The (White) Denim Diaries, Part III

If anyone knows how to work white jeans, it's Cameron Diaz. 


I love the cropped length with the high nude heels -- and the way she keeps it sleek and basic with a white tank and black jacket.  (Although, I would probably forgo the suspenders!)

A Designer's Luxe Loft

Get the deets on fashion favorite Alexander Wang's downtown digs at the Well Appointed House blog. 

My Summer Tote

I've been thinking about what bag I want to carry for the warmer months -- the Celine tote (please, yes!), the Alexander Wang Emile bag (love it!), the Akris Ai bag (a girl can dream)... But I think I've settled on this. The straw "Farmer's Market" tote from J.Crew.  It's simple and lightweight and obviously very understated. 

Perfect for the around town, the beach, the playground...  Love the preppy/boho feel. Plus, it reminds me of the Kenya bag of my teens. Now the only question is which one should I get. At under $50, maybe all three?

Chic Inc.

Excited to hear the news that Aerin Lauder is launching her own lifestyle company a la Tory Burch.  You can't get much chicer than Aerin.  Looking forward to seeing what it's all about... wouldn't mind a little of her life in mine.

Brights, Brights, Brights

I went to a charity fashion show the other night. It featured clothes that are in store now. The overall story? Bold, bright party dresses.  Now, I look around and that is all I see. Candy pink, kelly green, royal blue, electric orange. Everything in solid shades. At Saks, there were racks of bubble gum pink Prada that was impossible to resist. I know I've been going on and on about color lately (see previous posts Pink Cocktails, Orange Crush, Seeing Red, Blue Wave) and this just reinforced it: Must get a fun frock in a shocking shade for summer.


I popped into Zara for my trend fix and there were bright dresses galore.

 

Now, I just need to start my warm-weather entertaining!




Oh, and I couldn't resist these for the minis:

Closet Clarity, cont...

Two of my former colleagues from Bazaar have an inspiring and thoughtful blog called Keep It Chic. It's one of my favorites. It's all about living life to the chicest -- from fashion finds to the best books to the most stylish hostess gifts, etc.  The most recent post is on closets... They offer great (and aspirational) tips on keeping a chic (and clean) closet.  Check it out. http://keepitchic.com/

I have also been hearing that Costco is out of the hangers I love... I found similar versions at Bed, Bath and Beyond,  the Container Store, and on Amazon.

And I found perfect pink velvet hangers for my mini-mes!

So glad everyone is catching spring closet-cleaning fever! 

Mommy Chic, cont...

Sarah Jessica Parker

Supercasual done right!  Love the Converse low-tops for tot-toting footwear.  Superagas are great too... A little sneaker looks a lot better with non-workout wear than a clunky running shoe.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

Superga Classic

(How cute are those twinsies?!)

Closet Clarity

I am in the process of moving for the third time in four years.  Moving is never easy -- but setting up house again and again has forced me to organize ... and reorganize ... and reorganize my closet again. With each move I've edited down my wardrobe -- I've purged lots of unworn and worn-out clothes and as well as rediscovered old but good pieces. 

In general, I really try and keep my closet tidy -- and I can't tell you how much easier it makes life. Never underestimate an organized closet -- not only does it make getting dressed a less trying task, it helps keeps a clear, peaceful mind and I believe, simply reduces stress. 

Aerin Lauder in her closet. Harper's Bazaar

Aerin Lauder in her closet. Harper's Bazaar

Maybe one day I'll have a huge fancy closet/dressing room like Aerin Lauder, above, or Georgina Chapman, below, but I have been pretty lucky lately with my walk-ins. I have lots of hanging space so I keep everything sorted by category (dressy tops, casual tops, dressier pants, casual pants, jeans, sweaters, jackets, etc...) and within that, by color. Also, sleeve length or skirt length (i.e. tanks to long sleeve, mini to maxi skirt, etc). And I fold all my sweaters by shade (I do hang the ones most in rotation at any given time to avoid wrinkles). Sounds complicated but it works for me.  

