Style Essentials- Little Navy Blazer

The Row Blazer, Carven Shirt, J. Crew Trousers and Miu Miu Shoes

"She prefers the richness of all kinds of (French) navy to the ubiquitous black." - Bali Barret's 5 Ways to Spot a Proper Parisienne in Issue Five of The Gentlewoman

Hope you all had a lovely holiday season. Happy New Year!

As promised, I thought I would share one of my autumn purchases- my lovely blazer from The Row. Blazers/little jackets are among my favorite wardrobe essentials and instantly make an outfit look smart and polished. Year-round, I’m rarely without a blazer or little jacket. 

It’s undeniable that I have a well-defined sense of style and identity, but I enjoy making subtle tweaks. We all know how much I adore navy and for some time I’ve wanted to add a navy blazer to my wardrobe. As autumn items were making their way into the shops, I spotted this blazer and knew it had to be mine.

I love when you find that item that ticks off all the boxes. Especially, when you’ve been keeping an eye out for that item for some time. In this case, I was looking for the following in a navy blazer.

• Color- A rich navy that would pair well with black, grey and burgundy. Finding a luxurious navy that is not faded can be harder than it seems. 

• Construction- The seams and emphasis on tailoring are reminiscent of early Armani or the good old days of Helmut Lang. I’m a fashion nerd if ever there was one and yes, the construction is that good. The stitching is really beautifully done and elevates the blazer. Inside and out everything is meticulously considered.

• Fabric- Quality of materials- the touch and feel is important to me. I love nothing more than a simple item with a touch of indulgence. A 100% silk full lining and a luxurious silk blend shell give this blazer its languid drape. 

• Fit- I could devote a series of posts to fit and tailoring. I have to alter a lot of my clothing. I have narrow shoulders and having the shoulders taken in is a costly alteration that requires skill. To take in the shoulders, the sleeves are detached at the shoulder, the shoulders are cut, the armholes adjusted and lastly the sleeves are reattached. A good fit at the shoulders is paramount for me and sealed the deal with this blazer. Having the sides and sleeves slimmed to accommodate my frame are standard alterations for me. In this case, I had the sleeves slimmed over the course of two fittings. I have long arms, so I’m keen on having adequate sleeve length. I also look for blazers that have subtle draping at the back. I love menswear, but my frame sometimes needs very subtle darting. 

• Silhouette- A minimalist silhouette that could be paired with everything in my wardrobe. I was looking for an unassuming piece whose beauty lies in the precision of the cut. I love experimenting with proportion and silhouettes, but I wanted something light and airy.

I’ve long admired The Row’s sophisticated luxe aesthetic. It’s always refreshing to come across a collection with a unique voice. The Row does basics, albeit very expensive basics that you can envision having forever. There’s a quiet authenticity to the brand’s designs that I adore. This little blazer has quickly become an essential. 

Style Essentials- The Bespoke Silk Blouse

Bespoke Silk Shirt, J. Crew Trousers and Miu Miu Shoes 

If there’s one bit of luxury that I can’t get enough of, it’s having the opportunity to work directly with a designer or studio to create a bespoke piece. It’s pure joy. The process of creating an item from scratch is inherently personal. It’s the nuance of your tastes and preferences laid bare. Working directly with designers and studios on pieces has made me acutely attentive to the subtleties of my style. 

I’ve long had a special place in my heart for bespoke shirts. Perfect button downs from Charvet worn with Alaia skirts just like Sofia Coppola. Ever such elegant silk shirts that drape just so. For someone, with a slim build and narrow, pointy shoulders, coming up with a few good designs for shirts has been a small mercy. 

Drapey, slouchy, but tailored to perfection, my silk shirts in ivory have long been wardrobe essentials. There’s just something so polished and at the same time nonchalant about a luxurious silk shirt. 

