It can be research, procrastination or entertainment. It’s definitely addicting.
Clockwise from top left: Issey Miyake; Steven Arpad; Charles James; Carey Adina; Geoffrey Beene; A. J. Cammeyer; Paul Poiret; Kenneth Jay Lane.
The New York Metropolitan Museum has been kind enough to put its collections online. You can bone up on American watercolorists, German photographers or Japanese fashion designers without leaving your desk.
Jacques Levine
A sophisticated slipper just in time for winter weather.
To carry, or not to carry, that is the question:
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous downpours,
Or to take arms against a sky of storm clouds.
I wrestle with the notion of umbrellas all rainy season.* And since the rainy season has finally begun, I am now in the throes of my umbrella debate. On the one hand, I loathe carrying things- I like having my hands free. On the other hand, they are such a smart accessory. And we all know how much I love accessories!
Using an umbrella while riding a bike seems like an advanced maneuver.
When properly done, umbrellas are so very, very chic. Which makes me think I really need to get over myself, bite the bullet and buy one. And buy a new one, not a vintage one with a beautiful handle and a canopy so full of that holes there is no point in carrying it, which describes my current collection. (Ah, but the handles are lovely!)
American styled umbrellas (like the one on the left) are flatter than European styled umbrellas (like the one on the right) which have a much rounder shape and tend to be more photogenic.
If you’re going to purchase an umbrella, it makes sense to consider both form and function. Are your rainy days also windy? Will you be a solo umbrella-ista or will you share your rain protection with others? Here’s what to look for in a non-flimsy, non-disposable umbrella.
You want a 40 inch diameter canopy. Bigger and it becomes unwieldy, smaller and it feels cramped if you’re sharing. The stretchers should be fiberglass with as few moving parts as possible. Old fashioned “stick” umbrellas are generally more stable than collapsible travel umbrellas. A fiberglass shaft is lightweight, sturdy and resilient. A curved handle allows you to use your forearm as leverage against wind. If you are really passionate about straight handles, seek out one covered with foam or rubber for extra grippiness.
The Singing Butler by Jack Vettriano
*In all my many years of agonizing over umbrellas, the only solution I’ve come up with is for porters or minions to come back in fashion and then one of them can follow me around, carrying my ever-so-stylish umbrella, protecting my hair and glasses from inclement weather while I wander around, picking things up with both my hands.
Apparently it takes tangerines to tango. Pantone named Tangerine Tango the color of 2012. Honeysuckle was 2011′s uplifting color and Tangerine Tango is considered to be more energetic, but still encouraging. To be honest, I have had a love/hate relationship with the orange color family.
Years ago, at the last minute, I needed a puffy for a New Year’s Eve camping trip and the only one I could find in my size was orange. Which became a bit of a joke because whenever my fellow campers would say, “Nice orange puffy,” I would snippily reply, “It’s persimmon.”
Me in my persimmon puffy, somewhere in Hetch Hetchy Valley.
So I completely understand any apprehension you might have about welcoming orange-y hues into your wardrobe. But… I have to say my persimmon puffy has made me appreciate and even embrace the color.
Umbrellas of Cherbourg
You needn’t go to extremes and paint everything orange and then dress to match. But, there is a whole world of orange-y-ness out there just waiting to be discovered. And I assure you, there are loads better shades than safety wear and fake tans.
Everything's coming up oranges!
From burnt sienna to terra cota to apricot to melon, there is a perfect shade for you. Finding your particular orange is a lot like finding your perfect red lipstick- it takes a few tries, but then you can’t imagine life without it. Once you start fooling around with it, you’ll learn that orange is a very promiscuous color. It pairs beautifully with almost everything.
Clockwise from top left: Christian Dior Boutique; Merona; K Amato; Abaco; Via Spiga; Moschino Cheap-n-Chic; Sonya Kashmiri.
I am mad for red-orange with turquoise. It seems very Palm Springs glam, but in a way that never grows tiresome.
Clockwise from top left: Parentesi; Calvin Klein; Haider Ackermann; Roberta di Camerino; Costume National; Gianni Marra; Nicole Miller.
Orange-orange is striking with blues. Cobalt, navy or indigo? Yes please to all three!
Clockwise from top left: Mossimo; See by Chloe; Rose' a Pois; Hoss Intropia; Naughty Monkey; Valentino; Marni.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to wear yellow-orange, then by all means bring on the purples! Eggplant is sophisticated, lilac is sweet and purple is the best of both worlds.
It’s a new year and a new resolution to organize. The design world has been busy coming up with all sorts of creative and clever ways to corral your closet. Perhaps all you need for a uncluttered life is the right tools. Below are some of my favorite hangers and some of my top picks for clothing storage can be found here.
Eatable of Many Orders
Eatable of Many Orders made a bag that doubles as a coat hanger. How convenient for getting out the door on time!
Philippe Malouin
If you tend to drape your clothes over chairs (which I am guilty of) or are short on seating and hangers, Philippe Malouin has created the perfect solution for you.
Jennifer Rabatel
Based on the lowly T- Square, Jennifer Rabatel designed an elegant alternative to buying separate hangers for pants and shirts.
Asaf Yogev
Beauty meets function with Asaf Yogev’s sculpted take on a hanger.
