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A Most Unnatural Pair of Pants

January 18, 2021January 18, 2021 by the directrice

  Many years ago, I had a pair of comfortable black pants — from Ann Taylor, I think — that I discovered were indestructible. Made of entirely synthetic fibers, the pants could not be stained, shrunken, faded, or stretched out. A colleague and I dubbed them “the plastic pants” and delighted in all the ways … Read moreA Most Unnatural Pair of Pants

Categories Dressing, Finishing 10 Comments

The Best Jacket

January 11, 2021January 11, 2021 by the directrice

  Perhaps if we try to think about dressing for work at home in a more positive mindset, we’ll feel better about it.   Pan-dressing: The Power and the Glory!   I feel better already. You can see in these photos that the back of the jacket is a little longer than the front. I … Read moreThe Best Jacket

Categories Appreciating, Dressing, Finishing 10 Comments

Who Wore It Better: Directrice-Style

January 9, 2021January 9, 2021 by the directrice

  This is a micro-post — to get you through the weekend to Monday’s post, which will be a full-length publication. I sensed you might need a little boost.   In the excitement of SpaceX’s recent launch, The Photographer put these two photos in front of me, side-by-side and asked, “Who wore it better?”   … Read moreWho Wore It Better: Directrice-Style

Categories Uncategorized 10 Comments

Light Metal

January 4, 2021January 4, 2021 by the directrice

  In preparation for a new president and administration, I’ve been reviewing the Obama years with nostalgia. Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be a definitive art-book on Mrs. Obama’s style — but I have contented myself with a large volume of Pete Souza’s photographs and Michael Smith’s book on decorating the White House.   Sweater: … Read moreLight Metal

Categories Finishing 9 Comments

You’re Never Fully Dressed Without An Ascot

December 27, 2020December 27, 2020 by the directrice

  I told you that I have been wearing real pants with a set waistband . . . and that’s true. That’s what I’m going to show you. But I haven’t been wearing worky pants — i.e., wool trousers. Is that ok? Here is what I wore for work on December 23rd, my last day … Read moreYou’re Never Fully Dressed Without An Ascot

Categories Dressing, Finishing 7 Comments

A Topographic Brooch

December 21, 2020December 20, 2020 by the directrice

  Reflecting on the last eight months, I have to admit that as much as I have been missing normal life, I may be particularly well-disposed for months of remote work. I’m an introvert, I live with two fluffy lap cats, and I have a large collection of strange, statement necklaces and brooches perfect for … Read moreA Topographic Brooch

Categories Finishing 20 Comments

Zoom Hero

December 13, 2020December 13, 2020 by the directrice

  Hello, hello!   I’ve been missing you terribly, but somehow unable to open my laptop and start typing. The combined forces of election anxiety and pandemic despair annexed the small part of my brain reserved for creative efforts and my heart didn’t have the power to compensate. I realize that one could fairly say, … Read moreZoom Hero

Categories Appreciating, Finishing 32 Comments

Perennial Polka Dots

September 1, 2020September 1, 2020 by the directrice

  Has there ever been a time in my life when I didn’t have a polka dot dress in my closet?   I don’t think so. Maybe college.   Dress: Sir the Label; Belt: Pinko Uniqueness from YOOX; Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff   * I had an image in my head of Princess Diana in an … Read morePerennial Polka Dots

Categories Dressing, Refreshing, Restyling and Remaking 24 Comments

The Getaway

August 21, 2020August 20, 2020 by the directrice

  After five months without leaving Northwest Washington, D.C. — and scarcely leaving our apartment — The Photographer and I decided we needed to get away.+ The arboretum staff are fighting a constant battle to maintain native grasses, plants, and wildlife. Part of those efforts involving controlled burning (which we could not do) and brush … Read moreThe Getaway

Categories Dressing, Miscellany 13 Comments

First Place Summer Fun Dress

August 17, 2020August 17, 2020 by the directrice

  I told you that I bought two dresses to bring a little cheer into my WFH habitat. The one I showed you last week was the understated dress. Look at these sleeves! Have you ever seen anything as wonderful and ridiculous? On me?   Dress: Ulla Johnson Juniper Dress; Shoes: The Sandals of the … Read moreFirst Place Summer Fun Dress

Categories Appreciating, Dressing 12 Comments
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Should I send you notice of new posts?

Dressing

  • A Corsage for The Directrice
  • Two Wrongs Make A Right
  • When Work Goes to the Pool
  • Beating the Heat with Black Silk
  • White Pants Now and Always Again

More Dressing

  • My Outfit Is Cooler Than I Am5 years ago
  • An Extra Lift + Deep, Dark Secret8 months ago
  • The Standby5 years ago
  • A Very Old Cardigan, Part II3 years ago
  • Use What You Have, Part II1 year ago

Appreciating

  • Re-animating a Classic
  • Go-Go-Go
  • Here Comes the Bride?
  • Fifty Cent Dress, Summer 2017
  • Soft Pants v. Hard Pants

Planning

  • All of My Black Jackets Are Different!
  • Durability
  • The Ripple Effect
  • In Situ
  • The Law of Unintended Consequences
  • Working in Pajamas
  • Color Carries the Day

Archives

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  • Dressing (458)
  • Finishing (185)
  • Miscellany (75)
  • Pontificating (10)
  • Refreshing, Restyling and Remaking (71)
  • Strategizing (75)
  • Uncategorized (1)
  • 2021 (4)
  • 2020 (46)
  • 2019 (93)
  • 2018 (88)
  • 2017 (98)
  • 2016 (117)
  • 2015 (141)
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