Asos

I am completely smitten with fluorescents. They’re a fantastic jolt of electric color that wakes up neutrals and singes with style. Just like electricity, too much will kill you, or your outfit, metaphorically speaking. Skinny belts or a few bangles are just the right voltage.

Badgley Mischka

Charm bracelets are just so undeniably charming! All the time! You can jingle jangle like Auntie Mame or opt for something more subdued, but you’ll be “charmed, I’m sure” the instant it’s on your wrist. Charm bracelets are meant to be admired, so wear it with a slim sleeve or turn back your cuff.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Be prepared to have your feathers ruffled. From formal tux inspired tops to abstract sculptural concoctions, everything’s coming up ruffles! I’m lusting after deep set, flamenco flounces that thrill and entice with every step.

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.

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.

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.

Kenneth Cole

In the past, I’ve loved the idea of flats (so feminine and spritely!), but hated the reality (the arch nemesis of arch support!). The new versions are loaded with arch support and cushiness that mean I can play Catherine Deneuve/Audrey Hepburn any day of the week!

Cole Haan

So many dress shoe companies have partnered with sneaker companies that uncomfortable heels are a thing of the past. We might need to expand the definition of “cross training” to include a day at the office.

Earthies

Raining, pouring, sleeting, snowing… You’ll still be high stepping in a sleek, comfort driven ankle boot. Plus, the back zip entry makes airport security a walk in the park. Wear them with pants or tights and skirt.

Need help finding your perfect pair? Contact to put your best foot forward!

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.

Toma Accesory Hanger

These ingenuous accessory hangers make it easy to organize hats, scarves and gloves all in one place.

Martha Stewart

I flat out love the idea of using picture rails for shoe storage. Now all I need is an empty wall…

Donata Paruccini

Leather balls stylishly juggle being art and storage. Instead of dropping your coat on the chair/couch*/floor when you get in, hang it here.

*I believe throwing your coat on the “davenport” is acceptable in a dramatic sort of way.

If you’re not sure what to keep and what to release, contact me for help!

Cole Haan

Proof that you can have warm, dry and stylish toes.

Eddie Bauer; Land's End; Montcler.

Puffies have been puffy and warm, but low on style. I’m loving these new vintage-inspired, tailored takes on down jackets.

Emma Cook; Rainforest; Betsey Johnson.

Downpours don’t need to be a downer. With a waterproof layer, rain will roll off you like water off a ducks back. Pick a packable raincoat to make it easy to stash in your car or office.

Bottega Veneta; Garnet Hill; Talbots.

Woolly and wildly chic, wool is always smart and cashmere is always a decadent option. If you’re minding your pennies, it’s worth the effort to seek out something distinctive that’s vintage or on consignment. Just make sure you assess the condition before you fall in love.

How fun are the studded sleeves?

The best of all warm worlds? A waterproof Burberry trench with a removable mink liner. Time suck disclaimer: Burberry’s Bespoke Coat option is wonderfully addictive.