Costume Inspiration

In true “me” fashion, I’ve waited until the last minute to come up with a costume for Halloween. I want to do something truly lux without spending any money. So, I started to look for inspiration today and remembered how amazing the Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows were last year, so I went on flickr and found some images to share. These windows took my breath away. They were inspired by the very opulent work of interior designer, set designer, and jewelry designer Tony Duquette. Since I didn’t have a blog back then I wasn’t able to rave about them so, feast your eyes on this and cross your fingers that I can pull a decent costume together for tomorrow night’s festivities.

Air

Air detail

Earth

Earth detail

Fire

Fire detail

Light

Light detail

Water

Water detail

Music today? The Coral Sea’s “Volcano Heart” So good.

What to Wear on a Rainy Day?

One word. Wellingtons.

Especially when you live in NYC and you’ve got to walk everywhere in a downpour with only a cheap $5 umbrella that you bought on the street keeping the rain at bay. If you don’t wear rain boots you’re going to end up with soaked legs and feet all day. And nobody wants that. Sooo, invest a great pair of rain boots. Everyone’s making them now so you’re bound to find a pair you like.

Here I am with my red Hunter wellies. See how happy I am.

I’m wearing a Club Monaco blue and white plaid poplin shirt with contrast white collar and cuff, a brown leather Linea Pelle belt at my waist under a J.Crew charcoal grey wool suiting vest and my vintage 1970’s high-waisted Levi’s.

If you don’t want to wear your rain boots all day, throw a pair of shoes into your bag that you can change into once you get wherever you’re going. I typically wear mine all day because they’re cute and red and make me happy.

Here’s a detail of the plaid of the shirt and how adorable the vintage Miriam Haskell necklace is. I love to wear something colorful on a grey day. Usually, a person’s tendency is to wear dark colors but why not add a fun color or accessory to brighten your day? This necklace has tiny glass red flowers and colorful leaves which I thought worked really well with my boots and the shirt.

Here’s a detail of this brown leather Linea Pelle belt with the shirt and the navy polka dot lining of the grey vest. I decided to wear this shirt untucked but the belt prevents it from looking sloppy or too casual.

My lovely red Hunter boots. My first pair of rain boots when I was three were red. I loved them so much I used to talk about them all the time. These boots bring fond memories of those boots every time I wear them.

Bi-Annual Clothing Swap

My good friend Janet started throwing a clothing swap party bi-annually about 5-6 years ago. It’s a fantastic idea and tons of fun! So, everyone who’s invited cleans out their closets (which you should be doing every six months anyway) and bags up all of their clothes that they don’t want or need anymore. On party day, everyone’s bags are emptied into a giant pile in the center of the floor and everyone gets to select anything they’d like to try on. This is usually mayhem and madness. Sometimes, tug-of-wars take place with certain desirable items, but it’s all in fun. After the initial selection process, everyone tries everything on and whatever doesn’t work either goes back into the pile or is passed on to someone else that it might want it. Anything that isn’t chosen by the end of the night is donated to charity.

Here’s Cat on top of Saturday night’s pile. This is a great way to update your wardrobe for free and to give your discarded wardrobe to your friends. It’s tons of fun and obviously very “green” since you’re recycling clothing.

As I mentioned before, it’s really important for you to go through your closet a couple of times a year, usually in the Spring and Fall. This way you are able to evaluate if certain pieces don’t work for you anymore. Maybe they don’t fit or they’re outdated or you just haven’t worn it in a while. When you rid yourself of these pieces you’ll give yourself more space to acquire pieces that work better for you and make you happier. So, why hang on to all that old stuff? Plan your own clothing swap today and don’t forget to invite me.

This was my favorite piece that I got this swap. It’s a vintage navy rayon taffeta slip that used to be Jen Schiffl’s Grandmother’s. I fell in love with this piece the minute I saw it. It’s a little big, so I’m going to get it tailored to fit. Navy is such an amazing color and a great alternative to black. Since this is a vintage piece the trim has more color loss than the body of the garment, which is really common. No two fabrics age alike. So, there’s a very cool tonal difference in the dress.

***Please note I would normally not suggest wearing a slip as a dress but this is made of a taffeta which is a substantial fabric and has a side zip, so it really more of a dress.

How beautiful is this embroidery and lace. You can see here how the lace is a slightly different navy than the dress.

This detail of the bottom ruffle also shows the slight color variation. I can’t wait to get this tailored and wear it next summer. Stay tuned.

Casual Friday

Ahh, Friday. Even though I’m not working a normal 5-day work week right now, there’s still something special about Fridays. The anticipation of hanging out with friends over the weekend, I guess. Anyway, it’s a beautiful day so I’m going to spend some time outside exploring my neighborhood.

Club Monaco light weight merino wool grey heather turtleneck worn under Development black cotton gauzy top. Dark indigo Duarte skinny jeans and super comfy Minnetonka black moccasins.

