Two months ago, I wondered if I could wear a dress over pants — with mixed results. But when it comes to fashion, I can never quite admit defeat. I tinkered with the look again and again — and after some ingredient swapping, I found the key elements to making this layered look work. But before […]
nyc street style
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The Sweater From Outer Space
It’s no secret that a cashmere sweater and cigarette jeans are the weekend uniform for fall. Is the combo chic? Perhaps. Easy? Definitely. Pragmatic? Of course. But it’s also… incredibly boring. Since moving to New York, I’ve accumulated more than a dozen crewneck sweaters, but I dreaded wearing them. A sweater and jeans feels like a sartorial Groundhog Day […]
The Truth About Online Shopping
I don’t shop a lot online. I tend to make purchases the old fashioned way — in person, with a dressing room and instant gratification. Of course, online shopping has its perks, with convenience being king. But more often than not, I usually skip online shopping in lieu of actually trying everything on personally. Now I remember […]
Can I Pull This Off? Khaki Harem Pants
As I’ve discussed previously, harem pants can be difficult to wear well. During a recent closet clean-out, I unearthed this khaki version and decided to debut them at the Jeff Koons Retrospective at the Whitney Museum. Trust me, no one was looking at my outfit there — they were looking at this. (Warning: that link goes […]
My First Time: The Barneys Warehouse Sale
I’ve lived in New York for more than five years — but until this week, I never braved the crowds at the Barneys Warehouse Sale. This sale is legendary among New Yorkers; Many of my girlfriends would call in sick JUST to be the first in line. But I still was not convinced. My reasons for avoiding the […]
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My Thoughts on Fast Fashion
Nowadays, I don’t glut my closet with many “fast fashion” items from Zara, H&M or Topshop. I’m no fashion snob — I was JUST crowing about scoring a vest at Walmart. But I’m torn between an affection for affordable impulse purchases and a burgeoning discomfort with the cutthroat world of mass market retail. First, there are the shoddy safety practices that led to the collapse of a […]
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Decoding the Country Club Dress Code
In a world where 7-11 patrons need reminding that shoes and shirts are required for entry, it’s no surprise that most strict dress codes are relics of the past. But in certain situations, protocol trumps comfort, and codes of closet conduct still rule. There will always be hats at royal weddings. Shoes will always be removed before entering a mosque […]
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See My Vest
Typically, I do not wear a suit to the office. Why would I? Today’s corporate culture is more creative and flexible than ever. Doesn’t a drab blazer and slacks signal a regression to the shoulder pads and gender inequality in “Working Girl?” Wouldn’t retreating to the suit be shackling oneself to an unnecessary uniform? (I’ve obviously given this a lot of […]
Can I Pull This Off? The SJP Edition
When it comes to style icons, I have my share of favorites: Patsy Stone (her Chanel cardigan!), Pablo Picasso (his polo shirts!), Emma Watson (her YSL smoking suit!). But like every woman over the age of 30, I have a particularly soft spot for Sarah Jessica Parker. SJP epitomizes the style pragmatist ethos: she’s fabulous, but […]
Work It: Three Outfits in One
Clothing should never intimidate you. Think of your closet as an office, and you’re the domineering boss. Every article of clothing is one of your employees. (You paid for THEM, after all.) You should crack the whip to ensure each item works hard for you — but each employee should work well with the others, too. Here’s how: This first look reminds me […]