has made a version of the trend you’re digging these days–it will probably be more in your wheelhouse if it’s coming from a brand whose vibe you already dig and are comfortable with.
Alternatively, see if designer brands on resale sites like TRR (or on sale!) have versions of the trend you are playing with. Because their products are expensive, they often cater to an older clientele and will offer more accessible versions of the trends being started/worn by the younger generations.
3. Give yourself some time and a little bit of grace when getting used to a new look.
Clothes often mean more to us than we consciously realize. They are about expression of self and thus often unconsciously become wrapped up in our sense of identity. But we have good news–it’s fun to switch up and play around with who you are, who people think you are, how you present yourself. Keep ‘em guessing!
That said, it can feel strange to pack up a piece of clothing that has become like a uniform and trade it in for a piece that is really different. It’s okay if you feel strange at first, it’s okay to give yourself the grace to adjust. Remember: they’re just clothes! Sometimes the people at the office, in your family, your friends etc. will have a hard time adjusting to your new look as well. That’s okay. Let them make their comments–they’re recalibrating. Change freaks people out, it just does. But change is the only thing we can really count on in life…. So don’t worry about it, they’ll adjust! And so will you. You are not a fraud because you decide to dress differently one day. You’re a style scientist, and these clothes need testing!
Maybe the trend you’d like to play with is more like a style hop–say from skinny Jeans to a wide leg silhouette. Allow yourself to feel weird for a while when you look at your new look in the mirror. You feel weird because you look different and our silly little brains are programmed to detect things like change in order to protect us. But you ain’t in danger. And you already know that you like wide leg jeans on other people… this is how you know your silly little eyes are still adjusting. Avoid mirrors for a while until you feel physically comfortable in your new silhouette if you must (that’s actually a pretty good hack). Once your body adjusts, once the clothes start to feel like you, your brain (and eyes) will follow. Just keep your feed, your visual food, honed in on the new look(s) you're going for, and in time the feelings of awkwardness will settle down, we promise.
One last thing. There is nothing that we hate more than style “rules.” There are NO RULES in style. Style is about CREATIVE SELF EXPRESSION, and creativity and the self have NO BOUNDS. “New” and “different” are just IDEAS! And there is nothing more divine than an idea. If someone tells you about style rules, what they are really saying is that their way is the best way… and that is sus.
Good luck!!
XX, Tuna Gs
‘TIS THE SEASON
summer.
SUN
Neutrogena® Purescreen+™ Mineral UV Tint Face Liquid Sunscreen
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 (hot tip: mix with the Elta sunscreen for the perfect consistency and glow)
Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40 (Supergoop Sheerscreen dupe that wont break you out. Especially great for decolette area becuase it won’t stain your shirt!)
Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active Lotion SPF 50 (4 when u’ll be sweatin’ & splashin’)
Sarna Lotion (after sun care)
BEAUTY
Trader Joe's Nourish Oil-Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer
Redness Recovery+ Antioxidant Redness Treatment Overnight Mask
N.B. P50 (and any other exfoliators) and retinol to be applied on alternating nights **or P50 in the morning, retinol @ night**
CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES
How To Thrift (Online!)
Featuring: Poshmark, Depp, The RealReal & eBay
Thrifting, my friends, is truly a way of life. And once you’ve cracked the thrifting code, it’s difficult to ever turn back. You want quality? Luxury? Individuality? Statement pieces? Timeless classics? But don’t want to spend all of your very precious monies…? Not a problem, allow us to educate y’all on the art of the pre loved deal. Bonus points for reducing your carbon footprint in the process.
Before we start, we feel it may be good to mention that just because an item is thrifted does not necessarily mean that it has bee used. The number of items we have purchased off of sites like the ones mentioned above that still have tags attached would shock you. Or at least delight you. Make you jealous? We digress… The goal here is to waste less, pay less, and still manage to have a killer closet. If you only want to buy brand spanking new pre owned items that’s chill, too.
First of all, you need to have some idea of what you want/are looking for.
