August, O August

The scorching temps have been soul-crushing and took a bit of the joy out of July, and September already promises to be insanely busy with two weekends in Europe on the calendar. Therefore, a quiet August — with family, friends, and most meals al fresco — is exactly what’s needed.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! xp 

My Favorite White Shirt

Monica Ainley de La Villardière is my spirit animal when it comes to white shirts — it’s no secret that I’m taken with her personal style overall. I posted this image two years ago for the white jeans, but I’m rerunning it now for the shirt. My favorite white shirt has a half placket, which I find easier to tuck into the front of my jeans. And, Ann Mashburn makes the best one. I live in Ann’s white jeans, too. I bought the Flare Cropped 5-pocket jeans and cut and frayed the hems. Monica is a big fan of the Hermès Oran sandal and I’ve been wearing mine more often this summer as well. Go down a size because once the leather gives you’ll slide right out the front, which is neither comfortable nor a good look.

A Very Chic Bag & Shoe

I never thought I’d carry a top-handle bag, nevertheless, this Saint Laurent bucket in black was on my arm all spring and I’m completely smitten with it. The bottle green is breathtaking and would go with everything. Is buying the same bag in different colors the same as buying doubles? I think of it as collecting. And the Gianvito Rossi pumps are very similar to a number of Dior Boy-D slingbacks that I bought in 2020 — it’s the loafer toe and kitten heel that are so appealing.

I’ve been wearing my ancient bottle green Marni Bandoleer crossbody bag and it looks better than ever.

Crazy For Navy, Cont.

The Arch4 navy cashmere henley filled a huge hole in my wardrobe —  it pairs perfectly with a number of items that weren’t being worn. Now that I have navy on the brain, I’m kicking myself for not buying an aRossGirl dress in navy when Amanda was still making her impeccable and timeless dresses. Needless to say, I’m on the hunt for one and the Oscar de la Renta dress above is a major contender. Since it’s a wool-blend it’s not a four-season piece like aRossGirl’s, but it would work from early fall to late spring and that’s good enough for me. These Dior FW23 pumps would add a bit of flair.

Summer Tweak

I own and love these Gucci sunglasses and COS sandals. The sunglasses are as large as I can go without looking ridiculous, and the sandals’ brass hardware is a big plus. An even bigger plus is that both are on sale.

Simple Summer Style

No need for an ark in the days ahead, the rain has passed and the thermometer is on the rise. I keep eyeing this James Perse linen dress, it’s just so easy, and the Khaite strappy sandals are splendid. As a Ray-Ban devotee, when the Aviator Reverse launched June 15 I had to give them a try. The inverted lenses are very cool and they feel lighter — I’m a fan.

Summer Reads

Two of my favorite authors have new novels about to be released. Richard Russo’s Somebody’s Fool, out July 25, and Tom Lake by Ann Patchett on August 1. The audio book is read by Meryl Streep.

I’m midway through Dennis Lehane’s Small Mercies, which is excellent.

A Non-Traditional Jean Jacket

The ultimate transition piece, the denim jacket is a forever staple. Collarless, belted, and workwear-inspired are nice non-traditional updates to the classic jacket.

Lafayette 148, Alaïa, Balmain

Sundry Fall Finds

I predict that gloves and turtlenecks will be must-haves this fall. Wearing cowboy boots was de rigeur in Wyoming and I cannot wait to bring them back out when the weather cools. Brown diamonds are on my radar and this Sidney Garber Thread Ring (as always) tops my wish list. I would love the cognac diamonds set in yellow gold, too. And, I threw in these sneakers because they are so chic in chocolate brown.

The Row gloves, The Row turtleneck sweater, Loewe sneakers, Ganni cowboy boots, and Sidney Garber Thread Ring.

Fun Tights

I think patterned tights – all hosiery, actually – will be big this fall/winter. They certainly would make the front-slit skirt less daunting.

Falke and Wolford make terrific patterns and the prices are kinder than designer tights.