Hermès SS24 Sandals

I love the sandals that came down the Hermès runway earlier today. The rubber sole is practical and reasonably good-looking.

Paris Dispatch

I’m in Paris, not for shows but to (sort of) look for an apartment. The weather in New York is abysmal, so it’s nice to not to be there. While packing I convinced myself that it’s much cooler here than it is. So eager to wear sweaters and boots I rationalized that it’s in the 60s at night, which is true, however it’s high 70s during the day… My friend HC will give me flak because she knows I have questionable packing skills and encouraged me to start the process before the morning of my flight. She, also, kindly pointed out that the tall Celine boots I’m thinking of buying will be impossible to pack for the return trip (at least I’ll be able to squeeze in my favorite lip balm). Out of my overstuffed carry-on I’ve pretty much worn the same things for two days. Lesson learned.

Despite my packing idiocy, it’s a gorgeous time to be here. We are staying at Hotel Brach in the 16th where I’m endlessly inspired by the chic women (mothers and grandmothers) picking up their children from school. Today I’m going to check out Rouje and Mister K, two shops on my radar. Even though there is a recently opened Officine Générale shop in NYC, the prices here are significantly less. And, if the boots are a perfect fit, I’ll just figure out how to get them home.

Hope everyone is well!

The Row PF24

The cream anorak and bracelet at the elbow — I’d wear a less chunky version — are my favorite bits from The Row’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection.

Seen In Milan

This street style snap from Milan show week makes me smile. Actor Yara Shahidi’s dress, bag, glasses, and gorgeous smile = perfection.

Image courtesy Vogue

Reclaim Your Closet & Rediscover the Joy of Getting Dressed by Allison Bornstein

The Wall Street Journal has a fantastic Q&A with stylist Allison Bornstein on her new book, Wear it Well. I love Allison’s three-word method, a “…foolproof approach to discovering your personal style: Choose three adjectives that describe how you dress, or how you want to dress.” And, I’m right there with her on the importance of belts, “a slept-on accessory.”

Bottega Gets Crafty

Craft stole the spotlight at Prada and Bottega Veneta, my two favorite Milan shows. This is the first SS24 collections look I’ve penciled onto my wishlist. However, Paris shows start tomorrow and hopefully there will be a lot to love.

No Belt Loops, No Problem

I like to belt my skirts, which means I’m constantly on the lookout for skirts with belt loops. The belt tail dangling down on a skirt without loops makes me nuts. Sadly, the tail on my beloved Miu Miu belt is extremely long. Then, I found a vintage Miu Miu belt with barely a tail and the problem was solved.

Above I’m wearing it with an ancient A.P.C. denim skirt sans belt loops, the Arch4 navy cashmere henley that I bought to wear with dark denim, and Hermès clogs, below with the James Perse skirt I shortened and the Polo Ralph Lauren sweater.

Prada SS24 Collection

I watched the Prada SS24 show live this morning, then dashed out. Now, after looking at the runway images and reading a number of reviews, it’s apparent why many writers quoted Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons talking about the collection in terms of clothes and craft, not ideas. The two looks above are my favorites. And, nary a grey crewneck sweater!

Mrs. Prada always looks great taking her bow and I get a lot of inspiration from her personal style. For example, I’ve always loved satin pumps (they look satin) for day.

Items I’m Eyeing

Wardrobe.NYC is a line I admire, but I have not purchased anything — yet. This blazer is definitely worth a try. I keep eyeing this Proenza Schouler asymmetric midi-length wool skirt, from their brilliant FW23 collection, and know it’s a forever piece. And, I’m completely smitten with these Bottega Veneta gloves in both classic and opera lengths.

Abask

Tom Chapman, Matchesfashion founder, and Nicolas Pickaerts, its former e-commerce director, are behind Abask, the London-based home design objects shopping site. Just shy of its one-year anniversary, Abask is the online destination for some of the best brands in the design world. But what really sets Abask apart is the focus on craftsmanship, exclusive collaborations, and limited-edition pieces. The curation is fabulous!