Sunday, December 26, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Good luck Lexi
Lexi has left for her first year of college. She plans to be a French major. She will have such a wonderful experience and I can't wait to read her postings about college fashions.
Fall is fast approaching and as Spoon says" Winter gets cold in ways we always forget". Over the next few weeks we will be posting on fashions thoughts that aren't all about camel or kitten heels.
Any thoughts from our readers on the "new" oval office, personally I am very disappointed...taupe is so non-committal. Enjoy labor day weekend!
Fall is fast approaching and as Spoon says" Winter gets cold in ways we always forget". Over the next few weeks we will be posting on fashions thoughts that aren't all about camel or kitten heels.
Any thoughts from our readers on the "new" oval office, personally I am very disappointed...taupe is so non-committal. Enjoy labor day weekend!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Edna St. Vincent Millay " First Fig"
My candle burns at both ends
It shall not last the night
but ah, my foes, and oh my friends
It casts a lovley light
It shall not last the night
but ah, my foes, and oh my friends
It casts a lovley light
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday Eye Candy..Viviane Sassen
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Viviane Sassen was born in Kenya and lives in Amsterdam. Her photography portrays the beauty of the human body in sculptural form. She was a model for Viktor& Rolf before becoming a Photographer. I hope to go to Amtserdam to meet her one day as she is my friend on Facebook.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Lexi's 10 Essentials
Hello again. I've been thinking and rethinking my list of top 10, anytime and anywhere essentials. Here they are with places I'd wear them to, and how to change them for hot or cold weather. Oh, and just a note: these are in no particular order, I love them all equally.
1. A simple, knit cardigan.
These are so versatile, it's ridiculous. I may have a favorite here. My favorite ways to wear simple cardigans:
If you're the type of person who wears a lot of neutrals, try adding a cardigan over your outfit - a not-too-dramatic way to add a little color (this is especially nice in fall or winter when brights tend to fade out a little).
Or, in the summertime, I love to throw a cardigan over a tanktop or summerdress when it gets cooler at night. Plus, the contrast between something short and something long looks great together.
(Picture from F21)
2. A cute flat.
For this, go wild with color or construction, but make sure it's not too gaudy or attention-grabbing. I actually had the flat in the picture below with a closed toe, and loved them to death. Wear these anywhere, but especially:
Dress up your every day jeans and t-shirt just by putting these on.
If you choose one with a small heel, you can wear them from day to night to be professional and laid-back.
(Picture from DSW, Steve Madden shoes)
3. The live-in-it buttondown.
Speaking of professional, a comfy button down is one of my favorite things to have. Choose one with a soft material. I love these because I don't have to feel to restricted, but can still look serious. I'm sure you all know that this paired with some nice black or khaki pants and a heel create an instant professional look. However, I also like to wear these like this:
If you pair a buttondown with a plain skirt and a heel, the look is more feminine but still polished.
I also tend to wear my comfier buttondowns like a cardigan over a silky tanktop or printed tee (kind of the girl like how Ryan Seacrest is big on the graphic tee + blazer deal).
(Picture from Gap)
4. A clear lipgloss.
This is truly the perfect thing to have in your bag. It feels nicer and makes you look a little more made-up without taking a lot of time. My favorite is the Mentha Organics™ brand from Bath & Body Works, which is why I chose that picture. However, mine is a peppermint flavor that doesn't have any color.
If you can find a clear gloss with a mint flavor, you'll smell fresh, too.
(Picture from Bath & Body Works)
5. A pretty tank (or two) (...or three).
I am in love with pretty tanktops. Wear them alone, with a blazer, under a cardigan, with jeans or a long skirt. The rules of these are basically, not to have rules. Like I mentioned earlier, a cardigan is a really classic way to go. Or try:
Belting them.
Tucking them into the waistband of whatever you're wearing.
(Pictures from Anthropologie)
6. Straight/bootcut jeans.
These are a jean that every woman should own. Jeans are, of course, the ultimate staple for anytime. However, their versatility makes them amazing. It's what you wear with and how you wear jeans that determines what kind of style you're going for in an outfit. For instance:
In spring, rolling up the bottoms of your jeans and pairing them with a cute blouse and nude heel or flat will instantly create a chic, light appearance.
Fall calls for boots: tuck your jeans into a high pair of boots with a trenchcoat - adorable.
