My Style Re-evaluation

Early July I posted on American-born Parisienne Charlotte Husson’s inspirational personal style and how my fatigue with the stealth-wealth/quiet-luxury — aka absurdly expensive minimalism — trend sparked a re-evaluation of my own personal style. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I own and wear, but every so often I look at my rails and feel as if something is missing.

Last evening, on my way to meet my husband for our weekly French tutorial at Coucou, I popped into the A.P.C. Surplus store and had an aha moment when I spied this dress. A feminine printed silk shirtdress with a kind price tag was the missing piece. Add knee-high boots and a cardigan and I am transported back to my twentysomething self in a good way. Funny how one item can shift everything.

Red Is Cool

If you want to jump on a cool trend without a major $$$$ outlay, red socks are the way to go. Uniqlo Heattech socks and COS ribbed cashmere get my vote.

Two Stellar Shoe Collaborations

Soeur, the popular French brand that just sold a controlling stake to Style Capital, collaborated with French shoemaker J.M. Weston to tweak the latter’s classic 180 loafers. And, the Miu Miu collaboration with Prada owned Church’s is also fabulous.

Short Stories

I’m a huge fan of short stories and two of my favorite authors have recently published new collections. The brilliant writer Lydia Davis requested that Our Strangers only be available through indie booksellers, so I just picked up a copy from my beloved Locust Valley Bookstore. Ask for a copy of Jhumpa Lahiri’s Roman Stories, too.

Gold Standard

My chicest friend @arossgirl wore these Manolo Blahnik flats with navy wide-wale corduroy trousers to lunch yesterday, an elegant pairing. I am endlessly inspired by Amanda’s personal style.

Self Service: Modern Elegance

These three pictures from Fall/Winter 2023 Self Service are the epitome of modern elegance, something I mused on in a recent post. The hair pulled back, a bold red lip, and clutch and gloves elevate each look.

The Toteme Tote

Thankfully, large totes are trending because I need one. I’ve downsized my laptop but I still need a large shoulder bag when flying. Not only do I love the size of these by Toteme, grey and dark brown are great color options.

On My Radar

Week before last, I heard the charming and very witty David Netto talk about his new book. His stunning interior design projects are a true reflection of the designer himself. The exhibition Mood of the moment: Gaby Aghion and the house of Chloé at the Jewish Museum is on my must-see list, especially with the exciting recent appointment of Chemena Kamali as creative director. And, I won’t pass up a chance to see a Tracey Emin exhibition. A solo show of her new paintings opens November 4 at White Cube New York.

Easy Elegance

This photograph of Sofia Coppola, by Steven Meisel for the cover story in The Originals issue of W, takes my breath away. This is how women looked when I was a little girl, elegant and refined. They wore everything with such ease, yet, it took a lot of work to achieve and maintain. As I get older, I’m striving for a bit more elegance in my appearance and mien.

Below are some of the actors in the film Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, which will be released in 2024. Chloë Sevigny as CZ Guest, Naomi Watts as Babe Paley, Demi Moore as Ann Woodward, Calista Flockhart as Lee Radziwill, and Diane Lane as Slim Keith.

D’UN PAS LÉGER

Photography by Alex Webb Styling by Max Ortega

Like Mrs. Prada’s bomber-esque Duffle jacket, this The Row trench top intrigues me. I called the whole look tricky in a collections post last January, yet I really like the Sacai-like feel. Looks fab on Amber Valletta in October Vogue France.