Sister Sister
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Sandro Dress, Maje Jacket and Shoes, Robin Terman Choker.
Slip into This
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Vince Top and Skirt, American Vintage Coat, Zara Heels, Bally Handbag, also seen here, Jewelry Bar Necklace, Chanel Glasses, Robin Terman Bracelets and Earrings.
No, I did not forget to put on my top and skirt; this look was very much intentional, as slip dresses and lounge wear seem to be all the rage. Personally, I do not like the look of the silk pajama pants and top, but this taupe top and bottom is both luxe and en pointe! Its neutral color offers many choices when it comes to adding a layer of outerwear. I chose this cream trench that I picked up at a little boutique in Paris. Ironically, it is by a company called American Vintage. I found the shoes on sale at Zara for a whopping $22.90! I am definitely exploring lesser priced clothing and shoe options for myself, and ultimately for you too!
Going Greek
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Obakki Dress, Stuart Weitzman sandals, John Hardy: necklace, earrings, bracelet, Zadig and Voltaire Clutch, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Cartier Watch.
I bought this dress in the early summer, at Yellow Dog, and had to be talked into trying it on because it had absolutely no hanger appeal whatsoever! Since it really doesn’t take all that much effort to twist my arm, my friend, Venetta, who manages the boutique, easily convinced me to slip it on. Lo and behold, the dress changed entirely, once it was on the body, in this case, mine. It reminded me of a chic Greek toga, if such a thing ever existed, and I thought these gladiator-like sandals, by Stuart Weitzman, completed the look in the right way.
The moral of this fable, is “never judge a dress by its look on a hanger,” and “going Greek never felt so good!”
Culotte-A- Happening Now
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Top, Belt and Culottes by Worth New York, Rupert Sanderson Wedge, on sale here, Myriam Schaefer Handbag, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, John Hardy Bracelet and Hoops, also seen here.
If you wait long enough for the re-run of a TV show, you don’t have to worry about missing an episode. And so it goes for fashion as well. There are usually trends that return, maybe 4 decades later, and when they do, they do so with a vengeance. So it appears with culottes. When I was a teen in the seventies, I owned a couple of pairs of culottes, as did my mother. They were all the rage, but they came and went rather quickly. If you are thinking of diving into a pair, (and you probably should because they are huge for Fall), here are a few tips that you should follow.
The wide, expansive leg of the pant tends to shorten the leg, so you really should wear a wedge, a mid height heeled boot, or a heel (even a kitten heel helps). Alternatively, there are those culottes that are not as voluminous, enabling you to pair with a more casual shoe, but never a sneaker unless you are hip and cool and in your 20’s. Remember, that a culotte will always feature your shoe, front and center. I am in love with these mirrored wedge sandals, also seen here.
I have seen culottes with a feminine print that really resemble more of a skirt. In this case, you could possibly get away with a flat, unless of course, you are very tall, and can wear a flat with any style…I am extremely jealous and so are my toes!
These cotton culottes, by Worth New York, is ultra comfortable and chic, especially in navy blue. The off the shoulder top, also by Worth, and which is also off the hook in popularity right now, is not always easy to wear, especially if you are big busted. Try a comfortable strapless bra, that stays put and you should be fine. I love my unpadded one by Wacoal. It is lacy but very comfortable, and I never have to yank it up as I do most of my padded ones. If you want to go for a padded one, I recommend the L’aventure by Marie Jo. (Stay tuned for an entire post about lingerie…it is time, girls!).
Digging The Trenches
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Moschino Dress, Worth New York Trench, Christian Dior Pumps, also seen here, Nancy Gonzalez Handbag, YSL Vintage Cuff, Nordstrom Necklace, Christian Dior Tribale Earrings (similar for less here), Celine Sunglasses.
I love a trench coat. It is a classic look that adds instant polish to any outfit. Throw it on over a pair of jeans and a blouse and you go from plain casual to casual chic. What I never thought to try, until now however, was a trench over a trench!
This fabulous dress by Moschino is a great find. A white sleeveless trench is modern, clean and classic; it is something that is a little unexpected from Moschino, whose whimsical looks are anything but classic. Adding a hot pink shoe and bag gives it the punch that is so reminiscent of said design house. I heightened the look by throwing on this cluster of pearls chocker, and voila, the dress went from simple to fabulous.
