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.

Weekend Wear

These Ganni boots are my new obsession — they are perfect for hiking in NH and the Adirondacks with my daughters or the weekly trip to the Union Square farmer’s market. Lightweight and well-made, these boots will go the distance. I snapped them up with NET-A-PORTER’s 15% off code, NETAPORTER15 or NEWSEASONREFRESH, which is good thru tomorrow 3/31. Along with a few pairs of my fav Frame jeans and some dressier items, I definitely filled a few holes in my wardrobe.

Ganni boots (I went up a 1/2 size), Frame jeans.  The Row bag and &Daughter sweater are not included in the promotion.

Going Long

When I saw this picture in  April Vogue Paris, I had an ‘aha’ moment — my Marni Trunk strap was repaired (woo hoo!) and I’m going to wear it long. Not as long as this fab Celine Triomphe, but definitely to the hip (as seen on the Celine FW19 runway). Without having to unsnap the strap, this length works for crossbody, too — a win-win.

Photography by Philippe Jarrigeon  Styling by Claire Dhelens

The Classic CC Bag

A few years ago I gifted my Chanel bags save the one Emmanuelle Alt is wearing in this picture that accompanies her April issue editor’s letter. It’s appropriate since April Vogue Paris has a number of stories honoring the late Karl Lagerfeld.

‘Playing to the Gallery’

Mid January I had a ticket to the Basquiat show at the Louis Vuitton Foundation. I planned a quick 36-hour trip to Paris, but life got in the way (plus, the yellow vest protests and US government shutdown were factors in my decision to cancel).

However, after reading ‘Art Time’ in Tablet’s Agenda, I realized that it’s clever to schedule trips around art events. My NYC-based French friend Anne has been doing this for years, she combines family visits with must-see exhibitions when in Paris. I took a page out of her book and scheduled a trip to London to see my sister while the Elizabeth Peyton show is up at the National Portrait Gallery this fall.

Vogue April images top right and bottom left by Martin Parr.

Minimize

When I shelved my hobos in favor of a structured Marni Trunk and clutches, my wallet, which was a handbag in and of itself, needed a downsize. While wandering around Hamilton, Bermuda last December, I stumbled upon a cool little shop, & Partners, and discovered Minor History leather goods. Now that parking meters are coinless and I’m an Apple Pay devotee, I carry very little cash — this zip wallet is all I really need.

My iPhone X just fits in the Bottega Veneta Mini Pouch, but I needed it to take the pic…

‘A Woman Behind The Scenes’

Stylist Suzanne Koller was photographed at home by her daughter Tess Petronio for March Vogue UA. The Self Service magazine co-founder, styled in neutrals, epitomizes relaxed chic.

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The Totême Square Toe Mule is Now Available

Totême‘s square toe mule is now available here and I’m sure they will sell out quickly. I ordered two sizes just to be sure.

Spring Forth

We northeasterners are hopeful that spring is really here — winter felt never-ending.  Along with fresh flowers, I can’t wait to pick up the new Cire Trudon SALTA candle with notes of grapefruit, verbena, and hyacinth.  And, Jenni Kayne’s first book, Pacific Natural, will get me dreaming of dining al fresco.