Tinker, Tailor, & DIY

In a post a few weeks ago I mentioned that I am having bags updated, shoes repaired, and six dresses dyed. The bags and shoes are perfect, but the dresses are just okay — they all came out midnight blue and on a few the stitching did not take the dye. Live and learn. But I haven’t stopped there, a Ralph Lauren cream, wide-wale corduroy blazer is getting an overhaul. I’m having the shoulders tightened and the sleeves shortened to above my wrists — I want the shirt cuffs to to peek out. And I, myself, just shortened the very long straps on this unworn straw bag from an earlier post (super glue, fabric repair adhesive, raffia ribbon) and now it’s exactly what I need. #MakeItWork

Packing for Paris

One of the reasons I love a quick trip is I don’t have to be practical about packing — I can take fun things that might be worn only once. Next up, Paris for 48 hours and these three are coming with me.

The Slate leather jacket, Dior bag, Chanel sandals.

Prada Perfection

My cold weather go-to combo of a white turtleneck under a grey sweater looks even better topped with a brown leather jacket. No one does updated basics like Mrs. Prada.

Prada grey cashmere and wool turtleneck sweater here, FW22 collection post ,and my favorite Prada sweater ever (I bought a spare).

Image courtesy August Vogue España

Late Summer Tweak

As we enter the final stretch of the summer, the weather has, thankfully, cooled and I even had a sweater over my shoulders last evening while dining outdoors. But, it’s still sandals season and these caught my eye. I keep giving my sunglasses away so I ordered this pair, and a new plate to showcase tomatoes from the garden is a perfect late summer tweak.

Cabana + Carolina Herrera plate, Isabel Marant sunglasses, Vince cashmere sweater, Porte & Paire slides

The Gucci Horsebit

Of all the Gucci branded hardware, the horsebit gets my vote – especially since I am from an equestrian family. I removed the GGs on my Marmont pumps and the Double G buckle belt is long gone. Unlike the Double G logo, the horsebit can be mixed with Chanel’s CC, the Hermes H, Dior’s CD, and Saint Laurent’s classic YSL, the best logo in the history of logos. I don’t care if the bit is small or large, it just works for me. These new-season loafers are on my maybe list.

A ’70s Inspired Shearling

This Nili Lotan shearling jacket transports me back to beautiful fall days at boarding school in New England. The leather trim and covered buttons make it swoon-worthy. I recently bought the two black leather jackets below, but this shearling is pretty terrific and serves a different purpose. To be continued.

‘Zoey Deutch Logs On’

In WWD today there is a story on actor Zoey Deutch and her new film, ‘Not Okay’, and the accompanying photographs are stunning. The Saint Laurent cuffs, in all three images here, are incredibly chic worn over the sleeves and gloves. This is my favorite bit of styling in the SL FW22 collection.

WWD Story by Leigh Nordstrom  Photography by Jenna Greene  Styled by Alex Badia

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‘The Design Detail That Lifts Moods’

When I read this article in The Wall Street Journal on the resurgence of scallop embellishments, my heart skipped a beat. I’m a details person and scalloped edges, piping, rickrack, smocking, topstitching, etc. make me happy. My friends question my taste when I mention my penchant for these design elements. Twee or not, I think the curved edges are a nice counterpoint to my Mies Van Der Rohe and Breuer furniture, and reclaimed wood table, shelves, and floor in my kitchen as seen above. When I moved into my home office top left, everyone asked if I’d remove the trim on the bookcases — not a chance.

Ballroom chair slipcover by Bunny Williams that can be monogrammed, linen placemats that can also be monogrammed, blue with white trim lacquer placemat by Mrs. Alice (my attempt at coronation chicken), and wicker tray by Mrs. Alice.

I 🖤 Black in the Summer

Like @marimikh and @monik above and @alexandragolovanoff below, I 🖤 a black headscarf, dress, and button up shirt — my summer trifecta.

The Ring Is On The Other Finger

British Vogue senior beauty & wellness editor Lauren Murdoch-Smith‘s Trinity-like ring on her middle finger looks really good. I wear mine on my pinkie, but it’s time to switch it up. When it comes to everyday jewelry, I prefer super classic pieces — surprising placement keeps them from looking conventional.

Image August British Vogue