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Designer Julia Sloan has a problem with the word basic. For her, a basic piece is something you’ll get tons of wear out of. She’s not wrong. The founder of Sloan splits her time between Mexico City and Paris, and she has perfected a carry-on formula for her go-to looks. Her secret to make an outfit look new? Sloan recommends adding a few accessories. Her favorites are from Monica Sordo, vintage shops, and eBay.
Below, see where Sloan got the pieces that made their way into her curated wardrobe and home.
Where did you get the inanimate object that brings you the most joy?
This vintage silver pill box that I bought in Rome. I took this trip to Paris with a dear friend of mine. It was rainy and cold, and I said, “Should we go to Italy tomorrow?” So we hopped on a flight, and I acquired some things that sat with me for a long time. One of my friends in Mexico soldered on a loop and strung it on some leather. It keeps me grounded and comfortable when I’m on the move. I’ve done meditation retreats, and I always have it with me, so it’s supercharged with all these experiences.
Where did you get the item you splurged on the most?
Chanel. I’m not a designer-bag gal. I have this wallet chain bag I bought from the brand years ago. It was probably the most I’ve ever spent on a single item. I’ll usually splurge on shoes or wait until they go on sale. I also got a beautiful vintage Céline bag when I was in Paris. Accessories are always worth investing in. I try to invest in things that I know I’ll have for a long time, so nothing too trendy that might feel unreasonable next season.
Where did you get your favorite piece of clothing?
The Sloan midi skirt has a long belt and is ankle length. It’s the magic skirt. You can wear it to the beach with a swimsuit; I wear it with knee-high boots and a blazer or sweater. There’s a million ways to wear it. I focus on versatile clothing so that I don’t have to think twice about what works, no matter what city I’m in. I don’t believe in multiple wardrobes for places.
Where did you get your nightstand?
There’s this beautiful road in San Miguel, in the desert, that has all of these antiques shops. It’s wild. They have these little wood stools, and I’m obsessed with them. I have, like, 25. I use them for nightstands, but they’re so multipurpose. You can clump them together for a coffee table. I just started rereading Just Kids by Patti Smith. And I just finished reading The Shadow of the Wind and a couple of spiritual books I tap into, like The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. I usually buy a new notebook at the top of the year. There is a stationery store in Mexico where I buy books. I always keep a notebook nearby, because I get a lot of ideas when I’m sleeping. I have the Figuier Diptyque candle, and I keep Caudalie’s facial spray close by.
Where did you get the item you wear the most?
My diamond bracelet, from my mother. I don’t take it off. It’s with me all the time. It is like having your people with you. For earrings, I do one statement piece with my hair pulled back. As far as bracelets, rings, and necklaces, I pretty much wear the same jewelry every day.
Where did you get your favorite item to layer?
Schostal. In Mexico City, the temperatures change drastically throughout the day. Layering is also a beautiful way to add texture to your look without really acquiring more. I have these men’s pajama tanks from Schostal that I love to layer with a button-down. I always have a cashmere sweater around my neck, which I think looks so elegant. I love the COS cashmere sweaters. They use this thick knit yarn that I love.
Where did you get what’s in your carry-on?
I have a secret skill for packing so much in my Bigger Carry-On from Away. I usually have a pair of jeans, a pair of white jeans, trousers, a suiting pant, and a leather pant. Then, I’ll do a cashmere sweater, a couple of T-shirts, a navy and white button-down, and a blazer. If I’m going somewhere colder, I’ll wear a bigger coat over the blazer and bring some sort of boot, ballet flat, and a running shoe.
Where did you get your favorite pair of shoes?
Le Monde Beryl. I live in the mesh ones. I’m on my second pair. I love the 60mm boots from Paris Texas, too. They are great for events where I’m on my feet a lot, and I can wear them all day. They’re so comfortable! I’m also a big fan of ATP Atelier’s shoes and bags. The suede tote is my work bag. I love Isabel Marant’s boots, which I find so flattering. They have a metal toe, like foot jewelry with a little shine. They also have a wider calf.
Where did you get what’s in your kitchen?
Bodum and San Miguel. I love the French press because there’s no sound to it. It’s really lovely and quiet in the morning. I love the ritual of it. My tableware has a neutral color palette: white, light wood, and glass. These plates are turquoise and irregularly shaped from this incredible ceramicist outside of San Miguel. They almost felt tie-dyed and speckled.
Where did you get your signature scent?
Coqui Coqui. It reminds me of the beach, the sun, the long days when your hair is salty. It smells like summer and makes me so happy. I’ve been a fan of the brand for a long time; there’s one in Merida that I go to every time I’m there. They have this lush, decadent, beautiful store, and the location is so transportive. They have beautiful diffusers too. I also love Xinu, another Mexican brand. Their scents are derived from elements of nature in Mexico.
