I was traveling last week for appointments that I felt were more dress than suit.
Perhaps you are wondering what the difference is? I wear a dress when I want to look professional, but approachable.
This deceptively simple Jil Sander dress looks conservative (deceptively conservative) but is ingeniously modern. Just in case the seaming is too subtle on a quick viewing, I decided to wear a slightly subversive strand of pearls.
Subversive pearls? Is that a thing?
Yes! These plump pearls are strung on a black leather cord.
I found these pearls in Santa Fe at the Sugarman Peterson Gallery. The more I wear them, the more I like them. They look very nice with a tee-shirt and jeans.
In addition to my clothes, I needed to bring a laptop and a couple of binders of material. Altogether, it didn’t amount to more than a carry-on suitcase of stuff but because I wanted to review the binders during the flight, I had to pack my things in a three nesting bags: a handbag, a tote, and a hardshell, carry-on suitcase.
I have everything at the ready — except for my pajamas, which are in the suitcase that I was forced to swallow to meet the carry–on baggage limit.
Even though I didn’t want to wear a suit, I knew I’d need a jacket because of the excessive air-conditioning that is now standard everywhere. Whisk, whisk, whisk through the closet looking for the right jacket to wear with a navy dress. For those of you who are vexed by small differences in shades of black or navy when you try to combine separates, remember that those differences will disappear if the pieces are made from different fabrics. Here, a taffeta jacket and wool dress appear to match perfectly.
Perhaps you don’t like to travel with jewelry? Personally, I would never put jewelry in a checked bag.
A scarf is a smart alternative.
Of course, I consider my vintage Liberty scarves as valuable as jewelry and wouldn’t put them in a checked bag, either. But a 24 x 24 inch scarf is very small when folded and can easily be tucked into a handbag. And then swallowed if necessary.
I must admit that this particular scarf was an inspiration just before we headed outside to take photos. I was putting extra hosiery away and noticed it at the top of stack in the drawer.
I love this bronze color with navy.
Why does this scarf look so good with navy? There is no navy in it.
Ah, the magic of the color wheel.
Come closer and take note of all the non-navy colors that are in the scarf. Do you see that cornflower blue? Did you remember that the lining of my jacket is that exact shade? MFEO.
Dress: Jil Sander; Jacket: Carven; Shoes: Tory Burch; Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Tote: George Gina & Lucy from YOOX (my tote seems to be sold out, but many other cute bags); Scarf: Liberty (vintage, found on Etsy); Necklace: Alice Bailey Designs at Sugarman Peterson Gallery
And you got your hair cut!
Excellent advise about switching fabrics/textures up to get around small color differences.
I love this dress still. Maybe even more now, considering the tenor of our times, which make me want to be subversive yet demure. This is the perfect dress for that. Pearls or Liberty scarf go well with the theme of subversive yet demure.
Genius captions.
Very smart,very attractive.
The whole outfit really looks fabulous and tells your wardrobe story as well with collected pieces playing nicely with others. Wish my scarves had more flexibility with colors but I tend to buy without thought to coordinate. Your travel look rocks. The shoes are a big “yes”.
I so love that you are chic AND hilarious!
Long time fan… just enjoy your posts more and more
love the subversive pearls, Directrice. and the fact that your clothing – and even accessories- are apparently all edible.
What a fun necklace! An organic, chaotic sprouting of pearls from leather. Lovely.
Looking at this post again, there are two things I envy:
1. That pearl necklace.
2. Your facial expression in “*Such* a clever traveler, so hilarious.” I am going to practice and practice until I get it right.