On My Mind
I’m hardwired to know which way is north, the elevation of my current location, and where we are in the lunar cycle, so, breaking tradition with the Gregorian calendar is a big deal for me. However, I’m determined to override the fact that the Summer Solstice is the official start of summer and adopt the notion that summer starts June 1 — today!
I pulled out my white Dr. Scholl’s and straw market baskets. Flowers from the garden, a strawberry-Rhubarb galette, opening the pool, and the French Open = bliss!
On the hunt for a black skirt
The weather warmed up significantly, so I moved my coats, wool skirts, and winter wear to a back closet. Sweaters are being cleaned and repaired before they, too, go into storage. In exchange, out came my spring standbys. This is the moment when I realize that I don’t have fill-in-the-blank. This year it’s lighter-weight, knee-length black skirts. I bought a few (too many) black J. Crew polos and realized that I have only one black cotton to-the-knee skirt. The rack of cream, beige, camel, and denim skirts and multiple minis doesn’t fill this hole. So, I’m on the hunt and willing to shorten if it fits the bill. This Matteau cotton-poplin maxi skirt could be perfect and it’s on sale.
On My Mind
My friend Gigi sent me this photo she took of the newspaper ad for the opening of Chanel’s East Hampton Seasonal Boutique. Everything about the image is compelling — a field trip out east is in order.
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Years ago I wore Wayfarers daily, then I gave them to my daughter. Now I’m missing the style and will try this Saint Laurent pair. A brown linen shirt over a black swimsuit would be chic, and an inexpensive raffia shoulder bag is always a good idea.
On My Mind
In a comment on the post Thank You, Helene, RM suggested “a post on where women find great basics. I have a go-to t-shirt, for example, while someone might have a staple crewneck sweater.” Then Yasmin weighed in with “I love to shop but with the lack of brick and mortar stores these days as well as inventory it makes the Saturday afternoon stroll unappealing. It’s great to know where and what ladies of like shopping mind find the best.”
So, I will start off the conversation — using this picture I took yesterday after visiting interior designer Katie Ridder and her stunning Millbrook garden — by sharing two of my tried-and-true basics. My favorite T-shirts are by Petit Bateau. I love the neck on the non-scalloped version. It lays flat and looks great peeking out from under a crewneck sweater. I have loads of them in white and black and have shortened many to wear untucked with a skirt. No need to go to Paris to snag a few, either.
I cherish a number of pairs of Saint Laurent sunglasses, but for running around, Ray-Bans win the day. They don’t break the bank, and when they go on sale I try styles outside of my comfort zone. Like reading glasses, I keep pairs scattered about.
Slingbacks, clogs, hobos, pleated knee-length skirts, short-sleeved knits, peacoats, Belgian Shoes, Adidas sneakers, and lambswool crewneck sweaters are the foundation of my wardrobe. I’m sure I’m forgetting a few items.
Okay, your turn!
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A parka for the bakery run this morning did not make me happy. I look forward to sporting an easy summer dress, sandals, and BIG sunglasses — my squint lines are doing me no favors. #SummerUniform
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Dear Helene,
When you recommended the J. Crew polo in a comment yesterday, I went to try it on. Fits like a charm and it’s on sale — a win-win for sure.
Thank you for the tip!
xPreston
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I’ve often wondered what happened to the phenomenally talented French designer Sophie Theallet, the ’90s Azzedine Alaïa alum who shuttered her namesake label in 2018. My question was answered when I ran into my dear friend Adrienne wearing the perfect shirtdress by Room 502, the DTC line Sophie launched from Canada in 2021. I went up a size and it fits perfectly. The dress is with my tailor being shortened and the buttons swapped to black. Thanks, Adrienne!
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A short-sleeved, knit polo is one of my wardrobe staples. Perfect on its own right now, then under a blazer in the winter. I love the zipper on the Varley left. And the Bottega Veneta right is pretty nice (and here).
New Blog
Monica Ainley de La Villardière recently launched a blog on Substack, Mon Review. I love her personal style and I’m thrilled she is posting on it. Blogs are back big time.
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