September 1st seems like a dividing line each year between summer and fall — even though, technically, Labor Day can fall anytime in the first week of September and the autumnal equinox is not until September 23rd. September 1st says back to school for me and that means summer dressing is done. But in … Read more
For the last day of August, I offer: a sundress and bright sandals. The first time my best friend saw me wearing this dress she said, “You look just like Doris Day!” If you have been following this blog for a few months, you may realize (when you think about it), that I wear … Read more
Last Friday I had a hearing, which means I had to wear a suit and was unable to avail myself of the rights, privileges and benefits attached to Casual Friday. This suit is Hugo Boss but was purchased on Rue La La. It’s made of fine wool gabardine and beautifully cut. It’s traditional — … Read more
I am a huge fan of patent leather for both shoes and bags. Why this penchant? (1) Patent leather asserts itself at the edges of an outfit and thereby gives you definition — like a dark outline or a terminal punctuation mark: Outfit within! This outfit ends here! (2) Black patent leather has a … Read more
Occasionally you buy something and realize that it’s perfect, a paragon of fit and utility, and you wish you had it in every color. This is a wish that the Directrice can grant. Well, not me personally, but I can set you on the path: If you find yourself a good seamstress, your paragon … Read more
Albert Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Blue is really not my color, but I find this particular shade of blue (which falls between sky blue and robin’s egg blue) irresistible. Thusly, I buy a light blue sweater every few years, conclude that it … Read more
A couple of months ago, we discussed wardrobe priorities and I posited a theory that jackets are the foundation of a professional wardrobe. But if you were paying close attention, you may remember that I said a great blouse could fill the same function at a fraction of the cost. If any of you … Read more
A lot of people avoid black in the summer. Scientifically speaking, it is true that black absorbs light, but whether that absorption turns into heat depends on the fabric and the cut of your clothes. Personally, I think of black as an ally in the summer because it hides perspiration better than any color. … Read more
In searching for white dresses for you, I found a new white dress for myself and therefore decided to do one last Woman in White post as summer winds down. For those of you who are leery of white dresses, I hear your concerns: sunscreen, coffee, tiny jam and ketchup handprints. This dress comes … Read more
When I go on vacation, I try to avoid overpacking. Shoes, for many people, are where the wheels come off — figuratively, if not literally. So my rule is: WEAR a pair of stylish sneakers, PACK two pairs of proper shoes (a pair of black flats and either my leopard Mary-Janes or black penny … Read more