Buy On Sale, Wear On Vacation

My daughter and I popped down to Bermuda for a few days last week. When the weather cooperates, off-season is a wonderful time to be there. As I was packing my summer essentials, I realized that it’s time to add and update a few pieces. I should’ve perused the swimwear section of NET-A-PORTER’s sale before I left. However, many items have been reduced further — maybe another warm-weather trip is in order.

Sophie Buhai pendant, Calé terry sweatshirt (black, too), Muun straw tote, Ancient Greek Sandals, Haight swimsuit.

Can’t Find It? Dye it!

For some unexplained reason, the Hermès x Apple watch collaboration offered a black wrap strap when it launched, but not since. When I bought my watch I chose barenia, then bought a black single band. But, I’ve always wanted a black wrap and searched high and low for the past three years. Recently I had an ‘aha’ moment — I had a Blue Jean double-wrap just sitting in a box (not me) and off to the Leather Spa it went. Ta da! I now have what I want.

‘Le Clan Birkin’

The Dec/Jan issue of Vogue Paris is devoted to Jane Birkin and her daughters. If you love vintage pictures of JB, this issue is for you. My favorite image is of her daughter Charlotte Gainbourg above in a Saint Laurent coat, Levis, and Converse sneakers. Below are images from a story based on Ms. Birkin’s style.

Top image: Photography by Lachlan Bailey  styling by Aleksandra Woroniecka.  Bottom images: Photography by Vanina Sorrenti  styling by Virginie Benarroch.

Sophie Hersan Inspired

This time of year my outfits often feel a bit bougie. So, to right the ship, I turn to my fav style bible The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman by Navaz Batliwalla. Inspired by the profiles on chic, modern women, this book is my go-to style compass.

One of my favorite profiles is on Sophie Hersan, co-founder of Vestiaire Collective. Everything Ms. Hersan wears is classic, yet she makes a simple white shirt and jeans — accessorized with a Kelly bag, tank watch, and pumps — look incredibly chic. Maybe it’s a French thing.

Image top left © The New Garconne

Really Good Coats

Even though the fall sales are winding down, I’m excited to see what’s coming up for PF19. According to Clare Waight Keller, Givenchy’s creative director, classic coats are still going strong — no complaints from yours truly. Yesterday I wore a Lanvin coat that I picked up in Paris circa 1999 and, because it’s a classic style, it looked just as good as when I bought it.

Tomboy Chic: The Penny Loafer

A longtime Belgian Shoe fanatic, my beloved black calf pair finally bit the dust. At the same time, I tired of my well-worn horsebit loafer slides that were all the rage a few years ago. While I was pulling product for a recent sale post, I spied these loafers from a collaboration between RE/DONE + Weejuns and immediately clicked “buy”. My friend collects vintage Bass Weejuns and now I know why — they epitomize classic, understated style with a tomboy vibe — I’m obsessed.

Skillet Mussels

Mussels are in the top five of my favorite dishes. My husband doesn’t like them so I always order if they are on the menu. However, he’s off to Paris so I’m going to try this recipe from The Washington Post — perfect for a December 1st dinner.

Lemony

If you are a lemon scent fanatic, my sister swears by the C.O. Bigelow lemon oil products.

Body Cream, Hand Wash.

Smile! It’s the Holidays

And, we’re off! Thanksgiving is in the rearview and from now until New Year’s Eve my diary is packed with lunches, cocktails, teas, a carol sing, birthdays, a ball, and sundry get-togethers. This look from British Vogue — simple hair, groomed brows, mascara, flawless skin, a bold lip, and most importantly, a smile — is my inspiration for the holiday season.

Charlotte Tilbury makeup     photography by Angelo Penetta for British Vogue

Pretty Please: Sale Must-Haves at NET-A-PORTER

When NET-A-PORTER asked me to share with you the details of their 24-hour-only Cyber Monday Sale (an additional 15% off on select sale items with code CYBER15) I had just seen the incredible Hilma af Klint exhibition at the Guggenheim. The Swedish artist’s palette is lovely and I kept thinking “color is a good idea.” So, when I was choosing product for this post, I was inspired by af Klint’s canvases and opted for pretty, colorful dresses — just one would add a long overdue pop to my wardrobe and the ARoss Girl x Soler in lavender is already in my basket. An additional 15% off on select sale items begins tonight at midnight and ends midnight November 26. Don’t forget to use the code CYBER15 at checkout.

Dresses: Sies Marjan, Prada, ARoss Girl x Soler, Sonia Rykiel, ARoss Girl x Soler.