Prada, Please!

ThePrada FW23 show just came down the catwalk and this duffel coat will be mine.

The Pump in T The New York Times Style Magazine

Photographs by Johnny DufortStyled by Carlos Nazario

I love this story in the recent issue of T The New York Times Style Magazine. But, what I love the most in this story is the low-heeled classic pumps. The ones above are by Marion Parke. I have pairs by Jimmy Choo, and Manolo Blahnik — they never go out of style.

Chic Bits

The Saint Laurent Rive Droite Vanessa Beecroft exhibition email image is on my desktop and it inspired me to do a round-up of items that have, also, been sitting on my desktop. Co strapless maxi dress, Saint Laurent leather trench, Alaïa leather scarf, Toteme glossed-leather belt, Jil Sander jersey bodysuit, and I gave my daughter my Chanel Le Crayon Kohl and need to replace it.

Long Weekend Reads

There’s nothing better than cracking open a good book on a February long weekend. I’ve just started Allegra Goodman’s new novel “Sam”. Then, “The Shards”, Brett Ellis Easton’s first novel in 13 years and set in LA  just prior to his seminal work “Less Than Zero”, is next in the queue. I cooked almost every recipe in Skye McAlpine’s 2020 cookbook “A Table for Friends”, so I’m excited for her recently released “A Table Full of Love”. Finally, I watched an interview with the amazing landscape designer Lily Kwong and she recommended “On the Necessity of Gardening: An ABC of Art, Botany and Cultivation”. Ms. Kwong is the guest designer at the New York Botanical Garden 2023 Orchid Show that opens today.

Loden, Khaki, & Army Green for Spring

These three jackets are on my spring inspiration board. The double-face cashmere Celine jacket top left is sublime, and the shape suits me. But, the super popular Toteme Scarf Jacket and the Celine twill Sahara jacket are certainly contenders.

Trench Weather

Rain + temperatures in the 60s = prime trench weather.  These NYFW show-goers wear them well.

Images courtesy of Vogue

To The Max

Vogue has challenged a bunch of designers, models, and editors to style 1 item 7 ways. My favorite #VogueRewear post so far is by Laura Jane Ingham, Deputy Director, Global Fashion Network at British Vogue. I thought it was bold that she chose a maxi skirt, that is until I saw gorgeous ones in Khaite FW23 left and Proenza Schouler FW23 right.

Thinking About Summer

I want to meander along the Côte d’Azur this summer and take these types of items with me. The sweater is cotton and would be perfect over a swimsuit late in the day. And, these accessories would go with everything — sunglasses, bag, and sandals.

Pattern Play

Fall 2018 I had the Patou gown on the left made in navy wool crepe for my daughter’s ball that Christmas. Yesterday, Alison, a lovely longtime reader from Scotland, wrote asking about my post on the process of making the dress since all posts prior to 2021, at my request, were removed from the site last summer. This query sent me searching for my collection of vintage dress patterns. I would wear so many of these today and will have one made. Thank you, Alison, for the inspiration.

A Fine Burgundy

A few years ago I was eyeing the Gucci 1955 bag in cherry red, but didn’t go there. However, my beloved Saint Laurent hobo in burgundy is another matter altogether and I’ve already pre-ordered it. Burgundy looks really good — chic with grey and a nice alternative to my brown and tan bags.  Expected to ship late July, this hobo will be ideal for fall. My first of five — or, second if I count the Saint Laurent boots from Paris…