the directrice 
A couple of months ago, we discussed wardrobe priorities and I posited a theory that jackets are the foundation of a professional wardrobe. But if you were paying close attention, you may remember that I said a great blouse could fill the same function at a fraction of the cost. If any of you … Read more
A lot of people avoid black in the summer. Scientifically speaking, it is true that black absorbs light, but whether that absorption turns into heat depends on the fabric and the cut of your clothes. Personally, I think of black as an ally in the summer because it hides perspiration better than any color. … Read more
In searching for white dresses for you, I found a new white dress for myself and therefore decided to do one last Woman in White post as summer winds down. For those of you who are leery of white dresses, I hear your concerns: sunscreen, coffee, tiny jam and ketchup handprints. This dress comes … Read more
When I go on vacation, I try to avoid overpacking. Shoes, for many people, are where the wheels come off — figuratively, if not literally. So my rule is: WEAR a pair of stylish sneakers, PACK two pairs of proper shoes (a pair of black flats and either my leopard Mary-Janes or black penny … Read more
As everyone scrambles for that last bit of summer fun, days of the week become a little arbitrary. Therefore, I feel that I am acting not unreasonably in presenting today the outfit I wore last Friday. My true motivation is to share something new while it’s still fresh and available. Come a little closer … Read more
Washington D.C. is hot during the summer and the heat does things to people, if you know what I mean.[1] If you can imagine, some people become very crabby when they are being photographed outside in the heat . . . and therefore are well-advised to retreat indoors. Far better to lose … Read more
I promised a hagiographic post about YOOX a couple of months ago, and here it is. Over the last few years, I have purchased a significant, and growing, percentage of my clothes from YOOX. What is this YOOX that has inspired such loyalty and affection? In the words of YOOX itself, “Shopping on yoox.com … Read more
What are the essentials of a jewelry box? And how should one acquire them? If I were following general conventions of expository writing, I would walk you through the essentials, then explain the acquisition, and then boil all of that information down to a prescriptive summation. But rather than allow a whole bunch of … Read more
When deciding whether to buy something new, I always think about utility: How often I am likely to wear this? Utility is often connected to versatility: a jacket that goes with more things, will be worn more. And a jacket that can be worn through more than one season is bound to get more … Read more
Being well-dressed does not require innate genius. It is true that there are people who seem instinctively to know how to put things together or wear their clothes with originality. But there are two ways to get to a well-dressed state: indulging innate ability OR employing a combination of critical thinking, discipline and a … Read more