An Anorak

One of the things I have learned from going back and forth from NY to Paris so often is that packing multiple coats and jackets isn’t optimal. Even though I take trunks, coats are the ultimate space hogs. Finding something to go with both pants and skirts was a challenge. The Row’s Althena anorak hit the mark. A bit more polished than a traditional parka, and less cumbersome than a wool coat, this down-filled, cashmere-lined jacket has been the perfect space saver. I now make the trip with one less trunk.

Fall Tweaks

The Celine shoulder bag caught my eye when I spied it in the runway images last July. So chic, and large enough for a laptop. As a fervent acorn motif fan, the Verdura earrings are everything. If they come in a smaller size they will top my Christmas list.  I am searching for these The Row pumps, please share if you see them. Finally, it is no secret that I am a kerchief headscarf devotee and this The Row cashmere neck scarf doubles up nicely. Charcoal grey is not available stateside yet (soon, I’m told), so I’m having one sent to my BFF who is in London for the week. Thanks KB!

To Read, See, & Hear

Last night I met Janet Mavec and heard her speak about her new book, Bird Haven Farm. Besides being an extraordinary gardener, Janet is a jewelry designer and a very cool person to boot. She was interviewed by my garden hero, Paige Dickey. I’d been toying with starting a literary festival in Bedford, NY after my trip to the Charleston Literary Festival last November but, happily, someone beat me to the punch. The debut Westchester Book Festival is tomorrow with Geraldine Brooks, Emma Straub, and many other amazing authors speaking. I loved Catherine Newman’s Sandwich and I am midway through the sequel, Wreck. Not as great as Sandwich, but still a good read. Next in the queue is Lily King’s Heart the Lover. Ms. King’s piece in Vogue is a must-read. I am excited for John Irving’s new novel, Queen Esther, a sequel to The Cider House Rules. The new film Die My Love with Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson is set in rural France and looks excellent. And, finally, the band Florence and the Machine has a new album “Everybody Scream.”

Mind & Body

Fall of 2023 I decided to up my game mentally and physically. I started listening to audiobooks to get more reading time in each day and it’s been a game changer. Patrick Ryan’s Buckeye is excellent. Two years ago I tried Pilates and quickly went from once a week to five when I am here. My phenomenal instructor is the reason I stuck with it and look forward to every session. After years of struggling to find a comfortable athletic bra, I now layer a scoop bra, sports bra, and tanks from FP Movement — also a game changer. While in Paris recently, I switched oat milk for cow’s milk in my coffee and, after years of limiting dairy, I’m eating lots of yogurt. My skin cleared up instantly! Finally, I use predominantly Biologique Recherche products from my facialist, however, she introduced me to Margy’s The Lotion 1 and it has made an enormous difference.

Happy Bits

Spring 2024 I shelved my Adidas Sambas and wondered what could replace them. Dries Van Noten’s sneakers filled the gap nicely. I bought the tan pair in January — they were so comfortable that I immediately bought the other two. I’ve posted on the Paris-based Canadian fashion journalist Monica Ainley de La Villardiere for years — I love her personal style and spirit. Her Substack Mon Review is one of my top five favorites. I want to add a white skirt to my fall/winter rotation and I’m inspired by Ms. de La Villardiere’s outfit, also look #7 from the recent The Row Summer 2026 collection images. Finally, the appointment of Maria Grazia Chiuri as Fendi’s chief creative officer makes me want to jump for joy. She designed the Valentino pieces I cherish and the Dior shoes I collect. I am already making space in my wardrobe for the beautiful things she will design for Fendi.

Books in the Queue

I’ve challenged myself to read more non-fiction and I’m starting with John Seabrook’s family memoir, The Spinach King: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty, then, True Nature: The Pilgrimage of Peter Mathiessen by Lance Richardson. Kiran Desai’s new novel, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny will be third in the queue since I am going to hear Ms. Desai speak in December. Finally, MoMA’s Ruth Asawa: A Retrospective opened for member previews today and I can’t wait to pick up the accompanying book, The Tamarind Prints.

Grey & Brown, Cont.

I am a wardrobe builder, I buy items with the intent of wearing them forever along with pieces I already own. Ergo grey and brown — they suit me and go the distance. For FW25 I added these High Sport pants, The Row pumps, and Hermès boots below. The Row sweater is from last winter, as are the skirt, booties, ankle-strap pumps, Vince sweater, Carolina Herrera cape, Gauchere top and wrap skirt,  Commission pleated skirt and a number of old Celine, grey wrap skirts. All are out and ready for another year.

A Big Skirt

On Thursday I caught the first flight back to NYC from Paris to hear the brilliant writer André Aciman talk about his book, Room on the Sea: Three Novellas. Afterwards, I had lunch with an extremely chic friend who was wearing a midi-length skirt with a bit of volume. We are the same height, which made me think, if she can wear and look so sensational in the silhouette, then I should give it a try. The ideal is this skirt and top from The Row’s Summer 2026 collection left. However, until they are available next spring, I cobbled together a look with a skirt and top I already own. I’m wearing a Splendid turtleneck above.

Thanks for the inspiration Dorrit M!

Bits & Bobs

While on my mini sabbatical, I read and loved The Correspondent by Virginia Evans — it is so good. Bottega Veneta’s large Campana is the perfect tote. I just picked up The Row’s ballet flats in pale sage. They are my nod to the white shoe trend. Did you read about the woman who lived to 117? Yep, she ate a Mediterranean diet. This cookbook is on its way to me. When I spied these Belgian-esque loafers in the Celine SS26 runway images my heart skipped a beat.

Chanel SS26: A Breath of Fresh Air

In his magnificent debut collection, Chanel’s new creative director, Matthieu Blazy, perfectly synthesized the heritage and codes of the brand with his original vision. Thank you, Mr. Blazy, for infusing a very welcome lightness into the house of Chanel. Hooray!