Transitioning Into Warmer Weather: The Denim Skirt

My parkas are pushed to the back of the mudroom racks and two trenches, fisherman-knit cardigans, short wool coats, Barbours, and light jackets are front and center — welcome to transition season.

A denim skirt is a transition staple and I’m on the hunt for a new one. I love a faded version, like LH’s above, for the weekend, but a more tailored skirt, paired with a navy blazer, is perfect for meetings. A.P.C.’s 70s-inspired skirt, below, has been my fav for four years — it’s really gone the distance. Now I want something a bit longer like this one by Gucci and here, but with a kinder price tag. Stay tuned.

Saddle Up

In a Palais post I mentioned that I’m grateful when friends share their finds. The same LA-based friend who gave me the Pacific & Rose tip emailed that she bought this tote and slide — saddle is the perfect neutral, after all. The J.McLaughlin wicker bag ticks all the boxes — good-looking, well-made, and a nice price point — all wins. Thanks, again, SK!

J. McLaughlin tote, 3.1 Phillip Lim slide and here.

Billie Eilish

The LA- based, homeschooled, 17-year-old music phenom, Billie Eilish, released her first album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”, and it’s fantastic. The songs are written by Eilish and her 21-year-old brother, Finneas, who plays in her band. The track “Bury My Friend” is my favorite. You may recognize the song  “You Should See Me in a Crown”, which is also on the album.

Christiane Arp Inspired

Christiane Arp, editor-in-chief of Vogue Germany, is one of my style icons — I especially love her tailored pieces and statement rings. At the helm of Vogue Germany since 2003, Ms. Arp has turned the magazine into a must-read.

Slip Sliding Away

There are a lot of great slides and mules right now, the “It” shoe for Spring. Toteme’s are chic, but they are not ideal for running around, or even walking a few blocks. Along with many stylists (I’ve spotted them in at least 5 editorials), I love these two by Prada.

Heeled mule, and embossed here, flat mule and croc effect here.

Nail(ed) It, Cont.

After yesterday’s post about searching for a new nail color, I hit Bergdorf Goodman’s beauty floor — one of my least favorite activities. Since I wear no makeup, the reps always seem to think they’ve got a live one and follow me down the aisles. However, it’s best to test drive a lot of options in the wild, not online. I tried a number of polishes and fell in love with the Diorlisse Abricot, which is actually a base coat that can be worn on its own. One coat does the job. They claim this product “nourishes, whitens and strengthens nails.” Discoloration is something I fret about and the reason I rarely wear polish in the first place. Ages ago I went for a manicure with a fellow Vogue editor. I envied her perfect red nails until I saw them sans polish. When bare they were dark yellow — it was a cautionary tale. So, here’s to hoping Dior’s claims are true.

Nail(ed) It

This manicure gets five stars in my book — the nail shape and polish color are perfection. I’m already an oval gal, so this is not far from that. But I’d love suggestions on a pale, not-too-pink polish that goes on in one coat — a tall order.

Image April Vogue Paris — Photography by Ben Hassett  Styling by Célia Azoulay

The Tie-Front Dress

I have a closetful of simple black dresses that go the distance. A Valentino lace shift and The Row’s Marina have been my go-tos on so many occasions, I’d grab them in a fire. But, I want something different for a bunch of spring events — the hunt is on.

Petar Petrov above, Hope below.

Continue…

Good Reads

Since mid-January I’ve been on a bit of a reading tear. I started with Linn Ullmann’s “Unquiet” followed by Dani Shapiro’s “Inheritance”, both are must-reads. A long-time kic reader recommended the collection of short stories, “You Think It, I’ll Say It”, by Curtis Sittenfeld, also a must-read. Then, I veered off into escapist territory with “The Burglar”, “Where the Crawdads Sing”, “The Hunting Party”, and “The Silent Patient” — all good. Next in the queue is Tara Conklin’s “The Last Romantics”, but I’m having a hard time getting into it. Tbc.

Finally!

The Black Keys released ‘Lo/Hi’, their first new single in five years. For die-hard fans like yours truly, it was well worth the wait. Fingers crossed there are more songs to follow.