“Swift Fly The Years”

We just got back from a three day trip to Los Angeles. Our older daughter graduated from college and we spent time with my husband’s family. I’d hoped to see friends and check out a few new LA hot spots, but packing up my daughter’s apartment took far longer than I had anticipated. At one point, my younger daughter noted that this would most likely be our last family trip for a while.  She’s probably right and it gives me pause.

Not that we haven’t taken a lot of trips as a family, but glamping in a vintage Airstream in the Grand Canyon and hiking the Hebrides (which I’ve postponed too many times, now) are probably not going to happen any time soon. The reality is, the girls are busy working and building their lives and resumes, which is the goal after all. 18th-century English poet Alexander Pope’s famous quote “swift fly the years” certainly hits home.

Image courtesy @kathyleeds_art

A High Ponytail

Hair stylist Teddy Charles gave Bianca Balti a polished, yet practical, high ponytail for this Vogue Arabia story—perfect for steamy evening events.

Photography by Alexi Lubomirski   Styling by Paul Cavaco

‘Field Notes’

Designer Richard Mishaan knocked the cover off the ball with this veranda in Amagansett — I am seriously inspired by this image.

© Elle Decor

Father’s Day

I’m a little late on the Father’s Day gift front, but I think my husband will like these two items. An amazing cook, I bet he’ll love this cookbook by personal chef Mina Stone—it’s packed with family-style recipes. And these painted canvas totes are actually plant holders—a bit quirky, but could be wonderful filled with herbs.

Spring Jacket

I keep coming back to the Marni Spring collection jackets—they are so good. The one above is leather, but this one in white cotton is great, too, as is the khaki version.

Image by Vanessa Metz for June/July Numéro

Shopping Rules

In the comments of the previous post a reader asked about my shopping and wardrobe building strategies—instead of reinventing the wheel, I thought I’d rerun this post from June 2015.

After I cleaned out my closet and made a short list of items that I need, I started to think about how I shop. More to the point—how is it that, although I have a fashion site, I don’t over-shop or have loads of things that I regret buying? Perhaps I can credit the few shopping rules that I’ve followed forever and swear by:

1. If I love something and KNOW that it’s a forever piece, I buy it immediately. Often, this is an item that I first saw on the runway, put on a list, and then asked for it’s delivery date.

2. Buy two identical items if I think I’ll be wearing them often (usually jeans, tops, and summer dresses).

3. Always buy one in black.

4. Buy one fashion-forward item each season and wear it to death. Then give it away.

5. I don’t wait for the sales. I buy at the front end of the season, then I’m guaranteed to get the things I want. Sale is for those fun and unexpected items that make me feel like I’ve won the fashion lottery.

6. I shop heavily from resort and pre-fall, I find the best and most wearable pieces in these collections.

7. Shop online so things can be returned if I change my mind. I hate a “no return” or “store credit only” policy.

8. Buy basic evening and wear repeatedly by changing up the shoes and accessories. I wore an inexpensive navy silk sheath to both of my daughter’s debutante balls with two different pairs of Valentino shoes and my good jewelry. No one noticed, wasn’t about me.

9. It’s all about the underpinnings—bras that fit and flatter, petals, slips, camisoles, and tanks.

10. Tailoring and maintenance are key. Just about every piece of clothing I buy gets tweaked by my brilliant seamstress. I keep everything clean and maintained and ready to wear—no holes, stains, or loose buttons.

Did I forget anything?

Coat (Buying) Weather

I realize that it seems early, and counter intuitive when it’s 95° in the shade, but some of the best Pre-Fall coats are coming in. This one by Gucci is timeless.

Jeans, slides.

Circling Back

The Nili Lotan Pre-Fall looks (left and right) are now available–I’ve been waiting to circle back to them.

Ti Amo

NPR sat down with two members of Paris-based band Phoenix to talk about their upbeat new album Ti Amo. The All Songs Considered podcast is a good listen.

Straw Tote Update

For years I’ve carried a small straw market basket as my summer handbag, but since I’ve given so many to friends as hostess gifts, I’m looking for an updated version. I have my eye on these round-handled totes— the tassel on the one by Hat Attack is a nice touch, and the basic one from Sur La Table is a good deal. There are lots of options on Etsy.