On the fringe

Jane Birkin

Everyone keeps talking about the bun, but I’m really keen on bangs right now. Who wouldn’t be inspired by these three women. With longer hair, this is a great look.

Francoise Hardy

In love with lace

Alexa Chung in Simone Rocha at the British Fashion Awards

Lace is not a new trend. But when it popped back up on the collective fashion radar about two years ago, it was more of a detail, as in insets and hems, and it had a lingerie feel. So it’s not that I am late to the lace party per se, it’s that I prefer a full-lace dress, like the Simone Rocha on Alexa Chung and the stunning Temperley of London gown, Kate, The Duchess of Cambridge, wore earlier this year.

Last spring I fell hard for a black lace Valentino dress. Sporting an enormous price tag, it had to be perfect, but it wasn’t. The fabric was couture quality, but the dress was shaped a bit like a bag. When belted it was too short. After deliberating with my trusty seamstress for a few days, it went back to Valentino. The real test was that it went on sale in my size, and I still passed on it.

My search continues. Isabel Marant had a few this fall, but they were too body-con for my liking and Lanvin has a pretty good one too.  I want this dress to go the distance, so it needs to be just right. tbc

My new silhouette cont.

Alexa Chung at the Chanel Fine Jewelry 80th Anniversary party © vogue.com

Last winter I fell in love with the fuller skirt and coined it “my new silhouette“. I was trying to avoid the tent-like dresses I adore (and my husband hates) and prove I still have a waist. I bought a black wool, softly pleated skirt from Proenza Schouler and paired it with a tiny, J. Crew boys, black wool sweater. This pairing has become my go-to day look, especially when I need to be a bit polished. And I can accessorize it in a million ways, which is a bonus. Now I am considering the same silhouette for evening, and the Chanel dress on Alexa above, would do nicely.

Look we love: The ankle strap

From top left: Isabel Marant Fall 2012; Paris Vogue editor Geraldine Saglio with Emmanuelle Alt; Alexa Chung; Burberry Prorsum Spring 2013

Last fall I fell hard for the classic pump. It’s return, after what seemed like years and years of wedges, was very welcome. I bought a black suede pair and another in caramel patent and wore them both to death. I refrained from buying a simple white pump, but it still lingers on my list.

This season I am still in love with the pump, but one with a thin ankle-strap. Fortunately, there are many to choose from.

Am I too old?

Alexa Chung

I don’t believe in age dictums such as “women should cut their hair shorter after age 40″ or “no miniskirts after 35″. When I was growing up, I remember being mesmerized by an elegant 70-something woman who had long gray hair she wore swept up in a chignon. Basically, how you wear your clothes (and your hair) is almost more important than what you are wearing.

But then I wanted to get a pair of jean shorts for summer. And I thought, ‘I think I’m too old’. Not super short cut-offs like Alexa’s but a more polished pair. To wear super casually on the weekend and for picnics–never to brunch in the city. Preston said of course! I could wear them–with a nice t-shirt or crewneck sweater and K. Jacques sandals, why not?! My husband, who rarely blinks an eye at even my most out-there outfits, said “You can’t wear jeans shorts, you’re too old.” Ouch.

That made me stop and think. For about a month. Then I found a great pair by James Jeans that aren’t too short, too tight or overly baggy. I will admit I am both excited and mildly nervous to wear them. But life is short. Age be damned!

Look we love: Rain wear

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Jennifer and I struggle with how to look pulled-together in the rain. We are not out walking the moors, but rather Madison Avenue or Main Street. So a Barbour and jeans with Hunter boots is not always the answer. What have we found that works? Dressier rubber riding boots paired with a printed dress that adds a bit of color to a drab day. Maybe a bright scarf and definitely a fun piece of jewelry.

Last year I tried to replace my beloved Tom Ford for Gucci trench and couldn’t find one I liked as much. Now, all I want is a super classic Burberry trench, like Alexa’s above, to go the distance (and years). Not a fashion-y piece, but a workhorse staple. I can wear the fun fashion bits underneath.