Month: October 2020

The Breton Shirt

Leave a Comment / Style / By / October 29, 2020
Navy and white, striped J.Crew shirt.

Named for the French region of Bretagne, the Breton shirt (or marinière) as we know it today was born in the mid-19th century. Fishermen in northwestern France wore Breton sweaters for protection against the elements, but a decree of 1858 established it as an official component of naval uniforms. The body of the standard-issue tricot rayé had 21 white horizontal stripes (20mm in width) and 20-21 blue horizontal stripes (10mm). There were 15 white stripes and 14-15 blue stripes on the sleeves. The term Breton shirt is now used to describe a wide range of cotton shirts and wool sweaters with any number of stripes.

Although we have some insight into the shirt’s history, a great deal of it remains shrouded in myth. The striped pattern may have been intended as a sort of marker in the event that its wearer fell into the ocean. The 21 stripes may have been symbolic of Napoleon’s victories against the British. I don’t suggest that you start counting and measuring the stripes of every shirt you come across. There are endless variants of this style. I recommend Saint James for the most authentic shirts. The brand has been around since 1889, and it still supplies marinières to the French Navy today. Amor Lux and Orcival are also viable options.

As long as you stick to Breton tops made of cotton or wool in classic colors, you’re bound to choose wisely. Don’t limit yourself to the three aforementioned brands. It’s best to get a decent overview of your options before buying multiples. I determined that there are at least 14 Breton shirts in my closet, and most of them are from J.Crew. All of them, except for one, have been heavily worn for many years. This reliable wardrobe staple pairs exceptionally well with slim black pants.

Works Sighted

J.Crew striped boatneck T-shirt; Warby Parker Durand glasses (Whiskey Tortoise)

Bibliography

The ultimate symbol of French cool (BBC)

A Classic in Stripes (New York Times)

How the Armor-Lux Breton Stripe Became King of Summer Layers (Inside Hook)

The History of the Breton Shirt, from Sailors to Chanel(Condé Nast Traveler)

From Coco Chanel to Alexa Chung: A Brief History of the Iconic Breton Stripe (StyleCaster)

Bake French Pastries in Paris: An Airbnb Online Experience

Leave a Comment / Airbnb Online Experiences, Lifestyle, Paris, Travel / By / November 22, 2022
Choux Pastry (Pâte à Choux)

My first virtual day in Paris was spent making chouquettes via an Airbnb Online Experience hosted by Carlos of Aten-Te Aute. I signed up for “Bake French Pastries in Paris” even though I’m not skilled at waking up early on weekends. The class started at 9:00 AM Philadelphia time (2:00 PM in Paris). Not only was I awake and presentable when logging in to the Zoom meeting, but I also had all of my ingredients measured before the start of class…mise en place, as they say in the culinary world.

Aten-Te Aute offers several online cooking classes, but I couldn’t have been more pleased with the one that I purchased. It was my friend B. who suggested that we attend the experience together (which we did). She’s been meaning to perfect her pâte à choux technique. The third guest also joined us from Philadelphia. Carlos was a welcoming host. His backdrop, a colorful depiction of a lively, but intimate, café scene, created a cosy ambience. He checked our progress after each step; no one was left behind. On account of his knowledge and anecdotes of Parisian life, I’d like to take another cooking class with him. Carlos’s composed teaching demeanor made me feel calm and confident in the task at hand. I wouldn’t say that I’ve had as much French culinary training as Sabrina (played by Audrey Hepburn) in the 1954 movie of the same name, but I left the class with a newly acquired skill and a plate full of savory chouquettes to show for my hard work.

Packing for Paris

Leave a Comment / Airbnb Online Experiences, Lifestyle, Paris, Style, Travel / By / November 22, 2022
Trench coat, blazer, striped shirts, slim pants, A-line skirts, cashmere sweater, button-up, ballet flats, Veja Sneakers, boxy leather bag, and a cashmere scarf.

