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.

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. 

Kicking Off My Heels

The Coveteur

Last week was exhausting. The good kind of exhausting. A long awaited professional goal was finally realized and lots of new opportunities are on the horizon. Hopefully, I'll be able to talk about it all soon. In the midst of such a busy week I couldn't help but look forward to the weekend. Early Saturday morning I packed up a little canvas tote and headed up the Hudson on Metro-North to volunteer with one of my favorite organizations. 

It was all about kicking off my heels and putting on my favorite oxford shirt and ballet flats. A Breton sweater and sunscreen were tucked into my bag. A day at summer camp calls for pared down elegance. Who wants to be restricted by attire when you could be boating or helping a child decorate a T-shirt? There's nothing more inelegant than being inappropriately dressed for the occasion. The children I tutor and mentor during the school year were amazed by my relaxed attire. 

It's always rewarding to visit camp. I feel very fortunate to be able to be involved  with an organization that provides children with such an amazing experience. It's easy to take the little things that define summer for granted, but these kids never cease to amaze me. They are open to exploring and trying new things in the way children naturally are. In times when it feels like the world is falling apart, it's important to remember that you can make a difference in someones' life. To me giving back is truly one of the chicest things you can do.

Effortless

Cotélac Sweater and Shirt, J Crew Matchstick Cropped Jeans, Ferragamo Shoes

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."  Leonardo di Vinci 

This is my version of effortless weekend style. White denim and a stripy sweater are at once simple and sophisticated. Nothing symbolizes summer quite like white denim for me. Arguably it's a tricky look that I've only recently become comfortable with. I now consider it a summer stable. Even though I have a consistent style, it's constantly emerging. 

This look was perfect as I ran errands for Sunday's reception for the scholarship board I'm on. I largely admire jeans from afar. My slight stature makes me acutely aware of fit. I have a long inseam for my height, which makes tailored pants and denim all the more difficult to shop for. Having a few of my favorite tailored pants copied in Hong Kong was a godsend. Upon finding these jeans I promptly purchased two pairs for the season. White denim is a little gamine. There's a distinct air of insouciance, which I naturally gravitate toward. Summer calls for keeping things light, easy and carefree on the weekends. Effortless is not to be confused with boring. I like that the sweater has rolled sleeves, a subtle detail at the shoulder and two small exes sewn with pink thread at the back.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. 

Scenes From The Weekend

My Personal Photo 

Happy Unofficial Start to Summer!

I hope you all had lovely weekends. Memorial day aside, for me summer unofficially commences when I can finally show off a cheery pedicure (I'm currently loving OPI Red). Once I find something that works I'm extremely loyal. A pedicure, white denim, nautical stripes, loosely tousled hair and dewy makeup are a few of my favorite summer weekend looks. 

My weekend included a trip to the spa, reading, working on my photography, shopping for lacy things in mauve and aubergine, elaborate picnics and rowing along in a little rowboat in Central Park. I love that park and there's nothing like the first few warm days to get me out in the fresh air. I happily threw on a summery  Temperley dress and we made our way to the lake. Little did I know that balancing two in a rowboat while trying to take a few outfit shots would be a challenge to say the least. I'm happy to report that the boat did not overturn and we were not marooned along the banks.

Via This Is Glamorous

My Personal Photo

My Personal Photo

If there is one thing I've learned it's to stay true to my aesthetic. Even if that means rowing in a Temperley dress. I simply wouldn't be me if I didn't pull myself together for even the most relaxed summer afternoons. How did you spend the weekend? 

PS- How wonderful is that Loewe picnic hamper? Loewe is one of those luxury brands that has been on my mind lately. There's a consistency to their vision that is simply divine.

Easy Breezy Style

Via Refinery 29

Perhaps it is because I have spent the past two weeks searching for inspiration in markets and fabric shops throughout Hong Kong (more on this soon), but I find myself drawn to Jane Herman's style and position as Gap's Director of Concept. Full disclosure, I'm a bit partial to past and present Voguettes and their ideas on style (smile). I also love a girl with a great art collection. Anyone who knows me can attest that after fashion fine art is one of my greatest loves. Jane works for Gap's Global Design Team and travels the world sourcing ideas. The creative process at all levels amazes me. 

There is something refreshing about having an easy weekend style. I call this weekend style because it's too casual for my professional life. Even on weekends I need to be a bit more formal than this, but a girl can still dream. I love how Jane pairs designer pieces with her Gap pieces and manages to look laid back but elegant. The entire look is delicate and a bit gamine. It's a look that I would like to incorporate into my life. These images serve as inspiration for Lindsay K's emerging off duty look if you will. 

In addition, to the images of Jane's attire, I appreciate when a home is decorated in a way that compliments one's style. Designing a home is no different than curating a wardrobe. It's a means of expressing who you are. I like that Jane's style comes through in the way she has decorated her home. There is something meaningful in the objects that she has found on her journeys. I only wish the photographer had taken a few closet shots. (Closets and bookshelves get me every time). An organized closet is the first step in building the perfect wardrobe.

You can read the Refinery 29 article on Jane Herman here. 

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