Classical Black
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Wolford Dress, Mary Frances Clutch, Strategia Pump, (similar here), Robin Terman Chokers, Chanel Bracelet, Celine Sunglasses.
110 in the Shade
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The Kooples Dress, on sale here, Roger Vivier Kitten Heels, Christian Dior Bag, also seen here, Robin Terman Bracelets, Ippolita Glass Bracelet, similar here, Michael Kors Watch, similar here.
Global warming is not a hoax created by the Chinese, as President Elect Trump would like to believe. It is very real as evidenced by the fact that temperatures here and elsewhere in the nation have been unseasonably warm. In New York and Toronto, last week, temperatures were in the 70’s, while here in Los Angeles, we experienced mid 80’s and 90’s…..in mid November. From an environmental standpoint, this is frightening. From a fashionista’s standpoint, this is a disaster. All I want to wear are sweaters, jackets and pants, but what seems more comfortable are summer dresses. I wore this lightweight one by The Kooples, that I purchased during the end of summer sale at Blooomies. Little did I know how many times it would see the light of day. I am hopeful that the weather will turn a bit cooler soon, and we will begin to be able to wear our fall clothes. In the meantime, we must all pay closer attention to the issue of climate change, in particular, global warming. Mr. Trump, are you listening?
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!
Sale-ing Away
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Sandro Dress on SALE here, Jimmy Choo Sandals, Gucci Purse, Robin Terman Beaded Bracelets, Hipanema Earrings.
In case you haven’t been paying attention, my latest fashion posts have been filled with summer dresses. That is because I am a sale shopper, and as soon as the 60% off or "store closing" notices appear in my inbox, I hit the stores. From Missoni to Sandro, I picked up a few gems that I have been wearing everyday. I also picked up these Jimmy Choo platform sandals (the platform decreases the pitch of the shoe significantly so that you can add height and remain comfortable!). This one, by Sandro, is wonderful for several reasons, the first of which is the material. Knits always prove to be wonderful assets, since they pack perfectly. I roll all of my clothes into a carry on bag, whether or not I am traveling for 2 days or 2 weeks. I have got this down to a science. This dress came with me to Paris and New York, simply because it emerges from the suitcase in exactly the same condition as it entered. Fall is the perfect time to pick up a few knits, and you don’t need to spend a ton of money. There will be Labor Day sales in September and Friends and Family sales start in October. I will keep you posted on all of them!
Red Borders
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Alexander McQueen Co-ord (Spring 2015), Jimmy Choo Pumps (available at Scoop NYC Brentwood), Lanvin Necklace, Christian Dior Earrings, Parker Ochs Clutch.
When Alexander McQueen passed away suddenly and tragically in 2010, the fashion world lost an icon. His designs were bold, daring and easily identifiable. Whether flowy or structured, his clothes shouted themselves from the rooftops. I happened to own two of his pieces; one, a chartreuse chiffon tunic that I purchased in 2004, and the other, a black suit with gold zippers. Sadly, I sold the suit before Mr. McQueen’s untimely death, but the chartreuse tunic is a permanent member of my closet!
In 2010, Sarah Burton took over as creative director of the fashion house, and I am in love with her designs. This co-ord, (short for "coordinate" in the fashion dictionary), is a perfect example of how she combines the boldness of McQueen with her own whimsy. I have worn this outfit to dinner, and a party, as well as lunch. I love the color red; it is one of my favorites, and the way that it borders both the top and the pants completes the fanciful effect. I have even separated the two pieces and worn the pants with a black sweater and the top over a pair of jeans. If you think outside the box, you will get a lot more wear out of an outfit and therefore more bang for your buck.
Jailhouse Frock
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When I first saw this skirt in December at Bloomingdales, I admired it, but was not in the mood to shop for anymore formal attire. In other words, as difficult as this may be to believe, I was burned out! Fast forward to February, when I was visiting one of my favorite fashion blogs, Atlantic Pacific. Thirty something blogger, Blair Eadie, was sporting that same skirt with a hot pink J Crew cashmere pullover and orange red jacket. On her, it looked fabulous…on me I suspected not.
This past April I found the skirt on sale (seriously reduced from $650 to $230), and decided to give it a try. I paired it with its matching silk sleeveless cropped top (also on Friends and Family sale), and the outfit came to life. This is a perfect outfit to wear to a summer or early fall wedding.
Fringe Benefits
/How can a dress be a girl’s best friend; supportive, reliable, and loyal?
It must hide flaws, be incredibly comfortable, beautifully designed, one of a kind, and extremely flattering. This particular dress, by Viviana Uchitel, has not usurped my BFFs of their status, but it has fulfilled all of the above requirements to gain a prominent place in my closet.
It caught my eye on a rack of one of a kind pieces at BOCA, and my friend, Denise, who was wearing the tunic version in black, encouraged me to try it on. At first glance, I was attracted to the color and the fringes at the bottom, but doubtful of the tent like shape. However, once I got it on, I discovered that the fabric and design are not overly voluminous, but allow for free flowing movement. In addition, the overlay is sheer allowing the body hugging fabric underneath to show through. The angle of the sleeveless cut is particularly helpful for the aging skin between the armpit and the breast, of which I am extremely conscious. That in itself, gets the FabuLesley seal of approval!
That same day, Robin Terman happened to be at the store, and was wearing one of her necklaces that seemed as if it was designed specifically for this dress. In true Robin fashion, she took it off and put it on me—perfection!
The sandals, by Calleen Cordero, are worthy of their own blog post. Each of her shoes are handmade, beautifully crafted, and most of all, comfortable. I walked all over Europe in these shoes and my feet remained blister and agony free.
When I was looking for something to wear for the photo shoot, this dress got Jeff’s immediate and strong vote of approval. Not one to voice a fashion opinion with great frequency, whenever he does so, I pay very close attention. Jeff’s vocal thumbs up cast this little number in the leading role!
