Essential Directrice

The next six weeks aren’t going to be easy, Directorate. But I’ve looked into it and no reputable doctor will put you into a medically induced coma just to escape election-related stress.  So I am going to offer the next best thing: more frequent Directrice posts for the next few weeks. OK? We’ll get through … Read more

The Directrice attended two fancy professional dinners this summer. One of the dinners was for a professional organization that skews male, older, and conventional.  The other was a fundraising gala for a progressive non-profit.  What to wear, what to wear. I have a few party dresses in my closet for just such occasions, some of … Read more

The headline may be misleading. This post is really about two things: blue and white stripes (the essence of summer) and key summer basics (wide legged trousers and bias cut skirts in linen bien sur). Tank: Sacai from The RealReal (check periodically; there are always great Sacai finds on The RealReal); Pants: Anthropologie Colette Cropped … Read more

Gather ’round, Directorate! This is a historic (an historic) post: No. 700.   There is a lot of dress here — a Ulla Johnson (an Ulla Johnson) hallmark — which is sort of wrangled with the belt. Turning back to the topline of this post (No. 700!), let me take this opportunity to thank you, … Read more

Sundresses are the easiest way to get through the summer. But if you aren’t a dress enthusiast, or if you want a little more variety than wearing a dress everyday, an interesting top and neutral pants are the simplest alternative.

In addition to bringing white Doc Martens and bustiers to the office, did you know that Your Directrice injected tie-dye into the firm environment in the early oughts? C’est vrai! Dress: Ulla Johnson from The RealReal (there are several in various sizes available right now); Belt: Maison Margiela 11 from YOOX; Sandals: Donald J. Pliner … Read more

Summer! It is upon us. Best case scenario for most of us is temperatures in the 80s. Best case. For those at the lower latitudes or trapped under a temporary heat-dome, temperatures will be in the 90s . . . or higher. Some of you may be asking, “How is this different from your winter … Read more

I had many years to amass a worky wardrobe while at my firm. Admittedly, that wardrobe became increasingly eccentric over the years — but when I left, I still had a solid collection of dresses that were clearly work-wear suitable for meetings, presentations, and conferences.   In digging through posts for previous discussions of Virgil … Read more

I love a statement blouse. Changing subjects, briefly, these oxfords are amazing. They weigh nothing, but have so much presence, and are delightfully comfortable. Blouse: Palmer//Harding from The RealReal (one just like mine and look at this beauty); Shoes: Cole Haan Original Grand Platform Oxford

I had to go to court last week, Directorate, for the first time since 2019.+  I have appeared at hearings on Zoom, but no in-person appearances since before the pandemic. That seems hard to believe, but I think I am right. The Photographer does not give himself credit for “finding” this because he was helped … Read more