the directrice 
Why is this? Two reasons. First, flowers are intrinsically appealing. Second, wearing a floral with a floral has an off-hand, bordering on insouciant, feel about it. It doesn’t seem like it should be intentional and therefore seems unintentional. Even though it is very contrived, as proven by this protracted analysis. You may want … Read more
Continuing the Print Binge Confessional that started in early October, here is the last of the dresses that I foretold. Is it too much? I realize that the print is loud and I am showing it against a backdrop that includes colorful rugs and other patterns in the foyer but . . . I … Read more
In the spring and summer, we call this blouse “The Big Tent” — but as we head into December, “Mother Ginger” seems more seasonally appropriate. Have a fantastic weekend!
I sometimes find “casual” dress more confounding than “formal” — particularly when I am told to dress casually for an event that has some formal associations like a holiday dinner, a fundraiser, or anything involving a religious officiant. * That is a small fib.
I hope that you are enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving Day — with stuffing, pumpkin pie, and your favorite holiday films! We here at Directrice Global Industries, Ltd. are dining with close friends and calling family outside D.C. We have also planned a movie double-bill that probably will not happen: Funny Face and Finding Dory. … Read more
I am such a fan of the sweater vest, the layered tank, the smock. Anything I can put a white blouse under! This top looks like it’s made of rags that might otherwise be destined for a car wash. (I don’t think this is the first time that I’ve made an observation like this … Read more
Amidst all of the resistance of the last two years, I have also been resisting the return of the styles of the 80s and 90s — pegged jeans, empire waists, slipdresses over tee shirts, pleated pants.* Step right up and take a look at this pleated fabric. It’s highly synthetic. I need to … Read more
I’ve been neglecting you, my darlings. I hope you can forgive me. There was the election and my birthday and I’ve been traveling.* In an effort to set things right between us, I am drafting this post as quickly as I can before boarding a flight home. Let’s see what I can do in … Read more
My New Year’s Resolution in recent years has been to wear shoes that are not black on a regular basis. Syntax! I know it’s badly worded, but I think you understand me. Have a fantastic weekend! Mules: JCrew Pointed-toe slides in velvet; they come in this blue and a dusty pink that I … Read more
I was going through my back-catalog this weekend and realizing that . . . there’s a lot of good advice buried in there. I’ll be writing a post in the next couple of weeks that will bring some of those old posts to the fore. Among the weighty topics previously covered were animal … Read more