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Whenever we walk by Clare V.’s Brooklyn store on the way to work, there’s a woman standing in the doorway looking impossibly adorable. Over time, we’ve gotten to know Sarah Ali Pacha, the store manager, and she’s just as sweet and warm as she is stylish. Originally from Algeria, Sarah moved to the U.S. in 2011 and now lives in Crown Heights with her three-year-old son, Laeth. Here, she shows us five outfits she’s been wearing all summer and reveals the one thing she’ll never put on…
Fitted T-shirt: American Apparel. Midi skirt: similar. White sneakers: Vans. Woven bag: Clare V.
“I really relate to the style in French New Wave films by Truffaut and Godard from the 50s and 60s, like Jules and Jim or Breathless. It’s a sexy look but also really wearable. The brands I shop from again and again are American Apparel, H&M, Zara and ASOS, especially for tops, which I don’t think you need to spend a ton on. A great T-shirt is a great T-shirt. I also like wearing independent designers like Black Crane and Maryam Nassir Zadeh.”
Knit tank: American Apparel. Drawstring pants: Szeki. Heels: Maryam Nassir Zadeh. Earrings: Annie Costello Brown.
“I never wear a bra. I have small breasts, so I honestly don’t need one. It would feel like covering something up for no reason. I’m the same about makeup. I wear some mascara or blush, but that’s it. I don’t want to conceal too much and I think I look nice just how I am.”
Chambray dress: American Apparel (sold out), similar. Purple pouch: Clare V. Sandals: similar.
“Bags and shoes are where I’m willing to spend a little more because they last a long time. I used to be the type of person who had one bag and only a few shoes, but now I have a few more and I try to alternate them all the time. They really make an outfit — a simple dress or jeans become much more interesting.”
Striped pants: Totokaelo (sold out). White tee: Clare V. Leather sandals: Birkenstocks.
“One of my favorite categories of clothes is trousers. I have a lot of them. They’re tomboyish but elegant. You can style them in a very feminine way if you want to, but they’re still easy to run around in. I especially love the shapes of all the pants made by Szeki.”
Cashmere sweater: Everlane. Trousers: similar. Loafers: DNA Footwear.
“When it comes to dressing as a mom, the most important thing to me is to keep my personality in my clothes. I can wear things that are good for playing and running around the city, but they still have to let me feel like I’m expressing the real me, not just the mom me.”
Thank you so much, Sarah! Your style is fantastic.
P.S. Five outfits that always work and a French bra trick.
(Photos by Ana Schechter for Cup of Jo. Interview by Lexi Mainland.)
