Archive for September, 2015

Print of the week

Possibly it’s because I’ve returned home from vacation with a refreshed appreciation for Latin American prints; possibly it’s because, viewed full-length, the pattern of this Rebecca Taylor coat actually sort of resembles the world’s most sophisticated Union Jack. All I know for sure is that I want and I want and I want.

 

Home again

My just-concluded vacation included many and varied activities: I hiked through a cloud forest, kayaked on a lake and swam in the Pacific. I dined on multiple ocean delicacies and learned more than I could have imagined there was to know about the Colombian Inquisition. I also took a rather massive tumble down a flight of stairs in the pitch-back of night finding my way back to my casita one evening (eco-lodges aren’t big on outdoor lighting) and split my knee wide open. A kind doctor at a country clinica stitched me up and—aside from some bad swelling and epic bruising— I was good to go. Only most of my shoes didn’t feel so great to walk in afterward, so I pretty much defaulted daily to the Tevas I’d been prevailed upon to bring for hiking and water sports. And guys, now that I’m back home, I’m still wearing them constantly. Several people have assured me that they look great, but I secretly still think they’re on the nuts side, and don’t care.

Fall classics: the barn jacket

To my mind, the platonic ideal of this particular item is the Barbour Beadnell. I feel so cool and post-fashion when I wear mine.

And here it is lined in a Liberty print.

J. Crew’s ever-popular Downtown Field Jacket has a somewhat more urban feel.

I am beyond-obsessing over this denim version from The Great.

From LL Bean: so good in the cream.

Fall classics: the long-sleeved tee

I can not lie: I will spend what others may consider an ungodly amount on T-shirts. But to me, a really good tee is an investment purchase—I wear them endlessly (and they will last forever if you hand-wash and dry them)—and I’d rather have fewer and better. I’ve got a couple of Alexander Wang Classic Jersey  tees that have worn amazingly well. And they are a perfect object lesson in why I tell you guys not to fear synthetics: they’re 100% rayon and as soft as a beloved cotton tee you’ve put through the wash 100 times. Here’s the variation I’m thinking of going for this year, because a scoop-neck is so pretty and feminine on, and the relaxed, swingy hem will deftly camouflage my stomach junk.

Wilt tees are all cotton and definitely heavier if that’s what you’re looking for, and they have completely mastered the high-low hem thing.

A classic stripe, but in black and white for a little edge.

Nothing wrong with a nice, slouchy v-neck, and this is such a good blue (it does come in other colors, FYI).

And finally: this one is dizzyingly pricey even by my warped standards (it’s Proenza Schouler) but is also just so good.

Fall classics: sneakers

The proliferation of crazy-pricey designer kicks has put me in a contrary mood, so everything you see here is old school, and as such, rings in at under $100— which only feels right for sneakers. First up: the blue-on-blue of this pair from New Balance  is poppy good fun.

I want to wear these with leather leggings and a big sweater come winter, like Maria Cornejo does.

Dying, dying, dying for these blue Stan Smiths.

The subtle pearl grey on these Onitsuka Tigers is a good alternative for those of us who want something light, but fear that straight-on white sneakers are a bit Nurse Shoe.

Slip-ons can feel so clunky to me, but these have a nice, streamlined feel.

 

Fall classics: the black blazer

I don’t put much stock in all of those magazine stories instructing women on the Ten Items You Must Have In Your Closet. We’re all different, and there are among us individuals who feel frumpy in white button-down shirts, and that’s got to be OK.  But if I were to declare any one item a must-have, the black blazer would be it. Every stylish woman I know wears one, and each takes it in an entirely different direction, which you can do with blazers because they’re magic that way. I always feel a touch more confident when I’ve got one on, and they dress up anything you pair them with, as this picture so amply illustrates.  You likely have one in your closet right now, but I thought I’d show you more, just for kicks.

Your absolutely perfect,  couldn’t be-more-classic option.

The pocket flaps here look just exactly right, and it’s priced right too.

Leather blazers are very French fashion editor, as long as you keep the rest of the look excruciatingly simple. (Here’s your more gently-priced option).

One of these days, I shall shell out for a Veronica Beard blazer. They all come with dickies, so you get a cool layered look without the bulk. I like the hoodie option here, but there are other, less dressed-down versions to choose from too.

The gold buttons here feel quite Euro-sophisticated.