the directrice 
I wonder about the lives of people who attend lots of formal events. I don’t even own a gown . . . unless my wedding dress counts? The dressiest my lifestyle calls for is a shiny knee-length dress. Have a fantastic weekend! Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim; Pants: JCrew; Shoes: Lazio Collezione; Baroque pearl … Read more
As you know, I am an unregenerate tinkerer, always altering my clothes. I often forget to show you “BEFORE” photos and therefore will try to do better in 2017. I recently did a Google search for corset-style belts — something wider than a belt but smaller than a bustier — and want to advise … Read more
Before I launch into today’s post . . . I loved your comments on Monday’s post. So many wonderful faux pas. And Halloween revealed as the most complicated day of the year. So thank you for sharing and making me laugh. You are all winners, but the recipients of the bags are identified in … Read more
Oyez, Oyez! I am cleaning my closets ruthlessly, which means giving away some dear things. I want them to have good homes. You may be saying to yourself, “GiVINg AwAY?? To wHOm?” To you, of course. Here’s the deal . . . A Contest! But first, Eligibility. Eligible contestants are … Read more
A few weeks ago, I showed photos of a red sleeveless dress with two different blouses underneath. You may remember that one of the blouses, on its own, was kind of ugly. Blouse: Free People; Dress: Jil Sander; Boots: Donna Piu * I only know this phrase from A Charlie Brown Christmas. … Read more
I have a feeling that a year or two hence, I will look back on the tops I’ve been showing over the last three months and wonder What was I thinking? But for now, I am thinking that novelty appeals — and that elaborate sleeves are charming. And now, an interlude. I have … Read more
Traveling to a place where you expect bad weather is a challenge, particularly for a person* like me — who thinks that traveling with more than one pair of shoes reflects a failure of imagination, common sense, and moral fiber.** Come closer and take a better look. * A nut. Nut like me. … Read more
I was having breakfast with my best friend last weekend and she told me that she marvels at my continuing ability to develop content for this blog. “So many outfits, so many ideas,” she said. I warned her that at some point, the well would run dry. For those who want more, we made … Read more
Do you find that you gravitate to particular garments again and again? Have you ever realized that you could outfit a bridal party in sleeveless black dresses (or smart grey jackets) if bridal parties wore business casual? I have. Back to business! I’ll show you more of the top. Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim; … Read more
I occasionally wonder whether being “properly dressed” is determined by reference to normative standards or relative ones. As with many legal questions, the answer is, It depends. While there are normative standards for attire, at the end of the day, proper dress is about respect for your host. You should dress the way that … Read more