(Pictures from Gap and AE)
7. A lightweight scarf.
Scarves are one of my greatest loves. I have way too many, but for good reason. Wrap them all the way around until you can't see the edges, don't wrap around at all and just drape them around your neck, learn to tie a bow with one, use as a belt, an anklet...well that might be a bit much.
My favorite places to wear scarves are out to shop or out to lunch. They're so cute and change up a normal outfit. Plus, I love scarves that are neutral but with prints; for instance, I have a gray and white striped scarf that I wear with almost anything.
(Pictures from F21 and Macy's)
8. The LBD!
I'm very excited about this one because I just found my perfect LBD a few weeks ago (see Night Out). The LBD should be good for your body type, most importantly, and should be able to be worn with anything. You wouldn't want something like:
(Picture from Macy's)
That dress about speaks for itself. I like to focus on subtle detailing when it comes to an LBD to change up a plain color. A few ways and places to wear an LBD:
In colder weather, put some printed or colored tights on with a pair of black boots - cute!
This is the ultimate dress for a nice dinner. Heels or flats, pair the LBD with shining, elegant jewelry.
(Picture from Charlotte Russe)
9. A windbreaker
Now, I don't own a very fashionable windbreaker, but I was completely inspired by J. Crew's collection video and this windbreaker:
(Pictures from J. Crew)
Fashion is becoming less and less about rules and more and more about how interestingly pieces are put together. On that note:
Wear the windbreaker to a spur of the moment dinner at a friends house. Throw it on over your bathing suit in case of a shower. Put it on over your workout clothes for a jog on a rainy spring day. Throw a scarf around your neck with some gloves for a chilly day in early Autumn.
10. A classic watch
A watch is something that's become quite important to me. It's easier to look at then a cell phone because it's right on your wrist. A simple, well-crafted watch will last years. My mom got me one for a Christmas present last year and I don't feel right if I'm not wearing it, it's one of the first things I put on in the morning - even before I get dressed. A good, simple watch goes with any outfit. Try:
If you're a diamond lover, get a watch with a few sparkles.
Wear all different bangles that match the silver or gold of your watch - the watch will stand out but still look unified with the other jewelry.
Show it off a little: find a watch with a larger face or interesting numbers or hands.
(Pictures from Piaget)
1. A simple, knit cardigan.
These are so versatile, it's ridiculous. I may have a favorite here. My favorite ways to wear simple cardigans:
If you're the type of person who wears a lot of neutrals, try adding a cardigan over your outfit - a not-too-dramatic way to add a little color (this is especially nice in fall or winter when brights tend to fade out a little).
Or, in the summertime, I love to throw a cardigan over a tanktop or summerdress when it gets cooler at night. Plus, the contrast between something short and something long looks great together.
2. A cute flat.
For this, go wild with color or construction, but make sure it's not too gaudy or attention-grabbing. I actually had the flat in the picture below with a closed toe, and loved them to death. Wear these anywhere, but especially:
Dress up your every day jeans and t-shirt just by putting these on.
If you choose one with a small heel, you can wear them from day to night to be professional and laid-back.
3. The live-in-it buttondown.
Speaking of professional, a comfy button down is one of my favorite things to have. Choose one with a soft material. I love these because I don't have to feel to restricted, but can still look serious. I'm sure you all know that this paired with some nice black or khaki pants and a heel create an instant professional look. However, I also like to wear these like this:
If you pair a buttondown with a plain skirt and a heel, the look is more feminine but still polished.
I also tend to wear my comfier buttondowns like a cardigan over a silky tanktop or printed tee (kind of the girl like how Ryan Seacrest is big on the graphic tee + blazer deal).
4. A clear lipgloss.
This is truly the perfect thing to have in your bag. It feels nicer and makes you look a little more made-up without taking a lot of time. My favorite is the Mentha Organics™ brand from Bath & Body Works, which is why I chose that picture. However, mine is a peppermint flavor that doesn't have any color.
If you can find a clear gloss with a mint flavor, you'll smell fresh, too.
(Picture from Bath & Body Works)
I am in love with pretty tanktops. Wear them alone, with a blazer, under a cardigan, with jeans or a long skirt. The rules of these are basically, not to have rules. Like I mentioned earlier, a cardigan is a really classic way to go. Or try:
Belting them.
Tucking them into the waistband of whatever you're wearing.
These are a jean that every woman should own. Jeans are, of course, the ultimate staple for anytime. However, their versatility makes them amazing. It's what you wear with and how you wear jeans that determines what kind of style you're going for in an outfit. For instance:
In spring, rolling up the bottoms of your jeans and pairing them with a cute blouse and nude heel or flat will instantly create a chic, light appearance.
