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Author, illustrator and Cup of Jo favorite Mari Andrew finds wardrobe inspiration on her morning walk around the block. “I’m inspired by a lot of the older folks who shuffle around the East Village in the morning, running errands or stretching in the park. You never see them in sweats, but in bold accessories and really elegant looks.” Here, Mari shares five outfits she wore in a week…
Top: For Good Luck, similar. Jeans, Rolla’s. Glasses: Garrett Leight. Scrunchie bow: Free People. Earrings: Young Frankk, similar. Pretzel necklace: Yossi Harari. Bracelets: Susan Alexandra, similar. Watermelon bag: Susan Alexandra. Rings: vintage, similar. Shoes: Nisolo.
“I always feel better when I’m wearing something bold and feminine — like an off-the-shoulder top or hair bow. I love seeing what people on the streets of New York are wearing, and I’m happy to contribute to that silent conversation.”
Sweatshirt: eBay. Skirt: Madewell, similar. Scrunchie bow: Free People. Glasses: Garrett Leight. Earrings: Young Frankk, similar. Bracelets: Susan Alexandra, similar.
“It’s easy to just never get dressed when you work from home, which is why I always begin my day with a walk around the neighborhood. I either go journal in a coffee shop or grocery shop, so I actually like to wear an OUTFIT! You never know when you might meet the love of your life!”
“I think anyone who loved American Girl dolls are probably pretty pleased about the ribbon/bow trend at the moment. An astrologer once told me I had a lot of feminine energy, and from then on I really leaned into dressing with as many frills and bows as I wanted. It’s justified—in my stars!”
Coat: Anthropologie, similar. Dress: Caroline Costas. Name necklace: custom Susan Alexandra, similar. Bag: Susan Alexandra. Shoes: Urban Outfitters, similar.
“A big part of my job is speaking, and I’ve found that the more I look like a queen when I speak, the more confident I am. I recently spoke at a conference where the dress code was ‘casual’ and most people were in jeans, and I showed up in a ballgown with my nails done and all my jewelry. Even though I’m very jokey and casual in my speaking style, my dress must have some kind of presence. A substantial part of my suitcase is devoted to the dress!”
“I love name necklaces in general because I think anyone with a tricky-to-pronounce name is probably very attached to theirs. My beloved friend Susan is known for her bags but I asked her for a beaded name necklace for my birthday, which she made so beautifully! It makes me so happy, and I get a lot of compliments on it. I even got a compliment from a guy on a date who somehow thought it was a colorful tattoo!”
Dress: Christy Dawn. Hat: Free People. Tote: similar. Boots: Earth.
“I’m inspired by anyone who brings their full self to what they’re doing, and I try to do that with my art. It takes a long time to get to know yourself well, and even then, you’re always evolving. That’s one reason I love spending time traveling and eating and doing life alone!”
“I always have the same morning ritual, even when I travel: a walk, a bit of journaling and a simple prayer. When flying, I always make sure I have a playlist of fun dance songs for the plane. I have a bad phobia of flying, so I put on my dance playlist when turbulence starts and just try to bounce along with it. A good line dance song is particularly helpful — The Wobble has gotten me through some rough flights.”
Dress: For Love and Lemons. Black seam tights: Urban Outfitters. Earrings: Young Frankk. Bag: Susan Alexandra, similar. Rings: vintage, similar. Shoes: Zilian.
“Dating is one of the favorite parts of my life. I love going out and getting to know someone new. As a writer, it’s a dream to get to just observe someone for a couple hours, especially over candlelight and cocktails! The hard parts feel totally worth it when you get an incredible second date that makes you feel like you’re the first person who has ever felt infatuated with anyone.”
“This dress is just delightful—it’s like if Grace Jones went to a garden party! I love adding a bit of humor and surprise to my outfits, and I think the tights with the seam do just that. You get up from your date to go to the bathroom and—surprise—a seam! ‘Who is this mysterious babe?’ your date will think. You can’t wear seam tights and not feel absolutely magnificent.”
“I go pretty formal for dates, since I love dressing up. The ritual is so fun: putting on some Missy Elliott or Leon Bridges (depending how you want the date to go), doing your makeup and hair with a glass of wine, putting on heels, and texting your friends that you’re about to leave. I like feeling excited and giddy, and dresses certainly add to that feeling!”
Thank you so much, Mari! You’re wonderful!
P.S. More women share their week of outfits including a global security consultant and a professor.
(Photos by Christine Han for Cup of Jo.)
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