Every woman needs at least one striped jersey in her wardrobe. That may seem like a strong proclamation, so you are owed an explanation. Horizontal stripes are a simple graphic and always look terrific with jeans and khakis for a casual look. During the warmer months, a striped jersey looks smart on Casual Friday … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
I am a huge fan of the First Lady, patron saint of sedentary children and fledgling fashion designers, and it was from her example that I learned how transformative a belt can be (for an outfit, not a person). Consider this charming blouse with many fine attributes: small Peter Pan collar, fabric covered … Read more
The Dainty Sianos, too, were no longer available through the Doc Martens website, but on the off-chance that Doc Martens retail and website inventories were not integrated, I called the Doc Martens store in Georgetown. Bingo! They had the shoes and so I paid for them by phone and told the clerk I’d come … Read more