April 16, 2012

No Fuss


Blouse: Peter Soronen, Necklace: Chanel, Skirt: Rachel Roy, Shoes: Manolo Blahnik


Hope you all had a lovely weekend. The weather here is gorgeous. Here are just a few pictures taken en route to the Accepted Students Party I hosted at our alumni clubhouse on Saturday. The clubhouse is easily one of my favorite places in New York- it’s such a beautiful space to get lost in, but more importantly there’s always a friendly face and I always leave with a few new friendships. Clearly, my parents feel similarly because upon hearing that the party was later that afternoon, my dad couldn’t get there fast enough- I love it!

As you all know, I love looking polished, but under no circumstances does that mean fussy. When it comes to important events, I gravitate to pieces that have worked for me time and again. This blouse and skirt is one of my fail-safe options- it’s elegant, chic, comfortable, wrinkle-proof and meets the club’s imposed dress code.


This blouse is one of my favorites. I have the best memories of visiting Peter Soronen’s atelier a few years ago and putting the finishing touches on my blouses (you can see the other blouse here). It happened to be the day before the Grammy Awards and Peter was busy putting the finishing touches on an amazing gown for one of the nominees. It would have been far easier for me to come back at another time, but I was welcomed in, and immediately in my element- poking around at all of the gorgeous eveningwear, including samples of Michelle Obama’s Twilight Gown


I have long admired Peter Soronen’s work for the craftsmanship, structure and shape. Both of my blouses illustrate the skilled manner in which Peter works with lace.  I love that he uses lace in an unexpected and modest manner. In his words, he likes to design “for a woman who’s strong, who likes a garment that’s well built, who understands her clothes.” I like to think that I’m that woman.  

Speaking of strong women, I’m wearing a skirt by Rachel Roy, who is such an inspiration. Several of the foundation pieces in my wardrobe are from her early collections. She wears her own designs and always looks flawless, while humbly balancing motherhood, a demanding career and her charities. I appreciate the inherent ease to this skirt.

Do you have any fail-safe items in your wardrobe? I would love to hear. 

PS- My necklace deserves a post of its own, but I can say that patience is a virtue when sourcing for a very specific item.

Edit- How appropriately timed is this article? Honestly, I've been wearing lace in a sophisticated manner forever.

30 comments:

  1. Prêt à Porter P- Thank you! Yes, it's satin, but it does look like leather- how funny.

    Oh yes, I'm never without big sunglasses. Right now, it's been a comedy of errors getting my favorite pair back from the designer and I'm lost without them.

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  2. Lindsay, I just love reading your anecdotes. Your lifestyle couldn't be more different from mine but the core values are the same. I have a few pieces in my wardrobe namely jackets and tops (as you probably know by now :D) that are fail safe options. I'd love to hear more about your necklace. I've been hesitant to purchase a Chanel faux pearl necklace after reading a few negative reviews about them.

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    1. Chocolate, Cookies & Candies- I'm glad you enjoy reading the little updates;) Yes, our lifestyles are different, but you're so right about core values. I'm curious to see how my wardrobe evolves with life transitions. Jackets are worth investing in.

      I need to do a post on the necklace because I researched and looked for a while. It was on my dream list of items I keep at this boutique that's run by a former stylist for Chanel and Hermes. I love pearls (I grew up with my mom wearing them and wearing them as a baby so they're such a classic to me). I collect Mikimoto pieces, but wanted something classic and fun to mix it up, something a little less precious. I always suggest vintage, because I feel like things were so much more durable then, it requires patience. That being said, I haven't had any quality issues.

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    2. I will keep my fingers crossed though

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    3. I can't wait to read your post on necklaces! I'm not a huge bracelet fan something I've only just discovered through tons of trial and error but I like my necklaces. I've been thinking of pearl necklaces for the longest time.

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    4. Chocolate, Cookies & Candies- I love necklaces- both statement and dainty little pendants and charms. I have trouble with bracelets because my wrists are so tiny and they tend to slope down and cover my entire hand. I have found a few timeless pieces that I've had adjusted though.

      I like how jewelry can really update an outfit and pearls are such a classic.

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  3. Congratulations on the Chanel pearls! I know from experience how hard they are to find. After years of searching I found a piece with the prettiest black and white charms. Like you, I love Mikimoto and my heirloom natural pearl set but the Chanel adds a nice touch of irreverence.

    My summer fail-safe is my Tom Ford sunglasses, sunblock and my Greek and Indian flat sandals.

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    1. Ammu- Thanks! I looked for years and finally got a call right before the holidays when I was trying to wrap up Christmas shopping for everyone on my list. Your necklace sounds so pretty. Irreverence is the perfect word for it- with the basics covered it was time to add something fun;)

      How do you like the Tom Ford sunglasses. I like how glamorous they are, but haven't tried them. I like an oversized sunglass. Sunblock is so important- I just found a new one i love.