I wondered how the dress would look with a trench coat on top. Dubious though I was, I took this great striped trench by Worth New York, slipped it on-- and lo and behold, it fit the bill perfectly. Never assume that two things of the same family are too redundant to work in harmony. Here is a perfect example of how they can make beautiful music together.
Marsala Moment
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Sandro Dress, Valentino Heels, similar for less here, Lanvin Bag, similar for less here, Celine Sunglasses, Calypso St. Barth Bracelets, Ippolita Ring.
When Pantone, announced its spring 2015 colors, I sat up took note. When the color, Marsala, was one of the top choices, I was puzzled. I typically associate this color with autumn; the changing leaves and the chill in the air seem to signal a need for warmth and comfort, and that is where the color of wine comes into play. However, as the red family is one of my favorites, I nudged myself to embrace this wine color for spring. I had to look no further than to this beautiful dress by one of my favorite French labels, “Sandro.”
What makes Sandro a stand out design house for me, aside from their mid price, is their feminine, chic and stylized dresses, shoes, jackets and pants. I first discovered them in Bloomingdales where they have a “leased” boutique. This means that Bloomingdales sells the line, but the design house, in this case Sandro, controls the inventory, price, staff and selection. Sandro will be opening its own boutique on Beverly Drive, in Beverly Hills this summer.
Owned and operated by the Jewish Moroccan born Parisian, Evelyne Chetrite, the company was founded by both Evelyne and her husband, Didier, in 1984. She currently designs with her son Ilan.
Back to the dress; as you can see from the photos, the color is rich, warm and classic. The fabric is very comfortable, no tugging required. These unbelievably gorgeous Valentino shoes, go so perfectly with this dress that nothing more needs to be said… and thankfully they were found on sale at Neiman Marcus at the end of the winter season. I could not believe no one had snapped them up!
Marsala is apparently trending this spring, and although I have not seen much of it on the racks, I am satisfied with this purchase which will take me through the summer and into the fall.
Lots-A-Dots
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I am a sucker for polka dots…always have been and I expect that I always will be. I put this little ensemble together because it is bright, cheerful and easy to wear. All of the clothes are by none other than Worth New York. What can I say? Their clothes and designs speak for themselves; stylish, flattering and well made. I paired this adorable polka dot skirt, which I shortened into a mini, with this oh-so-easy to wear sleeveless knit top. My red suede flats seem to give it the perfect ease for a daytime run-around look, and my tried and true red handbag by Myriam Schaefer seemed to complete the look with a chic and edgy bend.
Top and Skirt Worth New York, Prada Flats, Sarah Pacini Bracelet, Myriam Schaefer Handbag, Chanel Shades.
Adding heels, switching out the bag for a clutch, a swipe of red lipstick, and this cotton jacket (from their Spring 2014 collection), transitions the outfit from day to night. Wearer beware…adding heels to a mini skirt, shortens it considerably, so either commit or quit!
Top, Skirt, Jacket and Clutch Worth New York. Sergio Rossi Pumps (also seen here). Sarah Pacini Necklace, MAC Ruby Woo Lipliner and Lipstick.
As you can see, I am committing to Worth…we are enjoying a major love affair!!
Leafing Through CAbi
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CAbi Leaf Print Dress, J Crew Belt, similar here, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Calypso Bracelets, Mulberry Clutch.
A fan of CAbi for 7 years, I have never been as enthusiastic about a season’s collection as I am about Spring 2015. The CAbi design team has hit this one out of the park. Each season, friends new and old, gather in my home to see and shop the collection. It never ceases to amaze me how the clothes appeal to everyone; the low price point is an added appeal.
Case in point, is this “Leaf Print”dress for only $118.00
I chose to wear it short and sweet, adding this platinum belt by J Crew and these oldie but goodie sandals by Gianvito Rossi.
Several of my friends loved the leaf print but were skeptical about the short length. If you find the dress too short for you, just add skinny white jeans as I did, and it becomes an adorable tunic.
CAbi Leaf Print Dress, Worth New York Belt, J Brand Jeans, Robert Clergerie Sandals, similar here, Fendi Bag, similar for less here.
