The NET-A-PORTER Sale: Key, Classic Wardrobe Staples

FW18 was great for key, classic wardrobe staples. NET-A-PORTER’s sale starts today and they asked me to post my favs. I would be happy with any or all of the pieces above.

Bottega Veneta trench, All earrings Sophie Buhai, Altuzarra double-breasted blazer (on sale soon), Khaite jeans (on sale soon), Re/Done  + Weejuns loafers, Wandler bag (on sale soon), Gabriela Hearst cashmere coat, Chloé cotton trench, Toteme grey felt coat, Jacquemus twist-front canvas coat, Jacquemus wool blazer, Toteme slim jeans.

Shopping Local

As much I love the ease of shopping online and promote e-commerce since my readers are from around the world, I was moved by a newsletter sent by my dear friend, Lisa Scully, who owns a small-town bookstore. Here are her thoughts on the importance of shopping local:

Are your books more expensive than Amazon?

-Yes.  We buy our books wholesale and then charge you the retail price.  That is generally the price on the book jacket. Amazon sells their books at the wholesale price. They do not add the retail markup.

If your books are more expensive than Amazon then why on earth would I ever buy one from you?

-Yes, it will cost you more to purchase a book from us. There’s no getting around that fact. However, let’s think about what would happen to our community if everyone just shopped online. Everything sold locally in Locust Valley can be purchased online, and in most cases for less. So, yes, in the short term, that puts money in your pocket. More to spend on a day to day basis. That sounds pretty enticing, right? Sounds good to me too, until I start digging and thinking more about that.

-What do you mean? More money in my pocket sounds great, especially at this time of year!

-Let’s review the costs of buying a book on Amazon.  Let’s say a hardcover fiction book (how about a John Grisham since he’s really popular) costs you $13.96 on Amazon.  If you buy it from the Locust Valley Bookstore it is going to cost you 29.95. What happens to that extra money you’ve paid?
-It is used to pay salaries to four hardworking local residents who can therefore afford to live here, pay taxes, shop locally, eat in our restaurants and put their money to work back into the community.
-It goes to pay rent and taxes so that there is an attractive store on the main thoroughfare into Locust Valley.
-We also use part of these funds to make the store look nice, to nurture a place where people can visit, talk to one another, provide nice gift wrapping, compare book ideas and browse new titles.

As Chubby Hubby says, this is a multiplier effect.  That extra money gets spent again and again.  It stays in the community.  So that extra $15 you paid becomes more like $100 for our town.  This isn’t just true at the Locust Valley Bookstore.  That multiplier happens every time you shop locally.

Why should I care about the stores in our town? I never go into Locust Valley anymore. I just shop online or in NYC!

-A vibrant, attractive town is better for the price of our houses, and it brings people into our community which is ultimately better for our schools and overall economic vitality of the area where we live. It also helps pay for important local services like fire and police, so it is better for safety too. Do you really want to live in a place that has boarded up storefronts, no restaurants, nothing to buy?

We aren’t trying to be preachy. We all shop online (yes, even the Locust Valley Bookstore is guilty/have you ever tried to find “institutional style” bookends locally? Not possible!) But, for shopping? For Christmas and other holidays? There are so many great stores in Locust Valley! When was the last time you walked around? You can do it here!  This town needs all of us!  We have great schools, we have strong neighborhood organizations, we have people who plant trees and decorate at the holidays. We need to keep this all alive! Every one of us!

Come see us soon! Anyone who brings us a dark chocolate turkey before Thanksgiving will get $5 off a regular priced hardcover book.

Please follow us on Instagram (@locustvalleybookstore) and Facebook and thank you for your support!

The New Bottega Veneta

Vogue sat down with Daniel Lee, Bottega Veneta’s new creative director, and the ensuing Q&A is a must-read. The 32-year-old Brit and Céline alum was an under the radar pick and everyone is excited to see his vision for the Italian luxury house. Lee told Vogue‘s Nicole Phelps that he wants “to just make some really great clothes, for people to live in and love and really enjoy.” Can’t beat that.

Harry Josh’s Pro Dryer 2000

A new blow dryer is not something I’ve needed since forever. Honestly, I’ve had the same travel model for eons, but now it takes a little coaxing to turn on. GOOP swears by the Pro Dryer 2000 created by hair stylist Harry Josh. Harry cuts Gwyneth’s hair and used to cut mine — he is phenomenal.

Before he became a hair stylist, Harry was a casting director and we worked for the same production company on fashion shows. I inherited the Louis Vuitton show from Harry. Then, when I left to work exclusively with Helmut Lang, Harry cast LV again. One of the kindest and truly talented people on the planet, I would buy his dryer, even at $249, because he developed it (and it cuts drying time in half). The color is cool, too.

Ski Parka Inspo

Last year I replaced my ski pants and now my parka could use an upgrade. I love the style of this one on Jane Fonda circa who-knows-when. And the bonnet is right up my alley.

I am completely besotted with this Moncler jacket and it’s sitting in my cart, but I struggle with red — does it go with black?

The skiwear edit from Matches Fashion, below, just popped up in my inbox .

p.s. I bought the Moncler and love it, but it is definitely Après skiwear. I took of the red faux fur collar and it’s perfect for the “slopes” of NYC 😉

The Season of the Coat

The sales are imminent so I’m going through the kic shop and old posts to see if there are items I still want. It was a strong season for coats and I’m glad I bought the Miu Miu because my size is now sold out. There are other coats I’d consider buying when marked down – another maxi-length tops the list.

Image © October Vogue Spain

We Had It So Good

When I saw this picture on @fastened2fashion ‘s Instagram feed, I got a lump in my throat — Phoebe Philo made is so easy, with just a few simple pieces, to look polished and pulled together. Missing Céline.

I put a number of Céline items in the kic shop.

When Did Everyone Start Wearing False Eyelashes?

Women have been wearing false eyelashes (extensions?) for special occasions for years, but now I see them everywhere. I work from home and when I’m not posting, I’m trading. CNBC is on all day long and at this point I have the equivalent of an MBA. Last week I noticed that the younger female newscasters are wearing fake lashes, even at 6am — I feel like I missed the memo.

Image © Steven Meisel

Patou’s Revival

Years ago, I collected a number of vintage patterns. My favorite is this Patou gown and I’m considering having it made for an upcoming event. I love a square neckline and need short sleeves since white, elbow-length gloves are required. My own accessories would keep the dress from looking vintage, which isn’t a bad thing, actually. Navy is chic, too.

In industry news: The Jean Patou fashion house is being resurrected by LVMH. Guillaume Henry, the newly appointed creative director, will hopefully revive the label. Founded in 1912, Patou was renowned for sportswear. Sadly, today it is only known for its perfumes.

Super Stella

Stella Tennant is breathtakingly beautiful on one of four December British Vogue covers photographed by Steven Meisel to celebrate editor-in-chief Edward Enniful’s first year anniversary at the magazine. This reminds me that I need to start looking for a gown for my daughter’s deb ball next month — if only I looked as stunning as Stella. In the accompanying interview she talks about her start in modeling — it’s a fun read.