Georgina Chapman in her closet. Harper's Bazaar

Georgina Chapman in her closet. Harper's Bazaar

The absolute BEST thing I ever did in terms of organizing my closet was replacing every hanger with thin, velvety ones. I did this a year and a half ago and it was like instant zen -- an aha moment. I tossed the old wire hangers, the busted plastic ones, and all the other odd shaped, mismatched pieces. All my clothes hang perfectly now (no straps falling off). I can fit so much more in my closet and it all just looks so neat and well-maintained.  

I bought these life changers at Costco -- a box of fifty for like $15. I think I made about four trips back to the store for more. I'm sure you can buy them anywhere. Having uniform hangers is a small change that can make a huge difference. Use the onset of spring to clean up and edit down your closet. You'll be shocked at how good it feels. Next task: the kids' closet. On the hunt for pint-size velvet hangers.

How do you organize your closet? Share your tips!

Airport Chic

Gwyneth Paltrow

While most of us don't have to worry about being photographed as we dash through an airport, there is something to looking decent when we fly.  My parents have always been the blazers-and-loafers type of flyers and made sure my sisters and I looked nice too. I definitely don't wear heels as these jet-setting celebs do -- but always flats (never sneakers or sandals).  Blazers, layered tees and cashmere sweaters/wraps atop jeans or leggings are de rigueur.

Charlize Theron

On a side note, I am glad to see the J.Brand Houlihan cargos are still making appearances. I have already brought mine out from the depths of my closet and been wearing them on warmer days with flats.  Thinking of buying a pair in white....

Kate-spiration

From grunge...

To glam...

How to change up a casual, everyday shirt.  

The Everything Shirt

J.Crew

I am just coming off throwing a big kids' party... and now on to packing up and moving houses.  During this crazy time, all I want to wear are my soft, cotton button-up shirts.  I lived in a super casual cut from J.Crew post-pregnancy, and am now back to wearing it again. Once I realized how much use this top would get, I bought in bulk -- light and dark chambray, white, and a light peachy-nude.  They are so versatile -- I wear them belted with leggings, tucked into my jeans or just loose and easy. In the summer, they go over swimsuits or atop shorts.

J.Crew

While I don't think they have the same exact style in stores now, any iteration is a good one. It is also the perfect seasonal transition piece as it can so easily be layered under sweaters or worn with the sleeves rolled up and unbuttoned just enough. Ironing? Forget it. The lived-in look just adds to the beauty of this everything shirt.

The (White) Denim Diaries, Part II

I went to Zara in search of white jeans (see my previous post on my hunt for this summer staple). They had none. I ended up with this...

A white cotton tiered minidress.  Looks much cuter on than in the pic. It has an exposed zipper in the back which adds a little character. Will probably wear it with flat sandals for summer nights or afternoon parties. Need to experiment with accessorizing it.

Love this mini -- has a retro feel to it. The stiff fabric and slight A-line is really flattering. Again, will wear with flats and maybe topped with a simple tank. 

Pretty blouse in blue...  wish it was an even deeper navy but I like it nonetheless.  Seems like it will be versatile in my wardrobe.

I liked the slouchy casualness of these tanks. The colors are fun and the zipper is a cool detail. Will wear with white jeans (if I ever find them!).

I can't even explain how comfortable these little canvas-y flats are!  They have a rubber sole so, they are perfect for the playground and running around with the kids -- I will not worry about ruining them because they were literally less than $30!

Note: I tried on lots of poppy red pieces (see Red Alert), and had no luck. Maybe the hue is just not for me? 

While my search for white jeans continues, I am making some great discoveries along the way!

La Liz

Harper's Bazaar / Everett Collection / Butterfield 8, 1960

Honoring Elizabeth Taylor -- an icon of glamour.

Harper's Bazaar / MGM/Courtesy Neal Peters Collection / Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, 1958

Harper's Bazaar / Everett Collection / Cleopatra, 1963

Harper's Bazaar / Frank Teti/Neal Peters / In Edith Head at the Academy Awards, 1970

Harper's Bazaar / At the Paris Opera 1963

Harper's Bazaar / Everett Collection / 1953

Harper's Bazaar / Everett Collection / Suddenly Last Summer, 1959

Mommy Chic, cont...

A family outing for the Jolie-Pitts. Love them!