Random Bits

Nothing says spring quite like a striped top and canvas tote — this Toteme sweater ticks all the boxes. A new book and candle just make life better.

La DoubleJ candle, Toteme sweater and here, The Row Tote, Book.

Knit Picks

I’ve always shied away from a knit skirt fearing it would stretch out in the bum from sitting — like the knees on leather pants. However, the head-to-toe knitwear trend is big, and rightfully so — it’s the perfect upgrade from loungewear. These by Proenza Schouler and The Row (also here) could sway me. Anna Quan is my favorite knitwear line at a kinder price point.

Welcome, Spring!

As we emerge from “…the winter of our discontent” and prepare to re-enter our former, yet forever altered, lives/lifestyles, I’ve been thinking about how I will present myself. Many predict that the post-COVID era will mimic the Roaring Twenties. Perhaps, for a moment, to relieve pent-up frustration.

I tried to be true to myself this past year and was exceptionally mindful of adding to what I already have. My fashion diary , shopping rules, and focus on a simple wardrobe were together my compass as I made purchases. Oddly, I acquired a number of items that had been on my wish list for years. A chunky cardigan, a non-trench raincoat, an everyday black bag, an easy cocktail dress, and a light-weight parka. They may not be the most exciting items, but things I will wear endlessly.

So, how will I present myself? On the outside I will look pretty much the same, it’s the gratitude in my heart that I will wear on my sleeve.

Nili Lotan: Classics Crush

For me, the peacoat, cable-knit cardigan, skinny jeans, and suede boots are the best bits of Nili Lotan’s FW21 collection. They may seem like basics, but they are the clothes I live in and invest in. These will stand the test of time, also important.

Continue…

Warm-Weather Countdown

I’m on a warm-weather countdown. We had an unseasonably balmy day last week, which was great and torturous at the same time. When it’s really warm I go short, and this is my preferred uniform.

I have the Petit Bateau T-shirt in a range of colors, both with and without the scallop trim. The non-scallop tee is longer and better for tucking into a skirt. This skirt is similar to mine — love these pockets. If I’m worried about a skirt being too short, I size up and have the sides taken in. When I wear my Chanel belt, I think of it as a piece of jewelry and let it stand alone. And the saint Laurent sandals are timeless, I live in my pair.

Honestly, all skirt lengths work.

Items above: Petit Bateau T-shirt, Alexis skirt here and here, Chanel belt, Saint Laurent sandals.

The Row: A Really Good Vest

When I posted these The Row SS21 images last October I was eyeing the vests. Now they are available in black, navy, and both here.

Maison Mayle

I’ve always been a big fan of Jane Mayle’s design sensibility, which I think of as classic-meets-vintage. Sadly, I no longer have any of Jane’s pieces from the early 2000s — most likely because I wore them out. This is such a good spring coat from her Maison Mayle line. I in no way need a new coat, but this one warrants a try. The wedges, too.

On The Books

What started as a gesture of community support turned into a saving grace. When my friend opened the Locust Valley Bookstore four years ago, I was a diehard digital reader and had not bought an actual book, save a coffee table tome, in years. To show my support, I started buying books as gifts. Then a few for myself. And then, during quarantine, reading quite literally kept me sane — it stopped my world from closing in. The novels, poetry, gardening books, and travel stories were a wonderful diversion from all the awful news, and a physical book was a welcome alternative to a screen. Along with unexpected time with my family, reading has been a silver lining.

Everyday Classic

My insanely chic friend bought this Christian Dior jacket, and as much as I’d like to have it too, I know that we would invariably show up someplace both wearing it — not what friends do. However, it got me thinking about Dior and how I don’t own any pieces, even though I include items in posts and folks rave about Maria Grazia Chiuri’s designs for the house. However, if I did own this incredible jacket, this is how I’d wear it — it’s the ultimate everyday classic.

Saint Laurent bag, Sidney Garber ring and earrings, Frame jeans, Converse sneakers.

Happy Hair

My go-to shampoo formulation changed and I was blindsided. However, it was a great excuse to try other brands. The Kerastase products are really good, but when Alexandra Golovanoff raved about the Sisley Hair Ritual shampoo and conditioner on her Instagram feed, I gave them a test drive. I don’t really care if she bought or was gifted them, I was inspired by her post and assume that she uses and likes them. And boy am I happy that I did — they are fantastic and smell heavenly. Thank you, Alexandra.