With Elegance and Grace

My Personal Photo

Mistakes are part of life- we all make them despite willing ourselves not to. It’s how mistakes are resolved that we remember most. This pretty parcel came home with me on Friday, courtesy of Chanel. Their way of saying, we apologize. What a lovely way to start the weekend…

I’ve always experienced impeccable service at Chanel. I’m quite astute when it comes to shopping and being treated with dignity; I honed these skills at my first part-time job in retail. I have never had a quality issue with any Chanel item and that’s not what happened here. 

On a long flight, I noticed a hairline crack in one of the arms of my sunglasses. I’m not sure how it happened, but it happened. I can’t endure a long flight or any hint of sun without a pair of oversized sunglasses. I have very fine/small features, so finding sunglasses that don’t overwhelm my face is hard. When I find something that works, I’m inclined to stick with it. 

As soon as I got back to New York, I took the sunglasses to Chanel to have a replacement part ordered. Without saying too much, I can say that the ball was dropped when it came to keeping me apprised of the situation in a reasonable time frame. To be fair, there was a lot of communication going on between the store, Luxottica and the eyewear factory in Italy. 

When the store manager (who is absolutely lovely) called apologizing profusely, she couldn’t believe that I was so calm and pleasant about the entire situation. While my sunglasses weren’t new, the store manager thought it was only fair (given the time I had been waiting for any update) that we setup an appointment to see if we could find a new pair of sunglasses courtesy of Chanel. 

Just when I was starting to feel rather discouraged in my search, my brother spotted a pair high up on the shelf that looked just right- brown tortoise, oval, discreet logo, and yes, a bit glamorous. I can’t wait to have my prescription put in and the lens gradated later this week. In the end, I'm pleased that Chanel took ownership of the situation and resolved the whole ordeal with the elegance and grace that I’ve come to expect.

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. 

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

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.

Happy October!

My Personal Photo
Black Halo Dress and Chanel Necklace

Happy October and a new week begins... I hope you all had restful weekends. The first of October always signifies the start of benefit season. Getting all dressed up with the gentleman for a cause I support is one of my favorite things about fall. That being said there's a lot of hard work involved with making sure that these events are successful. Here I am en route to a meeting for one of the boards I'm on.

My Personal Photo

When it comes to shopping, I firmly believe that if you are nice to the sales assistants you encounter, they will take care of you. That goes for most things in life. This dress was set aside for me by a sales assistant at a boutique that I slip into from time to time. There's something really nice about shopping with someone who's familiar with your style. As soon as this dress came in it was tucked away until I happened to walk by the boutique. It's a great dress to throw on in the midst of a busy week. It's simple, elegant and refined.

My Personal Photo

I always appreciate a good detail and this dress has several. The deep plunging back is resolutely modern. The ruched three-quarter length sleeves balance the exposed back. The pleats and draping at the front are the structural details that I always find myself falling for. Most of all I like that I can move around freely in this dress. Who wants to be restricted their clothing choices?

Do I even have to tell you how excited I was to wear my necklace? So excited.

Opulence and Restraint

Chanel Necklace 

As much as I love restraint, every wardrobe needs a little opulence too. The key is knowing how to balance the two. This necklace is precisely one of those pieces that stands on its' own. It becomes the focal point of any outfit, so the key is keeping the rest of my look very simple. A dramatic piece doesn't need competition. Generally, I'm drawn to very delicate fine jewelry, but there's something refreshing about a piece that doesn't feel too precious to be worn. 

This piece has been safely tucked away for me since last winter. It finally feels like it's mine. It's a pin, but years ago I learned from a Chanel PR executive that Chanel pins are meant to double as necklaces. This necklace feels decidedly Fall. The dramatic black tulle reminds me of cooler weather. It's a bit melancholy. I can't wait to pair my necklace with Chanel 's Tulip Noir nail polish. I'm a pale pink polish girl, but Tulip Noir is my go-to nail color for evening events in the fall. 

I was inexplicably drawn to this piece. I instantly thought of a few pulled together sheath dresses in my closet that could play perfectly with such a gorgeous piece. Now, I'm just waiting for a little autumn air.

The Talisman

tal·is·man noun \ˈta-ləs-mən, -ləz-\

1: an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune

2: something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects

- Merriam Webster Dictionary 

My Personal Photos

I firmly believe that every woman should have her own talisman. A statement piece that makes you feel charmed from the moment you put it on. This necklace is my talisman. It has seen me through countless  life events and important meetings. Seemingly I'm always wearing this necklace when exciting opportunities present themselves. I believe we make our own luck, but I still relish this little treasure. 

Until recently I never would have considered a piece this bold. I am a jewelry wearer, but my pieces lean toward understated and delicate. Pearl earrings, pearl strands, diamond studs, a locket, and my charm bracelet are the pieces I reach for most. All of my jewelry is intricately intertwined with my story. A few years ago I began collecting vintage and limited edition necklaces from Chanel. Chanel always manages to be ladylike and elegant, but there is a little edge to it that makes it relevant. This is the very first Chanel piece I purchased to commemorate an important step in my career. It's bright, colorful and bold. I associate it with endless professional possibilities. It's a piece that is timeless, so I don't have to worry that I will outgrow it. I can wear this necklace with jeans and a white shirt, but years from now it will be just as appropriate with a tasteful suit. I tone down this necklace with very classic and sophisticated clothing (E.g. a little black dress). If your going to wear statement jewelry, then your clothing shouldn't compete with it. Generally, I gravitate toward silver jewelry so a piece in gold really has to really catch my eye. 

The little details contribute greatly to personal style. Oftentimes, they are the first things we notice. A statement necklace is a little detail that differentiates style. Two people may be wearing the same suit, but a necklace, scarf , or pocket square (bless you male readers) can define a look.  When I get dressed I never forget to consider my jewelry. This necklace is a piece that starts conversation. I have prepped for difficult meetings where  the utmost diplomacy was required only to be disarmed with questions about my necklace. It's fascinating how quickly women bond over a shared love of clothing or jewelry. During awkward moments at events when everyone is glancing at the ceiling for something to say this necklace energizes the conversation. 

Chanel jewelry holds it's value incredibly well and collectors are reluctant to sell, therefore pieces have to be scooped up as they become available. I have literally had my dinner interrupted with offers to buy this necklace right off my neck. This brings me to another point, I only purchase items I love. There's no waiting around for that special occasion or event to wear the 'good stuff' because I'm genuinely excited to break it out. Life is short so why not wear your good things now? 

Do you have a statement piece that acts as your talisman? Do tell!


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A Girl After My Heart...

Yurman and Bourbon Tumblr

The touch of fur. The tiny Chanel bag messengered just so. Lots of black, black and more black... Sartorially speaking this could be my child.

If there is one thing you learn to appreciate during fashion week, it is that style is ageless.

Happy New York Fashion Week! 

PS- The sweet little girl is Alexander Wang's niece. So precious and chic!