The Truth is Just a Rule That You Can Bend

 

I love this time of year--there are Christmas trees going up everywhere I look (my buildings lobby, the Soho House, South Street Seaport), and everyone is bundled up cozily against the winter cold. It snowed for the first time this year yesterday--it was only a steady showering of light flurries, but still. Nothing beats the holidays in NYC.

That said, it's also one of the most hectic months of the year for just about everyone. The days are shorter, there are holiday parties galore to attend, Christmas shopping to finish, and work to squeeze in. The fashion industry generally likes to take the last two weeks of the month off as well, so all of the above needs to happen twice as fast. And for that reason, my wardrobe has been pared down lately--I've been in the mood to clean it up and stick to simple, restrained, streamlined pieces that are classic and a little more grown up and efficient. A silk long-sleeved blouse (albeit with a racy back), opaque tights, a time-honored quilted Chanel bag, sleek black patent booties--all pieces that work seamlessly from day to night, from board meeting to cocktail party. It's the time to multi-task and your ensembles should do the same. 

I'm wearing a Kimberly Taylor blouse, Kimberly Ovitz shorts, Club Monaco tights, Chanel bag, Christian Loubutin booties. All photos by Mark Iantosca. xo

Land on the Heart With His Feet Up

After 17 hours of travel, six of which were spent stuck in the Pittsburgh airport because of weather issues during a flight that was supposed to be nonstop, I am FINALLY back home in NYC. I've never been more relieved to step through my front door than I was just a few minutes ago.

The entire time I was cooped up in that plane, I kept on thinking about how I would probably be going stark raving mad if I hadn't dressed comfortably for the trip. I hate it when I see people dressed like total slobs at the airport just as much as the next person, but I have to admit, those Juicy Couture track suits can bring on the occasional bout of envy when I'm traipsing through baggage claim in a silk dress and heels after endless hours on a plane. This time, I struck a healthy balance and wore the exact ensemble I'm wearing in the photos above (with flats instead of the now-ubiquitous JC heels). There's nothing like being in an oversized flannel button-down and tights to make your travels go down a bit more smoothly.

I'm wearing a Kimberly Ovitz shirt, Club Monaco tights, Jeffrey Campbell shoes. All photos by Mark Iantosca. xoxo

I'll Write You a Harmony in C

While I was rummaging around in my closet the other day, I found two ages-old things that I had just about forgotten entirely: a tiny little Chanel camera bag and a smoky grey leather Topshop jacket covered in fringes. I picked them up, looked both pieces over inspecting them closely, and suddenly, even though I haven't worn either in years, they looked brand new. It was kind of amazing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no stranger to recycling. In fact, I'm pretty good at it--in all senses of the word. I'm a firm believer in holding onto good pieces (they'll always come back into style), I always separate my papers and plastics, and I've had the (very) occasional moment of weakness (a.k.a. moments of insanity) when I thought resurrecting an ex-boyfriend was a great idea. (For the record, that one's not quite as advisable as other forms of recycling.)

The point is, if something's good enough, I'll always be willing to take it for another spin around the block. The trick is being able to tell. I think the Chanel and Topshop finds did pretty well, though, don't you think?

I'm wearing a Topshop jacket, Charlotte Ronson top, Kimberly Ovitz shorts, Club Monaco tights, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Chanel bag. All photos by Mark Iantosca. xoxo