The Rise of Charlie Beads and the Quest for Everyday Essentials
If you scroll through fashion TikTok or spend time in Los Angeles or New York, you have likely spotted the relaxed, California-inspired pieces from Charlie Beads. The label, founded by Vancouver-born stylist and model Charlie Hourston, has quietly become a go-to for those who value sustainability without sacrificing style. Each garment is produced locally in small batches using upcycled deadstock fabrics, designed to transition seamlessly across seasons and years. Hourston’s personal TikTok presence, including her playful “flats on the ground journalism” series, reveals a thoughtful approach to building a wardrobe that lasts. Recently, she shared the seven pieces she considers non-negotiable — her ultimate style staples. Below, we explore each of these items, why they earned a permanent spot in her rotation, and how they reflect a broader philosophy of intentional dressing.
1. The Re/Done White T‑Shirt: A Vintage Fit That Changes Everything
Hourston admits she was late to the Re/Done white tee, but once she tried it on, she understood the hype. The brand’s ability to recreate the exact shape and feel of a vintage t‑shirt — slightly boxy, soft from wear, but structured enough to hold its form — is what sets it apart. She grabbed an XS despite normally wearing a medium, which highlights how a well‑proportioned fit can transform a basic into a cornerstone of your closet. This piece is a prime example of how the right white tee can be a style staple that works under blazers, with denim, or tucked into high‑waisted trousers. For anyone struggling to find a tee that doesn’t look too crisp or too slouchy, Re/Done offers a solution rooted in archive‑inspired design.
2. Jeanerica Kyoto Dark Blue Righe: The Denim That Rivals Vintage Finds
Hourston, a self‑described “vintage‑denim girl through and through,” was so impressed by Jeanerica’s silhouettes and washes that she stated she would love to start a collection dedicated to the brand. The Kyoto Dark Blue Righe jeans have a clean, modern cut that still feels timeless, thanks to a straight leg and a mid‑rise that flatters without feeling restrictive. Denim is often the hardest item to perfect because it requires balancing comfort, structure, and longevity. Jeanerica achieves this by using premium Japanese denim and tailoring that avoids the overly rigid feel of many new jeans. For anyone who has wasted money on denim that stretches out or loses shape after a few wears, these jeans represent an investment that truly pays off as one of the most durable style staples in a capsule wardrobe.
3. Buck Mason Natural Field‑Spec Boyfriend Crop Henley
Buck Mason has become a reliable source for Hourston, and the Natural Field‑Spec Boyfriend Crop Henley is a piece she reaches for constantly. The vintage‑inspired Henley, with its slub texture and relaxed crop, bridges the gap between casual and refined. Hourston noted that the slub caught her eye when she saw a friend wearing it, leading her to order both white and charcoal versions. This illustrates how a single textile detail — the uneven, nubby surface of slub cotton — can elevate a simple top into something visually interesting. The Henley’s versatility makes it a true style staple: it pairs equally well with tailored trousers for a dinner out or with wide‑leg jeans for a weekend errand run. Hourston also mentioned she hopes to try Buck Mason’s denim soon, signaling that the brand’s commitment to classic American workwear resonates with her ethos of buying less but better.
4. Flore Flore Tee: The Everyday Cotton That Never Feels Worn Out
Hourston’s love for Flore Flore tees stems from their unfussy, almost invisible quality. “A lot of my favorite things are vintage,” she says, and the Flore Flore tee fits that aesthetic without being vintage itself. When packing for a short trip, she brings a thick sweater (often her mother’s old Helmut Lang or Margiela), three white tees, and maybe one vintage graphic tee, but she notes that a Flore Flore tee would be one she could wear every day forever. That kind of longevity speaks to the tee’s fabric weight, cut, and lack of trendy details — it is a blank canvas that makes outfit assembly almost effortless. For readers who find themselves overwhelmed by fast‑fashion tees that pill or lose shape after a few washes, Flore Flore offers an antidote: a minimal, high‑quality option that performs as a foundation piece.
5. Repetto Navy Cendrillon Ballerina Flats: The Daily Shoe That Never Quits
Hourston’s commitment to finding the perfect ballet flat is well documented through her “flats on the ground journalism” series on TikTok. After testing brands like Margaux, E. Porselli, and Gimaguas, she landed on Repetto’s Navy Cendrillon Ballerina Flats as her everyday shoe. “I wear them almost every single day,” she says, which is a remarkable endorsement given how many flats she has evaluated. The color, a deep navy, is both classic and unexpected — it adds contrast without competing with other pieces. Repetto’s construction, using soft leather and a nimble sole, ensures the flats mold to the foot over time, making them surprisingly comfortable. This is a crucial insight for anyone who has struggled with ballet flats that rub the heel or lack arch support. Hourston’s choice underscores that a true style staple in footwear must combine comfort, durability, and versatility, and Repetto delivers on all three fronts.
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6. J.Crew Medium Seaport Tote Bag in Washed Canvas
When Hourston praised the J.Crew Medium Seaport Tote, she emphasized its organizational prowess: “This bag has so many sections — a girl’s dream!” The washed canvas exterior gives it a rugged yet preppy feel, while the multiple internal compartments solve the eternal problem of bags that become black holes of receipts, keys, and lip balms. The Seaport Tote is designed to be carried by hand or over the shoulder, making it suitable for work, travel, or daily errands. Hourston’s endorsement highlights how a thoughtfully constructed bag can simplify a busy lifestyle. For anyone who has ever wasted minutes hunting for their phone in a cavernous tote, this bag represents a simple upgrade that reduces friction in daily life. Its canvas material also means it will develop character over time, aging gracefully rather than falling apart.
7. Tory Burch Lock Suede Satchel or Romy Hobo Bag: The Investment Piece That Lasts Generations
Hourston’s love for Tory Burch bags is two‑fold. She mentions the Lock Suede Satchel and the Romy Hobo Bag, both of which she considers iconic. For her, the Lock Suede Satchel is so beloved that she jokes, “She will be passed down to my future child.” That sentiment captures the ultimate goal of investing in a style staple: a piece that not only serves you through different life stages but also retains its beauty and function for decades. The suede adds a soft, tactile contrast to the structured silhouette, while the hardware is understated enough to keep the bag timeless. Hourston’s approach to bags echoes her overall philosophy: buy less, choose well, and make sure each item earns its place in your closet. For readers seeking a bag that can transition from a morning meeting to an evening dinner, the Lock Suede Satchel or Romy Hobo Bag offer that rare combination of elegance and durability.
How Hourston’s Staples Reflect a Larger Mindset
Beyond the individual items, what ties these seven pieces together is their role in a sustainable, intentional wardrobe. Hourston’s background as a stylist and model, combined with her mother’s experience in fashion design (behind the label Lotte.99), gives her a unique perspective on garment quality. She makes her own jewelry, wears silver rings from Rhose and Their Studios, and incorporates vintage finds like a L.L.Bean field coat or a Clemence weekender bag. This mix of investment pieces, upcycled deadstock garments, and cherished heirlooms creates a wardrobe that is both personal and environmentally conscious. Each of the seven style staples listed above was chosen not because it is trendy, but because it performs reliably, season after season. For anyone tired of fast‑fashion churn and looking to build a closet that truly supports their lifestyle, starting with these seven items provides a road map that is both practical and aspirational.
