The Art of the Edit

The Art of the Edit 

by Ilene Rosh, from her Substack, "The Rabbit Hole"

A few months ago, my friend Pauline FaceTimed me while she was packing for a three-week trip to Greece and Croatia. She wasn’t calling to show me her suitcase. Packing is boring and she wanted company.

As we talked, she held up tops, dresses, pants, and layers. She wasn’t asking my opinion. She is the founder of Lilla P, a clothing company built around comfortable, versatile basics, so she didn’t need my help. She is always effortlessly put together. She pulled pieces and put them on her bed, and it felt like watching someone put together a puzzle. Everything worked together. The colors complemented each other without being too matchy.

A few weeks later, I was visiting Pauline in New York for four nights. She suggested I take a carry-on. I took the bigger suitcase. I am an overpacker. When I was packing, I pulled out my summer uniform of maxi skirts and band tees, but instead of choosing one, I somehow packed all three. Then I added a pair of jeans, two more pairs of pants, workout clothes, and a collection of shoes that made absolutely no sense together. No shirts.

It was one of the worst packing jobs I’ve ever done. A suitcase full of clothes but only three real outfits, and they were basically three versions of the same outfit. I realized it as soon as I got there and started making fun of myself. I told Pauline I clearly needed a capsule wardrobe.

She laughed. “That is why we all love black. It matches everything. It’s so much easier.” That was not the answer I expected from my fashionable friend.

On my last night in New York, we did what we always do. We sat down with our laptops and started shopping. Pauline took over and started showing me what she would have packed for me instead.

Now that fall clothes are out, we decided to revisit the exercise. Pauline picked six Lilla P pieces for me: a black button-down, striped tee, white tee, wide-leg jeans, black skirt, and black cardigan. Clearly she knows her audience.

I asked Chat to help me style them. The six pieces make the ten outfits in the photo, but Chat said there are at least 18 combinations with just those six pieces.

Six pieces. Eighteen outfits. I may finally be ready for a carry-on.

P.S. When I told Pauline I was writing about our capsule wardrobe conversations, she immediately gave me some insider information.

Lilla P is doing 25% off three or more Core Collection tees Monday and Tuesday, and their Labor Day sale starts September 3. She also told me to tell you to sign up for their mailing list.

I have no plans to become a fashion influencer, but having a best friend who owns a clothing company does have its perks. Happy shopping.