Fine and Dandy

Hey everyone! Just in case you missed it in last week’s newsletter, Word of Westbrook is hosting an Honor the Gift raffle you don’t want to miss. Here’s how to enroll — tap in, and win the chance to keep your closet fresh!

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QUICK TAKE
Meta Gala Recap

The one and only Met Gala was last Monday, and the fashion had everybody buzzing… as expected. Though I couldn’t attend (duty calls!), I was inspired to wear a tunnel fit that honored the late, great André Leon Talley, who was a fashion journalist and editor-at-large of Vogue magazine. He was a man who exemplified dandyism — he had Southern swagger, immaculately tailored clothes, and a larger-than-life persona as a Black man who was often encouraged to play small. All things I admire. 

I was fortunate enough to bid on a jacket of his at an auction of his most iconic pieces following his death in 2022, and that’s what I chose to wear as a way of participating in the festivities from afar. It’s a Matsuda sweater, which Talley wore on Christmas morning 1989 at Karl Lagerfeld's estate, among other places.

Love that I got to rep that history.

TUNNEL FITS
This Week’s Top 5 Tunnel Fits

• The Met Gala is all about creativity and celebrating the beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural imprint fashion leaves on the world. For me, it’s great to see so many more athletes getting to walk the Met steps.

• Breanna Stewart, Lewis Hamilton, Angel Reese and Stefon Diggs were some of the top athlete looks out of the Met Gala. What I really want to hear is what you all thought of these looks, and any others that stood out to you, so drop a comment and let me know.

TREND WATCH
Don’t Put Your Raincoat Away Just Yet

They always say “it never rains in Southern California”...but we know that’s not 100% the case. Whether you’re in California or elsewhere in the U.S., spring time is filled with weather that ranges from sunny and hot to gray and damp! 

That’s why having a waterproof jacket to hold you down, especially on the days when the sky opens up when you least expect it, is clutch. It’s not just about function though. Raincoats, windbreakers and other pieces of outerwear coated in slick, water resistant material keep you dry… and fly. Sporting one with a more elevated springtime fit — like a sequined dress or a tailored pant — is a cool way to dress down for a more casual occasion.

ELEVATE YOUR GAME
How To Accessorize In Style

We got a question from reader Dulce Mendoza about the best way to craft a strong outfit. I think building on your foundation with cool accessories is the best way to elevate a look with minimal effort.

There are no real rules about mixing metals in my book. The easiest place to try it out is with chains or necklaces. If they are bold pieces, allow them to be the statement. If not, try to have both warm and cool elements throughout your garments so it feels cohesive.

Thanks for the question, Dulce!

FINAL WHISTLE

If you haven’t heard the news, I recently launched a new startup geared toward streamlining the funeral planning process with the help of AI technology. It’s called Eazewell.

Along with my friend and former NBA colleague Kemba Walker (formerly of the Charlotte Hornets) and childhood friend Donnell Beverly Jr., Eazewell is hoping to bridge the gap between people and funeral homes. AI is a tool we believe will help create options based on each family’s budget and personal preferences… and help with paperwork and the miscellaneous tasks that pop up after we lose loved ones.

I've experienced death and grief, and we know how important it is to have someone by your side to help with the details that come after a loss. Eazewell is our way of being there for people through one of life’s hardest experiences.

Until next time,