Marsala Moment

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. 

Blueprinted

Cynthia Rowley Leggings, Equipment Top, Lanvin Necklace, Stuart Weitzman Shoes, Lauren Merkin Clutch. 

I was a busy girl at Bloomie’s Friends and Family sale, and one of the items that caught my attention were these whimsical neoprene leggings by Cynthia Rowley. They reminded me of the Versace leggings of the 1980’s. 

What does it say when you are around to witness trends twice? Don’t answer that! Doubtful though I was, I seemed to gather an audience as I exited the dressing room, that gave me lots of thumbs up. I did not expect that reaction, given my age and the loudness of the legging, but somehow, it all seemed to work. On the day of the shoot, when Robert saw me emerge from the car in this outfit, he was overjoyed, because he had just found the perfect location with a blue background!

I paired it with this comfortable faux leather top by Equipment, and these oh so comfortable platform heels by Stuart Weitzman which I “scooped “ up at the recent Scoop NYC sale going on now and ending on October 20th.

I have had this fabulous necklace by Lanvin for a few years, having purchased it at Savannah for a specific white dress. However, I could not believe how well it matched the outfit and enhanced whimsical theme.