This can mean either having a specific item in mind, or a more general idea of style that you’re going for. We recommend always doing a quick search on Posh, TRR, DePop and eBay before buying anything new (and certainly anything full price!). A sneaky smart tip is that if an item you’ve had your eye on for some time sells out (maybe you were waiting for it to go on sale, or maybe you simply weren’t ready to pull the trigger), you can almost always find it for sale on one of the aforementioned websites. N.B. DePop seems to be slightly better for browsing and vibes (more like actually showing up at a store/boutique) than for finding specific items, but that is not a hard and fast rule—just something to keep in mind when you’re starting out and perhaps feeling a bit overwhelmed.
PRO TIP: Never ever ever be afraid to make a seller an offer. Poshmark (and to some extent DePop & eBay) is an especially excellent place to hone your haggling skills. Sellers are known to price items with wiggle room for the buyer who wants to make them an offer that is lower than the listed price. Do not sleep on this feature of online thrifting! It is not rude to make a reasonable offer!! It’s actually quite fun and thrilling for all parties involved. If a seller isn’t taking offers, they will say so in the item listing. Otherwise, offer away.
If you don’t have a specific item in mind, but rather a more general vibe you’re going for, a good place to start is actually Instagram. Search around a bit for influencers, brands etc. that embody the style that you, too would like to embody. We personally like @alessandragl, @alexachung, @londongirlinnyc, @palomija, @camillecherier, @minamigessel, @devonleecarlson (she does great fashion etc. vlogs on Youtube, as does Valeria Lipovetsky), @accidentalinfluencer and her twin sister @double3xposure…. but that’s just us! There are so many people with great style online. Actresses and artists are also often a good place to go to for fashion inspo, as is vogue.com and intothegloss.com. Start noticing what brands people are wearing (they often tag brands in their posted photos), and start checking who they follow/who follows them. Aligned energies often align… Additionally, when you start following a bunch of influencers whose vibes you dig something will magically happen to your instagram algorithm and all of a sudden brands that you have never heard of, but that you nevertheless find that you love, will start spontaneously popping up on your feed & for you page. Oh! The for you page (fyp)! Scroll there from time to time for a great, never ending source of inspiration.
One thing that is nice about DePop specifically is their hashtag (#) feature, which allows you to shop by keyword. So, say for instance a person posts a pair of pants that is not in fact by Reformation, but has a similar aesthetic/vibe, they may choose to add #reformation to their listing so that shoppers like you can find it whilst searching for a Reformation-style wardrobe.
Another good place to go for inspo if you’re feeling particularly committed is TikTok. Scroll through #thrifttok (literally type #thrifttok in the search bar; #thrifthaul & #thrifted also work) for a bit and, similarly to the insta feed algo, you’ll all of a sudden find yourself privy to a bunch of fashion girls with excellent thrift hauls who are willing to tell you all about their fav brands FOR FREE. A gift, truly. This is a particularly good way to find out about more obscure vintage brands (think cool girls 90s style), and to get your creative juices flowing—those thrift girls really know how to come up with and work a unique look. Half the battle with fashion is working up the nerve to wear something that YOU like, versus what you maybe are told you SHOULD like. The people you encounter online are no more special than you, and if the can do it, you can do it. New and different things sometimes (often lol) make people uncomfortable, but thats their problem, not yours. Live your life! Be free! Express yourself! And most importantly, have fun!
That’s all there is to it, really. Still feeling overwhelmed? Start slow… about to buy a pair of clogs off of the J Crew website? Halt! Stand down! Pull up Poshmark and eBay in separate browsers and search for the item there, ifirst. You’ve been eyeballing a stunning pair of sunglasses making the rounds on instagram that is way out of your price range because they’re designer? Hop onto the The RealReal website (the sunglass deals on TRR are actually insane…) and see what you can find. Always check in about quality/condition and if you feel like any info is missing, or lacking, message the seller. TRR accepts returns on some items, but otherwise sales are often NO return. SO DON’T BE BASHFUL! ASK YOUR QUESTIONS! Measurements, more pics… anything goes. Just be polite and reasonable (AKA don’t ask for a bunch of extra pics to be posted of you’re not really that interested in purchasing—the sellers are real people doing real work selling online, just like the people in physical stores).
Good luck. You’re wardrobe is about to get way better, you’re about to save a whole bunch of money, and we’re really excited for you ;)
XX, Tuna Gs
P.S. Have more Qs? DM us on insta!! We’re always happy to chat.
THE COBBLER
A good cobbler has the ability to majorly upgrade your dang life.