Fall calls for boots: tuck your jeans into a high pair of boots with a trenchcoat - adorable.
Scarves are one of my greatest loves. I have way too many, but for good reason. Wrap them all the way around until you can't see the edges, don't wrap around at all and just drape them around your neck, learn to tie a bow with one, use as a belt, an anklet...well that might be a bit much.
My favorite places to wear scarves are out to shop or out to lunch. They're so cute and change up a normal outfit. Plus, I love scarves that are neutral but with prints; for instance, I have a gray and white striped scarf that I wear with almost anything.
I'm very excited about this one because I just found my perfect LBD a few weeks ago (see Night Out). The LBD should be good for your body type, most importantly, and should be able to be worn with anything. You wouldn't want something like:
That dress about speaks for itself. I like to focus on subtle detailing when it comes to an LBD to change up a plain color. A few ways and places to wear an LBD:
In colder weather, put some printed or colored tights on with a pair of black boots - cute!
This is the ultimate dress for a nice dinner. Heels or flats, pair the LBD with shining, elegant jewelry.
Now, I don't own a very fashionable windbreaker, but I was completely inspired by J. Crew's collection video and this windbreaker:
Fashion is becoming less and less about rules and more and more about how interestingly pieces are put together. On that note:
Wear the windbreaker to a spur of the moment dinner at a friends house. Throw it on over your bathing suit in case of a shower. Put it on over your workout clothes for a jog on a rainy spring day. Throw a scarf around your neck with some gloves for a chilly day in early Autumn.
A watch is something that's become quite important to me. It's easier to look at then a cell phone because it's right on your wrist. A simple, well-crafted watch will last years. My mom got me one for a Christmas present last year and I don't feel right if I'm not wearing it, it's one of the first things I put on in the morning - even before I get dressed. A good, simple watch goes with any outfit. Try:
If you're a diamond lover, get a watch with a few sparkles.
Wear all different bangles that match the silver or gold of your watch - the watch will stand out but still look unified with the other jewelry.
Show it off a little: find a watch with a larger face or interesting numbers or hands.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Culture clash
The New York Times today printed two articles on French women and the aging process. The articles were focused on Parisians and how they maintain femininity and beauty while aging. Much has been written on this topic and a lot of the observations are generalized but I do agree that the French are more concerned with feminine beauty than their American counterparts. I think that they take the time and interest in themselves to develop a personal style. I have visited Paris and known several French women and though they are not more physically beautiful than the average American woman, their dress and personal appearance is more feminine and stylish.
I think our culture is so sport-centered in the suburbs and schools between soccer, baseball, tennis, basketball, lacrosse and swimming that a certain femininity is lost. Many women spend their time after work car pooling to so many events that they have no personal time. They become efficient in appearance cropping their hair short, minimal if any make-up and casual pants and tops for attire. I doubt there is any sexy lingerie on under this "uniform" but hope so. In fact, our country was the first to market womens' sportswear. Being casual is fine but I think it is taken too far. With the advent of running, many women adopted sweat suits as their everyday garb. This has a snowball effect...if one is wearing elasticized waistbands most of the time then those few pounds creep on quickly and soon too many. Once uncomfortable with one's weight then elasticized waistbands are a comforting refuge.
I also am surprised by the women I meet who have teenage daughters and look to them for their opinion on dressing. I have seen this many times and it always surprises me that by a certain age one would look to a teen for advice. This is indicative of a lack of a sense of self.
The other teen-mom dynamic that I notice is the teen become center stage. She is the one who buys the new clothes, has the latest make-up, hairstyles and manicures while mom no longer counts and is usurped in any areas of beauty by her daughter. It's as though mom's time is up. Women have too many excuses..oh I never took the weight off after children, I have no time, there is only extra money for the children. Family life should be more balanced and the mother an example not a follower. Needless to say, glorification of youth in our society is very unhealthy.
I do wish more American women invested in themselves and set role models for the young. Women matter at every age. They should be attractive and sexy at every age because that reflects self-esteem. Please put on a skirt, a little heel, great lingerie....stand erect, do your hair, wear some lipstick and feel pretty.
