Fall is on my mind right now as well and I’m in the mood for pencil skirts, silk blouses and cardigan sweaters with sling-backs (and JA Mariner link jewelry!) this fall. I’m feeling the same - want anything new to be exquisite and am starting to plan. Enjoyed your look back at Polly Mellen and can’t believe she was 86 in that pic- wow- that’s some inspiration!
I feel like Fall 24 will be all about quality, timeless pieces, great fit and also feeling hopeful in so many ways. Cautious though.... I think it’s all tying in together and we want better things both for our wardrobes and our futures. Xx
I just debated on black or brown mom croc for Jamie Haller's loafers, and went with brown. The Manolo's don't fit my lifestyle (although beautiful), so this was my "before I read this" now affirmed choice. I've been really leaning in to your wardrobe theme since you adopted it, and it's worked so well for me. The only thing I would like to add for winter now, is the perfect heather gray crewneck. xx
Also I love the Frances de Lourdes Zoe shirt as an over shirt. I have the two colors, but if she comes out with another color I love...I might get that as I wear them almost daily. Found through Jennifer Alfano <3
"investments are meant to become part of your style, not the other way around where your style ebbs and flows with the latest expensive designer must have or interior decor style." WORD!
I love the idea of approaching the season with a theme and an editorial eye. I’ve noticed that I’ve been asking myself while considering a purchase— “does this advance me?” I want things that push me forward and make my older items play in new ways.
Wonderful post! Who can forget Polly Allen Mellen’s impassioned exhortations to Isaac Mizrahi in “Unzipped:” “Fussy? Finished. Fussy? Finished!” And “Be careful of makeup. Be careful of makeup!”
I don't want to go back to wearing heels all day long, but I do miss them on some level. I still have my favorite pair with lucite heels, I will pull them out.
Edited and exquisite might be a motto I steal from you now. I am working harder at letting trendy items pass by and investing (literally) in pieces that will stand the test of time in my closet. Which is not to say “timeless” as often those things feel uninspiring, but simply something I will reach for regularly.
When I used to work for CHANEL, we saw a whole spectrum of women and got a clear view on what their personal style was. I had my share of favourites and all of these ladies had one thing in common- edited, elegant, exquisite taste.
One of my top five memories was of a client who walked in the boutique wearing the most perfect inky black coat, with matching flat front pants and a boat neck knit sweater. Her shoes were suede, in the same inky black, and her bag was vintage -something from her grandmother, if I recall correctly. Anyway- the depth of the color and the FIT of it all stuck with me. She still dresses this way today, 10 years later, and I love how timeless and timely she looks.
I have always thought of her whenever I think about enduring style. Give me timeless any day of the week.
You must have had such fun working with these women. I love the vision you shared, it is always those people who have such distilled, instinctive taste who make a lasting impression.
I totally did! I’ve always been inspired by my maternal grandmother’s taste as well- she was an incredible seamstress, so sharing my CHANEL RTW stories with her was one of my fondest memories from that time. The ladies I mentioned here have become friends and it’s been wonderful to continue to be inspired by them.
Fall is on my mind right now as well and I’m in the mood for pencil skirts, silk blouses and cardigan sweaters with sling-backs (and JA Mariner link jewelry!) this fall. I’m feeling the same - want anything new to be exquisite and am starting to plan. Enjoyed your look back at Polly Mellen and can’t believe she was 86 in that pic- wow- that’s some inspiration!
I feel like Fall 24 will be all about quality, timeless pieces, great fit and also feeling hopeful in so many ways. Cautious though.... I think it’s all tying in together and we want better things both for our wardrobes and our futures. Xx
Count me in on all of that!
I'm the same. Only started getting excited about fall rather recently with the news. xo
Right? Suddenly fall feels optimistic. Let’s remain excited and hope for the best! ♥️ xx
Jennifer, I truly enjoy your writing so much!
Thank you Lori!
Do write about those vintage Levis, when your heart wishes.
I will! I did write about getting Levi 517s a while back, which I found on Etsy.
Something to revisit. I hardly wear denim in the summer so I get super excited to pull them out.
Yes, please write about your stash of vintage Levis and whether deaccessioning is being considered. ;-)
I just debated on black or brown mom croc for Jamie Haller's loafers, and went with brown. The Manolo's don't fit my lifestyle (although beautiful), so this was my "before I read this" now affirmed choice. I've been really leaning in to your wardrobe theme since you adopted it, and it's worked so well for me. The only thing I would like to add for winter now, is the perfect heather gray crewneck. xx
I am so glad to hear that Kathy. Grey cashmere sweater are my three favorite words so stay tuned!
Please share when you find the sweater you’re searching for!
Also I love the Frances de Lourdes Zoe shirt as an over shirt. I have the two colors, but if she comes out with another color I love...I might get that as I wear them almost daily. Found through Jennifer Alfano <3
So.....I hear through the grapevine that FDL has some new, exciting things coming out for fall. Stay tuned!
The heather grey crewneck + Jamie Haller loafers are exactly what I’m dreaming of during this heatwave!
"investments are meant to become part of your style, not the other way around where your style ebbs and flows with the latest expensive designer must have or interior decor style." WORD!
Thank you Navaz! xx
I love the idea of approaching the season with a theme and an editorial eye. I’ve noticed that I’ve been asking myself while considering a purchase— “does this advance me?” I want things that push me forward and make my older items play in new ways.
Great futuristic thought!
Wonderful post! Who can forget Polly Allen Mellen’s impassioned exhortations to Isaac Mizrahi in “Unzipped:” “Fussy? Finished. Fussy? Finished!” And “Be careful of makeup. Be careful of makeup!”
I should have included, Unzipped is such a good watch!
Thank goodness i kept my manolo’s. ❤️
I don't want to go back to wearing heels all day long, but I do miss them on some level. I still have my favorite pair with lucite heels, I will pull them out.
I havent worn mine in decades but they are still gorgeous and i enjoy looking at them in my closet ( a small one) . Little sculptures. Only 3 pairs.
Edited and exquisite might be a motto I steal from you now. I am working harder at letting trendy items pass by and investing (literally) in pieces that will stand the test of time in my closet. Which is not to say “timeless” as often those things feel uninspiring, but simply something I will reach for regularly.
Steal away! I think "timeless" is an imperfect adjective. For instance, I have a black YSL Hedi Slimane era pea coat, it is timeless, but not boring.
When I used to work for CHANEL, we saw a whole spectrum of women and got a clear view on what their personal style was. I had my share of favourites and all of these ladies had one thing in common- edited, elegant, exquisite taste.
One of my top five memories was of a client who walked in the boutique wearing the most perfect inky black coat, with matching flat front pants and a boat neck knit sweater. Her shoes were suede, in the same inky black, and her bag was vintage -something from her grandmother, if I recall correctly. Anyway- the depth of the color and the FIT of it all stuck with me. She still dresses this way today, 10 years later, and I love how timeless and timely she looks.
I have always thought of her whenever I think about enduring style. Give me timeless any day of the week.
You must have had such fun working with these women. I love the vision you shared, it is always those people who have such distilled, instinctive taste who make a lasting impression.
I totally did! I’ve always been inspired by my maternal grandmother’s taste as well- she was an incredible seamstress, so sharing my CHANEL RTW stories with her was one of my fondest memories from that time. The ladies I mentioned here have become friends and it’s been wonderful to continue to be inspired by them.
Oh my, those Manolos in the orange are pretty fabulous!
All three colors--you can't go wrong!