The question of what constitutes “business casual” is a rich topic for the legal and business press. Google the term and you’ll see a lot of ink (print and digital) devoted to the subject. When that many views need to be harmonized, it’s time for a Restatement! The Origins of Business Casual In the … Read more
I’ve been asked on occasion Where do you get your clothes? and found myself floundering for a response. I usually say, I don’t know — which I realize is spectacularly unhelpful and probably seems evasive, too. So, I am thinking through the question and the answer now, and writing it down here for future reference. … Read more
Most outfits needs a little jewelry — a necklace, brooch or bracelet — to look finished. Of these choices, bracelets are the easiest to coordinate with an ensemble and their versatility makes them the best investment of any money you’ve set aside for jewelry. If you still need convincing, consider: The women who write … Read more
Not everything has to be va-va-voom, does it? I am fascinated by Marni, an advanced Italian fashion house whose aesthetic has been described as off-beat, under-the-radar cool, marked by asymmetry, unusual shapes and large volumes. (Just to be clear: the clothes – not the house – are marked by asymmetry, unusual shapes and large … Read more
I am drawn to prints of all varieties — stripes, bold graphics, florals, abstracts. But the reality is, printed dresses are not a sound investment: they can look dated quickly; they present a definite look, but only one look — which can’t be changed easily with accessories; they can overwhelm the person wearing them … Read more
A trench coat is a key element of the professional woman’s wardrobe. It is the correct outerwear for suits, dresses and other work-wear when the temperature is between 55 and 70 degrees, and it confers elegance upon casual ensembles including jeans and sneakers. While the words “trench coat” probably conjure a general picture in … Read more
Very few people match the measurements of mass-produced clothing. You have undoubtedly observed that sizing varies wildly from manufacturer to manufacturer, but blamed yourself for not being able to find clothes that fit you perfectly. Read on, and you’ll realize that you’re lucky when anything comes close. Efforts to standardize sizing were undertaken at … Read more
Being properly dressed (or, if we are striving, well-dressed), requires a little bit of planning each day. A surprisingly small amount. For me, every work day starts the night before with three questions, asked in rapid succession: What should I wear to work tomorrow? What can I wear to work tomorrow? What am I … Read more