Cagey

Leather Jacket: Rick Owens

Dress: Cynthia Steffe

Cage Belt: YSL

Tights: Unknown

Furry Pumps: Prada

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What do you think: is the cage belt with the striped dress overkill? (I admit that I actually prefer "matchy-matchy" elements. Of course, sometimes it's best not to.)

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These pumps are ancient, but I still love them.

A shot of the architectural heel:

Grecian

Dress: Fendi

"B" Belt: Fendi

Alhambra Bracelet: Van Cleef and Arpels

Patent-Leather Sandals: Prada

The Grecian trend is one that has slowly morphed into a permanent classic; designers find it a safe avenue to tread every spring. We've seen the current incarnations--the gladiator sandal/bootie and the asymmetrical shoulder--before, but they've taken an edgier, sexier turn lately. These pieces were purchased quite a while back, but they feel au currant. Of course, it doesn't hurt that they're extremely comfortable, chic, and lightweight--perfect for this unexpected heat wave!

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This shot captures the true hue of the dress (it's more of a dove gray; the above shots washed out the color) and the gorgeous draping on the back:

Every woman should own a pair of white sandals for summer. White in summer is the new black! And I don't know about you, but I can't stand really high heels in 90 degree heat--my feet ache more than usual when it's this hot. Today, I took comfort in these low wedges:

What I Wore: Bronze

Blouse: Banana Republic
Skirt: Fendi
Sandals: Miu Miu
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Of all of my skirts, this one by Fendi has got to be among my top three favorites. Season after season, Fendi produces high-quality, super-wearable and versatile clothing for the modern (professional) woman--and I emphasize woman as opposed to teenager or teeny-bopper. Even though Lagerfeld does inject a bit of whimsical fancy into some of his collections--take the current one for example with its emphasis on cut-outs and doll-like designs--each piece is decidedly grown-up, sophisticated, and, above all, exquisitely made.

Some close-up shots of the skirt:


The silk weave on this skirt is incredible and extremely tactile. Once, a male student of mine almost automatically reached out his hand to touch the fabric--eliciting, of course, a stunned cry from me. ("What are you doing?!" I screamed in horror, not realizing that his intent was not to actually grab me but my skirt.)

A sign of quality workmanship is the lining: the unseen part of the garment that matters only to the wearer. This silk lining, in a brilliant emerald shade, is as equally stunning as the rest of the skirt (note the little "Fendi" words all over it):

And my bronze Miu Mius, which I bought separately with no consideration of the skirt. I later realized that the colors matched perfectly. I love the beautiful details: the subtle two-tone palette, the swirly, holey patterns, the peep-toes:

What I Wore: Taste of Summer

Tank: Club Monaco

Skirt: Lela Rose

Sandals: Guiseppe Zanotti

The heat was on this weekend in NYC, and it reminded me how much I love summer!

What I Wore: "Princess"

Cashmere Cardigan: J.Crew

Dress: Luca Luca

White "B" Belt: Fendi

Glitter Sandals: Miu Miu

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A few of my students called me a "princess" today. I suppose all I needed to complete the look was a tiara!

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Have a wonderful weekend. I'm so looking forward to the 80-85 degree weekend weather the weatherman promised us!

What I Wore: Storm

Leather Jacket: Mason

Dress: Zara

Cut-out Wedges: Fendi

I'm always amazed that Zara can churn out quality items for reasonable prices, and this particular find reminds me of old Japanese prints of the sea (happy Earth Day, by the way). The moody palette, the juxtaposition of paper-thin and thick calligraphy brush lines, and the black ties (two for the top in the back and two for the left side at the waist) all work wonderfully together in this delicate piece.

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Although the weatherman promised 60 degree rainy weather, I did not expect it to be so windy and chilly. I think I was the only one outside with bare legs (I got a couple of self-righteous stares, but oh well). Yesterday's thermometer also read 60 degrees, but it was a humid, warm 60 degrees. That's NYC weather for you--two straight days of 60 degree weather can mean two completely different things.

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On an unrelated note, I just found out from my eye doctor that my prescription has, YET AGAIN, worsened. Argh. I don't know about the rest of you, but I haven't experienced this "stabilization" that doctors promise when you've hit my age bracket.

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Here's a shot of the back of the dress. It's hard to tell but the back dips a little, so when you tie the strips at the top, it forms a nice cut-out effect:

And my wedges (I'm trying to pay more attention to the rest of my shoes):

What I Wore: Nautical

Jacket: Club Monaco

Dress: Zac Posen

Cameo Necklace: Unknown

Geode Necklace: Club Monaco

Platforms: BCBG

After much internal debating and listening to the robust encouragement of my fellow bloggers, I finally purchased the stingray platforms. Some of you may remember from my previous posts that I absolutely adore stingray (I find anything aquatic, whether edible or fashionable, utterly irresistible). The tough, pebbled skin is quite tactile and durable--and, of course, stunning. On a side note, I think I am developing an addiction to platforms and a taste for sky high heels! Towering over my students has proven quite useful...

What I Wore: Thumbelina and the Golden Lace

Leather Jacket: Rick Owens
Blouse: Zara
Gold and Ruby Necklace: Satya
Lace Skirt: Prada
Tights: H&M
Platforms: YSL

Okay...so it's no golden fleece, but I think it's pretty damn amazing.


Satya has some wonderful Indian-inspired jewelry at reasonable prices. I adore the rich, intense color in Indian jewelry. If money were no object, I'd buy everything in Reinstein Ross's delectable store.

What I Wore: Easy Being Green

Cashmere Sweater: Vince

Dress: BCBG

Belt: Max Azria

Leggings: H&M

Sandals: Max Kibardin

A shot of the dress with the leather jacket, which I wore over the outfit:

Since it's hard to see the beautiful bib and lace detailing on the dress, here's a close up of it:

The stud belt:

A cocktail ring that I bought in Miami:

And these magnificent Max Kibardin sandals, which are made of python, plastic, and leather, are one of my favorite pairs:

White Hot

Dior Safari Croc-Embossed Sandals

What I Wore: Touch of Red

Bell-sleeved Blouse: Philip Lim for Gap

Necklace: Vera Wang

Skirt: Peter Som

Sandals: YSL

I rarely wear red for some odd reason, but I love the idea of a splash of red to compliment brown hues:

I'm not sure what this skirt is made of, but it has a furry feel to it. Mohair, perhaps?

I need a pair of YSLs in every color and shape...

What I Wore: Graphic Graphite

Leather Jacket: Rick Owens

Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Sweater: Club Monaco

Skirt: 6267 (AKA Aquilano.Rimondi)

Tights: H&M

Pumps: YSL

The leather jacket has side ties that I instead tied towards the back to create a looser silhouette.

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I don't normally wear a lot of print, but I loved the geometric print on this one--and it doesn't hurt that its graphite color palette is so neutral.

On One's Shoulder...

Angel?

Or devil?

Both of these spectacular Fendi dresses are on my wish list. Too bad they're mind-blowingly exorbitant.