Julie Starr Dresner Ear Jacket, Robin Terman Necklace, all available at BOCA. Zina Ring, Cartier Watch.
No matter how you choose to wear it, this dress is a winner.
Jungle Fever
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Once in a while I will look at a dress on a hanger, size it up and down, and then return it to its original spot on the rack. Then the sales associate will tell me that I should try it on because I will be surprised at how it transforms itself on the body. Thus it was with this loud print, high neck dress by Roberto Cavalli. I was not feeling it, but just to placate her, I tried it on. Instantly, it went from wrong to right. The vibrant colors seemed to transform my mood from blah to bling. The black stripe down the back of the dress had that J Lo/Beyonce effect, that gave my booty a boost! Best of all I snagged it on sale at Scoop NYC. Thank you Mr. Cavalli, as usual you are full of surprises.
Green is making a strong comeback this season, and I am bringing all of my green and gold accessories from the back to the front of the closet. For instance, it’s amazing how you can keep a pair of shoes that you bought for a specific outfit, at the back of your closet thinking “I will keep these, although I probably won’t get much wear out of them,” and then suddenly they seem to go with everything. These camel and mint green pumps by Manolo Blahnik were purchased for a specific outfit; they have been sitting in my closet virtually unworn for 2 years. That is until now. I have so much green and camel in my wardrobe, and I have decided to mix and match colors that are within the same family. It is as if new life has been breathed into them. It’s funny how clothing, when you adore it as I do, can anthropomorphize so easily!
FabuLesley Turns One, Party at Calypso!
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About 18 months ago, my dear friend, Orna, and I met for our weekly coffee clatch. I was lamenting over what I would do to fill my days once my youngest, Serena, then 16, goes off to College. Yes I would continue with my community service work and my music, but I was craving something else that would be creatively satisfying. Orna, who had just certified as a life coach, suggested that I write a blog. As she put it, “you are a source of information for all of us; from diagnosing ailments and referring to physicians, to who gives the best and cheapest blow dry in Beverly Hills, to what to eat when you want to lose weight, to what moisturizer and makeup work the best. People want to know these things, and you can supplement the posts with your love of fashion, food, culture, health and beauty.”
At the time, I didn’t really know what writing a blog entailed, so I began to do my research. I combed through many fashion, food, and lifestyle blogs. There were multitudes of these blogs, mostly written by 20-30 year olds. Rarely did I come across any blogs that were written by 45 plus year old women who weren’t already famous, that actually appealed to me.
That is when it dawned on me that maybe my market wasn’t saturated; maybe there was room for a 45 plus year old fashion, food, culture, beauty and health obsessed Jewish woman in the “Blogosphere.”
To that end, FabuLesley was born. What Orna and my other close friends find remarkable, is the vocabulary that this blog has spawned. There have been "Fabuluncheons" in honor of people’s birthdays, as well as accolades for “Fabulicious” food. People write to me adding “Fabu” as a prefix to theirs as well as their spouse’s names! It is truly hilarious and fun.
I have no idea what will come of this blog, but right now I am having a great time creating each week’s posts. There is nothing I like more than to write about things that bring so much joy, significance and inspiration to my life.
I am both shocked and delighted to have gained so many followers on the web, and I continue to be overwhelmed by your support and encouragement.
To that end, I am celebrating in a Fabu-way. The wonderful store, Calypso St Barth has generously offered to host a party for me as way of marking this milestone. Everything in the store will be at least 20% off. Calypso has a well curated collection of beautiful cashmere sweaters, jackets and vests, dresses, skirts and jeans, as well as fabulous shoes, boots and bags. Their jewelry collection is off the hook.
Please join me on Monday, December 15 from 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM at the Westfield Mall in Century City. It will be a fabulous evening of food, fashion and fun!
I am tying this event to the SOVA food pantry, which provides food for homeless people in the Los Angeles area. Please bring at least one non-perishable food item to be donated to this wonderful and important organization.
RSVP HERE for Fabulesley at Calypso!
Sweater, Tank, Necklace, and AG Jeans all available at Calypso.
Hat, Sweater, Vest, Jeans, Boots, Purse, Necklace and Earrings all available at Calypso.
