ASK ME ANYTHING...

A recap from Instagram with additional commentary.

I receive a lot of questions in my Instagram DMs and think the answers would be of interest to a broader audience, so I posted another Ask Me Anything over the weekend. Because I realize not all of you are active on Instagram, I’m sharing some of the highlights with additional commentary here. As always, links are saved in my ShopMy.

I’VE SAVED ALL OF THE LINKS HERE

~ What are your recommendations for flat shoes for summer travel? Not sneakers.

~ For a closed toe option, I rely on Alaia perforated Mary Janes. They look polished but casual and work with almost everything. The rubber sole keeps my foot secure on uneven surfaces and adds a light cushion to an otherwise thin soled shoe. They’ve been my go-to on the last European trips to Florence, Zurich, Lisbon and Madrid.

If you want something more accessible, the Margaux Mary Jane is very comfortable, but for all day walking, I would recommend adding an insole for support. Same thought for this pared back Mary Jane which is simple and would go with everything. A friend swears by her Rothy’s espadrille for all around comfort, support and style.

~ Shoes for wide feet that actually look stylish.

~ Margaux offers almost every style in wide and narrow widths. For a casual sandal, try these with an adjustable strap.

~ Best style of flat to wear with wide leg cropped pants?

~ A grounded flat in a clean silhouette is the right move. You want something that anchors the proportion. A Mary Jane, sandal or loafer work. Avoid overly chunky or sporty styles unless the rest of the look supports it. The goal is balance.

~ Your most comfortable travel sneaker that does not look athletic?

~ The Ecco Soft 60 Aeon. I have recommended these more times than I can count and the response is always the same. Comfortable immediately. No break-in period. They work with trousers, cropped pants, denim. They’ve held up beautifully, even after walking in the rain.

~ Who makes your brown tasseled loafers? How do they run?

~ Emilia Wickstead. One of my favorites. I have them in a deep chocolate brown. They are substantial without being heavy and the tassel gives them personality without being fussy. They look particularly good with a straight, cropped jean. They are part of a collaboration with Grenson and run TTS.

~ Travel crossbody purse for walking around a city?

~ Something lightweight and semi-sporty. I have the Prada Re-Edition nylon bag and it has been very good. Lots of zippers, spacious interior. Large enough to hold a mini-umbrella. It’s incredibly practical but looks intentional. If you want more polished, a small crossbody with a simple strap and a flap closure is the most practical. The Dior Bobby remains one of my favorites.

~ Details on styling jewelry. How do you approach layering necklaces, stacking bracelets and rings?

~ I like layering necklaces that all rest at about the same place below my neck. The necklaces above are a combination of a malachite/gold/diamond Zoe Chicco piece worn over a tennis necklace. I like to keep the diamonds under whatever goes on top. Sometimes I’ll add a third layer depending on my mood. I mix metals and widths without overthinking it too much. Pearls, gemstones, colorful beaded necklaces all add personality. I stack bracelets and rings with the same approach - mixing eternity bands with something more substantial, smooth cuffs with one or two textured.

~Details on your gold necklace. I want a charm necklace but don’t know where to start.

Lots of requests for info on my gold necklace and charms. They were all bought at separate times so there’s not an exact item to link to, but I’ve added lots of similar ideas on the ShopMy page with link chain necklaces and charms. Start with one piece you love and build from there. Decide the length of the chain you’ll wear most often and if you want the charms to hang directly from the chain or a connector. Collect charms over time as something speaks to you. They make great gifts for special occasions - Mother’s Day, Anniversary, new baby. It doesn’t need to be assembled all at once and is even more interesting when changed occasionally. Foundrae, Zoe Chicco, Jennifer Fisher, and Devon Woodhill have some of my favorite options.

~ Bracelets. Where do you source them? How do you style them? Do you mix metals?

~ Sidney Garber bracelets are a favorite. I tell my husband he can never go wrong if he’s wondering what to gift me. They’re comfortable, easy to put on and look good stacked or solo. In general, I prefer a cuff bracelet since I have a tiny wrist. Most bangles slide right off. Vintage is always a good source too. I mix metals all the time and think a variety of textures and widths add the most interest.

~ Favorite gold hoops for everyday?

~ I like something with a twist. If it’s a simple gold hoop, make it chunky. If it’s more straightforward, then I want an interesting detail. I love these and they’re 20% off through May 12.

