Style

Window Shopping at Dior

Leave a Comment / Style / By / January 10, 2023

A recent visit to the Dior perfume counter at Saks Fifth Avenue inspired me to dream up a wish list. I ran out of time before I could dive into La Collection Privée, but I plan to investigate this lesser-known line of scents in the near future. The last and only Dior scent I’ve ever purchased was the 2012 reformulation of Miss Dior, which I like very much. A few years have passed since then, and I’m in the market for something a bit more mature. In the words of Christian, “A drop of perfume and you are dressed in Dior.”

I got to thinking how else I could potentially dress myself in Dior and surveyed the ready-to-wear and jewelry online. I envisioned both of these skirts paired with a white button-up and black ballet flats. The first is ready-to-wear, and the second is from the autumn-winter 2022-2023 haute couture collection. #pleatsofperfection

Designed by Victoire de Castellane, Creative Director of Jewelry, the diamond and gold earrings seem small enough for everyday wear. (Side note: Victoire’s familial scenes (here and here) on Instgram bring full-fledged cozy vibes.)

I only have one cape but am in need of many more. This one in beige is highly versatile. I imagine it as an elegant substitute for a trench coat.

Works Sighted

Ambre Nuit on a shelf at the Saks boutique (La Collection Privée)

asymmetric long skirt // haute couture skirt // Mimirose earrings // cape

An American in Paris (1951): A Paris Collage

Leave a Comment / Cinematic, Lifestyle, Style / By / January 3, 2023

Perfume-seller Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron) and artist Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly) see each other for the first time in a bustling cafe in Montparnasse. As I watch them meet, separate, repeat in locations around Paris, I forget that An American in Paris (1951) was filmed on the California sound stages and backlots of MGM. The film sets overload my senses. In addition to the talent, there are many props, movable and stationary, to observe. In the opening scene, my eyes hurry to survey the contents of Jerry’s compact studio apartment. Is his marinière Saint James? What books are those? What type of bread does Jerry eat for breakfast?

This theatrical version of Paris is overly grand, a tad too shiny, too dreamy. Some of the dance scenes are dreams. But, perhaps this is what encourages my thoughts to wander. As a viewer, I am reminded that:

  • artists must create art often; otherwise, they are not truly living
  • every woman has a unique combination of qualities
  • flowers are essential for the table
  • lavender has a calming effect
  • clothing for children was tasteful once upon a time
  • there’s nothing like a good party
  • there’s nothing like a good party dress
  • sherry is for sharing
  • the neighborhood cafe should be visited often 
  • perfume is and isn’t a luxury
  • a white dress paired with black shoes is an eye-catching combination
  • I find vintage posters (and antiques in general) charming
  • a view of the Eiffel Tower never gets old
  • pointe shoes in skin-tone-inclusive shades are a recent invention 
  • choreography is exercise; note to self: consult YouTube for routines

Works Sighted

Breton shirt // lavender // artist palette // paintbrushes // coupe cocktail glasses

silk scarf // gum // children’s coat // sherry // cup and saucer // baguette // dress (ivory)

painting // Champagne Dehu traditional brut // perfume bottle // ballet flats // ice bucket // dress (black) // pointe shoes

Charade (1963): A Paris Collage

Leave a Comment / Cinematic, Style / By / October 25, 2022

When American expat Regina Lampert (Audrey Hepburn) returns to Paris after vacationing in the French Alps, she finds her apartment empty, her husband dead, and a number of dangerous characters out to get her. But she also finds protection and company in Peter Joshua (Cary Grant), a fellow American she meets at the Megève ski resort. The most iconic scence (my favorite) culminates with Regina running for her life through the colonnades of the Palais Royale at night.

Works Sighted

pillbox hat // leather gloves // wine // pearl earrings // sunglasses // ice cream

coat // shift dress // sheath dress // trench coat // handbag

flats // stamp 1 // telephone and address book // record player // stamp 2 // correspondence cards // stamp 3 // envelope

The Ironic Boat and Tote

Leave a Comment / Bags, Style / By / October 31, 2022

I never get tired of looking at pictures of L.L.Bean’s iconic Boat and Tote. I take notice when I see them out in public. When I’m home, I conduct my search for vintage and one-of-a-kind totes via the #boatandtote Instagram feed. (Apparently, they are a hot commodity in Japan.) But these days, I’ve been gravitating to another hashtag. Scrolling through the #ironicboatandtote feed has proven therapeutic. I don’t believe in trends, but there’s a way to turn this one classic.

Although Air-Mail-writer Gracie Wiener wasn’t the first person to have her Boat and Totes monogrammed with text other than her name, she has made the trend viral. I wouldn’t be so bold as to emblazon The Heiress or PRADA on a timeless accessory, but I don’t see anything wrong with requesting a non-name monogram that is equally as timeless. The text should be carefully selected. Does this monogram have personal meaning? Will I tote it around next year? What about the year after? Is it crass? (A winning answer key: yes; yes; yes; no.)

Opting again for the Editrix monogram, I finally purchased the L.L.Bean medium Boat and Tote with long handles. You may recall that I had my eyes on it in April 2021. This is my second Boat and Tote with this monogram (the extra-large tote being the first). I have a few other classic monograms in mind, but this one means the most.

Works Sighted

L.L.Bean medium Boat and Tote with long handles

The Bigger Carry-On by AWAY

Further Reading

The Boat and Tote and Me (Air Mail)

A Preppy Staple Got an Ironic Makeover This Summer (Vogue)

The Rise of the Ironic Boat and Tote (Harper’s Bazaar)

Falling for Faherty

Leave a Comment / Style / By / October 10, 2022

I came across the Faherty Cayman tee dress while window shopping at Out There Outfitters. It’s made of thick cotton, and, as you can see, has perfectly-spaced stripes and charismatic side vents.

I didn’t purchase the dress right away due to the steep price—it was originally $128. But then I saw a woman wearing it in Suburban Square, which reminded me that I’d be distraught if the item sold out before I had an opportunity to try it on.

Per tradition, I ordered two sizes directly from Faherty. The larger of the two sold out before my order shipped, and I felt that the smaller size wasn’t roomy enough and returned it. I found the dress in my preferred size on Nordstrom’s website after a quick Google search. Et Voila ! I ordered the dress, it arrived, and I wore it on a recent trip to Tampa. (The item has since sold out in every size on Nordstrom’s website.)

These days, I rarely buy all my clothes from one brand and often find items that suit me in unexpected places. I’d describe Faherty’s aesthetic as classic-casual, nature-appropriate, and bohemian. I prefer strong lines and polished silhouettes to floral, flowy dresses; the classic Cayman tee dress was a pleasant surprise.

Although I ended up purchasing the dress that I kept at a sale price, I would have paid full price for it. Faherty’s products are made to last. I plan to wear this dress repeatedly when the weather turns warm again in the Northeast. Until then, I’ll be searching for more elevated casual staples from the small family-owned brand and beyond.

Works Sighted

Faherty Cayman tee dress // Castañer Carina 60mm wedge espadrille

The State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Leave a Comment / Style / By / September 20, 2022

I’m watching the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on television right now, imagining what I would have worn if I had been invited as a guest. Camping out overnight on the pavement in London with onlookers would have required a casual outfit, but sitting in prime seating with others who are expected to look their best seems more bearable.

Works Sighted

Gigi Burris hat // LBV. dress // brooch (Bentley & Skinner) // Mark Cross purse // Sara Flint pumps