Spring Wish List Toppers

When I spied these two coats and jacket on the Prada SS19 runway, my heart skipped a beat. I have a lot on my spring wish list, but these pieces are at the tippy top.

Image on right by Craig McDean for Vogue Italia

A White Turtleneck

Sounds easy to find, but after asking friends where they get theirs I’ve realized that a white cotton turtleneck can be elusive. Everyone responded to my query with “when you find it, let me know.”  I grew up in Boston and all the WASPy toggery shops carried this preppy staple in every color imaginable. But today, not so much. The Hermès above is beautiful and could be worn alone. Others just need to peek out of the neck of a sweater, or even under a button-down. The search is on for this versatile layering piece.

Image by Michael Borremans for the FW17 Le Monde d’Hermès.

Pin-Up

A ponytail is my default hair style, but it’s annoying when driving and can put a lot of stress on my hairline. Barrettes solve these problems and I have a sizable collection. One of my favs is this tortoise circle by La-ta-da, which is sold at Target (J. Crew has a larger version), and Amazon has a terrific selection of bar barrettes in all sizes. Years ago I had a brass circle by Céline, but it was so heavy it just slipped out of my hair. I’ve just ordered this clip by Charlotte Chesnais and hopefully it will stay put.

Simply Sacai

When I pulled out this picture of Caroline de Maigret at the Men’s SS19 shows in Paris, I knew exactly why I’d stuck it in a folder. I have a beloved Sacai dress and have been on the hunt for a top. Last summer I tried two, but neither was quite right. After revisiting this image, I’m determined to find the perfect one. I may need to update my black Chanel bag, too — it now looks vintage.

Unfortunately it’s pretty slim pickings at this point, there are only a few sweaters left — here, here, and here. Hopefully there will be some good ones in the FW19 collection.

Image © Vogue

To Echo, or not to Echo…

AI is amazing and terrifying at the same time.  I didn’t have a reason to own a smart speaker (that I could think of) until my doctor asked me to test drive an Alexa app he’s just launched. So, an Echo Dot is arriving tomorrow and I’m going to see if it’s worth all the hype and advertising. The first thing I will do is lock in the privacy settings —then, I’ll give it a go. Suggestions on uses welcome.

Rise and Shine

Now that we are officially in 2019 I’ve been musing about last year. 2018 came in like a lion and, thankfully, went out like a lamb. If you’re into numerology, 2019 is a 3 and it’s supposed to be filled with fun, creativity, and happiness — I’m already feeling upbeat.

An end of December post highlighted some items that I bought last year — all black basics (a black coat and bag, too), which pretty much sums up my state of mind in 2018.  So, when I spied this picture in January Vogue Germany, I started craving a little pizzazz in my wardrobe. A few years ago I had my eye on a pair of gold Jimmy Choo pumps. In the end, I didn’t think they’d go the distance and back they went. Now I’m sorry that I returned them — they’d be just as good today, possibly even better. Live and learn. Maybe these Chanel Mary Janes could remedy that mistake.

Photo by Bobby Doherty for Vogue Germany

The Calm After The Storm

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is pure bliss and a welcome break after a month of what felt like perpetual motion. The final days of December always seem to blur together as we enjoy good food, games, outings, and precious time with family.

I hope everyone had a joyous holiday and here’s to a happy and healthy new year!

Painting by Alex Katz

My Favorite Item from 2018

This Anine Bing black satin skirt gets five stars and was a workhorse in my wardrobe in 2018. Perfect with T-shirts and sandals last summer, and equally perfect with sweaters and boots or loafers in these cooler months. I bought two (okay, maybe three) since I know I will wear it for years to come.

Louboutin sandals, Saint Laurent sandals, Manolo Blahnik boots, RE/DONE + Weejuns loafers, Taryn Rose Bootie, Jimmy Choo pump.

I  realize that a few of the shoes are almost sold out since I bought them last spring.

Holiday Hair & Makeup

Need hair and makeup on demand? Call Glamsquad. A friend has used them a number of times and raved so I booked a team for an event last week. Prompt, quick, reasonably priced, and completely professional — my daughters and I could not have been happier. The makeup artist used my own Westman Atelier foundation and “got” exactly what each of us wanted. If you are in NYC, Boston, LA, San Fransisco, Miami, or Washington DC for New Year’s Eve and want hair and makeup to come to you, Glamsquad is a great service.

Vintage Kate Moss

Play With Me

Now that my kids are older and my husband and I need “things” like we need holes in our heads, our preferred presents are experiences.

Recently LVMH bought Belmond (luxury hotels, trains, river cruises, and safaris) and Michelin acquired Tablet (boutique hotels) to be the star in the Michelin experiences portfolio. Both acquisitions signal a focus on experiential travel. When my girls come home I love exploring with them — checking out new restaurants, exhibitions, places, and playing lots of games — doing is the new consuming.

Thank you Verdura for the gorgeous playing cards, they will be used a lot next week.