Tibi, Tibi, Tibi
Plus celebrity crushes and Aritzia try ons
I have been traveling a bit for work this month. First to glamorous Norfolk, Virginia, then off to London for Valentine’s week, and I’m just back from Charlotte, North Carolina. All three trips tested me with up and down weather conditions, drizzle, walking itineraries, and, for various reasons not in my own control, the mandate to wrangle my outfits into Barbie sized luggage. Have I mentioned that I am the worst packer on the planet?
I feel as though this is an introduction to a post sponsored by Tibi (sigh, as if) (also, reminder that I never use affiliate links) but no, it’s a love story about discovering clothes I was never previously attracted to and feeling like, “what took me so long?” It’s like dating a series of lacrosse players in high school before finally realizing the boys on the cross country team are so much more interesting. I’ve gone down a rabbit hole of watching Tibi’s weekly style class, I stalk their instagram like a girl with a crush, subscribe to Amy’s newsletter, and I’m in an imaginary situationship with their stylists. I casually asked my daughter if she wants to visit colleges in New York over spring break later this week so I can duck into their flagship store after seeing Sarah Lawrence and Fordham. Tibi, I’ll be there on Friday afternoon! The outfits I packed for my recent work trips were Tibi forward to say the least.
Let’s start with the Best Pants Ever.
I received more compliments on these pants than anything I’ve worn in a long time. And what is the point of wearing clothes if not to receive compliments, am I right? People asked to touch them. They are nylon with a drawstring waist and the ankles have cinch ties so that you can adjust the length. I wore them as pictured above for the spring like weather in Charlotte last week and, in freezing cold London, I layered tights underneath and wore them with a heavy grey sweater and black platform boots. So fabulous!
A Very Good Red Skirt (3 Ways)
I should mention that the nylon fabric in all the Tibi pieces I’m showing makes the most delightful swishing sound that adds to the experience, but if you require quiet clothing, these items might not be for you. The above was my Valentine’s day lewk in London. Nobody else I was working with that day wore red or pink - can you imagine? It was graysville as far as the eye could see. If you are wondering about the practicality of a red skirt, please enjoy two more ways that I have styled it.
My husband raised his eyebrows at this one (as in, “are you actually wearing that to work?”), as did my daughter (“mom, that low key doesn’t match”). Which makes this outfit a 100% winner for me. P.S I love these Falke socks so much and the JW Anderson mules continue to make every outfit better.
Nylon Asymmetrical Balloon Skirt (2 Ways)
It was FRIGID in London the day I wore this, hence all the layering. I wasn’t sure about this color (called dark taupe). Depending on the colors closest to it, the color reads olive green (so trendy right now) or sort of grey. I think Tibi calls this one of the “no color colors” and it really does go with everything. Case in point:
Another weird dressing room picture but you get my drift. It’s easily a three season skirt, if not four. I think I might wear it over a one piece black bathing suit in the summer with sandals. Love!
Joggers For Work
Another day, another hotel room. I wore these - crispy (!) nylon (!) - (gotta love the name) - joggers with no socks and a three quarter length sleeve sweater in Norfolk and then with tights underneath and a gigantic sweater and boots in London. I feel they will really come into their own with sandals and a tank top in just a few months. It’s also worth noting that every item I’ve shown here was rolled up into the tiniest jelly roll shape in my suitcase and came out looking pretty good. Magic!
It’s hard to put my finger on why I’m so obsessed with Tibi right this minute after frankly overlooking the brand for years. Maybe I have one too many 70’s caftans and platform sandals in my closet and my heart wanted something quieter and more modern. The Tibi aesthetic is “chill, modern, and classic.” In real life I am anxious, vintage (on a good day), and a bit unorthodox but these clothes make me feel interesting without trying too hard. They don’t shout look at me!!!!! or on trend!!!!! but they thrill me all the way to the bottom of my restless Aquarius soul.
Post-Scripts
My two daughters are beginning to think about colleges and their potential career aspirations. Last weekend I was out to dinner with my husband and we were talking about whether we should try to gently guide the girls about their college majors or just let them be. I was lamenting that I really could have benefitted from more mentoring and advising in college. “Just think,” I said to my husband, “about all of the other things I could have done with my life if anyone had given me any advice along the way.” He sipped his Old Fashioned and nodded. “What other jobs do you think I would have been good at?” I asked him. Obviously this was a test. I was hoping he might say Secretary of State, West Wing speech writer, or at the very least, White House press secretary. He thought it over, appraised the dozen raw oysters in front of us, loosened his oyster selection with his small fork, and tilted the shell towards his mouth as he slurped it down. He took another sip of his drink and said, “lingerie model?”
Speaking of lingerie models, is anyone else crushing on Paul Giamatti? I’ve always loved his movies and found his performance in The Holdovers so beautiful. After listening to him be interviewed by Howard Stern, I’m now writing his name in my journal with hearts around it. I’m adding him to the list - along with David Letterman, Jon Stewart, Rachel Maddow, and Lloyd Dobbler - of my top celebrity crushes. Give me dry wit combined with ferocious intelligence and I’m yours. Good hair helps but is not required.
While in Charlotte I had exactly seventy six minutes of free time and I spent it at the mall across the street from my hotel where I tried on three very pretty items (for work) at Aritzia. The Profession Dress in taupe felt like something I would wear for a presentation - terrific Boss Lady energy. My only gripe is that the arm holes are a little low for me. I would need to wear a cami (boo) under or a cardigan over. I also tried the grey skirt I’ve been thinking about since last fall. It was perfect and could definitely be worn into the spring if you aren’t burned out on grey. I tried it on with this lavender polo sweater (size up) and loved the outfit.
Speaking of polos, it would appear that they are trending for spring. I have a polo or two but I’m not sure I love the look on me. I can’t help but feel a little like a P.E. teacher or a middle aged dad when I wear a polo. I think the key is to wear them in an interesting fabric or perhaps full skirt on the bottom for contrast to get as far away from the golf vibe as possible.
Thanks so much for reading!
XOXO,
Tara
Welcome in, the water’s great!
This was such a fun read! And you got the Jamie Haller loafers! Do you love them? Do I need them?