Casual Friday: Layered Jacket

  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

Sorbet Shade for Summer

  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

In Which The Directrice Wears Khakis

  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

The Woman in White

  Many style bloggers function sort of like personal shoppers, showcasing clothes that are in stores now. Not me; I am wearing a lot of my old clothes in these posts. Even when I have something new to show, it may no longer be in stores by the time that the season for wearing it … Read more

Origami Jacket

  I bought this jacket years ago, at a time when appliqués and ruffles were on everything: blouses, sweaters, trench coats, oven mitts. Would that be c. 2010? So, I envisioned an afterlife for the jacket: I could remove the origami-ruffle-appliqué trim and still have a useful little jacket. Sheila Bridges, the interior designer, urges … Read more

Boss Tweed

  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

Casual Friday: Anchors Aweigh!

  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

This Moto Jacket Means Business

  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