Paris is my second favorite city (surpassed only by London), and I’m heading there now. Goodbye Palombara Sabina. Thank you Nonna Angela and Mariana for my incredible stay. Let my virtual trip around the world continue! Here’s my itinerary of Airbnb Online Experiences:

My virtual suitcase is packed. Allons-y!

Works Sighted

J.Crew Factory schoolboy blazer; J.Crew 2011 icon coat; Italic Annie mini trunk bag; Cuyana alpaca scarf (heather light grey)

Everlane modern Breton tee; J.Crew Martie pant (navy); Veja Campo

J.Crew striped boatneck tee; J.Crew Martie pant (black); Margaux Demi flats (cerulean)

Eric Bompard classic V-neck pullover; Grace Karin vintage pleated A-line midi skirt (black); Margaux Demi flats (black)

Hinson Wu Isabella White Stretch Cotton Tunic; Grace Karin vintage pleated A-line midi skirt (navy); Repetto Lou ballerinas (lux patent leather beige)

Pasta with the Grandmas: An Airbnb Online Experience

Leave a Comment / Airbnb Online Experiences, Lifestyle, Travel / By / August 22, 2021
Antimo Caputo 00 flour; eggs; Corelle bowl; Anchor Hocking measuring cup; Trader Joe’s Tunisian fouta towel.

“Making Pasta with the Grandmas” offers virtual cooking classes for various types of pasta. Each Zoom meeting is hosted by one of five Italian grandma/granddaughter duos. My lasagna class began with lively Italian music and was lead by Nonna Angela and her granddaughter Mariana. The event started at 5:00 PM Philadelphia time. Palombara Sabina was six hours ahead, but the time difference didn’t show on the presenters’ faces. Nonna Angela was an attentive instructor, and Mariana translated the directions for the nine guests in an upbeat manner.

In an effort to bring Italy to their students, the hosts played a video montage containing footage from the in-person version of the experience and scenes from the town. I imagined that the stunning Lazio landscape was right outside my window. We rolled dough by hand, made sauce from scratch, and, an hour and a half later, finally put our creations in the oven. The guests thanked Nonna Angela and Mariana for the delightful evening, releasing them from their teaching duties. My husband and I enjoyed our lasagna with salad, Chianti Classico, and S.Pellegrino. Dinner was straight from Italy.

I’ve spent a bit of time researching Palombara Sabina. Here are a few sights that piqued my interest:

Works Sighted: Antimo Caputo 00 flour; eggs; Corelle bowl; Anchor Hocking measuring cup; Trader Joe’s Tunisian fouta towel

An Introduction to dōTERRA Essential Oils

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle, Wellness / By / April 28, 2021
Doterra essentials oils: lavender, peppermint, DigestZen, lemon, On Guard.

I was first introduced to essential oils in March 2018 at a dōTERRA demonstration. My friend K., a natural party planner, hosted the event at her house. Guests were greeted by lemon-infused water and a rather pleasant scent emanating from the diffuser. An abundance of snacks, such as lavender muffins, soon followed. My friends and I spent the night on K.’s comfy sofa sampling the thoughtfully-prepared assortment and passing around bottles of wine. J., the product consultant, shared her testament with the group; the oils had helped her recover from numerous medical complications.

Twenty days after attending the demonstration, I purchased the family essentials kit along with individual bottles of lemongrass, thyme, cypress, and fractionated coconut oil. I hadn’t planned on making a purchase so soon, but I encountered a minor health hurdle that needed to be addressed. The oils contributed to the resolution of my issue. Initially, I’d spent a generous amount of time deciding which kit to buy, but the one I selected has proven itself quite essential over the years.

You may be wondering if there is a difference between dōTERRA essential oils and less-expensive ones manufactured by other companies. Allow me to clarify; you get what you pay for. dōTERRA essential oils are pure, which is why they are so versatile. I only use a few drops at a time due to their high potency. Although they have an expiration date, you probably won’t have to worry about that for a few years after placing your order. In this post, I’ll discuss my five most-used essential oils, all of which are included in the aforementioned kit, which, by the way, comes with a useful guide detailing all of the brand’s products.

