The Good Buy: Lauren Santo Domingo’s Philosophy for Shopping Well, Living Authentically and Dressing Chic

Released: December 6, 2024

In this engaging episode of The Good Buy, Harper's Bazaar editors Leah Chernikoff and Lynette Nylander sit down with Lauren Santo Domingo, a luminary in the New York fashion scene. As an entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of Moda Operandi, and Artistic Director of Tiffany Ho, Lauren brings a wealth of experience and impeccable style insights to the conversation. This summary delves into the key discussions, insights, and philosophies shared during their conversation.

Personal Style Philosophy

Lauren Santo Domingo begins by discussing her evolving yet authentic approach to personal style. Growing up split between the East and West Coasts, Lauren describes her style as a blend of classical East Coast elegance and West Coast vibrancy. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself while allowing style to evolve.

“I try not to take things too seriously. I grew up on the east coast and the west coast, so I feel like I have a classical east coast side, but then, you know, from the West Coast. I love color and to be playful”
— Lauren Santo Domingo [04:57]

Inspirations and Mood Boards

When asked about her inspirations, Lauren reflects on how her admiration for older, accomplished women has shaped her style. She cites figures like Adida Blair and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy as key influences, appreciating how they balanced sophistication with a relatable warmth.

“When I was in my 20s... Kate Moss was dating Johnny Depp... realized that style and the way you present yourself could sort of tell a different story...”
— Lauren Santo Domingo [05:54]

Lauren highlights the juxtaposition between public personas and private realities, noting how these role models used fashion to navigate their identities and social circles.

Approach to Shopping

Lauren shares her strategic approach to shopping, influenced by her dual life uptown and downtown in Manhattan. She strives to balance accessibility with exclusivity, ensuring her wardrobe accommodates both sophisticated and edgy environments without the need for constant changes.

“I feel like I'm a little cooler than, like, the ladies on the Upper East Side, but I'm definitely, like, a lot uncooler than all the girls downtown...”
— Lauren Santo Domingo [10:51]

As the co-founder of Moda Operandi, Lauren emphasizes the importance of making high-fashion accessible to everyday women, bridging the gap between runway exclusivity and public availability.

Memorable Purchases and Shopping Rules

Lauren recounts her first significant designer purchase: a Hermes belt with the iconic dog design. This purchase not only symbolized her entry into the world of high fashion but also underscored the value of timeless pieces.

She introduces her personal "one in, two out" rule, a method to prevent overconsumption by requiring the rotation out of two items for every new purchase.

“If I buy one black sweater, I have to be willing to rotate out two. That helps me... I can lie to myself. I'm like, there's no referee here.”
— Lauren Santo Domingo [15:46]

This rule ensures that her wardrobe remains curated and functional, preventing clutter and encouraging thoughtful purchasing.

Regretful Purchases and Style Evolution

Reflecting on her style journey, Lauren shares a memorable, albeit unconventional, Met Gala outfit designed by Alexander McQueen. While initially feeling it was a risky choice, she has grown to appreciate its uniqueness and the experience it represented.

“I still love it. I stand by it. But it was a bit ridiculous... It was as McQueen as it could be.”
— Lauren Santo Domingo [21:19]

This anecdote illustrates her willingness to experiment and embrace bold fashion statements, even if they challenge conventional tastes.

Repeat Buys and Wardrobe Staples

Lauren emphasizes the foundational role of proper undergarments in her wardrobe. She advocates for high-quality, well-fitting bras to enhance the silhouette and overall appearance of outfits.

“I always want to be like, you need to wear a proper bra if you're going to be wearing proper bra. It makes all the difference in the world.”
— Lauren Santo Domingo [23:09]

Additionally, she highlights staple items such as tailored coats and versatile boots that seamlessly blend functionality with style, ensuring her wardrobe remains both practical and chic.

Dream Buys

Looking ahead, Lauren expresses her desire for exquisitely designed boots and the latest offerings from The Row. She discusses specific features that make these items perfect additions to her collection, such as flattering heel heights and sophisticated silhouettes.

“It's the perfect boot because it feels like it's tall, right? It's tall without being, like, slutty. It's high but flattering.”
— Lauren Santo Domingo [27:43]

These dream buys reflect her commitment to maintaining a wardrobe that balances elegance with modern trends.

Conclusion

Lauren Santo Domingo’s insights offer valuable lessons in intentional shopping, the importance of quality over quantity, and the significance of maintaining an authentic personal style. Her disciplined approach, coupled with a passion for making high fashion accessible, underscores her status as a leading tastemaker in the fashion industry.

As Leah Chernikoff aptly summarizes towards the end of their conversation, Lauren embodies the balance between having her "shit together" while embracing the inevitable messiness of life, a testament to her enduring influence and impeccable style.

“I always just wanted to look like someone who had my shit together and wasn't a total mess. So it's working.”
— Lauren Santo Domingo [32:31]

This episode of The Good Buy not only showcases Lauren’s fashion expertise but also provides listeners with actionable philosophies for shopping well, living authentically, and dressing chic.