I bought this top midway through Summer on sale and love it. This is a detail of the cotton lace at the top of the garment, which pops with the grey heather behind it. I’m normally always shopping for special pieces, especially during the changing of the seasons, but in order to be more frugal I’m making a concerted effort to figure out ways of making my warm weather wardrobe have a longer life. This top is obviously a very light weight sheer blouse which was perfect in the Summer worn over a tank or cami. But why not wear it now with a turtleneck?

These Lori Leven silver disk hoops were a birthday gift from my boyfriend that I got to pick out at New York Adorned, that amazing shop in the East Village that sells gorgeous jewelry. I love the simplicity and the beautiful shape of these earrings.

And my lovely silver cuff also from the same shop. When deciding on jewelry to wear with an outfit keep in mind the overall proportion of the outfit and how your jewelry is adding to that. I typically either wear a necklace or earrings, but rarely both. The same goes for a ring or a bracelet, but rarely both. This is by no means a rule, but it’s just what appeals to my eye proportionately on myself . I used to wear everything all at the same time and it worked for me then. Figure out what works for you and start from there. Another thing to note about this outfit is that I love the bracelet length of the black top’s sleeve and how the longer sleeve of the grey turtleneck peaks out at the wrist. The layers are adding interest to the outfit.

On my feet, my super-comfy Minnetonka suede moccasins.

I’m in Love

Yesterday I went strolling around Soho popping into shops to browse and I stumbled upon a store that I haven’t visited in years, Morgane Le Fay. The clothes took my breath away. In a world full of over-hyped designers Morgane Le Fay is a company that is in under the radar. In 1982 the line was founded by Liliana and Carlos Casabal in Soho, where the company is still based. “Our mission is to craft pieces that fit the Morgane Le Fay woman: mysterious, confident, feminine.” The clothing is ethereal, beautifully crafted, incredibly wearable, strong, and feminine and the gowns are stunning. I’m kicking myself for not having visited the store in so long. Here are some looks from their current line off of their website.

Working Girl

For the most part I’m a pretty casual person. Even when I’m “dressed up” I’m still usually pretty comfortable. When I was younger I definitely suffered for fashion but not any more. If I get blisters from shoes, no matter how fabulous they are, I won’t wear them. If I have to worry about a garment slipping to expose too much skin then either I’ll wear something under it or I won’t wear it at all. Once I get dressed I don’t want to be aware of my clothing. I mean, how’s someone supposed to be confident if they’re constantly having to double check that their ass isn’t hanging out of their miniskirt or their shirt isn’t opening up and exposing a little too much cleavage. That is just not for me.

This is a very normal work look for me. Layers. Pants. Smart accessories. Done. Here I’m wearing a Club Monaco teal silk top with a Madewell white ribbed tank underneath to minimize skin exposure. The rib tank also adds a pop of white which lifts the color palette of the outfit and adding a touch of casual to the dressy top. Jimmy’Z black stretch ankle zip skinny jeans. Tracy Reese wool jacquard jacket. Club Monaco light weight wool/cashmere scarf.

Here’s a detail of the black and gold beaded Banana Republic necklace that I bought on whim because I liked how very 80’s it is. It adds a nice graphic quality to the outfit.

This is the Tracy Reese jacket closed. I love the shape and the bow at the high waist. Also, the peplum gives it a slightly retro lady-like look.

And then… TA-DA! Look how beautiful the interior lining is! What a gorgeous retro print. Also, notice the beautiful modern gathering of the top.

I wore my beautiful black onyx locket ring because I loved the way that it coordinates with the necklace.

My go-to bag from Erotokritos. I love how the brown bag warms up the color palette of the outfit. A black bag would have been expected… But the brown bag is more interesting.

And my lovely J.Crew leopard print peep-toe pumps. I unzipped the bottoms of the jeans so that they fall over the shoe instead of bunching at the ankle.

Date Night

Alright, we never actually call it “date night” because the only children we have are two very eccentric kitties. But any night out with my honey is a special occasion, in my opinion. Last night we went out for thai and some drinks at a local watering hole so it was very low key, and low key calls for casual chic.

It’s been unseasonably warm the last couple of days in New York, however, a sweater is still appropriate for the slight chill of the evenings. I wore a Clu cotton heather grey scoop neck pocket tee topped with a Club Monaco black merino wool fine knit cardigan, pale blue ankle zip Madewell jeans (yes, Madewell jeans are my current faves), J.Crew zebra print flats, and a Zadig & Voltaire brown washed leather bag.

This is a Subversive for Target necklace with all manner of colored pearls and signature crackled beads. I know I mentioned this before but Subversive Jewelry is some of my favorite. The Target line features his signature mixture of metals, multiple strand necklaces and I love how the pins that attach each of the beads have different colored rhinestones as an added detail. Oh and another thing… it’s affordable! How I love me some Target.

Here’s a detail of the Club Monaco merino cardigan. The designer was inspired by Lanvin and included an epaulette at the shoulder with a silk chiffon ribbon edge detail.

Here’s another detail of the beautifully elegant silk chiffon detail on the placket of the cardigan. So subtle but so special.

