Who What Wearing: Ali Labelle, Creative Director of Ban.do
We're back with another Who What Wearing post! I'm honored to have Ali Labelle be our second feature. She is the Creative Director of Ban.do and has incredible, effortless style. She recently wore the Square Neck Plaid Dress and took us through her day. I need a morning routine like hers! Read along to learn more about her, how she styled the dress, and some of her favorite LA spots.
"I feel most like myself in a long dress..."
Morning Routine:
Because I wake up so early on my own I usually read in bed or play on my phone for a while before I get up and at 'em. Lately I've been keeping my quartz face roller in the fridge, so I'll grab that and climb back into bed to de-puff while I hang out.
Favorite Breakfast Picks
I'll do something simple like almond butter on a rice cake or a smoothie.
I try to give myself 2 to 2 and a half hours before I have to go to work to relax, slowly get ready, and get my things together for the day. I used to be an alarm-snoozer but as I've gotten older I've really come to enjoy my early mornings.
Time to get dressed:
Quickly describe your style:
Why did you choose to wear your MMW garment today?
I feel most like myself in a long dress – 90% of the time I'll opt for a breezy layerable dress over jeans or something more structured.
I like that it's a really easy shape to wear, and I love to wear pattern on pattern, so the subtle plaid on this dress makes it fun to pair with a plaid coat and handbag.
I wasn't expecting the fabric to be so thin and I LOVE it. It's so light to wear, like I'm wearing a nightgown, but doesn't require a slip or anything that would make it uncomfortable.
I love wearing sneakers with a long dress – I just like that they can take something so feminine and girly into a little cooler of a vibe.
Out the door:
I head out for work around 8:30.
What’s one thing you never leave the house without?
I wear Dior Lipglow almost every day, and I always have a comb on me to fix my unruly bangs.
To work!
Lunch time:
Noon sharp!
What is an easy, go-to lunch pick for you or what is your favorite local spot?
Larchmont Wine and Cheese is super close to my office and one of my favorite places to grab a sandwich during the work day. And I'm a Sweetgreen super-fan – I probably go there 2-3 times a week.
Mid-day pick me up:
I'm bad at taking breaks, but around 3 pm I'll wander into the office kitchen for a snack.
How do avoid the afternoon slump? Coffee? Quick meditation? Afternoon stroll?
If I'm really feeling low I'll run out for coffee. We do 30 minutes of yoga in the middle of the day once a week at work, and that is a huge help for when I'm starting to slump.
Clock out:
Around 6 or 6:30.
Where do you usually go after work? Gym? If so, share your favorite workout. Home? Happy hour? If so, what’s your favorite spot?
I'll either meet up with friends for drinks or dinner (lately I've been going to Five Leaves a lot!) or go to a workout class (pilates, hot yoga, or barre.) I try to schedule 2-3 nights a week where I'm doing something purely for myself, so whether that's cooking dinner and taking a bath or going on a run or reading in bed for a couple of hours, I treat it like a plan I'd make with a friend.
Bedtime ritual:
I start winding down as soon as I get home (around 8 most nights).
How did you feel wearing MMW for the day? Did it put you in a certain mood? Was it comfortable?
I love this dress – it's so comfortable and every time I wear it I get a ton of compliments!
I read every night – sometimes only for 15 minutes but sometimes for a couple of hours. I also sleep with essential oils in a diffuser which really helps me unwind.
Biologique Reserche P50V, Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy oil, and Kiehl's Avocado eye cream are my go-tos.
Goodnight:
I'm usually in bed by 9 and asleep by 9:45.
Ali is wearing the Square Neck Plaid Dress in a small.
Follow her on Instagram @alilabelle
