the directrice 
Have you ever gotten dressed and realized that while you look totally presentable — perhaps even good — you look a little dull? If the fundamentals are sound, you probably need just a little something to make the outfit really work. That something is often a belt, a pin or a small scarf around … Read more
I have three closets for clothes storage — two in my bedroom and one in the guest room (which is actually a sitting room . . . where we watch TV). I use the TV room closet for off-season clothes, which means every May and October, there is a weekend of transitioning, where I … Read more
Smocking is indisputably adorable in children’s clothes, but I love the effect in women’s summer clothes, too. This blouse is made of gauzy cotton (actually, 72% cotton, 28% silk) — two layers — and is a little too full. I think I may have it taken in, down the sides, a couple of inches. … Read more
For many people, clothing is medium of artistic self-expression. Clothing can also be a way to express, and advance, your values — and given that clothing might be the largest discretionary line-item in your budget, that’s worth thinking about. What do I mean? I am not talking about wearing slogan t-shirts. (Remember: Legible clothing … Read more
Last week I showed you my pink, loose-fitting summer dress and warned you that I bought it in a second color. Here it is! The skirt of this dress is bias cut and asymmetical; one side is fuller than the other and the hem is uneven, which you can see in this picture. The … Read more
Dear Readers — Perhaps this is of interest to you . . . I was interviewed by 40+ Style this week. You may want to check it out. If nothing else, you will learn my first name. And the website is a terrific (comprehensive, really) resource filled with all sorts of interesting and useful … Read more
My husband bought this little jacket for me a few years ago as a birthday present. I was very impressed with his choice, which was the product of deductive reasoning and limited sampling rather than an aesthetic vision. He’s not terribly interested in clothes, but he knows that I get some of my casual … Read more
When you consider your wardrobe on the macro-level, you think in terms of goals and limits. Goals probably vary significantly among us — e.g., building a minimal professional wardrobe from scratch, building a comprehensive wardrobe over time, keeping a wardrobe current with select seasonal acquisitions, or revamping one’s style completely. But our limits generally … Read more
As we move into the summer, you will be seeing more color and more dresses in my posts. A cotton or linen dress (or cotton or linen mixed with a little silk, which creates a beautiful blend) is just the thing to wear in the heat. This dress is a lightweight but stiff cotton … Read more
First things first: A heartfelt thank you to those who responded to Tuesday’s micro-poll by posting a comment or sending me an email. Your responses were so intelligent and thoughtful; to the extent that you have been charmed by this blog, know that I am charmed by you. And for those who haven’t responded … Read more