I didn’t set out to write about comfortable footwear. It just sort of happened. All my life, I’ve had a strict regard for the kind of discomfort I’m willing to endure for shoes. Even for the most dashing of loafers, I’m unwilling to suffer. Part of it is living in New York, where walking is my primary mode of transportation. Another part of it is the unwavering belief that comfort is a gift we all deserve a little more of.

Taking my Rothy’s Mary Janes for a test run in Florence was an an idea my editor at Strategist was into. “High risk, high reward,” I joked, tossing them in my suitcase. On the flight, I started to worry. What if these shoes gave me blisters? What if I hated the way they looked with all my outfits? Any doubts were quelled within moments of slipping them on. And since this spring, the two of us (well, three, I guess) have become inseparable.

When Rothy’s reached out to ask about becoming the face of their newly launch colorways of the often sold out Mary Janes, I was over the moon. It was an obvious yes. I worked the genius Kelci to pull some looks from my closet that matched the new shades. We shot at Margot and around Fort Greene. Sarah—my little sis—was on set, which made the whole thing feel like a party.

Heading into 2024, setting goals for the new year and reflecting on the past, I’m thinking so much about the idea of “refinement.” How can I buy less and create more signature pieces for myself? Rothy’s Mary Janes are the perfect example. They’re it for me. I don’t need any leather ballet flats (okay, one pair of Chanel ballet flats is the exception) or mary janes from another brand. These shoes check all my boxes.

All this to say, give the gift of Rothy’s Mary Janes this season, of course! But also, embrace the pieces in your wardrobe that feel like you. And for professional images from the shoot, follow along on my IG and Rothy’s, too.

Archived Outfits

I wore mostly vintage for my Rothy’s shoot, so here are some picks inspired by what Kecli styled me in!

$150 for a trench you’ll have for the rest of your life (on eBay)

A fisherman sweater for $35! Your winter layering BFF.

The striped sweater I’m wearing is La Ligne, but shop a more affordable version on eBay! Here’s one from their Target collab for $20.

Honorable Mentions

I’ve been MIA for a minute. But read lots + have a singular skincare rec. In honor of attempting to streamline, I’ve fallen in love with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (without SPF, morning and night.) My skin barrier rejoices.

How To Fake It In Hollywood—My favorite romance book so far!

Good Material—Order a copy from the UK and pay for shipping so you don’t have to wait until January. It’s worth it.

Letters to a Young Writer—Best recent book on writing.

Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, shop my Notion template, and as always, respond to this dispatch for my direct line x