I’m a Shopping Director—My Friends Wanted Fashion Advice, and I Sent Them These 10 Items
Welcome to Retail Therapy—Who What Wear Shopping Director Bobby Schuessler’s digest of everything that matters in shopping. He spends his days uncovering special gems to elevate a wardrobe, and it’s all curated right here for you, dear readers. Think of Bobby as your personal shopper, and this is the exclusive list of items that get a yes from him, period.
If my friend group had a board of directors, I’d serve as the resident stylist. It comes with the territory when you’re the one with the fashion job. As you can imagine, I often receive shopping questions from my inner circle about what’s worth buying. I’m sharing 10 of the pieces I recently sent over to various friends looking for advice, along with styling pieces. You’ll find everything from a trending sneaker silhouette to the tank top that makes any outfit feel cooler. Okay, let’s get to it. Happy shopping! xx, Bobby
(Image credit: @bobbyschuessler)
Polo Ralph Lauren Boxers
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cotton Seersucker Boxer Pajama Shorts
It’s somewhat controversial, but I’m into the boxer-shorts-as-shorts look. I’ll be honest; many of my friends were skeptical of the vibe at first (yes, even when I went for it), but one did want to try the look. I sent her a few boxer shorts, but this pair from Polo Ralph Lauren took the cake with the vibrant colors. To dress them up, I suggested a white blouse and a knit around the shoulders.
Banana Republic
The Oversized Shirt
GUEST IN RESIDENCE
Cable-Knit Cashmere Sweater
Vince
Barcelona Jelly Cage Mules
Adidas Sneakers
adidas
Japan Low Top Sneakers
It’s typically Adidas when I’m recommending sneakers. I adore the SL 72, but I’m also feeling these as an alternative. They’re retro yet modern and bring a cool factor to a casual look. A trusty Hanes tee styled with linen pants complements the sneakers flawlessly.
J.Crew Dress
J.Crew
Catania Crinkled Dress
This dress just makes me happy when I look at it. The crinkled fabric brings a forward texture to the pretty smocked and ruffled silhouette. I should note that it also comes in ivory and coffee if that’s more your speed.
MUUÑ
Luna Woven Straw Tote
Stuart Weitzman
Jasmine Cutout Slide Sandals
Lizzie Fortunato
Grove Earrings
Citizens of Humanity Jeans
Citizens of Humanity
Brynn Drawstring Waist Wide Leg Jeans
I love a great belt, but drawstring-waist jeans are playful for summer. There are many fantastic iterations out there, but it’s the Citizens of Humanity style my bestie raves about. I actually just got then in the shorts silhouette and have been wearing them weekly.
Madewell
Smocked Boatneck Tank
JIL SANDER
Eldorado Small Leather-Trimmed Leopard-Print Calf Hair Shoulder Bag
Reformation
Amelia Thong Wedge Sandals
Chanel Sunglasses
One of my friends asked for a designer item to potentially consider this summer. These new Chanel sunglasses came to mind first. They’re beyond chic with the two tones and Chanel logo on the side. They also feel very right-now but also like you could wear them 20 years from now.
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Pleated Denim Wide-Leg Pants
KHAITE
Marcy Embroidered Mesh Ballet Flats
Coach Tote
For a work-bag option, this fresh Coach silhouette stands out with the minimalist, spacious design and beautiful suede fabrication. It’s one of the styles that will absolutely earn compliments.
Vince
Pressed Plaid Satin Slip Skirt
COACH
Floral Embroidery Shirt
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandals
Anine Bing Blazer
I consistently sing the praises of this blazer because it’s become a true wardrobe staple. The cut is perfectly oversize, and the pinstripe detail is sharp and sleek. While you could style it with the coordinating trousers (below), I also wear mine with black trousers or jeans to mix it up. (See my pic above.)
Zara Tank
ZARA
Combined Tulle T-Shirt
My friend can’t stop talking about this Zara tank I sent her because of how different it feels than a regular option. There’s actually a tulle fabric around it that gives it an elevated spin. I love it on its own with printed pants and chic summer accessories.
SZ Blockprints
Disco Pants in Palladio Garden
LOEWE
Pebble Embellished Leather Slides
DRAGON DIFFUSION
Bali Basket Woven Leather Tote
Tkees Flip-Flops
I feel like it’s always the summer of the flip-flop, but this summer really feels like the summer of the flip-flop. Every fashion person I know is styling their favorite pair (like this style) with a range of outfits. I styled them here with trendy woven shorts, a polo, and a baseball hat.
LIONESS
Leisure Stripe Cotton Polo Shirt
Sporty & Rich
Wellness Club Embroidered Cotton Twill Baseball Cap
Treasure & Bond
Cutwork Pull-On Woven Cotton Shorts
The Row Bag
The Row
Cecily Mini Tote Bag in Silk
Wow, just wow. While she hasn’t bought it yet, my friend has this bag from The Row on her wish list as an alternative to a clutch for fancier events. You honestly could wear it with a casual denim look, but I’m showcasing it here with a dressed-up situation.
STAUD
Calluna Tie-Neck Tiered Printed Organza Maxi Dress
Jennifer Fisher
Thin Knot Cuff Bracelet
NEOUS
Uba Bow-Embellished Faille and Suede Slingback Flats
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