I almost always wear round, close-fitting necklines. Zip through a dozen posts; you will rarely see a v-neck, scoop neck or bateau. Round is my comfort zone and, I hope, a flattering shape for my face and frame. But a friend of mine has often exhorted me to try more décolleté necklines. I … Read more
Unlike previous summer series — The Woman in White (2015) and Navy Blue Is The Warmest Color (2016) — I am bringing the Utility Dress series of 2017 to a quick close. No need to string this out indefinitely and perhaps the lessons are more meaningful when delivered in rapid succession. We’ll see. There … Read more
This summer is all about personal growth! Risk-taking! Floaty tiers in a small, flocked pattern that suggests calico. R: If you are reading this post and thinking “I can’t believe she kept that dress from me” — I am sorry! We can share it. Dress: Max Mara; Shoes: Donald J. Pliner; Bag: Coach … Read more
Part 1 of a three part series that began last week with Part 2. Fortunately, this is not rocket science . . . Dress: Burberry; Shoes: Taryn Rose; Bag: Coach; Bracelet: John Hardy; Watch: Michele
I was going to post a contest for all of you . . . to come up with ways that I could wear an orphan jacket that has been sitting in my closet for years. But I decided to apply myself and solve this problem of my own making. Whenever I take this jacket … Read more
I am a little torn in publishing this post. It was supposed to be the second of a three part series on utility dresses and I had planned to publish it Thursday. But it features a dress that is currently for sale and actually on sale through 11:59 p.m. tonight. Dress: Banana Republic Strapless … Read more
All good things must end. My vacation is over and I’m back in Business Casual. How does should one respond to ambiguity? With patent leather, bien sur. This dress has an easy fit; pleats on the front conceal bizarre, shallow pockets. Note that the pockets are placed as though they were a muff. … Read more
I think I have a look — structured, fitted, figure-skimming but not tight silhouettes punctuated by periodic asymmetric and occasionally bizarre details. Does that seem right? Fair? Regardless, it’s important to not get stuck in a rut — even if it is a warm, cozy rut.* What, exactly, is it? Well . . … Read more
I am always scanning my environment, looking for well-dressed people whose ideas I can borrow. Several years ago, I was in LAX airport and saw a woman ahead of me while I waited to order a coffee frappaccino and her ensemble — and her individual chic — have stayed with me for years. Jacket: … Read more
Work is simplified when you know exactly what to wear. The question of what to wear is easy to answer when you have a few great pieces in your closet and some basic formulae for making them into outfits. Jacket: JCrew; T-shirt: JCrew; Pants: Ann Taylor Style Name Too Long to Reproduce Here; … Read more