Well it’s officially the first day of fall. I recently purchased a new fall coat I plan on wearing today, running errands in the city requires a more urban feel than the kaftans I’ve been wearing. I have plenty of outerwear but I like updating my wardrobe, there are always new pieces one can add to refresh one’s closet. And lately I’ve been mixing navy and black and wearing leggings with everything.
CORDUROY SHIRT DRESS $115 @COS.com
It’s no mistake, I like mixing high and low, who doesn’t want a bargain. I worked in the luxury industry for years and have an eye for materials, there are always nice well-made pieces one can buy without breaking the bank. It’s all about how the pieces are worn together.
I recently purchased the COS two patch pocket cardigan and the corduroy dress. I’m eyeballing the ruffled dress and those Isabel Marant boots, but I alas have to pace myself…..remember if you can see yourself being happy wearing the clothes, it’s a must. Sometimes you’re crazy for doing it and crazy for not. All of the purchases I regret are the one’s I didn’t make, like that Leopard YSL shawl.
I’ve known Michele for decades, you could say we were best friends during our bar hopping days, yes we went bar hopping and were quite a pair, the blonde and the brunette. Many a night we had drinks brought over to our side of the room. But we decided a long time ago not to kiss and tell. I remember when she was taking photography classes in college and made me her guinea pig. My only complaint is that her photos are always beautiful, in my opinion, she’s the Martha Stewart of photography. Michele can’t take a bad photo to save her life.
Photo via Runwaymagazine.com
In-between photo sessions and vacation she found time to answer a few questions, sort of like catching up without the drinks.
Amazon.com
Fashion Icon: Audrey Hepburn.
Last book read: Rodham, I have fully enjoyed reading Curtis Sittenfelds other novels like Prep and American Wife and also some of her short stories so when I heard of this “what if” book I had to read it right away. I definitely had tears when I hadn’t expected to.
Favorite Restaurant: Oh tough question. Since the pandemic we have tried to support more local restaurants and forgo the chains. It’s hard to choose one favorite. Best lunch with the ladies; Ingredients. Favorite restaurant to take out of towners; Betty Dangers. Best Date Night options; Mizo or Acqua. Best place for doughnuts; Glam Doll.
Beauty routine: I’m ashamed to admit I don’t really have much of one. Especially since the pandemic. I wash my face nightly and I put lotion on in the morning but not much else. I rarely even put makeup on anymore. I have been using a lot of Beauty Counter product because I love how they are trying to get away from chemicals. I absolutely love the face oils they have. My favorite makeup product though is the Thrive highlighter. It’s my no makeup look awake go out into the world look.
Lulu Lemon
If you could live in any piece of clothing what would it be: Easy, high waisted yoga pants.
Last item purchased before the pandemic: This is weird because I remember being in Home Depot buying paint for a canvas I was going to create for my studio. I remember this because there were two ladies asking for face masks and the clerk said “we are all out; someone came in the other day and wiped us out”. I had no idea what was to come.
Photo via Art Spate – One Breath Photo
Which photographer influenced your craft: I have always had a love for black and white candid photography and no one has done it better than Henri Cartier Bresson.
Advice for a photography student: My biggest advice is to be yourself. Do what sings to your soul. If you see something that someone else has already done and you want to try it too, that’s ok to do, but do it your way. Do it different.
Plans for after the pandemic: Well now that my family and I are fully vaccinated, we are excited to be heading to California to see our family this summer. It’s been too long and too much has happened between our visits.
I’m actually excited for the weekend, actually have an event planned and I’ll be able to test out some of my style options, to see if my vision works and doesn’t just work in theory.
Emotion Proof Eye Color – Brut Rose 04 by Tom Ford $45 @Net-a-porter.com
I don’t need anything, I know I keep saying that and I keep shopping. Sometimes I admit that I shop out of boredom, but most of the time everything is just too perfect to pass up. Like the little pots of Lid Luster by Victoria Beckham or the Emotion Proof Eye shadows by Tom Ford.
Lid Luster in Blonde by Victoria Beckham $36 @Violetgrey.com
What I do need is a new eyelash curler, I can’t seem to find the replacement for my Surratt Beauty eyelash curler, looks like I’ll have to buy another one and who can resist the gold eyelash curler from Hourglass.
Eyelash Curler by Hourglass $30 @Net-a-porter.com
Then there is the Goop Lip Balm, I have way too many lip balms, but this is tempting.
GOOPGENES Clean Nourishing Lip Balm $20 @Goop.com
The only way I can justify any of these items is if I refer to them as stocking stuffers, but Christmas is two months away and I know myself, I’ll just find more items to want.
