 |
| Courtesy of VeePost Hope you all had lovely weekends. This time of year always leaves me anxiously awaiting signs of spring. We haven't had a true New York City winter and I'm certainly not complaining, but I'm looking forward to everything being in bloom, fresh fruits and vegetables being in season (what more could a vegetarian ask for?) and warm evenings spent eating outdoors. During the winter, I'm most likely to be lost in a museum, if I have any free time. The glimmers of light in the Greek and Roman galleries and the fifteen newly opened Islamic galleries to explore, pull you into a world of antiquities at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's stolen hours spent at MOMA, Neue Gallery, The Cooper Hewitt, The Frick and far too many museums to name. A chilly overcast day is perfect for cozying up at John McWhinnie at Glenn Horowitz Bookseller (one of my favorite rare book shops) with a limited-edition art, photography or fashion book. This weekend was a little different. Saturday was a glorious, sunny, sixty-five degrees. I'm keen on spending as much time outdoors as possible when the weather is nice. It felt good to pull on my Repettos and feel the sunshine on my feet. It was a nice reminder that spring is just around the corner. Spring invokes the feeling of reawakening, throwing open the windows and pulling out familiar loved pieces. A special order for the always polished and elegant Virginie Dhello, this blouse from the legendary Charvet epitomizes my version of transitional spring dressing. This blouse is 100% cotton voile that’s similar to chambray fabric, but a touch more formal and features the sweet collar that I keep coming back to. It also has a secret monogram tucked away, which is so charming. I’ve mentioned it before, but the made to measure cotton shirts at Charvet are perfection. Each shirt is made by a single employee. Upon walking into the shop, a couple of years ago, the talented staff immediately realized exactly why I was having such difficulty finding shirts. It never hurts to flatter a girl with “you should consider tailoring and belting an oversized button down into a shirtdress.” Who knew? We all know Sophia Coppola considers her Charvet shirts to be essentials and I have to agree. As my style grows and develops, the more appreciation I have for a few wonderful pieces that are my essentials. What are your wardrobe essentials for spring? |
March 6, 2012
Spring Awakening
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
My essential clothing is going to be my workout ensemble. Just like you, I feel like going out and soaking up the rays of sun. For the longest time I've fantasized about going out and running along the Danube!
ReplyDeleteIn terms of decent clothing, I can hardly wait to kick off my winter boots and put on some ballet flats; also missing the flowy, breezy materials of summer.
Florina- There's nothing like getting out and enjoying some physical activity in the sun. It really clears the mind and spirit. You're very lucky to have the beautiful Danube to run along. Beautiful scenery is so precious.
DeleteI love when you can finally kick off the winter boots and wear ballet flats- that's one of the best feelings ever. Especially when the tops of your feet don't freeze. I agree breezy, flowy materials are the best. I'm excited for that too.
How gorgeous. I love that picture. I returned from vacation to a Delhi that seems to have skipped spring and switched straight from winter to early summer. At the moment, I am living in flats - mostly my Lanvin satin sneakers. And either silk-blend tees or Indian embroidered cotton blouses with trousers. Not too casual but still comfortable.
ReplyDeleteAmmu- Isn't it such a gorgeous picture and shirt? I couldn't pry my eyes away from it. It's definitely one that I would love to have them make on the next trip to the Place Vendôme:) They do such wonderful work- I'm always in awe.
DeleteI can't wait to hear about your trip. I hope you had an amazing and relaxing time. I know exactly what you mean about skipping spring. I feel like it's so short these days. The weather just goes from one extreme to the next.
I love the idea of being not too casual but comfortable. The Lanvin satin sneakers are so fun and silk blend tees and Indian embroidered cotton blouses sound so dreamy.
Do they have a stand alone boutique. They are so beautiful. Maybe I'll just sigh and look in through the shop window...
ReplyDeleteJoy- Yes it's on Place Vendôme in Paris.
DeleteFor anyone that admires menswear it's worth going. Who knew there were so many fabrics for a dress shirt? The have thousands. They do bespoke, custom and ready to wear. I just love the carefully attention to detail and that things are done by hand. You have to pull me away from the fabric room.
That's a beautiful picture. I love the idea of cotton voile - that's my main beef with the shirts I can find off the rack in my budget: there aren't that many fabrics to choose from. Love the idea of a luxurious custom-made shirt some day.
ReplyDeleteI've been preferring looser trousers of late, with flat sandals. It feels very breezy and relaxing to have fabric flapping against my legs - like a holiday.
Lin- It's so beautiful. It's funny how a few wonderful things are just enough.
