9. Taeste Buddies: Monica Mendal
On Roman pastries, skiing in Switzerland, and those Alaia flats.
Thank you all for being part of the Taeste Bud journey these last few months. I’m so grateful to have all of you here, and I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how to continue to expand on my work. With that in mind, I’m excited to launch Taeste Buddies, an interview series profiling people whose creativity, style, and ideas I admire. These profiles will be part Q&A, part photo essay, and I hope you enjoy them. xA
First up is Monica Mendal, a Paris-based travel writer. I first met Monica years ago when she was still working at Condé Nast as a fashion editor, but have since followed closely along as she entered the freelance life, and relocated from New York to Europe. Her travel recommendations are unparalleled and she has a knack for finding the unique local shops in any city she visits.
A: How do you define taste? and what makes for good taste?
M: It’s so hard to define, but you know it when you see it. You can tell when a person looks comfortable in their clothes; they just look cool and effortless and like they’re not trying to be anyone but themselves. Those are usually the people with the best taste.
What was the last great thing you purchased?
Lots of good knitwear from TL-180's "night moves" collection. The perfect "going out" knitwear for winter!
Can you share an outfit that represents you?
I’m a creature of comfort. Pictured here: Schostal knit and really old knit pants from Mango (similar pair here).
How would you describe your personal style?
I’m a uniform dresser, very classic. I wear a version of the same thing everyday. Where I take risks is usually with accessories.. shoes, jewelry, bags, etc. Also coats! I love a funky coat. Above all though, I love comfort so there’s always a touch of boho in my uniform.
Someone recently told me that every time they see me I’m in what appears to be “very expensive pajamas”. I loved this and think that pretty much encapsulates my personal style.
What do you wear the most?
![Monica Mendal's closet](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff450e84c-4202-4513-b29b-30fbc7ec7809.heic)
![Monica Mendal's closet](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdeadeb88-3346-4d37-944e-9dace3e2c284_1179x2096.jpeg)
Photo 1: Alaïa flats (yes, those Alaïa flats), Attersee’s satin relaxed pants that I own in every color [Aemilia’s note: I just profiled the brand’s founder for L’Officiel] and my Porto pouch that I also own in every color.
Photo 2: Here’s a general collection of items I’m wearing on repeat these days: Attersee shirts and pants, TL-180 knits, By Malene Birger everything, Loewe jeans and Still Here “Cool” jeans.
Where do you think your sense of taste comes from?
Many years of trial and error! Discovering what works for me and what silhouettes I feel most comfortable in.
Can you share something good you ate recently?
Ricotta cake from Pasticceria Boccione in Rome!
As a travel expert, what sparks your interest in somewhere new?
Conversations spark my initial interest in places. Talking to friends or strangers I meet about places they’ve been and loved. But also books! One of my favorite author’s short stories takes place in Venice and now I’m itching to return to Venice!
Anywhere you've visited in the last year that was particularly inspiring?
When I was younger, I used to ski every weekend with my family. As I got older, I began to resent the winter and always tried to escape by booking trips to warmer places. But the truth is, I love seasons and I missed experiencing the best parts of winter.
That said, I’ve been traveling a ton to the French and Swiss alps as they’re so easy to get to by train from Paris— I feel so spoiled! My last trip of 2023 was in Val d’Isère, it was the best skiing of my life and it got me excited to return to the mountains in the new year.
What’s the most recent inspo pic you took?
My sunrise view from Le Coucou Méribel. Just got back!
This Saks Potts coat that I’m eyeing on sale. [Aemilia’s note: it’s currently $375 on Matches, so shop fast!]
What’s something unexpected you have really good taste in?
Not sure if this is unexpected but fine jewelry! I have been tasked with co-designing many engagement rings for friends. For them to have that kind of trust in me, picking out what is arguably the most significant piece of jewelry a woman gets in her lifetime, I must have good taste… right!?
What’s most precious to you?
My grandmother’s rings.
Can you share a few recommendations?
Coffee shop/wine bar: Sevenly Heart, really cute spot that just opened in the Marais in Paris. I live and work in that area and it's my go-to every morning when I'm in town.
A book: Animal Spirit by Francesca Marciano or if you like poetry, Mary Oliver’s Devotions.
A planner: I get a new Smythson agenda at the start of every year!
A brand: Bentgablenits. Loving their kitschy dog T-shirts!
A beauty item: Setotoner by CAP Beauty. Best toner I've ever used. Winter skin can be so blah but this gives me a really nice, natural glow.
Any last photo(s) that you want to share?
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50e05771-5110-40f9-9f2c-951da1b4c925_2160x3840.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0b692a25-0ed4-4880-9958-7d2ae7d60825.heic)
A couple of good vintage Cartier watches I found in Paris a few months ago that I still think about daily. ~Manifesting~