      Love custom made Greek sandals and I always admire the bespoke sandals friends bring back from India. I can't wait to wear flat sandals with a pedicure in OPI red.

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    2. I can't wait to see a post on that necklace. Also, maybe one on handbags, since we never see you carrying any here ;)

      The Tom Ford sunnies are terrific - they cost an arm and a leg compared to the other ones I tried, but they fit my face well and the oversized lenses are really helpful in a hot country like India.

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    3. Ammu- Yes, I'm a bit shy about posting on new items. Same goes for handbags & fine jewelry- I hate being too showy about it. I think I am going to make some posts on items that I consider essentials though:)

      I'm glad to hear that you like the Tom Ford sunglasses. There are several that I want to try on. Price wise they are consistent with other designer sunglasses I've purchased, which I know seems expensive, but I wear prescription sunglasses and eyeglasses so it's worthwhile to invest in a great pair.

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    4. To be honest, I wear my sunnies every single day so I think they have paid for themselves by now! And those frames are very durable.

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    5. Ammu- That's how I look at it. I wear sunglasses every day and I'm adding prescription lenses and having them gradiated, so they pay for themselves and they have to be durable.

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  4. Gorgeous look, although you never look less than perfect. I'm curious to know if seeing and visiting designer's studios has sharpened your appreciation and knowledge of what works for you, quality, fit, cut, etc, etc? It seems like you really enjoy studying these things and understand that there are some limitations to what certain fabrics can do. I suppose it leads to less regrets when it comes to bad purchases.

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    1. Anonymous- Thank you!

      Yes, seeing how things are made is always such a good lesson in quality. It helps when you understand construction- it really empowers you as a shopper. If you can't see clothing being made, textile books are a great resource too.

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  5. I really do like your look a lot. I must say my fav is the Rachel Roy skirt ( I really love love love her stuff) and you're right that necklace deserves a post on it's own!

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    1. AM- Thanks! I REALLY like how Rachel Roy runs are company and the designs. When I bought this skirt she only had her mainline, but I like that she has several lines now and has adjusted her prices, without compromising her design aesthetic.

      Yes, the necklace needs a post of its' own.

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  6. stunning outfit. the details in that top are simply amazing
    xx
    INSIDE IN INSIDE OUT

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    1. Fabliha- Thank you! You are too kind. I'm really drawn to the details too and I love the fact that he works so much by hand.

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  7. Lindsay, this outfit is gorgeous on you! I love the shirt - the sheer, the color and the detailing - and how it looks with the skirt.

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    1. LN- Thank you! That's so sweet. I love the shirt paired with the skirt and always return to it. I also really like that the shirt is sheer but still modest.

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  8. dear - your style is so special - and really adorable <3

    X the cookies
    samecookiesdifferent.blogspot.com

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    1. samecookiesdifferent- Aww... That's so sweet- thank you. It's sad that people are afraid to be special.

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  9. You look beautiful! The simplicity of the skirt balances the ruffles so well! And that Alaia skirt it just breath taking along with the lace cap sleeves of your other Peter Soronen top! You have the most beautiful and elegant style!

    Would love to hear the story on the necklace sometime!

    xo, sam

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    1. Sam- Thank you! That's so sweet of you. Beautiful and elegant are two of my favorite things. My goodness, I have such a weakness for Alaia- it's just so timeless. I love the other Peter Soronen shirt too- he just works so well with lace.

      Yes, there needs to be a necklace post for sure.

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  10. Wow, this outfit is gorgeous! I love the blouse, the skirt, the tie belt, the necklace and of course the shoes. It looks great how you paired the darker colors of the ensemble with bright, fun heels. I hope you have a chance to stop by and see today's DAY style on Wrinkled Chiffon. Have a great Monday!

    xo Grace
    www.wrinkledchiffon.com

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    1. Grace @ Wrinkled Chiffon- Thank you! You're so sweet. I love pairing black with a pop of color (usually in the form of a great shoe or bag). Can't wait to stop by your blog;)

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  11. Beautiful craftsmanship and those ruffles look so good on you! I couldn't pull those off, but that is one lovely outfit.

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    1. Teresa- Thank you. I love that you have an eye for craftsmanship as well. You could totally pull this off- I think it's just a matter of balancing it;)

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  12. I have the same necklace but somehow you styled it to be more elegant :)

    Your dress sense exudes elegance, very different from mine and not something I can pull off but I love your style! :D

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    1. Melody- Thank you! I love pearls so very much, so I feel like the Chanel pearls are a fun take on that. I love that you have the same necklace. I would love to see how you style it:)

      Style is a funny thing. I've taken to this idea of modern elegance simply because it feels right.

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