October 31 Grazia
I love a list of tips and this one, from October 31 Grazia by style advice writer and beauty expert Sali Hughes, is clever and a bit outside of my box. According to the article, Ms. Hughes has perfected how to dress with zero stress. It’s a fun read.
I ’VE BEEN OBSESSED with clothes my whole life. Fashion is the way I communicate myself to the world, the way I honour my moods and rise to any occasion. But there are some things about my wardrobe and style that never change with it. Trends have come and thankfully gone (low-rise bootcut jeans and smock tops, anyone?), income and expenditure has ebbed and flowed, babies have been grown, parties have been thrown. But every outfit has taught me a lesson or a trick that even now helps me to dress without stress on the daily. Here are a few of them.
ODD NUMBERS ARE BEST
Unless it naturally comes in pairs (earrings, for example), jewellery tends to look more stylish in odd numbers than in even. One or three bangles looks better than two, a ring or three per hand is somehow cooler than two or four. One ear piercing is minimal and chic, three is a whole vibe.
REACH FOR THE BREAD KNIFE
The best way to create perfectly distressed cut-offs is not with scissors, but with a serrated bread knife. Lie the jeans flat, waistband folded in half so the legs perfectly line up, then start sawing with your knife until the fabric pulls effortlessly apart, leaving frayed seams. If you’d like a few further holes or rips, take some tiny nail scissors and, using the points of their blades, nick the denim to make small holes, then make bigger or roughen up the edges with a coarse nail file.
Continue…
It Items
We are heading into sale season (emails are starting to come in) and I read that stores still have a lot of inventory. I’ve posted on all of the items above and I bet a number of them will be marked down — the Commission skirt already is. Nary a regret and a few holes in my wardrobe have been filled — most notably belts. I’ve worn a Saint Laurent belt for easily 5-some-odd years and was delighted to find the Miu Miu ones — variety is good. Ann Mashburn’s cowboy boots just arrived and are great. The Row scarves and here, Officine Générale sweater, Chanel slingbacks, Saint Laurent slingbacks, and Khaite jeans have served me well — the jeans are as wide as I can go without looking clownish. And, The Slate (info@theslate.shop) leather jacket gets 5 stars.
It Item
I wear the Valentino VLOGO slingbacks below all the time — they add a bit of zing to a minimalist outfit. These sandals would do the same for a simple summer shift.
Black, brown
It Item
After posting on my hunt for cowboy boots, designer Ann Mashburn (she has the best blog) sent me this adorable video where she talks about the boots she’s owned, the ones she designed, and how she wears them. Thanks, Ann!
At Auction
Joan Didion’s personal effects will be auctioned at STAIR Galleries in Hudson, NY on November 16. The catalogue is online and previews begin Monday, October 31. The sale includes books, photographs, and even a pair of the Céline sunglasses Joan wore in the famous 2015 campaign for the house.
NET-A-PORTER
Wish I hadn’t bought these items before NET-A-PORTER’s Shop to Unlock promotion, which is on until October 30. Lots of great pieces included.
Marfa Stance jacket, Officine Générale sweater, Tod’s loafers
It Item
Ooh la la — I’ve never fancied a minaudière and now I’m smitten with two. Handbag as jewelry is a brilliant concept.
Saint Laurent here and here, Khaite here
It Item
I paused on this look while watching the Khaite FW22 show live last winter and immediately posted on it. The dress is classic yet modern and, even though I detest a squished cleavage, I would wear it. The hosiery and pumps, too. Available at Khaite and NET-A-PORTER.
Updating Eseentials
Many seasons I find only a handful of items to add to my wardrobe, FW22 was not one of those seasons. I bought a new coat, leather jackets, slingbacks, silk scarves, and belts — all things that I’d been looking for. So, as we near November and the inevitable sales, I’m hunting for a few essentials like warm socks. My trusty Wallabees are looking a bit well worn, so when I spied these A.P.C. ankle boots I thought it might be a good time for an updated pair. I’ll let you know.
On My Mind
My fall uniform — a fisherman knit sweater and grey skirt (I have quite the collection) — is serving me well. I swap sneakers for slingbacks when need be.
The must-see Diane Arbus exhibition at David Zwirner is only up until the 22nd.
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