the directrice 
It may seem like I have a lot of clothes and that I buy a lot of clothes. Those perceptions (surely they aren’t criticisms?) are rooted in reality. But I also wear my clothes forever and often try to wear them in new combinations. Thank you so much for your excellent responses to the challenge … Read more
One of the challenges I have found in writing this blog: Creativity is not a steady-state. Or, it’s not a steady-state for me. I have bursts of creativity, in which I scribble down a whole bunch of ideas for 5 or 10 posts, and then days or weeks without inspiration may pass. Jacket: Marc … Read more
I have a number of goals for this blog: to encourage creativity and self-expression in dressing for work; to bring elegance and joie de vivre into the workplace; to develop confidence in selecting clothes and putting together outfits, and; to optimize, or get the most out of everything in, one’s closet. It occurs to … Read more
Long-time readers know that I will occasionally search for new ideas by using a garment like a divining (or dowsing) rod. Open closet doors, hold garment in front of you at arm’s length, squint a little, and all will be revealed. Have a fantastic weekend! Dress: Jil Sander; Blouse: A.P.C.; Boots: Donna Piu; … Read more
I have a number of black dresses . . . but they are all different. Very, very different. * Edna Mode delivered her edict, accompanied by a cautionary montage of cape-related mishaps, in The Incredibles. Dress: J.W.Anderson; Shoes: Tory Burch; Bag: Kate Spade
True or False: It is not appropriate to wear a halter to work. I am wearing this halter — another prize from the post-holiday Sacking of the Internet — over a tissue weight tee shirt. The tee shirt matches the upper part of this color-blocked piece and my trousers match the lower. A casual … Read more
The last Sweater of Substance is very substantial, but not entirely worky. It’s my cozy poet sweater that I wear on the weekends and occasionally for casual Friday when the weather is very cold. Sweater: Vince; Striped turtleneck: JCrew; Khakis: Banana Reublic; Watch: TechnoMarine; Blouse; A.P.C.; Cords: Talbots * It is a … Read more
I bought a bunch of things during the post-holiday sales (late December/early January) and have been rolling them out. I bought them so fast, but as I am rolling them out slowly I cannot help wonder if I was overly hasty in my acquisitions. And I haven’t even shown you the weird stuff yet. … Read more
Let it never be said that The Directrice starts things that she can’t finish! Returning to our ambitious study, Sweaters of Substance, I present a very old sweater that you could replicate today. Sweater: Garnet Hill; Blouse: Talbots; Pants: Ann Taylor; Bag: Orla Kiely * Sharla has a button box, but I … Read more
Several weeks ago, I showed you a glimpse of something wonderful. Sitting as far away from as you are, you can’t appreciate the wonder of this piece. You must come closer. No! You want to get in the necklace’s face. Like so: The next two weeks will be busy. The apartment refresh … Read more