How to Pack a Suit

Last March I posted “Am I a Suit Woman?” where I asked my extremely chic friend Gigi why a suit is her go-to.  Now that suits are de rigueur, I thought I’d share the best suit packing advice from Brooks Brothers (they would know!).

Image © Vogue Paris

‘You’re Somebody Else’

Husband-and-wife (Shpresa is from Sweden, Cole from Minneapolis) are the duo behind Flora Cash. Their indie folk vibe is lovely and the track “You’re Somebody Else” is hauntingly beautiful. My favorite line “it’s not a race to the end” resonates.

Full Disclosure

Full disclosure: I took a pass on expensive white booties and bought these by Taryn Rose. They are so well-made, comfortable, and nicely priced that I bought both black (here, too) and chalk for my daughter. And the heel height is ideal for running-around — a true win-win.

Two of My Favorite Things

Two of my favorite things are in November Vogue Paris — a henley (Chanel, of course) and clogs. Clogs are in just about every story in the issue.

Top image: photography by Alasdair McLellan and styling by Aleksandra Woronieka, bottom image: photography Inez & Vinoodh and styling by Emmanuelle Alt

Kendall Conrad’s Aficionada: Profile on Julia Leach

LA-based accessories designer and dear friend, Kendall Conrad, has added Aficionada, a blog element, to her eponymous site. Kendall has already profiled some very cool women and the most recent interview with creative director Julia Leach (also a dear friend and fellow equestrian) is particularly good.  I’ve done a number of posts on Julia —she is extremely talented and has enviable cool-girl style — she, also, puts together the best mood boards. Julia’s Q&A (she shares her famous salmon recipe) on Aficionada is a must-read.

Images © Kendall Conrad

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Living Proof

A big thank you to the readers who recommended Living Proof hair products — they are amazing!

‘The Girl of Tomorrow’

Kirsty Hume is one of my favorite ’90s models and she looks fantastic in this Vogue Spain story. I remember faxing her father in Scotland asking permission to bring Kirsty to NYC to shoot with Steven Meisel for Vogue. Her signature long hair is as lovely as ever.

Photography by Daniel Riera    Styling by Vito Castelo

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Hunkering Down

It’s time to get your hygge on. Cold nights, shorter days — snuggle in and get comfy. My friend Kerry Diamond of Cherry Bombe fame turned me on to this candle — it really does smell like a wood fire. And don’t forget a cozy sweater (use code 15off) and good book.

Mock Me

Turtleneck season has officially begun and, to my eye, a mock version looks neat and chic. This one by the French label Atlein is perfect and I’m hunting for it.

Image © Self Service issue 49
Photography by Ethan James Green   Styling by Carlos Nazario

Renting & Resale: Luxury Shopping Options

Last fall I posted on vintage and resale shopping excursions with my daughter. She is all-about sustainability and recycling and loves finding one-of-a-kind items. For me, it’s great for scoring something unique and sating my doubles obsession.  But, when I shop for a serious investment piece I buy new and wear over the long haul.

Many women today don’t think this way. They rent high-priced clothes and accessories, wear for a few weeks, then trade-in for other luxury items. I understand the economics behind renting and the appeal of constantly having something “new”, but it’s completely counter to my buy-and-hold mindset. However, the renting trend gave me an idea — my friend and I each have an iconic handbag that we never carry so I suggested that we swap for a few weeks. I’m excited to test-drive a bag that I’ve always coveted but was never sure I’d want to own.

That said, recycling is definitely my thing — I give items I no longer wear to my daughters and friends so they can enjoy them. I sold a number of accessories this summer and the little money I made was not as rewarding as gifting.