~ What styles of white denim are you wearing the most?

~ Lately, I’ve been rotating through four styles - a cropped leg (above), a slim straight style, a patch pocket trouser jean and a high waist wide leg in natural denim. I choose based on activity and shoe then go from there. They’re a mix between TWP and J.Crew.

~What inspires you about fashion?

Fashion is a way to express personality and project how I feel. I’m constantly inspired from travel, interior design, friends, and older magazine editorials for starters. Shopping well curated boutiques should not be overlooked and always energizes my creativity. I doubt I would have looked twice at a pair of yellow pants online, but shopping live at a local boutique - Michael Nusskern - I was immediately taken with the color. Same thought for the white crinkled top from Emeline. The texture drew me in - something I don’t think translates well to online shopping. The pink sweater, gifted from &DAUGHTER, adds a punctuation mark. This monogrammed wicker bag (it’s waterproof) has been with me on my last few trips.

~ Do you use a travel planner? Where are you going next?

I do my own research and then use an agent to handle the actual bookings. The research is the part I am not willing to delegate. I usually know exactly where I want to stay, which restaurants I want to try, and roughly what each day should look like before I contact anyone.

Using an agent to book is practical. They have relationships with hotels, can sometimes secure better rooms or small upgrades, and handle the logistics so I am not emailing back and forth on my own time. Once I decide on the trip, I give my agent the dates and she finds the best flights, rates, and knows my preference for aircraft and seating. It saves me a lot of time. But the vision is always mine going in.

~ Next up is the Italian coast. Mezzatorre on Ischia, followed by Il Pellicano, then Pensione America in Forte dei Marmi. I’ve been planning this one for a while and it has finally come together. Il Pellicano barely needs an introduction - a well known chic Italian stay. The Mezzatorre on Ischia is a sister property in the Pellicano group. I trust them to do it right. And Forte dei Marmi is a place I visited decades ago and have wanted to return ever since. A quintessential Italian beach town. More on all of this to come.

~Packing for European summer vacation.

For now, I’ll refer back to previous posts whose theme remains the same. The category of items hasn’t changed but I’ll need to update links for current availability. PACKING FOR SPRING TRAVEL, and PACK LESS, WEAR MORE are good places to start. (The travel series including posts on packing are reserved for paid subscribers.)

~ How do you style your hair??

I wear my hair back, styled off my face most often. When using the right products, it’s the easiest way for me to deal with my thin, fine hair with minimal effort. I start with a heat spray and a styling balm then blow dry. Texture spray adds grip and hold, followed by a styling serum for definition and shine. Occasionally, I need a little more grip, so I’ll work a small amount of volume powder through the roots. Hairspray if the occasion/weather calls for more hold.

~ Lipstick shade?

~ Je Reve from Westman Atelier.

~ Clean deodorant recommendation?

~ Salt and Stone. The Santal and Vetiver scent. It works and smells good. I transitioned some time ago and have not gone back.

~What do you eat for breakfast and lunch? How do you stay fit? Workout schedule? How tall are you?

Every morning - old fashioned oats, scoop of fiber, and whatever fruit is in season. Lunch varies depending on where I am, but usually ends up being a protein (leftover from dinner) plus a grain or greens. And if I’m home, more fruit. I believe a protein focused diet is important, but it doesn’t always pan out. I feel much better with limited amounts each day.

When I turned 60, I made the commitment to strength train. I’d seen my parents weaken with age and all of the problems associated with muscle loss, strength, and balance. I decided to make the effort to go down a different path and hope to be in a better position to handle aging with a stronger body. I strength train three times a week, do a pilates class occasionally, and walk every morning. I’m 5’9”.

~How have you found empty nesting and the mid-life transition to be?

I’ve been an empty nester for 10 years and look at this phase as another chapter in life. At first I missed the routine my son’s lives created for me with school and sporting events, the nightly dinners, and the buzz in the house, but time passes and a quieter home is the new norm.

For me, it’s important to keep busy. Projects, traveling, learning, socializing, and working on A NOTE ON STYLE have been very fulfilling.

I was about to add I’m fortunate that I can see both of my boys often since they’re only an hour from home, but that just changed with one moving to NY last month. Another chapter begins.

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