Lemon / As I write this, I’m making a plan to replace my almost-depleted supply of lemon. I enjoy at least one can of chilled sparkling water every day, and I’ve been flavoring my cans of plain water with a drop of lemon essential oil. It’s cheaper than buying an excessive amount of Spindrift (which I still love but can’t afford to drink like champagne at the club).

Peppermint / When a family member gets a headache, I’ll break out the peppermint, dilute a drop with fractionated coconut oil, and rub it on their forehead. The pain dissipates with a tingling sensation. In the olden days of commuting to work, I’d pass out peppermint beadlets to my friends when they weren’t feeling their best.

Lavender / On nights when I can’t sleep, I fill my diffuser with water and add a few drops of lavender. The calming scent puts me to sleep.

DigestZen / This product is a blend of the following essential oils: anise seed, peppermint plant, ginger rhizome/root, caraway seed, coriander seed, tarragon plant, and fennel seed. When my stomach is upset, I diluted a drop or two of DigestZen in a cup of cool water. This concoction is best consumed at a sipping pace.

On Guard / This product is a blend of these essential oils: wild orange peel, clove bud, cinnamon leaf, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus leaf, and rosemary leaf/flower. It smells like autumn in a bottle. I diffuse this in the air during the day. The idea of boosting my immune system with minimal effort makes me very happy.

5 Essential Pieces of Outerwear for Moderate Weather

Leave a Comment / Style / By / October 12, 2020
Cropped wool jacket over Hearts and Found dress. Margaux ballet flats.

Trench Coat

My favorite piece of outerwear, the trench coat is polished and highly versatile. Acquire a traditional, khaki-colored one that suits you in water-resistant cotton. It’s fine if you’re eyeing trench coats at Burberry, but, I don’t want to see you in the street covered in Burberry plaid. You should limit that to your coat’s lining. Here’s another example of what not to buy at Burberry. The name of the brand should only appear on your coat’s inside label.

Utility Jacket

For outdoor adventures in nature, you’ll need a utility jacket. Whether it’s waxed or unwaxed is up to you. When I lived in the UK, I wore my navy Barbour Bedale jacket on daily walks through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. When I’m stateside, I also wear a green utility jacket (sans wax) from J.Crew in moderate weather.

Activewear Jacket

I’m currently on the hunt for an activewear jacket that can be worn on brisk walks to and from the gym. Something that weighs less than a trench coat but is heavier than a disposable plastic poncho would be ideal. Also, I need it to be long enough at the back for my liking.

Vest

When it comes to acquiring a vest, you have two options: a puffy vest or one of lesser thickness. The puffy vest can be worn over sweaters, knits, and other tops with long sleeves. However, it might be too thick to tuck under another piece of outwear. I own one vest, and it’s on the thinner side, which gives me a lot of flexibility in the ways that I wear it. I especially like wearing it under my cape during the colder months.

Cropped Jacket

A jacket that pairs flawlessly with every or almost every dress in you wardrobe may be a little difficult to come by. But, don’t rush your search. (By the way, I’d steer clear of boleros and shrugs if I were you.) I own two cropped, military-inspired jackets in navy and camel. They pair well with my sleeveless A-line dresses and skirts.

Honorable Mention: Raincoat

I don’t own a raincoat, and I won’t be in the market for one until my next trip to Scotland. (The winds in Edinburgh will turn your umbrella inside out until you become fatigued and give up.) Stateside, I prefer to wear my trench coat in the rain with an umbrella and Le Pliage.

Works Sighted

Hearts and Found Elizabeth dress (on Etsy); Margaux Demi flats (platinum); navy cropped jacket (an obscure brand; purchased at a now-defunct discount clothing store)