When Philip Cheng and Jack Chui of Soong Salon De Mode came to New York back in the spring, I had my mind made up, that I would have this shirt made*. We spent a Saturday morning looking over my inspiration images, fabrics and sketching a few ideas. It never ceases to amaze me that this pair can bring a garment that I envision to fruition. Philip Cheng and Jack Chui are such perfectionists and do beautiful, precise work. It’s the type of classically beautiful work that you don’t see often and that always garners compliments. 

Something kept telling me to have a couple of my beloved silk shirts made in a lighter momme weight. I found a beautiful ivory/cream silk that manages not to be too sheer. Over the summer, my shirts arrived- gorgeously packaged, immaculately pressed and folded with acid-free tissue paper. A few fabric swatches and plenty of extra buttons accompanied the package. 

Worn half-tucked like a French Voguette, I’ve been living in my silk shirts. During fashion week they were most certainly a chic go-to.

* The cotton voile shirt with puff sleeves and a Peter Pan collar is just as enchanting as I imaged.

Style Essentials- The Breton Shirt

My Personal Photo

Limited Edition Saint James for J.Crew Shirt and J.Crew Jeans 

Grey overcast days with a touch of melancholy and the ever-present threat of rain. Thankfully, the rains never came. There’s a crispness in the air, a since of anticipation. Autumn belongs to New York. But for now, a late summer day by the water is perfection. 

When I was little, I would go down to North Cove Marina with my father. Ah nostalgia…. I’ve always loved harbors, sailing and all things nautical. There’s nothing more energizing than a crisp sea breeze. Last weekend, my father and I ventured down to North Cove. Have I mentioned all of the plans the two of us have? Like writing a book together. I just adore spending time with my parents. 

A laid-back father/daughter day was the perfect opportunity to break out the latest addition to my collection of striped shirts. Breton shirt or La marinière (call it what you will), but you can never have too many. Effortless and chic, the Breton shirt is the crux of my off-duty weekend look. A bit gamine with touches of Audrey and Jean Seberg- I simply can’t get enough of this year-round wardrobe essential. 

I found this shirt by chance. I love Saint James for its authenticity. They’re a heritage brand that combines superb quality with aesthetics- form + function. Saint James’ cottons are incomparably comfortable and wash out beautifully. I’ve long been relegated to wearing Saint James Kids or having shirts tailored. The previous limited edition Saint James collections for J. Crew haven’t worked for me, but the Galathée tee fits just so. 

The drape is perfection- oversized as a Breton shirt should be, but not messy. The slimmer silhouette suits me well. The lighter weight cotton is an excellent layer against the sun. I’m excited to have a few more weeks of summer to spend by the sea… 

Happy Labor Day Weekend to all celebrating! Until we meet again, be well.

PS- How do you wear stripes? Please tell.

An Evening at the Ballet

Diane Von Furstenberg Zarita Dress and Chanel Necklace 

Thursday evening, the gentleman and I made our way to Lincoln Center to see the Paris Opera Ballet’s 217^th performance of Giselle. There’s nothing like Lincoln Center lit up at night. If you follow me on twitter, then you know how much I’ve been looking forward to the company’s first visit to New York in sixteen years. As Brigitte Lefèvre, the director of the Paris Opera Ballet succinctly put it “It’s a renewal of a relationship with the public and also an approach to a new public which has never seen us.” You could sense the entire theater’s anticipation as we settled into our seats. 

The Paris Opera Ballet is always superb- the elegance, precision, attention to line and legibility. It gets me every time. The spirit of the company takes precedence over personality and individuality. To put it simply the performance was a celebration of the purity of form and specificity. We both left the theater breathless… 

This dress seemed perfect for date night at the ballet. I purchased the Diane Von Furstenberg’s Zarita Dress almost two years ago for an event. Yes, her dresses last. On the hanger, the dress looked deceiving, which always piques my interest. Since it was a new arrival at the time, all of the sales assistants were eager to see how it fit. Little did we know that this dress would go on to become one of Diane Von Furstenberg’s most popular dresses. 

I fell for the lace, bateau neckline, scalloped trim and the deep V in the back. I love the subtlety of a deep V in the back. The exposed two-way zipper adds a touch of needed insouciance. There’s a jersey lining that makes the dress nice and comfortable. 

