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 Merino Tight

My Personal Photo

Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” – William Cullen Bryant

Each year, as summer winds to a close, I anticipate reaching for one of my favorite autumn essentials- merino tights. Over the years, I’ve built a wardrobe of luxurious and elegant hosiery. Not unlike my lingerie wardrobe, my hosiery has to suit a variety of needs. My collection consists of Gerbe Spotty Tights for a bit of fun, superbly soft Matte Opaque 80 Denier tights, finely ribbed cotton, merino and cashmere tights. 

Wool and silk dresses are my autumn essentials. I find myself reaching for impeccably tailored dresses. Chanel, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Yves Saint Laurent are reliable favorites that seamlessly transition from day to evening. By now, you all know that I have a penchant for one-of-a-kind skirts and while I dream of the sun’s rays warming my legs, the reality is that autumn’s chill calls for warmth.

My merino tights strike the perfect balance between form and function. As someone with extremely sensitive skin and an allergy to wool, these tights are incredibly soft. There’s nothing more luxurious than layering my merino tights under an elegant dress. I adore that Wolford does warm (due to the high wool content and use of very fine wool) and cozy without bulk. They’re polished enough to wear under suits and even cocktail dresses! 

Wolford Merino Tights in Anthracite, Mocca and Black (Available here) 

I consider my merino tights one of my best fall investments. The quality is impeccable. They last forever and never fade, pill or run. I always look forward to visiting the Wolford store because the sales staff has been wonderful. Scouring stores nationwide to find that pair of tights that have been discontinued or sending over an order when I don’t have time to make it into the store.

Yes, my merino tights are love. A small luxury that’s been keeping me warm on brisk morning walks to work and romantic wanderings around town. 

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it! Hope you are surrounded with friends and family. You can read my notes on gratitude here.

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.

Style Essentials- The Black Patent Pump

My Personal Photo

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. We had a nice reprieve from the scorching heat and humidity in the form of nice crisp breezes. 

The word that comes to mind when it comes to my wardrobe is CONTENTMENT. I take pleasure (and a bit of pride) in only adding items that will meld seamlessly with my wardrobe. Oftentimes, finding these items is an exercise in patience. One such item is the black patent leather pump. 

The black patent pump is an essential in my wardrobe- it’s elegant, graceful and chic. Perfect for every occasion- it transitions easily from day to night. I keep a pair of black patent pumps at the office. For a while, I’ve been looking for a pump to replace a pair of black patent pumps that had seen better days. Since patent leather is easy to maintain, I kept breathing new life into my pumps.

The black patent pump is an investment piece in many professional wardrobes and yet elusive. My criteria for the “perfect black patent pump” includes-

• A subtle pointed/almond toe to balance a sturdy heel
• 4 inch heel
• Quality leather lining, sole and uppers
• A single piece of leather lining the instep from the tip of the toe to the heel. (This speaks to the craftsmanship and quality. The alternative is when the heel is attached separately. The sole of the shoe is sturdier when a single piece of leather lines the instep.)
• A timeless shape (Not dated or overly trendy.)
• Discretion- No red soles

When I spotted these on sale at Bergdorf (Bergdorf does a great shoe sale) I scooped them up. The Manolo Blahnik Tuccio pumps met all of my criteria. Very little caught my eye in the sales. Due to the distribution size curve in which buyers purchase items, I rarely find the items that I covet early in the season on sale in my size. The Manolo Blahnik Tuccio pumps were a pleasant surprise and have quickly become a wardrobe essential that I’ve been living in.

Have you indulged in the sales?

Little Black Jacket

My Personal Photo

“There are clothes that keep rejuvenating themselves instead of getting worn out.”  -Roberto Juarrozz 

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. At long last, The Little Black Jacket Exhibition finally made it to New York. The exhibition commenced with a raucous fete and a window tribute at Bergdorf’s commemorating fifty-eight years of the iconic jacket. It’s safe to say that New York has Little Black Jacket fever.

My Personal Photo (Carine Roitfeld as Coco Chanel)

Originally conceived as a man’s jacket, the jacket is now considered a feminine symbol of elegance. When I think of my style essentials- Chanel’s impeccably tailored, collarless tweed jackets top the list. In addition, to the classic black jacket, I love the ivory and black bouclé, midnight blue and maroon/aubergine versions. 

My Personal Photo (Anna Wintour)

Jackets are the crux of professional dressing and a practical way to look instantly pulled together. There’s an effortless nonchalance to the design and construction. The Little Black Jacket is hand-stitched with silk and lined with a fine chain. During the design process, Coco Chanel used the chain to help the jacket to retain its shape while fitting the contours of the body.

My Personal Photo

The importance of fit is evident in the paneling in each jacket that allows the jacket to be taken in or out depending on the needs of the wearer. The paneling allows the jackets to be sized up or down three sizes with ease and flexibility. Everything from the sleeve length to the placement of pockets is carefully considered. Chanel’s jackets are relied upon and trusted classics. 

