Master the Ralph Lauren Aesthetic at Home and in Your Closet
Ralph Lauren has an uncanny knack for creating a curated lived in look that is quintessentially American.I have admired his style since I cannot remember when. He has that uncanny ability to combinethe refined with the rustic to create a harmonious mix in his fashion and home collections. When I was a young mother, I would scour eBay, Loehmann’s, Marshalls and more in hopes that I could score a piece that I could afford. Let’s talk about how you can master the Ralph Lauren aesthetic at home and in your closet.
Calhoun Summrall
Calhoun Summrall’s Louisianna home caught my eye in The Essentials, and I longed for more. He is a perfect example of the amazing talent that has come through the Ralph Lauren design machine through the years. Calhoun spent over 35 years with the the company. That tenure alone really speaks volumes about the creative culture Ralph cultivated. He’s always had that uncanny knack for spotting and bringing in up-and-coming designers in their respective fields. I have featured many, including Alfredo Paredes (love his book) and more through the years. After 35 years in New York Calhoun longed for the slower pace of his native Louisiana and returned home to set up his own design practice. His New York home was featured several years back in Elle Decor here, and his current home was featured in Frederick Magazine here.
The Essentials Caitlyn Flemming and Julie Gobel
The Essentials, the third book by best selling authors Caitlyn Flemming and Julie Gobel may be their best yet. It is truly a bible of the best ways to attain a collected look in your home featuring some of the best designers and tastemakers in the world today. If you have any design obsessed friends that would enjoy a great design book for Christmas, you can find all of my favorites here.
Outfits of the Week Ralph Lauren Inspired
Ralph Lauren is currently having their Fall Wardrobe Event here. The items that I planned to feature were already sold out so my outfits this week are more “ralph inspired”.
I have this coat from BR on order it is currently on sale.It is reversible and comes in other colorways. FYI BR is having 40% off full priced merchandise. It runs big. I ordered a small. Ralph Lauren denim shirt here, Frame jeans here, (use code Cindy15, for 15% off ) Nordstrom Rack also has these jeans in most sizes here for less, cowboy boots here, RL scarf here, and Quince bag here.
I am crazy over this Zara dress, I own these boots they are pricey but come in wide,Nordstrom Rack has these great Stuart Weitzman boots here if you don’t need special sizing, love this great bag from BR, these specs from Warby Parker (I own them), and these earrings from Machete.
The Double RL Ranch Burger
When asked what his favorite food is Ralph Lauren replied a bacon cheeseburger. He says there is non better than that served at his restaurants. Have you ever had one? I think we need to try it. You can find the recipe here.
Very Ralph Documentary
Nancy Lane
My friend Nancy Lane has started writing again on substack. If you have lost someone in your family that could perhaps be perceived as complicated or difficult, I think you will enjoy her post The Little Lego Girl here.
If you haven’t seen the HBO documentary Very Ralph and you are a fan, you must watch it. You can find it on Youtube TV here, on Hulu and various other streaming services.
If you are a Ralph Lauren fan, I hope you enjoyed Master the Ralph Lauren Aesthetic at Home and in Your Closet. What do you have planned for your Sunday? It has been in the 80’s here so I think we will take Scout to the beach.
Now let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie and see what they are up to! FYI Mary Ann had a great post last week on getting your guest room ready for guests here. Did you know that Annie was recently featured in Better Homes and Gardens?
Cindy I have been a Ralph Lauren fan for ages! It was the era of Laura Ashley stores that first had me start my appreciation for him and also for her style. In the 80s there were long plaid skirts and piecrust collars, lace blouses, and turquoise jewelry..still in style. Once in a very high end store I viewed a mannikin with one of his Native American patterned cardigans..oh to purchase this but it was $500 at the time. It was displayed as if it was a museum piece. Quit stunning! I have his wife’s cookbook The Hamptons and the recipes are excellent. I have a worn and loved copy of the original Ralph Lauren book which has many of his various styles in it. I have not been in his Paris store but passed by it several times and do regret now not going in. Thank you for your writing.
Donnie you hit the nail on the head. Ralph Lauren creates an experience. I remember driving up to the Palo Alto Ralph Lauren Country store just to study it. I couldn’t afford anything in the store but I just wanted to learn and absorb…and maybe one or two items would show up at Loehman’s!!
Good morning!
Just read Nancy’s post. How did you ever know I needed it? Today is my husband’s birthday. He has been gone two and half years now. Ah, grief, while it doesn’t get easier, I get better at it. Her post was perfect for me today, and I thank you for sharing.
Hi Holly
I am so glad it gave you som comfort. Whenever I don’t hear from you in a while…I think I hope Holly is doing okay. I know it has been rough for you but you are a trooper-and did I see a new do?
Cindy! Is there anything better than a bacon cheeseburger? No … and the one at the Polo Bar is the best. When I heard my daughter-in-law talking about the RL aesthetic this weekend I had to smile … when it’s classic it bridges generations. That BR coat is fabulous … I’m tempted. Suddenly I’m in the mood to watch Very Ralph again! xo
I bought my daughter a grey wool RL sweater with the American 🇺🇸 flag on it also the crisp button down with the Rl Teddy…I have since learned that the sweater was donated to goodwill!! 😫 Hopefully someone that loves RL adopted it !! I LOVE his preppy look thanks for the memories 💝
Hi Peggy
We have such memories don’t we? Do you all remember the Rugby stores as well? I think what sets Ralph Lauren apart is the experience. I wish I had saved the few items I could afford back in the 70’s and 80’s, which are apparently the most collectible. I saved a couple and I am so thankful I did!
Well I love Ralph Lauren, but my thank you is for Nancy Lane and her piece.
I have subscribed to her Substack and her piece rings very true.
13 years later the pain never goes away – you just do your best. ❣️
PS. Thanks for the guest room mention!
Ah…I love the Ralph Lauren look to…so classic American. The French love him too.
Such a pretty Zara dress…I don’t think the link is working tho.
Hi Gray
As I have said Nancy and I have never met personally (but we intend to). We have spoken on the phone. I have such high regard for her. She is the best!
I loved that you mentioned Loehmanns . I shopped both in Atlanta and Denver. I was just talking with a friend this week that our most favorite shopping was there and how much we miss it!!
Hi Lynne
Loehmann’s was fabulous wasn’t it?
Cindy! I love the Ralph Lauren look…it’s layered with pattern, texture, warms colors and woods… timeless. As are your outfits of the week!
And who doesn’t love a good cheeseburger? Well, vegans obviously! But I do! This reminds me of the Emily in Paris episode where she takes a photo of a cheeseburger at the RL cafe in Paris!
Xx
Hi Annie
I started watching Emily in Paris and gave it up…I am probably the only person on earth…I need to revisit it..That cheesburger sounds amazing …we are going to try it this weekend!!
I can still remember the outfit I wore for my first job interview out of college and I would say it had elements of RL (and I was hired!). I think I’ve always dressed pretty traditionally. When this cold is over, I’m down for a messy, juicy cheeseburger. Who makes the best one around here? Enjoy one or two more nice days before we get rain later in the week.
Hi Wren
Sorry you still are not feeling well. Steve thinks Giuseppe’s is one of the best, but Primal House has the very best!!
I love everything RL. I have a long black coat with a furry collar I’ve had for maybe 25 years and it still gets compliments every time I wear it. I also have a RL denim barn jacket of the same vintage, and it gets better with age. I wear it every year, in style or not.
But I have to say, the real star of this post is the little lego girl. Heartbreaking and hopeful.
Hi Marsha
The Little Lego girl is a wonderful person and a lovely decorator!!