As you can imagine, my hesitation was the fitted silhouette. I have long limbs (I know, not a bad problem to have), so fitted and short- is too much for me. I think the key here is balancing the silhouette with the demure sleeve and a closed-toed pump. 

A touch of aubergine gloss, a statement necklace and out the door we went. 

Summer Hues

My Personal Photo

Banana Republic Eyelet T-Shirt,  Behnaz Sarafpour Lace Skirt & Tiffany & Co. Bracelet

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”

― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

There’s something about summer with its longer days and carefree spirit that makes me reach for a few of my favorite summer hues. We all know I rely on neutrals- navy, gray tones, black, touches of ivory and burgundy, but I’m not averse to injecting a bit more color into my wardrobe.  

I love deep coral, persimmon, and poppy on sun-kissed (SPF protected) skin. It’s quite apropos, given the predominance of deep coral everywhere… I particularly liked Monique Lhuillier’s Resort 2012 collection (looks 26, 32 and 34 are perfection) – a fresh approach to evening with bright poppy dresses in silk faille and silk organza with pockets. Upon walking into Carven’s Resort 2013 presentation I was instantly drawn to the deep coral skirt suit.

Like salmon pink in the autumn and winter, I have a penchant for deep coral, persimmon and poppy in the summer. I still haven’t figured out all of the colors that work for me, but I can humbly say that these hues flatter my skin tone. They’re uplifting colors that consistently garner the sweetest compliments. Deep coral can easily be paired with navy, white, and gray to anchor it a bit. I’m already picturing it with my pale blue cotton voile bespoke shirts that are on the way. 

On a trip to Behnaz Sarafpour’s studio, I fell for this lace skirt. The details are exquisite while remaining subtle. I tried on the skirt while the designer herself looked on approvingly, which is always a humbling experience. In addition, to the intricate lace design the skirt has a proper lining.

Last weekend, I wore this skirt for the journey out to Coney Island (hence the T-shirt) with the gentleman, for a wonderful dance recital that one of the students I mentor was in. After all, how can we possibly help shape a younger generation of leaders if we don’t support them? That alone was motivation enough for me to make the long trek out. 

Hope you had a beautiful weekend. What summer hues are you reaching for?

Keeping It Simple

Idra Trench Coat, Cotélac Sweater, J Crew Matchstick Cropped Jeans and Corso Como Pumps

“Style is how you see the world and how the world sees you. It isn’t today and it isn’t tomorrow; it isn’t a dress or a car or a shoe or a comment—it’s the cut of your sail as you cross this crazy, uncharted sea. Far ahead, legions of boats have already made the crossing—some grander, some more sleek—and still newer boats are always coming up behind you. Style is the manner in which you navigate your one remarkable voyage.” - Carol Edgarian

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Here are a few pictures taken in between meeting with my tailors and running a few errands before I head out of town later today. I spent Saturday morning reviewing inspiration images, working up sketches, pouring over fabrics, discussing fit and style- ultimately coming up with my vision for the “perfect” shirt. Both tailors pointed out that I looked exactly the same, but we still took plenty of measurements to ensure a perfect fit. Now, I just have to wait patiently over the next few months.

This is my version of a weekend uniform that’s suitable for errands and appointments during the warmer months. Thank goodness for uniforms! Especially when uniforms allow you to look polished and pulled together when you’re feeling anything but. I’ve been on antibiotics since the weekend due to a very resistant office bug, but managed somehow to pull it together.

I adore trench coats (I have such a thing for coats) and always look forward to the weather warming up enough to wear my bracelet and ¾ length sleeve coats. I have a few classic trenches, so this coat is a nice change. 

The Corso Como pumps are deserving of a post of their own. I’m discerning when it comes to shoes, but Corso Como does a comfortable, well-crafted shoe at a very reasonable price- proving that quality doesn’t have to be expensive. Most importantly, there’s a consciousness with regards to the manufacturing process and the treatment of employees that is important to me. 

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.

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.