An updated rerun
Years ago I did a series of posts on this topic and it’s a good time to revisit.
In a comment 9 years ago, a reader referred to “(her) imaginary life trap”, an issue I’ve wrestled with and somewhat curbed. I, too, have those moments of lusting after an item that would serve no purpose in my life, but have learned to take a pass — I don’t have to own everything I love.
The catalyst for this post is threefold — I just sent 6 dresses to be dyed charcoal and black (colors I actually wear), I returned the Gucci bag in cognac because the smooth calfskin gets scratched and stained so easily and I didn’t want it sitting on a shelf like a piece of art afraid to wear it, and I need a pair of shoes for my real life, which means I have to be able to walk around NYC in them. After all the years of doing kic, and having been an editor at both Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, you’d think I’d know better. But, sometimes the siren song is just too tempting and I go astray. Yesterday, my guy in the Bergdorf Goodman shoe department tried to convince me that the 4″ wedge is comfortable, and it probably is. However, I’m not sure that walking in them from BG to the MET would be ideal. So, as much as I love and have posted on them, I’m going to pass — for now…
Fave Rerun
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 (with a few tweaks).
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 (i.e. jeans, T-shirts, and cotton summer dresses).
3. Always buy one in black or grey.
4. On occasion, buy a fashion-forward item 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 a navy silk sheath to both of my daughters’ 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, 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.
It Items
A beautifully cut blazer like this one by Gabriela Hearst, walkable pumps, and small earrings are on my fall list. Can’t decide if the hardware on the Valentino slingbacks is too much, or retro in a good way. The shoe shape is perfection.
FW22 Collections
For me, this long and lean strapless look with a pale lip and ‘undone’ hair stole the Chanel haute couture show. I always love a T-strap and this one hopefully has a more walkable heel height than the ones from the Métiers d’Art collection.
FW22 Collections
For the FW22 haute couture collection, Christian Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri collaborated with Ukrainian artist Olesia Trofymenko — the outcome is stunning. The tree of life motif is at the heart of the designs and is reflected in much of the embroidery. And the smocking makes my heart sing. A must-watch show.
On My Mind
If August is the Sunday of summer, then July is, aptly, the Saturday. Growing up, my family was on Martha’s Vineyard from the day after school let out in June until Labor Day. There were July people and August people, we were simply summer people. Back then, August was the prime month, but now it feels like July has usurped that claim. And the Fourth kicks off July with gusto. For years I flew back from Paris on July 4. I cast Helmut Lang’s men’s show, which was often on the fourth, and it was agreed that when the last model walked the runway I could dash to the airport to be home with my girls for fireworks. I would fly to JFK then take a small plane up to the Vineyard. I could see fireworks in many of the small towns along the Cape — truly magical.
We will be poolside this hot long weekend and will see fireworks in town. Wishing everyone a fun and safe Fourth of July. xp
It item
I don’t need this Gucci bag (I already have it in other colors), and I have the Celine Romy in this color. So, why am I even considering it? Because, when I find something I love and know I’ll wear forever, I buy it. Please talk me out of this…
This bag is now $1000 more than when I bought the first one in December 2019 — wow.
It Items
I love Ann Mashburn — both the woman and her eponymous line. Her Popover dress, strappy sandals, slouchy bag, and Persol sunglasses = the perfect summer uniform. And, Ann’s blog You need this… I promise is a must-read.
Travel
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland
Rome was great and I’m sure Paris will be fun as well, but, my next trip will, hopefully, be to Canada. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, specifically. I want to start in Portland, Maine (my favorite state) and end on Fogo Island, Newfoundland. This trip has been on my list forever and now feels like the right time to go. Recommendations welcome.
On My Radar
I’m going to catch the Louise Bourgeois Paintings exhibition at the Met before it comes down August 7. I love Ms. Bourgeois’ sculptures and am curious about her early works as a painter. Can’t say I was much of a Dakota Johnson fan until I saw her in The Good Mother where she was terrific. So, I’m eager to see her in the new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. The summer I was 13, I read every Jane Austen novel. The summer prior, I read almost every Agatha Christie novel and remember only a few. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is in my beach bag. There is a lot of amazing music this summer and Rüfüs du Sol’s dance remix of On My Knees gets in your head. After our trip to Rome last month, I’ve been making Cacio e Pepe more often than I care to admit — it’s just so easy. And my favorite small indulgences are sunglasses and fragrances. When Ray-Ban had their Memorial Day sale, I went a bit overboard — my girls have taken a few pairs so I feel less guilty. It took me a long time to find a new fragrance, so I’m going back to the source and ordered Louis Vuitton’s Afternoon Swim. It’s by Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, the genius behind my beloved On The Beach.
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