I mean this is all affordable, to buy or not to buy?
I prefer to see women wearing everyday clothes, women going about their day, expressing themselves. True style is about being remembered, not standing out in flamboyant fashion. Street style for me is far better than the runway. Street Style is the runway of life.
Photo Courtesy of @thestreetpie
I remember when I was in my early twenties and my family and I were still making our summer jaunts visiting family in Texas and Mexico. I was sitting with two of my 2nd cousins and I have no idea why we were discussing clothes but they both chimed in, oh, you’re always dressed nice, yes you dress well. Something to that effect, that was like 30 years ago.
Photo Courtesy of @thestreetpie
Another friend mentioned that my style was defined as causally elegant, that pleased me to no end of course, vanity. I am still working on myself though, trying to stay modern for my niece and nephew, I do so want them to have a stylish aunt. These scenes from Milan I find captivating, it’s what I call real life, something we can all aspire to.
My sisters and I and our friend Lily usually visit New York the week before Christmas, it’s become a yearly tradition. We have afternoon tea at the Plaza, walk around Central Park, visit The Met, the Museum of Modern Art, hang out in SoHo and we always have brunch at Balthazar, you have to go to Balthazar at least once while in NYC, it’s an institution. Everyone who is anyone goes to Balthazar. There is also a bakery attached to the restaurant and that too is a must.
Another restaurant we love is Lupa Osteria. They make an amazing Spaghetti Carbonara and a mean negroni. While in New York because of the time difference we usually end up having 4 meals, with an individual stop at Shake Shack, my favorite location is the one inside Grand Central Station, it’s our favorite for Magnolia Bakery too.
And another restaurant I love is La Mercerie, the atmosphere is divine, I love the space, the décor and the fact that we can shop if we feel like it. It’s one of the first restaurants where you can dine and shop at the same time. My favorite area is the little bar nook, makes me want to order a fancy drink but I usually stick to champagne, like Drappier.
Some of us are dragging our feet during the transition from summer to fall, why? Because we have been cooped up inside the house for almost two years and didn’t get to really wear our summer clothes. Honestly, I have continued to update my wardrobe and have dresses I haven’t been able to wear.
I still plan on buying more summer items, as the weather here fluctuates from warmer to cold daily but right now the chill factor has started to descend and it’s time to start thinking about coats and boots and a sweater or two.
Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum 15ml $125 @Vicktoriabeckham.com
Can I just say that after using the Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum by Victoria Beckham I have been waking up with luminous skin. I mean I just glow, I splash cold water on my face in the mornings and depending on if there are any errands to run, I apply sunscreen. I know, I should apply sunscreen on a daily basis, but honestly I don’t really feel like myself, this hibernation threw me off and I haven’t fully recovered.
Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum $99 @Victoriabeckham.com
The Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum helps diminish fine lines, laugh lines, lifts, firms and smooths the skin while aiding in removing redness. I am in-love with this serum. You only need a few drops. This serum is so good it deserves it’s own post.
Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum 30ml $210 @victoriabeckham.com
It’s a bit expensive, but it’s worth it and available in three different sizes. It’s liquid gold, you will experience better results if you exfoliate and mask on a regular basis. I used to exfoliate daily before the pandemic, I mean who really needed to keep up with grooming routines, we weren’t going anywhere. However this liquid gold is basically all you need to get your skin going, or as we say, getting ready to enter society.
Photo Courtesy of Anne Montecer @anne_dressingideal
This summer look is simple, yet chic. It proves that less is more. I’ve never been a big fan of summer and although I am not out every-night eating alfresco, I still don’t want summer to end. Perhaps having been in hibernation for close to two years, I’ve warmed up to the hotter weather. I still haven’t bought a straw summer bag, because I really want to buy it in another country, I have a longing for travel.
My sister, friends and I are still making plans for San Miguel De Allende next year, a two week vacation that starts in DF for 2-3 days before heading to San Miguel and taking day trips into Leon and Oaxaca.
SILK OVERSIZED SHIRT $135 @COS.com
HANDMADE BAG WOVEN FROM PALMA @oaxacaxamor.com
Seamless Leggings $75 @Cuyana.com
This could very well one of my many pieces of clothing I’ll take with me. I did buy myself several shell bracelets and necklaces, ideal for summer vacations.
Fall will be here before we know it, the last bits of summer are almost gone. I’m a little sad about that, because I only took a 10 day vacation, and feel like I didn’t do enough to warrant wearing my summer kaftans. But I love fall, I prefer the cold to the heat and can’t wait to wear my black turtlenecks and cardigans. Lately I have been into costume jewelry made out of recycled materials, dipped in gold. Something about this photo just makes me so happy, I love finding ideas for my own existing wardrobe, and making my next move purchase-wise.
