Essential Directrice

A Flight of Fancy Returns

Let the record reflect that The Photographer labeled this set of photos “Bonkers Sleeves.” The record shall so reflect. Let the record also reflect that The Photographer is not paid to provide impertinent commentary. The record shall so reflect, but shall also reflect that The Photographer is not paid at all. Come closer to inspect … Read more

Posted in Dressing, Miscellany | 6 Comments

Green Is Gold

Fans of Weirdy Green, gather ’round. Remember this charming, but slightly challenging jacket from long ago? It’s still with me!

Posted in Appreciating, Dressing | 8 Comments

Smile Collector

The next six weeks aren’t going to be easy, Directorate. But I’ve looked into it and no reputable doctor will put you into a medically induced coma just to escape election-related stress.  So I am going to offer the next best thing: more frequent Directrice posts for the next few weeks. OK? We’ll get through … Read more

Posted in Appreciating, Dressing | 9 Comments

Two Events, Two Fifty Cent Dresses

The Directrice attended two fancy professional dinners this summer. One of the dinners was for a professional organization that skews male, older, and conventional.  The other was a fundraising gala for a progressive non-profit.  What to wear, what to wear. I have a few party dresses in my closet for just such occasions, some of … Read more

Posted in Appreciating, Dressing | 14 Comments

Blue and White Stripes for the Win

The headline may be misleading. This post is really about two things: blue and white stripes (the essence of summer) and key summer basics (wide legged trousers and bias cut skirts in linen bien sur). Tank: Sacai from The RealReal (check periodically; there are always great Sacai finds on The RealReal); Pants: Anthropologie Colette Cropped … Read more

Posted in Appreciating, Dressing, Finishing | 5 Comments

700: Too Much of a Good Thing?

Gather ’round, Directorate! This is a historic (an historic) post: No. 700.   There is a lot of dress here — a Ulla Johnson (an Ulla Johnson) hallmark — which is sort of wrangled with the belt. Turning back to the topline of this post (No. 700!), let me take this opportunity to thank you, … Read more

Posted in Dressing | 16 Comments

Fun Tops: A Tutorial

Sundresses are the easiest way to get through the summer. But if you aren’t a dress enthusiast, or if you want a little more variety than wearing a dress everyday, an interesting top and neutral pants are the simplest alternative.

Posted in Dressing, Pontificating | 4 Comments

Tie-Dye for Work

In addition to bringing white Doc Martens and bustiers to the office, did you know that Your Directrice injected tie-dye into the firm environment in the early oughts? C’est vrai! Dress: Ulla Johnson from The RealReal (there are several in various sizes available right now); Belt: Maison Margiela 11 from YOOX; Sandals: Donald J. Pliner … Read more

Posted in Appreciating, Dressing, Finishing | 6 Comments

The Summer Code

Summer! It is upon us. Best case scenario for most of us is temperatures in the 80s. Best case. For those at the lower latitudes or trapped under a temporary heat-dome, temperatures will be in the 90s . . . or higher. Some of you may be asking, “How is this different from your winter … Read more

Posted in Dressing, Refreshing, Restyling and Remaking | 5 Comments

Loosening Up

I had many years to amass a worky wardrobe while at my firm. Admittedly, that wardrobe became increasingly eccentric over the years — but when I left, I still had a solid collection of dresses that were clearly work-wear suitable for meetings, presentations, and conferences.   In digging through posts for previous discussions of Virgil … Read more

Posted in Dressing, Finishing | 5 Comments