A good cobbler has the ability to majorly upgrade your dang life. We should know—we live in NYC where walking miles on end on rough pavement every week is the norm. Yes, most of the time we wear sneakers… But even one night out in a pair of beloved non-sneaks holds the potential for ruin and despair. Despair not! There are ways to avoid total shoe annihilation. Enter: your lovely neighborhood (or maybe further than the neighborhood if you’re not as fortunate as us) cobbler. The humble store front is deceiving—inside lies the den of a shoe wizard, a person (people) so skilled and crafty as to be almost beyond belief. Your favorite pair of ballets flats has finally sprung a hole? The leather is faded? the heel has run aground? No prob. For a small fee your cobbler can fix all that lickety-split. So get ya booty onto yelp, search though a few reviews of places nearby, and get goin’.
So… where to begin? How to know what to ask for? How to make sure one gets what one wants? We will tell you all of our secrets.
Present the shoe(s) in question and explain what the ish is. “They’re all faded;” “the toes are all scraped up;” “the heels are starting to fall apart;” they need new soles;” or perhaps, simply, “I want them to look like new again” (always ask what this will entail before you trot back out the door!!)
N.B. The friendly neighborhood cobbler who will not charge you an arm and a leg for their handiwork will not always have your same taste, or tastes that are up to date with currents trends/modes of fashion. Before anything gets replaced (like a sole or a heel or a new coat of paint), we suggest asking to see examples of the new pieces in question. We have made this mistake before! And we did not have the heart to to tell the satisfied/proud looking cobbler that we did not like their work! We have also had the satisfaction of spending a few minutes bickering with the cobbler before the start of a new project about how, in particular, we wanted them to fix a dented heel… and then rejoiced with the cobbler a few days later when the project came out looking more fantastic than anyone expected. It’s ok to know what you want. It’s ok to push for a new way of doing things. Just be polite about it. What you are really doing is starting a relationship with this person, a repertoire, a dynamic… Yes, the cobbler will implement the repair, but you are the one that must have/understand the plan!
Consider preventative care. Enter toe and heel caps, sole guards (great for protecting fancy shoes), and weather protector (this can of course be applied by oneself at home, but sometimes it’s worth it to pay a tiny extra for the convenience of someone else performing the service. $15 can save your sweet shoes from a scraped and scuffed tip, or toe box, and worn down, raggedy a** heel. A toe cap is a true shoe saver—it lifts the front of your shoe ever so slightly off of the rough sidewalk as you walk so that it is spared from potential ruin. A sole protector can help preserve the resale value of a beautiful pair of designer duds. Your friends and acquaintances will all wonder how you manage to stay so put together—only you and your lovely cobbler will know the secret.
Ask what the price will be before you leave. Cobblers often have you pay upon pickup and it’s not fun to be stuck with a bill that you weren’t expecting. If it seems way higher than you expected, you can take your business elsewhere. Unless you are expecting detailed/custom/particularly difficult work on an expensive pair of shoes, there’s no need to break the bank (that’s called getting ripped off).
That’s it. It’s so simple. Your life’s never gonna be the same. Your shoes are gonna thank you.
RETINoidS
AKA Topical Vitamin ARetinoids are an entire class of chemical compounds that can be purchased with a prescription from your dermatologist in the form of tretinoin (Retin-A etc.), or over the counter in the form of adapalene (Differin), retinaldehyde, and retinol.
When used correctly and consistently, retinoids improve skin cell turnover, decrease hyperpigmentation, balance oiliness, control acne and boost collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, thereby smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines.
Retinoids can make your skin a bit more photosensitive (sensitive to the sun) and may actually make acne worse before it gets better (skin “purging”), so the ideal time to start a retinoid routine is any time besides the summer. You should always be using a sunscreen during the day regardless (even when you’re inside—UV travels through windows!! Google it!), but definitely, absolutely when you have incorporated retinoids into your skincare routine.
When it comes to retinoids, the key to success is to pay attention to the rest of your skincare routine (be gentle when using retinoids! lay off the scrubbing! lay off the burning hot water! lay off the harsh cleansers (SEE YA FOAMING BUBBLES)! use a moisturizer!) and introduce the retinoid in slowly (1 night a week for the first week, 2 nights the second three the 3rd and so on).
