Need some shopping inspiration? In Lucky 13, fashion tastemakers share the 13 items they’re loving so much, they’d hit “Add to Cart” twice.
“Maybe because I am in the middle of such a massive change in my life, having recently adopted London as my primary base, I am all about ease and comfort,” Veronica De Piante tells Bazaar. “I want to wear pieces that are easy, cool, and effortless. I want to reach into my closet at the start of what I know will be a challenging day, not give it much thought, and feel confident.”
After calling New York City home for years, De Piante and her family moved across the Atlantic, trading the gritty hustle for a more relaxed take on cosmopolitan. VDP’s latest collection weaves together these distinct aesthetics, from the strikingly demure silky blouses and calf-grazing sheaths to an impeccably tailored two-piece corduroy suit that feels destined for high-rise power moves. Christy Turlington, who perhaps best embodies the preference for a low-key approach to elegance, is a fan.
The woman who gravitates toward VDP might not be the loudest in the room, but she surely is the most admired. It’s the attention to tailoring and luxurious fabrics that make each piece feel opulent, even if the design itself might signal minimalism. This fine—and extremely challenging—balance of taste and style that rarely come packaged together is what the brand does best.
De Piante is no different, mixing together her love of crisp white T-shirts and minimalist sheaths with an ankle boot (when it’s time to get down to business) or white sneakers (when it’s time to kick back). Below, she shares the 13 things she’d buy twice, spanning fashion, beauty, and more.
1.
I can’t live without a white T-shirt in the summer. I think I’d feel lost without it. When my husband or children see how many I have, they make so much fun of me. I will admit that my favorite ones are the Prada T-shirts that come in packs of three and last forever, which is a good thing, as I wear them all the time!
2.
My favorite warm-weather layer is a lightweight merino wool men’s cardigan in black from Prada. Then there’s my vintage Frye boots that my eldest daughter thrifted for me in Miami. They are the perfect summer color.
3.
I love a long sheer dress, layered with shorts and a bra top for an evening look. For day, it has to be featherlight and simple so that I can accessorize it depending on my mood. I love a minidress—like the Dexter dress, which is a classic for VDP.
4.
It is a toss-up between jeans and leather trousers. My very favorite pair of leather trousers are the Audrey trousers, which are also a classic for VDP. They are so flattering and the perfect cut.
5.
I can't leave the house without my sunglasses! I’d look like a hot mess—squinting, tearing up, not seeing anything because of the glare of the sun in my eyes. Not a good look.
6.
I am going to say my VDP black Gaia boots are the shoes I grab when I want to feel sexy. They have a heel and elongate the leg, but are so comfortable! My children say I look like a giraffe when I walk in heels, but when I wear these, I manage to walk in a straight line. I do also love a Saint Laurent high heel, more for vibe than comfort.
7.
With the risk of sounding very uncool, I love wearing my beaten-up Air Force 1 Nike shoes when I am in the mood to go on a long city walk. My kids were so embarrassed when I bought a pair and accused me of wearing “teenager shoes.” A close second contender are my worn vintage boots.
8.
When it comes to the ultimate work bag, it has to be a tote: roomy, comfortable, and easy. I just have to be aware not to overfill it, as then I can’t find anything at the bottom of it! My very favorite tote bag is [the] Allie from the Row that I don’t think they make anymore. It is slouchy and soft and has no branding on it.
9.
I’m not very good at evening bags, but I am obsessed with a small Hermès Kelly bag from the ’60s, which looks as though it has seen better days. The leather is extremely worn in a good way, and I find it to be the perfect bag for any occasion. Classic, yet the patina gives it a strong personality.
10.
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! I definitely didn’t inherit my Argentine mother’s skin, and so I battle with this every day.
11.
I carry an Aquaphor lip balm in every bag I own and place one in every room. Not very glamorous, but very efficient.
12.
A scented candle, from L’Artisan Parfumeur, called Mûre Sauvage that makes your home smell heavenly. It isn’t always easy to find, and so when I do, I usually buy it in bulk!
13.
A few years ago, a dear friend gifted me a tube of face cream, Embryolisse. A simple yet effective French pharmacy cream that smells divine and is the perfect weight. I use it every single day and night.
