March 20, 2012

A Matter of Versatility

My Personal Photo

Dress: Yves Saint Laurent, Necklace: Chanel, Shoes: Miu Miu


“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful” John Maeda 

One, two and this dress makes three, little navy dresses. Coincidentally, I have a few evening dresses that are navy as well. Clearly, I have a love for this color and a penchant for beautiful dresses. I gravitate to dresses that are simple (at first glance) with glorious subtleties. To me, there’s no greater simplicity. 

Admittedly, I don’t have a very casual lifestyle, so I’m very keen on items that can transition from day to night. This dress works for every occasion. I wear it to the office with a cardigan and to the multitude of after work events. It’s a dress that can be worn to my alumni clubhouse, which has a strictly enforced dress code. It’s the dress I instinctively reached for to attend the preview for the Met’s Costume Institute exhibition. To me, this dress is the epitome of versatility. 

My Personal Photo
I adore the sweet bib detail that doesn’t lack sophistication and the subtle folds and pleating at the waist. The bib, folds and pleats stand in stark contrast to the back of the dress. The back drapes ever so gracefully, in a purely architectural way. As someone who loves textiles, the silk feels so luxuriously soft. Most importantly, the dress has pockets, which speaks to my desire for garments that satisfy form and function. The internal construction is divine.


My Personal Photo (Don't ask what my arms are doing)
As winter comes to a close, with a seventy-five degree day, I’m reminded of my love for my collection of Yves Saint Laurent dresses. I rely on Yves Saint Laurent for dresses that are smart. There’s nothing like putting on that garment that makes you feel most confident. That’s what I loved most about Alber Elbaz and Stefano Pilati at Yves Saint Laurent. In the same manner as Yves Saint Laurent himself, both Elbaz and Pilati have such a passion for women that is evident in the way they design. To put it simply, Yves Saint Laurent has always stood for clothing that makes women feel beautiful. I truly hope that Hedi Slimane succeeds and honors this legacy as he takes over the reigns at Yves Saint Laurent. 

So, I have to ask, do you have a garment that makes you feel most beautiful? 

PS- Thank you all for the sweet words on my interview. I cannot begin to express my gratitude.

37 comments:

  1. I don't like to gush, but WOW. You look divine. It's a gorgeous dress, and I love the pairing with the shoes and necklace.

    Of all my garments, my saris probably make me feel loveliest. But I don't wear them terribly often so if I had to think of something I wear regularly, I would probably have to settle on my pearl necklaces and red lipstick. They always add something special to even the most casual outfit.

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    1. Ammu- Thank you. You're far too kind. It's interesting because you always hear that if you are wearing navy, then your shoes should be some other color to break up the navy, but I just feel like it instinctively works here. I guess it goes to show us that sometimes you have to break the rules.

      Saris feel so regal to me, so I can imagine that they must feel amazing to wear. Oh I would agree about pearl necklaces and red lipstick. It really punches up everything and looks really polished.

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  2. You always look so impecable and gorgeos! I love how effectful your dress is in its simplicity, I do believe you when you say it's suitable for every occasion, you couldn't go wrong with it.

    I suppose what makes me feel most beautiful is just about anything lace or with lace details. It adds a bit of a feminine touch to any outfit I put together.

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    1. Florina- Thank you. Your so sweet. It is amazing to see how effective simplicity is. When it comes to dresses that's what a look for. I find it really exciting to find those rare items that work for all occassions. When you see it, it's worth purchasing for sure.

      Oh I love lace details, especially when it's unexpected. You're right it adds something really feminine and pretty to any outfit.I really enjoy looking at the different types of lace from different regions.

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  3. Your dress is perfect ♥
    www.tributetothetribe.com
    xoxo from Paris

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    1. Tribute to the Tribe- Thank you! I think every woman deserves to have at least one perfect dress in her wardrobe.

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  4. this is absolutely stunning, a perfect dress. the colour is so beautiful, a true inky navy which is so difficult to find. I love the way you've styled it as well, the Chanel necklace is the icing on the cake :)

    as for what makes me feel most beautiful, I think I'd pick my navy trench coat - It makes me feel like the femme fatale of a Raymond Chandler novel. x

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    1. Fen- Thank you! It is really difficult to find that perfect inky navy. You make a very interesting point in regards to styling. Everything from magazines to blogs shows this 'over styling' of clothing. I'm more of the mondset that one amazing accessory is more than enough.

      I have the same thoughts about trench coats. Navy and beige are my favorite colors and I do feel very femme fatale in them. It's so funny how clothing can just make us feel a certain way.

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  5. You walk taller in a dress like this, right?

    I know that feeling. I have a black Narciso Rodriguez dress that instantly adds several inches to my height. (Before I add heels!) The dress fits perfectly and I can conquer the world in it.

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    1. Alice Olive- Yes!!!

      Your Narciso Rodriguez dress sounds perfect. He does such amazing dresses that you can have forever and they just look right. I really like those pieces that you can conquer the world in.

