the directrice 
I’ve been asked on occasion Where do you get your clothes? and found myself floundering for a response. I usually say, I don’t know — which I realize is spectacularly unhelpful and probably seems evasive, too. So, I am thinking through the question and the answer now, and writing it down here for future reference. … Read more
I won’t be posting casual outfits every Friday (in case you are wondering), but I am posting this one for two reasons. My blouse you will note, is a little different than the one shown at Anthropologie: I decided that the dots finishing the pointed hem were a little twee for a 45 year … Read more
Most outfits needs a little jewelry — a necklace, brooch or bracelet — to look finished. Of these choices, bracelets are the easiest to coordinate with an ensemble and their versatility makes them the best investment of any money you’ve set aside for jewelry. If you still need convincing, consider: The women who write … Read more
Not everything has to be va-va-voom, does it? I am fascinated by Marni, an advanced Italian fashion house whose aesthetic has been described as off-beat, under-the-radar cool, marked by asymmetry, unusual shapes and large volumes. (Just to be clear: the clothes – not the house – are marked by asymmetry, unusual shapes and large … Read more
Finally! Spring is here and within three days, the cherry trees have gone from bare to bloomed. To share a little of that with you, I’ve trotted over to my neighborhood playground to take a few photos. What looks good with navy? Navy and white is an unbeatable combination. But in smaller doses, I … Read more
Let’s walk through the Taxonomy of Dress, starting at the bottom: 1. Clothes: clothing worn when you can’t think of what to wear 2. Outfit: clothing selected and coordinated with purpose 3. Ensemble: clothing selected and coordinated with a higher degree of skill; all parts relate to one another and the whole 4. Get-up: … Read more
With a smart phone, you don’t need a watch to tell time anymore. But there are two reasons why you should wear one anyway. First, and most important: It’s impolite to look at your phone while you are in a meeting. You may be able to get away with it in a large meeting, … Read more
You may have realized in reading other posts that I esteem the craft of sewing and swoon over fine craftsmanship? And yet I am fascinated by this tank which is barely assembled. Viewed in a harsh light (figuratively speaking) it looks like the work of a guy who got a deal on 10,000 yards of … Read more
I am drawn to prints of all varieties — stripes, bold graphics, florals, abstracts. But the reality is, printed dresses are not a sound investment: they can look dated quickly; they present a definite look, but only one look — which can’t be changed easily with accessories; they can overwhelm the person wearing them … Read more
But I still like to look pulled together, so I have a few to choose from. Here are a few ideas for you. The COLORS: The NEUTRALS: I am a huge fan of Les Toiles du Soleil; in addition to tote bags (in various sizes), they make iPad covers, toiletry bags, and espadrilles. Sadly, they … Read more