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.

The One That Almost Got Away

 My Personal Photos 

Miu Miu dress, Chanel necklace, Miu Miu shoes

At the end of this little outing we found ourselves at Bergdorfs. After leaving Lincoln Center we strolled around, but ultimately ended up here. My feet always scurry to the same familiar places. There's something about a well curated department store that gets me every time. A holiday weekend and an empty city provided the perfect browsing opportunity. 

As I browsed the racks, I instantly spotted this little dress. As much as I deliberate over purchases, I always know fairly quickly if I like an item. It's a matter of looking at the way a garment is constructed, the fit and feel of the fabric. This dress is exquisitely well tailored and nipped at the waist, which is a flattering silhouette for me. Cotton poplin is the perfect fabric to battle the intense New York heat and humidity. Not to mention the gorgeous navy color. I'm always on the lookout for dresses, because they can easily transition from a long workday (with a jacket of course), to a board meeting or after work event.  

Until recently, Miu Miu has always seemed to lurk in Prada's shadow, but over the past few seasons it has really come into its own. At long last, the brand has a unique identity. I tried on this dress and it fit perfectly, with the exception of a tiny alteration that needs to be made to the shoulders. The gentleman instantly exclaimed "you should buy that dress." The sales consultant conquered. The Summer sales were in full swing, but sale or no sale, this dress was perfection. 

I knew they were right. Yet, for a very ridiculous reason I left the dress (the very last one in the entire store) behind, knowing I would regret not purchasing it. Sure enough, I got home and knew I had to go back. It happens to the best of us. Further complicating the situation was the store's closure for the 4th of July holiday. So the next day, I made a point of heading to Bergdorfs during lunch and prowled around the third floor. Just when I was ready to throw in the towel, I spotted the dress. Sold. 

Do you have a favorite purchase from the Summer sales?