On My Mind
I’ve been thinking about an article on Coveteur titled “One writer makes the case for eliminating universal closet staples,” which asks the question “(i)n an effort to truly embrace personal style, how are ‘closet staples’ still a thing?” The image of a rack of beige and black clothes the author, Shanna Battle, chose to illustrate her piece made me laugh out loud. My wardrobe and the kic shop are, for the most part, neutrals-only. But, that’s not what Ms. Battle is addressing really, she’s poking at the idea of creating a stringent wardrobe of prescribed basics. She found that a little black dress and turtleneck, foundation items in many a wardrobe, are not her thing and ended up letting go of them. My favorite nugget — “(i)t wasn’t until my fourth pandemic closet cleanout that I decided to divest my closet from the idea of needing “universal closet staples” and lean into the pieces that made sense for my personal style.” Furthermore, I completely agree with Ms. Battle when she says of the drumbeat of posts on basics “you will no doubt find more than a few people drained from this idea ready for more creativity in their style arsenal.”
This all got me thinking about my own wardrobe of neutrals and similar silhouettes and I realized that they are my personal style. However, I could shake things up a bit and not be so neutrals-all-the-time. I collect wool vests and Gucci 1955 Horsebit bags, perhaps a color and pattern outside my comfort zone would be good. The bag in cherry red and a brown diamond patterned vest (I’m besotted with brown these days) would go quite nicely with my predominantly grey and beige wardrobe. I already lean into my personal style, it’s just that my personal style could use a bit of zing.
Collections
Lots of beautifully tailored and wearable clothes in Peter Do’s FW22 collection. The designer spoke with WWD about Donna Karan’s Seven Easy Pieces concept and how he took 18 pieces and created 450 looks. “It’s a new way to think about wardrobe, to just buy a few things and reenergize, and not constantly seek out newness all the time,” he said. “The PD woman is an outfit repeater.” Hear, Hear!
It Items
In the next few weeks I’m going on two ski trips to two different mountains. The first with my older daughter, the second with my younger. I have not skied since we moved and I’ve torn the place apart looking for my gear — helmet and ski pants are nowhere to be found. Frankly, both were as old as my oldest and should’ve been replaced ages ago. I know that many of you are serious skiers and I welcome your gear recommendations.
Watercolors by Suzy Malloch
Collections
The leather coat with woven leather cape overlay, and the chicest utilitarian raincoat caught my eye at the Gabriela Hearst FW22 show yesterday — cool coats.
It Item
Sorry to keep banging on about kitten heels — how I’ve rediscovered them, with socks, on my wish list — but I realized that a sandal, not a closed toe, is something I don’t already have. This Celine pair is winging it’s way to me.
Collections
I’m a huge fan of Khaite’s cashmere cardigans and jeans but, for some reason, I tend to post on Catherine Holstein’s evening looks. In the FW22 collection shown yesterday, the puffer over a floor-sweeping dress is a bit of styling I love and “the crocheted column studded with crystals that was the collection’s showpiece” is a wow. Most looks were shown with kitten heels and low wedges — current and chic.
The New York Times
After I posted on Aerin Lauder’s talk about her book Entertaining Beautifully last September, I started using my fine china daily. It’s a Fine Time for Fine China, an article in this week’s NYTs, reminded me of that post as it’s based on the same premise. To make things easier, I selected a few pieces from my favorite patterns and moved them from the pantry to a drawer in the kitchen. The easy access made all the difference. Now I have breakfast on my mother’s, grandmother’s, and great-grandmother’s china almost every day.
On My Mind
I’ve been passively looking for a traditional trench and this one by Chloé caught my eye. I love the leather trim but, which shade is the coat in real life? Same issue I had with a SL duffle coat last fall. In a comment on the True Colors post, Lisa F. suggested that items be listed with the corresponding Pantone color number, which is a brilliant idea. Oh, the perils of loving beige and online shopping…
Left, center, right
On My Mind
To mark the 60th anniversary of Yves Saint Laurent’s debut collection, there are currently six simultaneous YSL exhibitions in major Paris museums. The exhibitions display the designer’s creations alongside the art works that inspired them. They’re up until May 15 and I’m determined to go see them. I have a YSL black chiffon peasant blouse from the ’70s that I pair with black pants and heeled sandals, and a lot of more recent Saint Laurent pieces, as well. I just picked up this chain belt, not as heavy as the one I bought last spring, and a pair of navy velvet pants for my daughter. The fab Spring 22 denim looks are available for pre-order, too. And the book above, published in 2020, is packed with great images.
Street Style & Collections
I love all shades of brown and there was a lot of it on Copenhagen Fashion Week show-goers and in The Row FW22 Collection — 🤎🤎🤎.
Images courtesy of Vogue
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