Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2023

My three takeaways from the Dior PF23 collection are: an ankle-grazing, sleeveless tunic is a trend (see Attersee post), belting a parka is always chic, and that Maria Grazia Chiuri, without question, designs the best dresses.

Bits & Bobs

Now that the holidays are in the rearview, I’m trying to do a bit of catch up. I finally read Marcia DeSanctis’s A Hard Place To Leave — it’s superb. And I’m trying to see Living before I leave for Paris next week. The Anri Sala exhibition at Bourse de Commerce Pinault Collection tops my Paris to-do list. And, I live in these hiking boots in black and just bought a pair in beige. Speaking of beige, I’m struggling to find a beige polish that suits me, so in the meantime, I’m going dark brown.

New Year’s Eve At Home

A cozy New Year’s Eve à deux sounds like the perfect ending to a good and busy 2022. Even though it’s just the two of us at home, I’ll add a little sparkle. I snapped up the Commission skirt when it went on sale and the Chanel slingbacks have been a workhorse in my wardrobe this fall and winter — worth every penny. I have many similar grey sweaters to this Bottega Veneta, although, if it goes on sale I won’t hesitate to add it to my collection.

Jewelry Tailored

Almost every piece of clothing I buy gets tailored — fit is everything. After a post last week on a  jewelry wardrobe, I’ve been playing with the placement of my rings and a local jeweler has been altering sizes as I move them around. He, also, did not give me a hard time when I removed the white gold bands on my two trinity rings. Doubles are easier for me to stack and I was always turning the white gold band to the back. These are now my foundation rings and I can add Mother’s opal to my middle finger above, cocktail rings on my pointers, signet to my right pinkie, and diamond rings with my wedding band. Makes it easy to mix things up.

Parisian Run Around Chic

Image courtesy of Habitually Chic

While flipping through Heather Clawson’s pictures from her recent trip to Paris, this one gave me pause. This gorgeous woman — in a black peacoat and brown boots riding a bike with a market basket — is the epitome of run around chic. #PersonalStyleGoals

The Habitually Chic Paris Guide is amazing! Even though I’ve been to Paris countless times, the guide lists places that are new to me. And, Heather updates it after every trip.

In A Clutch

In a recent post, I challenged myself to wear four items I regretted buying. The Céline clutch is now a go-to — it solved the shoulder-bag-over-a-bulky-coat struggle. Now I’m eyeing this pouch by Saint Laurent — it’s not as oversized as the Céline and would tuck under my arm nicely.

Quiet Weekend Ahead

December has been insanely busy. I hosted and attended an untold number of lunches and events so I need this weekend to regain my energy (and sanity) before the holiday madness (girls come home). I’m halfway through Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead and thoroughly enjoying it — perfect on audible while driving and walking. Next up, Getting Lost by Annie Ernaux, which I most likely won’t get to until January. Saturday I’m going to see Aftersun and do a bit of Christmas shopping. Happy weekend, everyone!

Thank You Note Season

The holidays are here and soon after thank you notes will need to be written. I’m gifting these Clementina Sketchbook cards to my girls as a gentle reminder.

Jewelry Wardrobe

Image courtesy of Sidney Garber

I hosted a lunch yesterday for Ann Mashburn to celebrate the opening of her permanent shop on Madison at 74th Street. Ann sat with Brooke Garber Neidich, owner of Sidney Garber. Brooke was wearing gorgeous, signature Sidney Garber pieces. Talk naturally turned to jewelry and another guest mentioned that she stopped storing her jewelry in individual pouches, she now has everything laid out on trays so she can quickly see what she has. It’s the same concept as not keeping shoes in their boxes where they can easily be forgotten. Mother did this with a tray of magnificent cocktail rings, another for watches, bracelets, and so on. To be able to do this, one must have a wardrobe of jewelry that can be mixed and matched.

This, of course, got me thinking. I may have a dozen grey skirts — yet, two watches, a handful of earrings, a love bracelet, and a trinity, signet, and wedding band are all that I wear every day. These items, plus a few significant rings from Mother, are the extent of my jewelry wardrobe. I mentioned to Brooke that my everyday pieces are like amulets and, weirdly, their constancy is comforting. Also, perhaps, a tad predictable and boring. Thoughts?

Chic Bits

I’m on a never-ending quest to find leather pants that suit me and this By Malene Birger pair looks promising and is on sale. They’d be amazing with the Fendi clog pumps that I’ve been obsessing over. And, diamond earrings and Celine sunglasses are always a good idea.