Always apply retinoids at night onto CLEAN AF skin. If you find that you are reacting severely or simply more than you’d prefer, try applying your moisturizer (fragrance free bc fragrance can be very irritating; no BHA, AHA (salicylic, glycolic, lactic… pretty much all of the acids besides hyaluronic acid, which is a whole different thing), or Vitamin C—these ingredients do not mix with retinoids—before the retinoid. ALSO! Skin must be completely dry before applying retinoids (including any moisturizer you decide to use prior) in order to reduce irritation.
<<A brief moisturizer 411: lotion = water based and is less heavy/thick; cream = oil based, is more heavy/thick, and is generally better for preventing trans-epidermal moisture loss (meaning better at keeping your skin moisturized). Do not pick at your skin if it is peeling! You gonna make it worse! Put some cream on there instead. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK9k3yo7fIc >>
So… here’s the rundown:Retinoic acid (tretinoin/retin-a)
Relatively inexpensive with a prescription (your doctor can prescribe for acne only, do what you will with that information).
Retinoic acid has been around for quite some time now and was traditionally thought to only treat acne. In the 80s it was discovered to also have anti-aging benefits such as:
boosting collagen production in skin
improving appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
removing sun damaged skin cells
can remove pre-cancerous skin cells (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
different vehicles available:
tretinoin gel (can be especially drying), cream and lotion (Altreno is the, or a brand name we believe, ask your derm about it if your interest is piqued).
Most fast working form of retinoic acid and also potentially the most irritating. Start with a low % and work your way up (if you and your doc think its necessary).
Adapalene AKA Differin
(La Roche-Posay also sells a version)
Used to only be available by prescription, but you can now buy at your local drugstore, online etc.
Adapalene is a naphthalene derivative of retinoic acid……………. which basically means that it’s a 3rd generation retinoid acid……. meaning it’s delivered to the skin a little differently than tretinoin
Hasn’t been around as long as tretinoin, so there is less data on aging available
Used almost exclusively for acne up until recently. We now have some data suggesting that it can improve sun damaged skin (sun spots etc.).
Unlike other vitamin A derivatives, adapelene is Stable in the presence of light, so you can use in the mornings if you’d like. STILL!! Don’t mix with vitamin C (vitamin C is in a lot of sunscreens and AM moisturizers—check ingredients lists for “ascorbic acid”).
Generally less irritating than tretinoin
Retinaldehyde (retinAL)
Cosmeceutical - meaning it’s not formally regulated/subject to the same data analysis etc. that tretinoin and adapalene are.
Slower, more controlled delivery of topical vitamin A
Less irritating, but will take longer to work (weeks, probably months before you see full benefits re aging, but in the end you should see the same results)
A good option for application to the eye area, which is generally more sensitive than the rest of the face (and body) because the skin there is thinner
Sold and we think developed by Avene. Osmosis also sells a version.
Retinol
Like retinaldehyde, retinol takes longer to work and is less irritating than retinoic acid/tretinoin
Long term, persistent use produces the same results as the “stronger” retinoid acid
Not FDA approved, no regulatory body, so manufacturers can slap retinol on their labels without proving any efficacy, bioavailability etc.
SO, you should be picky about which retinols you buy and apply
The bigger companies (J&J, L’Oreal) are a good bet because they have a longstanding track record of research, development and producing good retinol products
Our top picks are:
Creave resurfacing retinol serum (may be a good option for people w very sensitive skin and rosacea)
Not very moisturizing on its own
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream—fragrance free (unclear why the name is so dang long)
Can sting when you first apply, but quickly goes away and is very moisturizing
The product in this particular jar is stable, but be sure to properly close after application
If your looking for a one and done night time product, this may be it
Replenix Body lotion
Retinol for your body
Expensive on the whole, but the price per oz is actually not bad
**One issue that you will likely encounter regardless of the form of retinoic acid you opt for is dryness and irritation. Many people will find that they cannot tolerate this ingredient regardless of percentage/strength. More concentrated is not necessarily better because consistency with retinoids is key (you gotta use them over a prolonged period of time to see results!). Start low and slow, there’s no rush, so don’t rush. Slow n’ steady wins the race bbs.
N.B. Bakuchiol (ifyky) is not a retinoid. More on that another day.