Fave Rerun
In the comments of the previous post a reader asked about my shopping and wardrobe building strategies—instead of reinventing the wheel, I thought I’d rerun this post from June 2015.
After I cleaned out my closet and made a short list of items that I need, I started to think about how I shop. More to the point—how is it that, although I have a fashion site, I don’t over-shop or have loads of things that I regret buying? Perhaps I can credit the few shopping rules that I’ve followed forever and swear by:
1. If I love something and KNOW that it’s a forever piece, I buy it immediately. Often, this is an item that I first saw on the runway, put on a list, and then asked for it’s delivery date.
2. Buy two identical items if I think I’ll be wearing them often (usually jeans, tops, and summer dresses).
3. Always buy one in black.
4. Buy one fashion-forward item each season and wear it to death. Then give it away.
5. I don’t wait for the sales. I buy at the front end of the season, then I’m guaranteed to get the things I want. Sale is for those fun and unexpected items that make me feel like I’ve won the fashion lottery.
6. I shop heavily from resort and pre-fall, I find the best and most wearable pieces in these collections.
7. Shop online so things can be returned if I change my mind. I hate a “no return” or “store credit only” policy.
8. Buy basic evening and wear repeatedly by changing up the shoes and accessories. I wore an inexpensive navy silk sheath to both of my daughter’s debutante balls with two different pairs of Valentino shoes and my good jewelry. No one noticed, wasn’t about me.
9. It’s all about the underpinnings—bras that fit and flatter, petals, slips, camisoles, and tanks.
10. Tailoring and maintenance are key. Just about every piece of clothing I buy gets tweaked by my brilliant seamstress. I keep everything clean and maintained and ready to wear—no holes, stains, or loose buttons.
Did I forget anything?
I realize that it seems early, and counter intuitive when it’s 95° in the shade, but some of the best Pre-Fall coats are coming in. This one by Gucci is timeless.
Jeans, slides.
Nili Lotan Pre-Fall
The Nili Lotan Pre-Fall looks (left and right) are now available–I’ve been waiting to circle back to them.
My Music
NPR sat down with two members of Paris-based band Phoenix to talk about their upbeat new album Ti Amo. The All Songs Considered podcast is a good listen.
It Item
For years I’ve carried a small straw market basket as my summer handbag, but since I’ve given so many to friends as hostess gifts, I’m looking for an updated version. I have my eye on these round-handled totes— the tassel on the one by Hat Attack is a nice touch, and the basic one from Sur La Table is a good deal. There are lots of options on Etsy.
British Vogue
Carolyn Murphy looks pretty fab in this story by Inez & Vinoodh from July British Vogue—she’s still one of my favorite models.
Styling by Kate Phelan
Continue…
It Item
Either one of these Chloé sandals would be a nice addition to my summer wardrobe—the black and antique orange are both good.
British Vogue
I flipped when I saw these Manolo Blahnik brogues in the July issue of British Vogue—they are fantastic.
Photography by Gregory Harris Styling by Verity Parker
Vogue January 2014 Issue
This Vogue story on Emilia Fanjul Pfeifler’s Locust Valley, New York home is a Pinterest favorite and with good reason—it’s fantastic. I’ve run this lovely image of their garden before and I thought of it today since we will be out in ours this weekend. New gardening gloves are in order since my recent run-in with poison ivy.
Photography by Oberto Gigli
Net-A-Porter
Net-A-Porter added some great items to their sale last night—many were kic spring picks. Here are a few of my favorites: Joseph dress, Alexander Wang slides, A.P.C. top, The Great white jeans, Alaia bag, Isabel Marant Cuff (not on sale), Joseph skirt, A.P.C. denim skirt, and Joseph trench.
Lots of great pieces are now up to 70% off!
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