carolyn bessette kennedy, old money, and style evolution

Hello. 

I recently read through the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy book and I’ve been thinking a lot about how style evolves as we grow older and also the concept of aesthetics and how so many of us feel obligated to fit the mold of these hyper specific online identities. 

Sofia Coppola and Sandy Liang brilliantly encapsulate the essence of girlhood, resonating with the spirited and playful aspects of my younger self. Their artistry speaks to the nostalgia and innocence of youth. But as I've matured, I find myself leaning toward the elegance and poise of icons like Princess Diana and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Their timeless grace and refined sophistication reflect the evolution of girlhood to womanhood transformation. I find myself going back and forth between the two aesthetics depending on my mood. I guess that’s the beauty of being a girl, right? One minute, you’re tying ribbons on everything you own. The next minute you’re creating Pinterest boards filled with Cartier Tank watches, old Ralph Lauren magazine ads, Loro Piana sweaters, and vintage Birkin bags. 

Apart from style, this whole concept of high society, old money, succession-type of living absolutely enthralls me- the politics, unspoken rules, lifestyle, etc. I want to know everything. 

And speaking of CBK, let’s get into the first article of the day:

-Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: Ghost Influencer

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, with her understated yet impactful fashion choices, has become an enduring icon of 1990s minimalist chic. Her style, characterized by timeless essentials like white shirts, pencil skirts, and classic denim, resonates powerfully in the current fashion landscape, which gravitates towards functional minimalism amidst global unrest. Carolyn's preference for discreet, well-edited wardrobe choices, devoid of overt displays of wealth, aligns with today's shifting attitudes towards sustainability and authenticity in fashion. Her legacy is further cemented by her influence on current designers and the increasing fascination with her fashion ethos, which was as much about her choices as how she wore them - with a sense of personal ownership and ease.

I’m influenced. And I wish I knew more about her- the music she listened to, her favorite restaurant and cafe in nyc. I need new pajamas, which ones would she recommend?

-I’m Done With Living 'On Brand'

Another article on topic with today’s musings…

The personal struggle to maintain a life that is "on brand," where every choice and public display must align with a carefully curated image, reveals the exhausting and confining nature of self-imposed identity rules. This constant effort to fit within a self-created box, driven by the desire for both internal consistency and societal acceptance, limits personal growth and experimentation, highlighting the need for embracing authenticity and the freedom to evolve beyond rigid self-conceptions.