2020

We are all well aware of what a strange and challenging year 2020 has been. As someone who tries to see the glass half full, I’ve been musing on some of the good things that came about this year. Here goes.

I watched more TV, and really great shows, than I’ve cumulatively watched in my entire life. I read a much wider range of genres and authors. I’m more patient while cooking. I shopped my closet. With no need for new major fashion pieces, I bought a number of vests — an item of clothing I’d never given much thought to. I discovered new jewelry designers — Susan Foster is resetting Mother’s opal, it will be gorgeous and a very personal memento. An Ole Lynngaard ring was the loveliest 25th anniversary present. We celebrated our daughter’s 21st and it was just as fun as if we’d been able to go all out. And, most importantly, having the girls home has been a gift.

‘My Future’ by Billie Eilish and Missio’s ‘Can You Feel The Sun’ are my favorite songs of 2020. Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon, Susan Minot’s Why I don’t Write, and Dinner in French all get 5 stars.

Take Me Away

Despite a Christmas Eve windstorm that took out our power and put a tree in the pool, and a trip to the emergency vet for the dog, Christmas was really nice. We have a generator for the essentials, needed a new pool cover anyway, and the dog is as good as new.

When I was a child, we’d open presents, have a big breakfast, then get on a plane to someplace with a beach or a ski slope. Travel, even the planning of a trip, is sorely missing from my life. I even miss all the annoying Instagram pictures of folks on holiday. My daughter’s boyfriend gave her a map with push-pins so they can mark all the places they’d like to go. I love this idea and may copy it.

1720 map of the world at 1st Dibs

A Very Merry Merry

A very merry Christmas to one and all!

Warmly, p

Winter Tweaks

Belting a coat, lace-up boots with an uber classic outfit, and multiple gold rings — easy ways to spice up looks with items I already own.

Upper left Vogue UA  photographed by Liz Collins and styled by Leith Clark

The Christmas Star!

The great Jupiter and Saturn conjunction, aka the ‘Christmas Star’, happens tonight and it’s the winter solstice to boot! This is the closest Jupiter and Saturn, the two largest planets in our solar system, have come to each other since a great conjunction in 1623 and the best since 1226.  Tonight, the planets will look like two bright stars that are almost touching. My dad, a scientist, would’ve insisted we witness an event like this and Mother would’ve bundled us up in snowsuits and handed each child a pair of binoculars and a thermos of hot chocolate. I plan to do just the same tonight with my own family.

Thermos, boots,  mittens, binoculars.

Significant Stocking Stuffers

Stocking stuffers used to be a last minute scramble. Now that the girls are older and their gifts fewer and often more practical (I’m not wrapping the snow tires for under the tree), stocking stuffers have been elevated to a new status. Small but mighty is my motto this year because the best things come in small packages. Open ended plane tickets, Mother’s jewelry passed down to the next generation, a beautiful pen and stamps, a mini Chanel something — you get the idea.

‘I Wish You Were Here’ by Anthony Vaccarello

Anthony Vaccarello’s magical Summer 2021 Saint Laurent show video titled ‘I Wish You Were Here’ just dropped. The collection is packed with gorgeous clothes and the jewelry by Claude Lalanne is stunning.

If I Could, I’d Go Strapless

I have no need for evening clothes this holiday season, but if I did, I’d take a page out of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style playbook and wear a black, strapless dress, cardigan over my shoulders, a massive cocktail ring, and Manolo mules.

Rick Owens dress, Re/Done cardigan, French Girl lip balm, Dolce & Gabbana dress, Manolo Blahnik mules, Totême dress, Anita Ko ring.

Creative Layering

‘Tis the season to get creative with layering — it’s how I can wear the same pieces over and over without looking like I never change my clothes. A T-shirt or turtleneck as a base layer adds warmth. Leandra’s Gucci coat and here.

@leandramcohen  @audreymarnay @lornaluxe

“Return To Chic”

It feels like there’s been a dearth of good fashion stories since forever. Leave it to Grace Coddington to end the editorial drought with this brilliant January British Vogue story. Bella Hadid, “is poised to play a modern-day swan” in these photographs by Inez &Vinoodh. Return to chic, indeed. Thank you, Grace.