A Simple Silk Scarf

It’s been ages since I’ve had a yen for a new silk scarf. In my drawer are some lovely, but rarely worn, Hermès scarves in beautiful prints. These The Row scarves caught my eye — I love the neutral colors. SS22 sales are about to start, which means PF22 is trickling into the shops — and Pre-Fall is my favorite season.

Grey, black, white, and buttercream.

Summer In Black & White

This A.P.C. straw tote caught my eye — the black trim is super chic. I love the clear frame on my Saint Laurent glasses, so I ordered these Ray-Bans with darker lenses. And, I’m on a bit of a Tod’s kick and considering the Gommino Driving Shoes in white — they look great with denim in the summer.

Shopping in the Wild

I don’t like shopping as an activity, but there is a lot to be said for doing just that. While cruising Tod’s men’s department with my husband, I found sunglasses that fit like a charm. I would not have found nor tried them from the website. You have to go to a Santa Maria Novella Farmacia, not just for the memorable experience, but to find the scent you’ll love — then you can order refills online. And, while doing a quick pass through Saint Laurent, I found my dream sandals.  Shopping in the wild is about discovery, and discovery is what makes shopping as an activity fun.

Summer Tunes

New music from Florence + the Machine, The Black Keys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Arcade Fire = a summer of great tunes. I’m one happy camper.

Summer Vibes

Lots of summer style emails in my inbox, which, I must admit, are getting me excited to be poolside. I love these items above: Lack of Color hat, Celine sunglasses, Khaite crocheted dress, Loewe slides, Loewe leather bracelet, Saint Laurent chain belt, and Eres swimsuit.

Competitive Packing

The Rimowa carry-on is everything I’d hoped it would be. I packed for a six day trip, with a wide range of temperatures and rain forecasted, and had plenty to wear. The best advice, from a post the week before last, was to take fewer shoes. However, at the airport coming home, a woman with the same suitcase told me, proudly, that she fit ten days worth of stuff into hers. And there it was, competitive packing — I was one-upped and slightly shamed. Next trip, I’ll pack fewer sweaters…

Tod’s Today

When I worked in an office, I kept a drawerful of comfy shoes. Tod’s Gommino Driving Moccasins were a staple. They were great indoors, outdoors not so much — the nubs wore off too quickly and the lack of support was an issue. A few days ago, I popped into a Tod’s store and discovered the City Gommino Driving Shoe, which has a rubber sole — aha! Not as slouchy as the original, but just as good-looking. I bought two pairs for my daughter and a pair is on its way to me.

Mamma Mia

I’m in Rome visiting my daughter. I’ve only ever been to Rome with my mother; we would stop here for a day or two on our way to someplace else (like Egypt or China). As we wander around the city, I think about those earlier trips and how I am doing many of the same things that Mother did with me — it makes life feel like a lovely continuum. When I bought a pair of Tod’s loafers for my daughter this morning, I knew that they would become a memento of this trip, a tangible memory like the Gucci bag my mother bought for me ages ago. And, it’s the memories that really matter in the end. Thinking of you, mum. xjp

Celine Winter 2022

Hedi Slimane’s Celine FW22 collection film, released two months after Paris fashion week, is a must-watch. The coolest jeans and leather pants under to-die-for jackets and coats and finished off with high-heeled booties — gorgeous. WWD said of the collection “eminently wearable and nonchalant yet elegant” — hear, hear.

Modern Evening

I’m a huge fan of a tunic and matching pant and this strapless St. Agni version is stunning — it’s Lauren Santo Domingo to a T. With a bit of volume removed from the pants, I could wear this, too.