LAURA LOMBARDI + NET SUSTAIN Piatta gold-plated necklace $110 @Net-a-Porter.com
MARTHA CALVO Big Dream Weaver gold-plated bracelet $220 @Net-a-Porter.com
STONE AND STRAND Gold, pearl and diamond earrings $130 @Net-a-porter.com
I ended up acquiring two different handbags, a Chanel wallet on a chain and an Isabel Marant suede cross-body bag, I don’t count the Cuyana Black Canvas tote bag that houses what the others don’t.
I’m still obsessing over the ladylike handbag by Anine Bing, still haven’t purchased that one.
I love it, so many of us aren’t ready to let go of summer. Yet we are ready for fall too. It’s good to know that our fashion counter-parts in Paris are in the same frame of mind. I recently started wearing my dresses with sneakers, and I’m glad I’m not alone.
I must have acquired 10 pairs of sneakers in the past two years, and some I haven’t worn and others I’ve only worn once, I don’t really go anywhere and don’t have the energy to get creative with my wardrobe. Most especially don’t want a dry cleaning bill. I mean it costs like $15 dollars to dry clean a dress these days. Everyone is trying to stay in business, I don’t blame them.
I love Jennifer Aniston. I met her once, during the first season of Friends. My first initial impression, before I knew who she was, I thought wow, that lady has great hair and I was jealous. But then we interacted and I realized who she was and I just loved her, always have been on team Jenn. She was kind, gracious and friendly.
This is why when I learned yesterday that she has a haircare line, with it’s first launch I had to buy the LolaVieGlossing Detangler spray. Because her hair is still envy worthy, I mean just look at it, it’s healthy, shiny and bouncy. Who doesn’t want what she’s having? I know I do.
I’ll let you guys know how it works after it arrives and I get to try it.
ISABEL MARANT Skano suede belt bag $590 @Net-a-porter.com; OVERSIZED-FIT WOOL T-SHIRT DRESS $135 @COS.com; LONG-SLEEVED T-SHIRT $59 @COS.com
I know that I’m not ready to let Summer go, but at the same time I am looking forward to refreshing my Fall/Winter wardrobe. I made a few purchases, that I am very pleased with. I can wear the COS wool dress with leggings, booties or sneakers and a long sleeved T-shirt underneath, I like sleeves.
I’ve also been obsessed with Sunglasses and broke down and ordered the new Gucci cat-eye in tortoiseshell. Plus the new Serena Williams for Nike. I have a few other items arriving, and still have a wish list…..I find looking at my wish list keeps me calm and hopeful.
NIKE+ Serena Williams RYZ 365 II leather, suede and mesh sneakers $85 @Net-a-porter.com
I’ve been looking for a crossbody bag that would be big enough for essentials, and finally found the Isabel Marant, I ordered some Scotchgarde even though I am sure the crossbody has been waterproofed.
Several weekends ago my sister and I went downtown for the first time in almost two years. We chose to go to Neiman Marcus because it felt like a safe place, everyone was wearing a mask and following the CDC guidelines. I was looking for a concealer, one to match my N3 foundation by Chanel, but they were sold out and in transition, they were expecting the new improved version any day.
DIOR FOREVER SKIN CORRECT $36 @Dior.com
Of course I didn’t want to wait, it was my first time in an actual store and I ended up stopping at the Dior counter.
DIOR CONTOUR $31 @Dior.com
I picked up the concealer I needed, mind you the only thing I needed and in reality when you think about it, I really didn’t need it at all. I mean I’m really not going anywhere. But I am ready for when this pandemic is over. The sale’s lady mentioned that my purchases would last me two years, at least. I felt better adding the Diorskin Forever Extreme Control powder/foundation and the Lip Contouring pencil in 080.
Now the only beauty products I plan on buying for myself for Christmas is the Oribe Gold Lust Conditioner, in the giant sized bottle and more R&Co Analog. Although I did miss the gorgeous Chanel makeup bag last year, I don’t plan on missing it again this year, I’m ready.
I’m just not ready to let go of Summer, yet. I had a nice vacation, falling asleep to the sound of the Pacific Ocean and waking-up organically. I went as far as to buy kaftans at Blue Ginger and now find myself a few days later, wearing kaftans around the house.
LIZZIE SLIDES $299 @Aninebing.com
I also remembered that I am a hippie at heart, not a rocker chic hippie, but as my friend Elaine says, a Pacific Heights hippie. I’ve been eyeballing the Isabel Marant Birkenstocks and because I have narrow feet, I am contemplating buying the Anine Bing slides.
Run Around Chic 
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