I think our culture is so sport-centered in the suburbs and schools between soccer, baseball, tennis, basketball, lacrosse and swimming that a certain femininity is lost. Many women spend their time after work car pooling to so many events that they have no personal time. They become efficient in appearance cropping their hair short, minimal if any make-up and casual pants and tops for attire. I doubt there is any sexy lingerie on under this "uniform" but hope so. In fact, our country was the first to market womens' sportswear. Being casual is fine but I think it is taken too far. With the advent of running, many women adopted sweat suits as their everyday garb. This has a snowball effect...if one is wearing elasticized waistbands most of the time then those few pounds creep on quickly and soon too many. Once uncomfortable with one's weight then elasticized waistbands are a comforting refuge.
I also am surprised by the women I meet who have teenage daughters and look to them for their opinion on dressing. I have seen this many times and it always surprises me that by a certain age one would look to a teen for advice. This is indicative of a lack of a sense of self.
The other teen-mom dynamic that I notice is the teen become center stage. She is the one who buys the new clothes, has the latest make-up, hairstyles and manicures while mom no longer counts and is usurped in any areas of beauty by her daughter. It's as though mom's time is up. Women have too many excuses..oh I never took the weight off after children, I have no time, there is only extra money for the children. Family life should be more balanced and the mother an example not a follower. Needless to say, glorification of youth in our society is very unhealthy.
I do wish more American women invested in themselves and set role models for the young. Women matter at every age. They should be attractive and sexy at every age because that reflects self-esteem. Please put on a skirt, a little heel, great lingerie....stand erect, do your hair, wear some lipstick and feel pretty.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Crave..Sarah Kane
melt when you smile and dissolve when you laugh
and i want to play hide and seek and give you my clothes and tell you i like your shoes and sit on the steps while you take a bath and kiss your feet and hold your hand and go for a meal and not mind when you eat my food and talk about the day and laugh at your paranoia and give you tapes you don’t listen to and watch great films and watch terrible films and take pictures of you when you’re sleeping and drink coffee at midnight and have you steal my cigarettes and never be able to find a match and want you in the morning but let you sleep for a while and kiss your back and stroke your skin and tell you how much i love your hair your eyes your lips your neck your breasts your arse your and sit on the steps smoking till your neighbour comes home and sit on the steps smoking till you come home and worry when you’re late and be amazed when you’re early and give you sunflowers and be sorry when i 'm wrong and happy when you forgive me and look at your photos and wish i'd known you forever and hear your voice in my ear and feel your skin on my skin and get scared when you’re angry and hug you when you’re anxious and hold you when you hurt and want you when i smell you and get cold when you take the blanket and hot when you don’t and melt when you smile and dissolve when you laugh and wonder who you are but accept you anyway and write poems for you and wonder why you don’t believe me and have a feeling so deep i can’t find words for it and buy you presents you don’t want and take them away again and ask you to marry me and you say no again but keep on asking because though you think i don’t mean it i do always have from the first time i asked you and want what you want and think i’m losing myself but know i’m safe with you and tell you the worst of me and try to give you the best of me because you don’t deserve any less and answer your questions when i’d rather not and tell you the truth when i really don’t want to and try to be honest because i know you prefer it and forget who i am and try to get closer to you and speak german to you badly and hebrew to you worse and make love with you at three in the morning and somehow somehow somehow communicate some of the overwhelming undying overpowering unconditional all-encompassing heart-enriching mind-expanding on-going-never-ending love i have for you
-
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Night out
Last week, my boyfriend and I decided to go out to a nice dinner with some of his graduation money. Of course, I took this as a reason to get dressed up! A couple of days before, I had randomly found an amazing LBD on a sales rack at Charlotte Russe - voilà ! Here's some of the detail on the dress to give you an idea of the beautiful-ness I was working with:
The restaurant is called Antipasto's and specializes in vegetarian fare. But carnivores, fear not - their pasta and pizza is supposed to be out of this world, too. I've been vegetarian for almost 2 years, a reason why my boyfriend had mentioned this place to me a few months back and I'd fallen in love with the menu online. Since fashion is so much more than clothing, and can be about atmosphere, too, I wanted to share a little about this place, and how perfect the dress felt floating around me as I ate and laughed.
Well, we were a little overdressed - my dress was quite nice and he wore a shirt, tie, and nice dress pants. The restaurant was very small, snuggled in between stores in a Price Chopper strip mall plaza. It could fit maybe 20 people, and supposedly is known for it's very extensive wine collection (maybe in a few years). I had veggie chicken parmesan, which was amazing because since becoming vegetarian I haven't been able to experience the taste of a good chicken parmesan in almost 2 years. The lights were very dim and it was cozy. I loved it! And more than that, a good LBD can really amp up a low-key night. Just dinner and a movie - made special. Why not dress up for no good reason?
