We all agree that a bit of jewelry can add the finishing touch to an outfit. I’ve had some difficulty over the years deciding what to buy (What will it go with? Does it make me look like a female impersonator?), but it turns out acquisition is only half the job. This necklace … Read more
The Directrice presents: How to Pack for Vacation. Perhaps some of you are thinking, Thanks for nothing, Directrice. I took my vacation in July. Please don’t be mad. Perhaps this advice will be useful next year. Or, perhaps you won’t find it useful at all, and therefore can’t be mad that it’s … Read more
As the summer winds down, perhaps it is time for a post-mortem. To think about what went well this summer and what could be done better next year. If the answer to that third question was no (or non), let me take another run at this. Now may be a good time to … Read more
To cross the Rubicon is to take a bold, intentional step from which there is no turning back. Mother, Desh: Look away! You won’t be able to unsee what follows. Everyone else, settle in and feast your eyes. This dress is, unquestionably, the most advanced thing I’ve ever put on. It … Read more
When I found myself in possession of an unexpected (i.e., unbudgeted) windfall, my thoughts tend to drift toward jewels . . . I don’t live in the realm of precious jewelry, by which I mean pieces made of precious metals and precious stones that cost thousands of dollars. My interest is designer jewelry made … Read more
Last fall, I showed you — in all seriousness — how to wear a bustier to work as part of a Business Casual outfit. I also promised to show you how I have worn it on Casual Friday and on the weekends. Let it never be said that The Directrice doesn’t honor her promises, … Read more
Last summer I posited that a crop top could be worn to work professionally — i.e., to a workplace like a P.L.L.C. or similar association by a woman who is dressing to meet with colleagues or clients — when paired with a skirt and blouse or jersey. Bear in mind, I did not … Read more
When I was in law school, I interviewed at a number of firms for work as a summer associate. Like my peers, I bought a suit for this purpose. I found a beautiful wool crepe suit: very classic, with a pencil skirt and a bias-cut, funnel-neck jacket trimmed with elegant, slightly oversized, dark horn … Read more
I grew up in northern New England (the southern part of northern New England, if you follow), which means that I spent my youth in cold temperatures. My mother dressed me appropriately in snowsuits, boots, and hats when I was little, but as soon as I was a teenager, I followed the local custom … Read more
Do you ever have days when you just don’t have the energy or mental fortitude to pick out any outfit? On such days, it’s useful to have a uniform to fall back on. Mine is grey pants, white blouse, grey sweater vest. Like this: The Beautiful Thing was a … Read more