DeleteCotton voile seems perfect. A really nice weight and still luxe enough. I'm in love with my custom made shirts. There are some good off the rack options out there too. Sadly my measurements are hard when it comes to finding shirts.
I love when the weather finally cooperates for sandals. Revealing a fresh pedicure always makes me happy. I agree with you regarding the breeze- so peaceful and lovely.
What a gorgeous shirt - I especially love the collar.
ReplyDeleteI like going to the botanic gardens in the winter. It's warm, with lots of windows bringing in natural light, and seeing green plants, trees and life uplifts me during the cold season.
LN- I agree. The collar really adds so much charm. I prefer that collar shape these days.
DeleteOh the botanic gardens. It's so great to see beautiful plants. I find that really uplifting especially during the winter.The Orchid Show just started at The New York Botanical Gardens and I can't wait.
I have never heard of Charvet shirts before! Getting shirts made bespoke sounds so wonderfully luxurious :)
ReplyDeleteIt isn't spring here quite yet, but give it another month and we will definitely be there. I can't wait to pack away my parkas and boots and start wearing my chucks and ballet flats again, but most of all I look forward to long late-night walks and being able to sit with friends on balconies until well into the evenings. I can't wait :)
Maja H- Oh it's one of the best things about Paris. I agree it is so luxurious and yet wearable and practical.
DeleteIt's so nice when you can pack away the winter items. Long late night walks and balconies are amazing when the weather is nice. I always feel like I have more evening during the spring and summer months.
Do you belt any Charvet shirts as dresses? When my husband was buying some at the store they tried to convince me to do the same thing but they were so huge on me that it looked off - I think I'd have to get some custom done which I think kind of defeats the purpose...sigh. It looked so good on others though.
ReplyDeleteKatherine- That's the one thing about France- people are brutally honest. Apparently this is a thing, but they'll tell you it only works on a very lithe, willowy/tall frame. I LOVE that Charvet will tell you if something isn't the right look for you. Tailors more than designers have such a good eye for what proportions flatter different frames.
DeleteFit is so hard for me. I'm teeny tiny but not short and my proportions make me look even longer than I am. So it's nice to walk into a shop and have something that suits me. I only got dress shirts, but would have needed them custom done as well. The story of my life.
Hubby is crazy about Charvet though he doesn't own any. We were lucky to meet a wonderful gentleman who works for Charvet (hubby and he both hit it off since both had lived in Sydney for a long time). He showed us the collar room, went through the fabrics - the whole shebang. What an experience.
ReplyDeleteChocolate, Cookies & Candies- I think it's the mothership for men. So many options. The gentleman loves it:)
DeleteI'm so glad you got to see the collar room and all the fabrics. It's such an experience.
I'm loving your posts on dressing for less. Style is not money and when you have style you can wear ANYTHING!
I'm so pleased you like the post. The credit will have to go to a number of readers who wrote it to say that wanted me to feature cheaper options.
DeleteChocolate, Cookies & Candies-Oh that's interesting. I think of it more like shopping smart and buying things that you will use (regardless of price point), which you do wonderfully.
DeleteBeautiful shirt! It looks so delicate.
ReplyDeleteLucky you, you have avoided winter. I'm little bit jealous. I can't wait no to wear boots or anything thicker than a jacket.
And it's nice to know you're a fellow vegetarian. ;)
Ginta- It's so delicate in just the right way. I would love to see a shirt like this with a slight puff sleeve.
DeleteI know exactly what you mean about being able to go outside without boots or heavy coat. It's really nice. I can handle winter much better, when it's a few days of extreme cold here and there.
Yes! I remember you saying you were a vegetarian. It's so nice to be able to buy locally grown and seasonal foods:)
I've been pining for the quality that so many seem to be raving about when it comes to Charvet, but alas it is currently way out of my budget (*one day*).
ReplyDeleteSpring is just now starting to emerge in the town where I go to school, which of course happens as soon as I leave for spring break, and my essentials for this time of the year are colorful, breathable bottoms. For instance I've been staring at my closet impatiently waiting to wear two printed vintage skirts that are attached to my body in spring/summer but never worn in winter (they don't look good with tights, but are too well loved to give up for lack of seasonal versatility).
CamisaBlanca- I'm always skeptical of the rave girl/boy mentality. I haven't noticed more people talking about Charvet, but it is the last of the original shirt makers in Paris and I think people are tapping into their love for what they do and quality. Personally, I love a family business and that they spend the time to consider little things.
DeleteI love the first signs of spring. Color and breathable fabrics sound perfect. Your vintage skirts sound beautiful. There's something so nice about bring items back into rotation after a long winter. Enjoy your Spring break. I hope it's restful:)