Friday, July 9, 2010
Ah, the French
This photograph taken at the Chanel couture show in Paris is a great example of American beauty in contrast with the French. Leighton Meester and Clemence Poesy were both front row guests at Karl's show and to me Clemence captures the radiance, simplicity and self containment of French beauty. She is dressed beautifully and simply in an elegant, feminine dress. Make-up is minimal and her hair is au natural...I love this look! On the other hand, her American counterpart looks overdone in every way...almost craving camera attention (which she probably is).
I admit I have always been a fan of Clemence Poesy. .I first noticed her in the movie"In Bruges" which I highly recommend. In that film she was beautiful and natural with a dancer's grace. She is always dressed simply but with an air of elegance. I love best that one can easily see that she is comfortable being herself....that is the essence of true beauty.
I admit I have always been a fan of Clemence Poesy. .I first noticed her in the movie"In Bruges" which I highly recommend. In that film she was beautiful and natural with a dancer's grace. She is always dressed simply but with an air of elegance. I love best that one can easily see that she is comfortable being herself....that is the essence of true beauty.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Miriam Haskell jewelry
Shortly after opening her company, Frank Hess, a window dresser from Macy's, joined her and provided the company with artistic flair...he was a great colorist! Most credit Miriam with the business savy and Frank with the creative talent. Frank was a very private man who maintained tight control over his designs and work. He showed up for work everyday in a top hat with a silver tipped cane (I would have hired him for that alone). He even approved the way that the employees dressed in the showroom....I guess Abercrombie & Fitch took note.
It was very interesting to read about the craft of jewelry making as well as how an excellent company survives during hard times such as World War II when they could not use metal. Another designer for the company who made outstanding jewelry was Richard Clark.
I must admit that I am quite surprised at how large most of the pieces are..some might find them garish but some are truly beautiful. The company produced an A line, B line and C line....rather like the stocking of retail stores today. As a jewelry company, it has a fascinating history and it also provides a great business model. Its legacy is that the best quality and adept business skills allows a company to produce a treasure trove of magnificent jewelry. Miriam Haskell's health started to fail during the late 1940's and she sold her company to her brother in 1950.
The large, opulent pieces the company was famous for seem to be having a resurgence today. Bib necklaces, multi-layered chains, bold bracelets, huge cocktail rings....they are all the rage today. I wonder if in difficult financial times the sheer weight of jewelry makes one feel a tad more secure. Women in many cultures collected jewels as a way to measure their worth. Chanel's motto was dress simply but wear lots of jewelry. We all want to feel beautiful, secure and perhaps even regal. In trying financial times...jewelry provides us with the power to transport ourselves on a magic carpet through the mundane.
Monday, July 5, 2010
An Introduction
I'm Lexi. I've known Colleen for quite some time, but we've recently gotten connected again (thanks of course to the ever-growing internet community). So, quickly, a little about myself:
Next fall I'll be attending SUNY Oswego as a French major. The language is my everything, mon raison d'être. Photography is my passion, and I shoot for bands, families, and myself. I believe in really using our eyes to not only see, but to understand the world around us; allowing them to define what we like and don't like or how we interpret something. This, I think, is the reason that fashion has become so appealing to me in the last year or so. Fabrics, detailing, and most importantly the coexistence of pieces of clothing tells a person's story. It can be so much more.
Next fall I'll be attending SUNY Oswego as a French major. The language is my everything, mon raison d'être. Photography is my passion, and I shoot for bands, families, and myself. I believe in really using our eyes to not only see, but to understand the world around us; allowing them to define what we like and don't like or how we interpret something. This, I think, is the reason that fashion has become so appealing to me in the last year or so. Fabrics, detailing, and most importantly the coexistence of pieces of clothing tells a person's story. It can be so much more.
Lexi
I've invited a young friend to help me with my blog. Lexi and I met years ago and we share a love of fashion, France, fabric, art, music and poetry. She is sensitive, insightful and artistic and I think she will bring a dynamic perspective to our blog. Lexi is Springtime and I'm Autumn.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Flower Hmong
Who could be born more fashionable than Flower Hmong babies. In this Vietnamese culture, babies are decorated in beautiful, embroidered garments to be disguised as flowers. They believe that the disguise will keep evil spirits away and that the wearing of hats will prevents one spirit from being distracted and leaving the body. A beautiful book about this culture is "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" which details the life of an epileptic Hmong girl and her family whose culture clashes with that of California.
