Staying Neutral
When in doubt, these neutral picks always hit the mark.
Sometimes there are just too many choices. Staring down a store aisle or browsing online, all of the colors and patterns can create sensory overload, causing us to get way too worked up about picking what we want. (Are we a purple person? Will we get sick of those stripes?) In those instances, neutrals swoop in to save us. They always work—no matter the occasion or setting—and keep buyer’s remorse at bay. But that doesn’t make them any less elegant in design or as deliberate a selection.
While any MIDDI follower can tell you I love color, my three picks today are the exact opposite. Each one has a soothing, cool hue that compliments anything else nearby. These are the things you reach for when you need a decision to be easy… and who doesn’t need that?
This week, put it in neutral.
1. OPI Taupe-less Beach Nail Lacquer (£14.30)
Whenever I spring for a manicure, I always go for something neutral. I want a color that will easily complement two weeks’ worth of outfits without being too obvious as it grows out. My search ended when I found this taupe shade from Los Angeles’ own OPI, which is also available in your local salon as gel or shellac. Not too gray and not too lavender, this shade stands out more than a tan or beige polish while still giving you that minimal, clean look. I’ve taken to keeping a bottle at home for DIY manicures and consistently apply it year-round.
2. Zara Faux Suede Coat (£45.99)
A cream-colored coat looks effortlessly sophisticated, no matter what is underneath it. I try to avoid fast fashion, but I had to hand it to Zara on this one—they make some great coats. I picked up this coat on an impulse during my trip to Cambridge and I’ve been wearing it most weekends since spring arrived. It’s light but still provides enough warmth in the evening and the length is just right for pairing with dresses and trousers. I feel instantly pulled together when I wear it, which is why it won’t be long before I grab the black one, too, or the belted version.
3. Weaver Green Chinchilla Braided Baskets (£15 and up)
After four years as a housekeeper during my college years and several small apartments, clutter is my nemesis. I hate having random piles of things lying around my home, so I purchased one of these baskets from Weaver Green in the shade oyster as a way to quickly hide all of Scoop’s toys. These baskets have a soft, but sturdy texture similar to wool but are in fact made from recycled plastic bottles. This incredible textile was created by Tasha and Barney Green, who are based in Devonshire and also make beautiful rugs, blankets and cushion covers.
Something to think about …
We all remember the books that shaped us growing up. The Fledgling by Jane Langton, a tale about a little girl who dreams of flying, is one of mine. I remember reading it over and over and I know it inspired some of my own ambitions. With the year half over, I’m diving into the pursuits I’ve been putting off. How about you?
Last week on MIDDI …