My Personal Photo (Sofia Coppola)

The Little Black Jacket: Chanel’s Classic Revisited and the accompanying book by the same title capture the timelessness of the Little Black Jacket. The exhibit features one hundred and twenty images of inspirational personalities and muses wearing the jacket. Each photograph is a window into the subjects’ personality, creativity and style. Proving that individuality and something new can be brought to even the most classic garments. 

Courtesy of Chanel (Scarlett Utzmann Huynh and Vanessa Paradis)

Courtesy of Chanel (Natalia Vodianova and Akuol de Mabior)

I had the pleasure of being shown around by the Soho store manager and French press office. It’s always a treat to get to spend an afternoon surrounded by passionate people, previewing a book and discussing elegance. If you are in New York this week I highly recommend stopping by this exhibition. 

Here’s a little video I think you’ll enjoy.

The Little Black Jacket: Chanel’s Classic Revisited

18 Wooster St 

June 8^- 15, 2012 

12 PM- 7 PM

Style Essentials- The Handmade Sandal

My Personal Photo

Growing up, I always looked forward to our annual trip to the old-fashioned shoe store for sandals. Sandals symbolized the anticipation of summer with its’ long days. I didn’t wear sandals to school, so they were solely associated with all of the wonderful things that childhood summers are comprised of-afternoons by the pool, days spent on the beach, getting lost in books, popsicles…

Today, sandals still epitomize the carefree days of summer. I can’t wear sandals to work, but when the days warm up they’re one of the first things I reach for off-duty. Perfect for evening soirees, days spent in the Hamptons or just running errands. The sandal can go effortlessly from polished casual to evening. 

Sandals like scarves are one of my favorite items to bring back from my travels. There’s nothing like discovering a well-made item with a great story behind it or taking home the lasting memory of an artisan perfecting his or her craft. I fall hard for great craftsmanship and items that are handmade. 

Here are a few of my favorite handmade sandals that I've been wearing for years.

Jack Rodgers Navajo Sandal

Courtesy of Jack Rodgers

The iconic Navajo Sandal originated in Capri and was popularized in America by First Lady Jackie Kennedy as elegant resort footwear. Initially, independent cobblers in Palm Beach produced the sandals, until Jack Rodgers expanded production in 1961. 

Today, the Jack Rodgers Navajo sandals continue to be made by hand in Palm Beach. They’re a timeless classic. 

The rich upper leather on mine has gotten better over time and the signature stitching has remained intact. I love that they quickly mold to the shape of your feet. They also work really well for those of us with narrow feet. 

Every time I put them on I’m reminded of journeys and escapes. 

Jack Rodgers 

1198 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10128

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Rondini

Courtesy of Garance Dore

I have a fondness for Sandales Tropeziennes and the Rondini family has been working as sandal cobblers (they were the first sandal cobbler in Saint-Tropez) for over eighty years. Rondini sandals are made by hand in a small workshop behind the boutique. I could spend all day in the workshop observing how each piece is put together.

There is an enormous amount of pride and care put into each aspect of the process. 

The sandals come in a multitude of colors and leathers- including snakeskin and croc. These sandals are thick-soled, comfortable and last forever.

Rondini

16 Rue Georges Clemenceau

St. Tropez 

France 83990 
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K. Jacques 

K. Jacques (pictured in the first photo) are another one of my favorite Sandales Tropeziennes. The craftsmanship is impeccable. K. Jacques has remained family-owned despite successful collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld, Balenciaga and Givenchy to name a few. 

Handmade by trained artisans in Saint-Tropez, many of the styles offered are the original styles from the bespoke business the family cultivated in the 1930s with a few new styles added each year. At their store in Le Marais (and online) you can choose the style, color and leather and have your sandals arrive in NYC within ten days. 

I wore my K. Jacques all last summer- they only get better as I wear in the footbed and the leather straps.

K. Jacques 
25 Rue Allard 
Saint-Tropez, France 83990

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Melissinos Art 

Courtesy of Melissinos

Melissinos Art is a gem of a shop. From their website, “My hand-crafted sandals as products of love and personal joy combined with quality are not mass-produced for speedy delivery to customers. I do not feel satisfied unless I see the footwear I create perfectly fitted to your feet, but since people's feet are so different, I often have to get your measurements and re-adjust the sandal straps for a perfect fit, right on the spot.” What a refreshing point of view...

These sandals are chic and cheap, but fit the foot perfectly. Here’s a great read on the shop.

Melissinos Art
2 Aghias Theklas Street
Athens, Greece 

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Thank you for reading. Sandal weather always makes me excited for my classic OPI red pedicure. What is your footwear of choice for warm weather?