Hmong women are the best embroiderers in the world and will often being sought by suitors for their sewing skills..highly prized in their culture. Their word for baby is also used for flower...what could be more beautiful than flowers and babies. All cultures love babies but how magical is it to live in a culture that decorates babies as flowers with hours of needlework and love.
Hmong women are the best embroiderers in the world and will often being sought by suitors for their sewing skills..highly prized in their culture. Their word for baby is also used for flower...what could be more beautiful than flowers and babies. All cultures love babies but how magical is it to live in a culture that decorates babies as flowers with hours of needlework and love.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Age
I wonder if we allowed nature to take its course and we accepted gray hair, lines, sagging bodies and saw the beauty in that...would we not be a better society? Would we accept mortality and thereby enhance life with wisdom and kindness toward others....would we be humble and generous? If all stars saw life as limited.....would movies be different, fashion? art? music? What would the Beatles be like if Paul McCartney was gray and simply missed his first wife and fellow beatles? Would his work be different? What if Michael Jackson accepted his natural deterioration- would he be there for his children? Aging happens despite surgery, cosmetics and magic acts..shouldn't we accept it as it arrives then face everyday with fear? Potential is in growth and strength ..not avoidance....
Friday, June 4, 2010
Why?
Our young girls walk into school with short, too short shorts and loose tank tops...it is not appropriate. How did our youth become cheap and well, sleazy looking..?? Calvin Klein! Ever since the Brooke Shields commercials that proclaimed "Nothing comes between her and her Calvins" youth became a market. A market for fashion and for portraying fashion as something unattainable by adults. Thus jeans , the backbone of the working man, become fashion and "designer" and botox necessary...no one can compete with a sexy 13 year old in skin tight jeans...a knowing 13 year old. A new merchandise market born...and we accepted. Lolita's charm was that she was unaware..but in "our great age" we prostituted our youth for wealth for the few, and an aging complex for everyone over 25. We bought it and sold it and now we live with the consequences. Life and its stages are not beautiful...Levi is not good enough and wrinkles are the enemy..... J Brand, Botox, even men wear Spanx...we beg for youth but "time"s winged chariot "carries all of us "off". Accept the stages of life like seasons because they are our teachers....accept and learn. Please..preserve childhood .
Friday, May 14, 2010
Guilt
Speaking of necklaces.....this morning I was racing to get out to work and searching frantically for the necklace that goes so perfectly with my ballet pink sweater.....stung! hit right between the eyes....I realized I have a problem! I was pulling out little jewel bags and rolls searching for the necklace and rediscovering necklaces I had forgotten. I truly have a stash and I really like all of them...one after another I found tucked away under lingerie, notes from my children and all the bits of my life that I keep hidden in my dresser drawers. They were like old friends...they attended fun events with me, sad days and picked me up on the day we met. I suddenly remembered after my parents' deaths the sorting out of their things...oh no, if I die before my husband, he will see. He will be disappointed in me for my weakness
and utter frivolity...I now feel like Madame Bovary. What to do?? Murder is not the answer; suicide seriously limits all future occasions to which I could wear said necklaces. I must furtively ponder options....tomorrow. Tonight I will wrap two or three around my neck and go out and laugh and sip champagne!
