Dark Denim Dilemma

This aRossGirl skirt is my preferred cut (A-line, to the knee), but I always get hung up on how to style dark denim. I have one skirt — an old APC in raw denim — that is perfect, but it just hangs in my closet. I’ve faded and softened it a bit by soaking in pool water (ours is salt) and leaving it in the sun. Regardless, styling it is still a challenge. Today I’m test-driving a version of the look above. To be continued.

Bag, sandals.

Back on the Runway

Marc Jacobs showed his Fall 2021 collection to a live audience last evening and his return to the runway is a sure sign that we’ve turned a corner. These two looks caught my eye — the color on the left is sublime.

Photographer Elfie Semotan Inspired

When I saw the self-portrait above by Austrian photographer Elfie Semotan in the July/August issue of Vogue Germany, I was reminded of her enviable personal style. Tailored pieces, many from close friend Helmut Lang, are the foundation of her signature look. Elfie walked in a number of Helmut’s shows that I worked on and I was always a bit awed by her. At 80, Ms. Semotan’s enduring style continues to inspire.

I added the NYT’s blurb from 2006 for a bit of personal history. And, three looks from Helmut Lang shows below.

Pondering Pre-Fall

Earlier this month, I tracked down a cream Gucci bag. It comes in beige, too. But, to my eye, the beige veers toward peach. This is where online shopping gets a bit tricky. Anyway, I chose this color to wear with my grey coats — a grey coat is something I seriously don’t need.  Top of my list are these Louis Vuitton boots that I whiffed on a few seasons ago. However, they are back again in the PF21 collection, which is trickling into stores now.

Partow coat, Gucci bag here and here.

Provence Style

When Vendome asked if I would like an advance copy of their recently released Provence Style: Decorating with French Country Flair by Shauna Varvel, I couldn’t say ‘yes, please’ fast enough. The book is “an intimate tour of quintessential Provencal style, showcasing homes and interior details inspired by this picturesque region.”  As we are still putting in the gardens and have masses of lavender to be planted, I am completely captivated by these stunning images of Provence — one of my favorite places on earth.

Ralph Girl: Charlotte Cardin

I rarely post Ralph Lauren looks but this one, on musician Charlotte Cardin in Vogue Paris, is really good. Ages ago, I sidestepped requests to cast Ralph’s show and now we live in the same ‘hood — life is funny that way. Anyway, the classic styling here works for me.

Photography by Thibault Della Gaspera Styling by Morgane Bedel

“Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy”

The Fourth of July is a heartbeat away and then, after the fireworks, summer seems to slip right by. Inspired by this image from Self Service issue N°6, I bought a stack of white hotel pool towels and two white umbrellas. After I ordered new K. Jacques sandals, I spied these — another pair is always a good idea. Jennifer Creel is making me an anklet out of the same chain I bought from her recently (much finer than the one above). And I’ve just started Malibu Rising — the quintessential beach read. Here’s to summer 2021!

Hats Off!

Dear Miuccia and Raf,

Please produce the fantastic hats in your Prada SS22 Menswear Collection for women.
xPreston

I grabbed these images from the show video this morning (ergo the blurriness).

A Cool Convergence

Father’s Day + the summer solstice = the longest day with (or to remember) dad. My husband is a superb father. Both girls are home for the weekend and we’ll celebrate their dad today and have extra hours of daylight to do so.

#Don’tOverpurge

In an article in this weekend’s WSJ. Magazine titled ‘Do Not Clean Out Your Closet Right Now. Really.’, Marisa Meltzer makes an excellent argument for not rigorously editing your wardrobe. Ms. Meltzer’s piece supports my favorite mantra #Don’tOverpurge. A few months ago I posted that I’d unearthed this Gucci bag from 1978. Bought on a trip to Rome with my mother and stored for over 30 years, I dug it out and had it refurbished at Artbag. They did a phenomenal job and I’m happily wearing this once beloved hobo again. It’s not just a handbag, it’s a tangible memory of a long ago place and time.