the directrice 
I often dress in one color, or shades of one color, from head to toe. I like to think this is slimming. But monochromatic dressing, if it doesn’t involve contrast in texture (combining, for instance, silk georgette and wool boucle or satin and linen), can present a somewhat lifeless effect. Witness: Perhaps you are … Read more
Approximately one year ago, I was musing about how quickly the styles of the 90s and 00s had been recycled and I thought, Thank God crop tops haven’t come back. They were too awful even for fast fashion to resurrect. Those thoughts had barely formed in my head when crop tops started appearing in … Read more
It may seem early in the life of this blog to be self-referential, but you may remember that I wore a Shadow Dress a few weeks ago? And have advised you to buy a dress in more one than one color if it fits you perfectly? The ivory and grey seemed perfect for spring … Read more
Summer has stolen a march on Spring in Washington, D.C. It’s hot and I am not ready for heat — physically, psychologically or sartorially. But one change that is fairly easy to make is switching from my winter bag[s] to my summer bag[s].[1] I use my black bag[s] year-round, but in the warmer months … Read more
Nothing looks fresher in the spring than navy blue. It’s a universally flattering color (which must be why it’s commonly used in uniforms), so it’s almost certain that you will look good in it and possibly even great. Be assured: no one looks like death warmed-over in navy blue. Whenever you buy a new … Read more
Stripes are always fresh, the perfect thing for Fridays. I poked around a little on the Internet looking for a current season jacket like this one and didn’t see anything that was quite right — but trust me: white/navy, ivory/navy, and navy/white stripes are a classic combination and pop up every spring/summer. So … Read more
The question of what constitutes “business casual” is a rich topic for the legal and business press. Google the term and you’ll see a lot of ink (print and digital) devoted to the subject. When that many views need to be harmonized, it’s time for a Restatement! The Origins of Business Casual In the … Read more
Traditional style guidance has said that large jewelry is not flattering to, or elegant on, small women. But opinions about beauty, diversity, and body type have evolved. Statement Necklaces have been ubiquitous for the last five years and everyone gets to wear them, including me! A word of warning about necklaces like these: Don’t … Read more
A scarf can be a lovely finishing touch, elevating an ordinary jacket or adding complexity and depth to a more considered ensemble. Here, a confession: I feel safer when I am wrapped up in a scarf. I don’t mean cozy. There is something above keeping my throat covered that gives me a sense of … Read more
Moto (short for motorcycle) jackets have such great shape and details — asymmetry, zippers, snaps, buckles, elbow patches. They are, quite simply, too cool to belong exclusively to motorcyclists — and thus have been appropriated by the fashion industry for every conceivable occasion. See, e.g., Leandra Medine of Manrepeller here, wearing a moto jacket … Read more