and utter frivolity...I now feel like Madame Bovary. What to do?? Murder is not the answer; suicide seriously limits all future occasions to which I could wear said necklaces. I must furtively ponder options....tomorrow. Tonight I will wrap two or three around my neck and go out and laugh and sip champagne!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Collet -set riviere necklaces
Sometimes I am sooo slow. Recently we had a necklace returned to J. Crew that was so pretty. It was an amethyst stone colored necklace of simple round stones that sat on the collar bone. we all took turns playing with it..trying it on and I just loved it. I noticed how the colors just lit my face and the sparkle was sophisticated not garish. Then I remembered "The September Issue" the fascinating documentary about Anna Wintour...the high priestess of the fashion world, and the necklaces she wore throughout the movie. I love the way she dresses..beautiful, feminine dresses and skirts, immaculately tailored and her necklaces. She wears three collet -set riviere necklaces of amethyst, citrine and aquamarine ...either alone or together. They are elegant, timeless and add color to the face of women of a "certain age". Who would know better how to dress than Anna? I saw it in my own experience of playing with the necklace at J. Crew. It is far prettier than the classic pearl strand. Pearls add glow but no color or sparkle. I often think to myself that once women hit a certain age ...they have to add color to their faces...either through jewelry, scarves, clothing or make-up. The riviere necklace is perfect! Then it took a day before I realized that, of course, J. Crew copied the necklace from the film knowing that everyone would notice every detail of Anna's dress. Yes, I was slow on the uptake here but I am glad to have discovered it.....it's as though Anna gave the advice just to me and she was soooo right.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
My Bride
Two weeks ago when I was working at J. Crew, a young woman came in with a friend looking for a dress. She brought two dresses into the dressing room and neither fit that well. I questioned her about the event she was shopping for, much to my surprise , it was her wedding...next Saturday! She seemed too casual. I asked her friend discreetly the circumstances and she said it was on and off again and now due to time it was on. The timing of what I wondered, pregnancy..she didn't look at all pregnant..perhaps she was marrying a man being shipped off to duty. The bride felt no compulsion to discuss it further and I liked and respected her privacy. Anyway..I told her I would check the back where we sometimes have fancy party dresses being shipped to other stores.
Shock! We had a wedding dress...I grabbed it and ran it out to her...just noticing it was a size 6 and thinking it might fit. She was shocked as well. She tried it on and it looked as if it was made for her. Ivory silk chiffon graced her figure and olive skin...she looked enchanting. At that moment, she realized she was getting married. She couldn't catch her breath and had to walk away to think. The price was reasonable but she, at that moment, realized her life was changing forever. I watched her become a bride and wife in a flash in her eyes. After her walk, she did come back to purchase the dress. She said it was meant to be...a dress that fit her perfectly one week before her wedding...We all like to think that "things are meant to be"... not random luck. The magic was in seeing that young woman face and desire her future with that one dress. The power of one dress can be magical!
Shock! We had a wedding dress...I grabbed it and ran it out to her...just noticing it was a size 6 and thinking it might fit. She was shocked as well. She tried it on and it looked as if it was made for her. Ivory silk chiffon graced her figure and olive skin...she looked enchanting. At that moment, she realized she was getting married. She couldn't catch her breath and had to walk away to think. The price was reasonable but she, at that moment, realized her life was changing forever. I watched her become a bride and wife in a flash in her eyes. After her walk, she did come back to purchase the dress. She said it was meant to be...a dress that fit her perfectly one week before her wedding...We all like to think that "things are meant to be"... not random luck. The magic was in seeing that young woman face and desire her future with that one dress. The power of one dress can be magical!
MET Gala
The best fashion party of the year was held Monday at the MET. Anna Wintour, Oprah Winfrey and Patrick Robinson of the GAP were host for the Costume Institute's biggest fundraiser. The gowns were beautiful, the people all beautiful and yet is seemed flat to me...all brands. Oprah represents her own brand, Anna - Vogue, Patrick - The GAP....it semed liked the ultimate commercial evening for fashion. The red carpet was filled with beautiful, professional posers...selling a movie, a designer, a t.v. show, the Patriots.....
I have always enjoyed the costume institute..it introduced me to the fabulous fashions of YSL, Josephine's Bonaparte's wardrobe, yes..the Jackie O. show...and the fabulous Poiret and Chanel....This show was to honor the American Woman...yet the spirit seemed to be represented by the American Brand. Meanwhile, the Victoria and ALbert Museum in London is doing a show on Grace Kelly...which somehow seems to represent what the American woman always aspired to and classic American fashion style..sweater sets and pearls of the 50's. Pristine WASP American grooming on display though Grace was Irish American...ironic, no doubt.
I have always enjoyed the costume institute..it introduced me to the fabulous fashions of YSL, Josephine's Bonaparte's wardrobe, yes..the Jackie O. show...and the fabulous Poiret and Chanel....This show was to honor the American Woman...yet the spirit seemed to be represented by the American Brand. Meanwhile, the Victoria and ALbert Museum in London is doing a show on Grace Kelly...which somehow seems to represent what the American woman always aspired to and classic American fashion style..sweater sets and pearls of the 50's. Pristine WASP American grooming on display though Grace was Irish American...ironic, no doubt.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Jenna Lyons and J. Crew
Jenna Lyons, Head Stylist of J. Crew, was on Oprah today. Her personality was more effervescent than I had expected. She truly loves clothes and how she works with them. She should be happy because J. Crew is one the few retail companies doing well in today's market.