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  6. I loved all the dresses and the striped breton top that were featured in the interview. Much as I've tried to get into prints, I've now yielded to what I feel most comfortable and familiar - beautifully made dresses in a single color that flatters my skintone and accessorized with a statement necklace. I love how you choose your clothes so carefully with such thought to their versatility, fabric and tailoring.

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    1. Chocolate, Cookies & Candies- Thank you! You can never have too many breton tops. I feel the same way about prints. It really has to be an outstanding print that draws me in at first glance. Your beautifully made dresses in a single color and a statement necklace sounds perfect- not overdone but really polished and pulled together.

      It feel really good to be discerning about purchases and yes versatility, fabric and tailoring are always at the forefront.

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  7. You look absolutely fabulous, and I do love the subtle details of the dress that add that something special without being too obvious about it. I also like that it is silk and does see very versatile. Perfect!

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    1. LN- Thanks! I think that's always what I'm after- something subtle that feels special but not too obvious. Otherwise the dress it wearing you.

      I really like silk for that in between weather that isn't too hot.

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  8. I adore navy dresses - such a great alternative to black, and love how you paired your gorgeous Chanel bib necklace with it :)

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    1. Katherine- I agree with you about navy- it just feels fresh. I love black, but navy is less severe and equally neutral.

      I love every excuse I get to wear the Chanel bib necklace:)

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    1. Emma S.- Thank you. It's lovely to hear from you.

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  10. Prêt à Porter P- Thank you! That's what got me- the intricate way in which it is constructed.

    I'm going to do another piece on the transition, since I'm going to hear Pilati speak next week. I do like Hedi Slimane for his precision and menswear, but I don't know how that will transfer here. Sometimes people can be brillant, but not the right fit for the job.

    Oh and I agree with you about closed chapters.

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  11. I'm always a big fan of your personal photos, Lindsay. This dress is gorgeous on you and the color really photographed well.

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    1. Tricia- Thank you! You know how shy I am about outfit photos, so it's good to hear positive feedback. I know how much you love an outfit photo:)

      Thank you for the compliments on the dress. The pockets and bubble shape made me nervous about photographing it but somehow it worked!

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  12. I love the picture and I love the quote so much..

    www.stylosophism.com

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    1. Stylosophism- Thank you! I really adore this quote too.

      I'm so glad that I found your blog- I'm enjoying going through the archives:)

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  13. What a fantastic colour! And the dress looks fantastic on you.
    I just wrote about my YSL vintage find today. Gotta luv him!

    http://theas-vintage.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thea Vintage- I can't wait to read about your vintage YSL find. There's something so amazing about finding a one of a kind treasure like that. In NY great vintage is so curated that the feeling of the found object is lost.

      Thank you for the warm words:)

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  14. WOW! Lindsay, that dress is stunning! You look beyond amazing. Im also not ashamed to admit that I am very envious of your figure;)

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    1. Grace- Thank you. That's far too kind of you.

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  15. You look absolutely beautiful, elegant, and chic. I think navy is such a nice color and so fresh compared to black. As a previous "blackaholic", I've come to appreciate navy as a rich alternative!!

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    1. Samantha- Thank you for the sweet words. Navy is a rich alternative. Black is so comfortable for me- it's my saftey, so it's good to push myself to wear other colors.

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  16. That dress is SO pretty - navy is such a chic color. And loving the statement necklace :)

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

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    1. Annie- Thank you!!!

      I love how a statement necklace can make a look:)

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  17. I immediately thought of Audrey Hepburn when I saw these pictures...the look is so effortless and timeless...gorgeous!!! I love the rich navy color against your skin tone and the necklace is stunning. p.s. I am having a giveaway, if you like, please check it out. Thanks!

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    1. Katrina- Thank you! Audrey Hepburn- Oh my! Channeling Audrey is always a wonderful thing;) Thank you for the sweet words. Effortless and timeless are things that I look for in dresses.

      I can't wait to check out your blog and giveaway. Thank you for the heads up.

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  18. You look phenomenal- to die for really. You have the best dresses. Your frame is very slight- did you have the dress altered, if so in shop or by your seamstress?

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    1. Clara- Thank you! You're too sweet. Yes, I had the dress altered. YSL gave me their recommendations and I had my very talented tailor execute the alterations.

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  19. Your collection of navy dresses is divine. Dresses are my foundation pieces for my work wardrobe for much the same reason as you - they transition beautifully from a long day in the office, to a formal dinner to a cocktail with friends after that. Love your necklace - it's the perfect accent!

    Ps. Fabulous interview - am adding some of the galleries you mentioned to my list of places to visit here

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    1. hope in high heels- Thank you! I find that dresses really are the easiest way to transition from work to night.

      I'm glad you enjoyed the interview- they're tricky things. Yes, you should check out the museums. I love reading about your adventures. You guys are so good about exploring new places;)

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