This sterling silver cuff was a birthday gift from my lovely boyfriend. He got it from one of my favorite shops New York Adorned in the East Village. Adorned is an amazing tatoo shop that specializes in custom work and also sells the most amazingly beautiful jewelry from around the world. I’m a tough one to buy gifts for but any jewelry from this shop is a safe bet because it’s all so unique and eclectic. If you’re not a tatoo person don’t be intimidated to venture into the shop. The staff is so lovely, helpful, and knowledgeable.

This is a shot of the brown leather bag with the outfit so that you can see how the brass hardware of the bag and the warm brown compliment the other elements in the outfit.

I bought this Zadig & Voltaire super soft washed leather bag at their St. Germain shop in Paris. Zadig & Voltaire is a wonderful French label known for their knitwear and leather accessories, that unfortunately only has one U.S. store on Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles. But the good news is that they have a website where you can buy their pieces.

Here’s a detail of the Jimmy’Z super long narrow leather belt that wraps around the waist twice. Also note, the soft, pale blue color of the denim.

These J.Crew ankle strap brown zebra-printed flats add some graphic interest to an otherwise solid outfit. Again, notice that the accessories coordinate but don’t match.

I’ve Loved Madonna Since I Was 8

Finally for the first time I went to a Madonna concert last night with one of my best friend’s Janet. She did not disappoint. The show was eclectic, colorful, and phenomenal. Her new album is even growing on me.

This is Janet and I totally psyched that we are about to leave for the show.

I wore a Maje silk printed blouse with a Gap Body white tank layered underneath (see it peaking out at the bottom in this view). Club Monaco black sweater vest. Club Monaco grey straight leg jeans. J.Crew turquoise enamel stone necklace. Costume National black leather riding boots.

Okay, let’s talk about this necklace. I’ve owned it for maybe 4 months and every time I wear it I get tons of compliments. It also makes a delightful little tinkering sound when you move. I love the way that the dusty lavender and brown of the blouse are popped by the turquoise of the necklace. I bought this blouse a few years ago at this great store in Soho called Flying A. They sell small labels, vintage, and some of their own deconstructed vintage pieces.

Yet another Club Monaco piece. Well, I am a little partial since I designed for the label and got a killer discount. This black merino wool vest was inspired by a co-worker’s vest she’d bought at Opening Ceremony. I added the vest as an accessory to help finish off the look.

These Costume National black leather riding boots are one of my favorite pieces to wear all through-out the Fall and Winter. I wear them constantly. When wearing jeans tucked into a pair of boots remember to either wear a straight leg or skinny leg jean so that there isn’t a lot of extra bulk inside the boot and gathered fabric around the knee. It keeps the look clean and a lot more comfortable.

Little did I know that I totally matched the color scheme of the La Isla Bonita set. Madonna is on the runway on the right side with the bright blonde hair and fuschia and black outfit in a cluster of dancers.

Shopping with Dina

My boyfriend’s mother Dina is a super fabulous jewelry designer. Her jewelry collection is absolutely amazing not to mention if you saw her closet you would die a million deaths. She has racks and racks of every note-worthy designer from Chanel and Alexander McQueen to John Galliano, Dolce & Gabbana, and Christian Dior. She invited me out to shop and have lunch at her favorite spot Saks Fifth Avenue today which I humbly accepted. What oh what to wear?

Peter Jones blue and white striped cotton poplin shirt with ruffle detail. Club Monaco black cotton poplin blazer. Madewell white jeans. Frye brown leather boots. Erotokritos brown leather bag. Dina Sutter rutilated quartz necklace.

These pansy-colored Balenciaga sunglasses were necessary for a sunny day like today. P.S. I’m not usually a big logo person but I couldn’t refuse these glasses because of their color. They add a sense of luxe to any outfit they are paired with.

This Peter Jones shirt mixes a traditional menswear striped poplin shirting with feminine ruffles and a belted waist. I love the sophisticated ease and comfort of this top. It’s perfect with my white Madewell jeans. As I said before, don’t fear a white jean. By the way, Madewell makes an affordable pair of well-fitting, stylish jeans. If you’re looking for a great pair of jeans check them out. They’re modern and unfussy and come in a ton of colors and washes.

I had to show you a close-up of this Dina Sutter rutilated quartz and 18 carat rose gold necklace. The shock through the center is what gives this stone its’ uniqueness. This piece is one of my greatest treasures. Dina specializes in one-of-a-kind fine jewelry. She never duplicates, so what is yours is to be no one else’s.

I bought this brown leather Erotokritos bag in the Spring because I tend to walk all over the city and I need to be able to carry everything. A book or magazine to read on the train, my make-up pouch for touch-ups during the day, my wallet, my sketchbook and a pen, etc, etc. This is the perfect bag for the job. It holds everything and the knotted detail gives it that modern classic edge.

These brown leather boots with a stacked heel are comfortable for all the walking I do and ground the stark whiteness of the jean. The contrast white top stitching adds interest to this very classically shaped boot. Frye has been in the boot-making business forever so their boots are the most comfortable around. They are worth every penny of their price.