Now, others are quick to copy the brand but a copy always looks like a poor imitation. J. Crew has mastered the look of preppy, girly, tomboy, color, cut and flair so well. They have established a reputation for good quality at a good price point. J. Crew succeeds because it is all about contrast and that is what is going on in our society today. Big business vs. the individual, red states vs. blue states, bullies vs. good students, pro-health care vs. anti-gov't involvement. We are a divided nation on many levels and in our homes where the divorce rate is so high. It is not surprising that this is represented in how we choose to dress . . . full of contrasts.
Successful designers or companies have always had their hand on the pulse of people... Chanel did, Poiret, Dior . . . they came forth at the right time--when women wanted change. Women today want to express individuality and a good retailer will give them well defined choices that complement each other at affordable price points. J. Crew allows women to express their tastes and in doing so reflect all of the conflicts individuals face in modern society . . . yet they can blend it into a cohesive fashion look, accepting the boyfriend jean with sequins. Fashion is easier than real life . . . which is why it should be fun!
Now, others are quick to copy the brand but a copy always looks like a poor imitation. J. Crew has mastered the look of preppy, girly, tomboy, color, cut and flair so well. They have established a reputation for good quality at a good price point. J. Crew succeeds because it is all about contrast and that is what is going on in our society today. Big business vs. the individual, red states vs. blue states, bullies vs. good students, pro-health care vs. anti-gov't involvement. We are a divided nation on many levels and in our homes where the divorce rate is so high. It is not surprising that this is represented in how we choose to dress . . . full of contrasts.
Successful designers or companies have always had their hand on the pulse of people... Chanel did, Poiret, Dior . . . they came forth at the right time--when women wanted change. Women today want to express individuality and a good retailer will give them well defined choices that complement each other at affordable price points. J. Crew allows women to express their tastes and in doing so reflect all of the conflicts individuals face in modern society . . . yet they can blend it into a cohesive fashion look, accepting the boyfriend jean with sequins. Fashion is easier than real life . . . which is why it should be fun!
Monday, April 19, 2010
bornfashionable may sound pretentious but I chose this for two reasons. First, anyone who had ever known my parents would know that I was born to very stylish parents. My Mother was quite beautiful . . . someone once mistook her for Ingrid Bergman's little sister. Some daughters learn how to cook, garden, sew or acquire other domestic skills from their moms. My Mother was not gifted at any of these endeavors but she had a great eye for clothing and was always highly stylish. I loved traveling to NYC with her and visiting a jewel box of a shop on Madison and 65th. It was Mariko--smaller than a shoe box and Mariko and her mother made clothes. My Mother had beautiful clothes made there; mostly black, very tailored pieces with flashes of hot pink or green. Mariko was the most sophisticated woman I could ever imagine; simply dressed with beautiful paste jewels in rich colors. I loved that my Mother knew of this store and enjoyed the process of fitting and selections of fabric.
My Dad also loved "dressing" and I always ran upstairs after breakfast to help him. He only wore white, french-cuffed shirts from Sulka. I loved to select the cufflinks and ties that he would wear each day and just"visiting" with him before we went our separate ways: I to school and he to work. The art of dressing, I acquired from my Dad.
The second reason I chose this title for my blog is that I believe all people are born fashionable. They are born with their best colors, features, build and "soul" for them. Far too many lose their way, trying to look like someone else, buying into a plastic look or not taking the time to care for themselves. Too many women rush out having jumped out of a shower, running a comb through their hair in ill-fitted clothing. It is no service to them or to those who admire and love them. Dressing is an art. It is not about money, trends or looking like someone other than yourself; it is about self-respect for each persons' individual beauty. Time is short. We should make ourselves little gems every day.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
What we take from home....
My parents instilled in me a love of fashion and the ability to express oneself through choice of dress. I remember starting Kindergarten and loving my selection of dresses to wear to school. I had a little dress covered in rich colors of fruit with different pieces of fruit as buttons. My mother took me shopping for a change purse to carry my milk money in...it was a little blue, tooled leather pouch. On autumn days, I wore a navy blazer with a jazzy, decorative emblem and for the rain I had a red plaid umbrella. It was all of these little details that pleased and comforted me as I started my school days away from my Mother and sisters and brothers. Clothing was as fun as my chipmunks lunch box.
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