SPECIAL ADDITIONS
New pieces to amplify styling options.
I’ve been very selective in my purchases lately. I already have a closet full of items collected over the years that I love and still wear. Occasionally, I’ll consider parting with a piece simply to make room for something new but only after I ask myself if I’d buy it again today. More times than not, I would, so I’ll hold on to it. Another question I ask when contemplating a new purchase is how it will impact my wardrobe. Does it add anything fresh? Do I already own something similar? Can I style it multiple ways? And often, can I wear it with denim?
above: David Yurman Gold Pave Diamond Pendant; Khaite Lotus Calf Hair Shoulder Bag; Loulou de Saison Mary Jane flats; Nour Hammour pencil skirt; Violette_Fr Bisou Balm in Betise; Lelet NY 14K Gold Chain Bobby Pin; Nili Lotan Blouse; Jamier Haller Loafers
Toteme Paneled Calf Hair Midi Skirt; Khaite Calf Hair Belt; Aeyde Mary Jane; Le Monde Beryl Calf Hair Ballet Flat; Khaite Simona Navy Shoulder Bag; Toteme T-Lock Pony Hair Clutch burgundy or black; Gorski Faux Shearling Coat
The selection in this post satisfy all of those needs. I’m referring to them as a broad idea and don’t want to lock into a specific item. For example, you’ll see a variety of crushed velvet or calf hair items. But knowing they’re available from a wide range of brands and price points allows the opportunity to find the one that works for you. The rich sheen is the important part of the look. The key is how it would integrate with other pieces in my closet. I’m considering the selected styles posted first because they align nicely with what I already own. A pencil skirt or jacket are my top two picks for clothing. I’d wear the skirt with a crisp poplin, a chunky knit, or a relaxed sweatshirt. A jacket or coat is straight forward and would really be great over anything. A Mary Jane, ballet or low heel pump are all good contenders for shoes (with a personal preference for the Mary Jane) and a handbag (so many gorgeous options) satisfy accessorizing. Of all the options though, it comes down to a single piece. One and done or the style quotient gets lost. Also look at: The Row Crushed Velvet Coat; Mansur Gavriel Ballerina; Loulou de Saison Coat
Clockwise from top left: David Yurman Malachite with Diamonds $3600; Carnelian Pegasus Charm $198; Devon Woodhill Book Charm $2750 (can be personalized); Single Diamond Baroque Pearl $300; Elizabeth Locke Queen Bee Onyx $7050; Vintage Cultured Baroque Pearl with Leaves $1395; Marla Aaron Itty Bitty Diamond Pendant $1925; Devon Woodhill Blue Topaz Moon $1250; Jenna Blake Acorn Charm $2800-$3800; Gemella Opal and Aquamarine Heart $1760; By Pariah Agate and Diamond Pebble $3000
Jewelry is another addition I can almost always justify. I love a good stack of necklaces to project personality. Interesting charms are where the creativity lies and mixing not matching creates visual interest. If you have a collection of gold charms, add one in a colored stone or an anchor piece in pave diamonds. I’m a little weaker in scrutinizing this type of purchase and act more on instinct and emotion. No regrettable purchases so far. I love the selection above and couldn’t name a favorite. They’re all good. Priced from $198 to $7,050.
TWP Black Pintucked Silk Organza Blouse (also in brown) ; Gabriela Hearst Tie-Neck Silk Blouse; TWP Sequin on Stripe Shirt; Nili Lotan Cascading Ruffles
Moving on to blouses with impact. They’re such an easy item to style. Paired with denim is one of my most worn uniforms for going out to dinner. It’s the only thing visible once seated at a table, so make it special. I’ve talked endlessly about my preference for Nili Lotan blouses and own several. The quality is good and the cuts are long enough for a comfortable tuck. I pick a style that works for me (the bow ties are a favorite) then buy more colors or prints. Newest to catch my eye is the Lily - a heavily ruffled silk style. It looks so interesting in Cognac, a muddy tan that’s less predictable than ivory which could look fussy or black where the details might disappear. Pair with dark or light jeans, white even, wear buttoned up or open, and definitely add gold jewelry to keep the color alive.
Ganni Leopard Print Tie-Neck Blouse; Frame Black Velvet Trimmed Silk Chiffon blouse; Nili Lotan Leopard Chiffon Blouse;Veronica Beard Moss High Neck Blouse
VIOLETTE_FR Plume Lip Stain in Rose Fume and Bisou Balm in Betise; Lelet NY 14K Gold Chain Hair Pins; Alexandre de Paris Acetate Pearl Hait Pin in natural or black; Images courtesy of The Row
I love wearing tan, beige and camel tones but they’re not face friendly unless I add a bright lip. It’s always a challenge to get a red lip right. The color is obviously important but the application and staying power hold equal weight. I’m obsessed with two recently discovered VIOLETTE_FR products that perform beautifully. For a bold lip with serious staying power, I use the Feather Matte Lip Whip and blur the edges with my fingertip. The Rose Fume is such a pretty color. If I want to freshen up mid day, I’ll layer on the Sheer Matte Balm in Betise to add a little moisture without sheen. I’ve never been fond of a red lip with shine. The balm also works on it’s own when I want to wear just a hint of color. I keep one at home on my vanity and one in my bag.
A final note on adding a little something special. Right now hair accessories are top contenders. If I had long hair, I’d be very into the beautiful combs and clips abundantly available. Thanks to The Row for the updated twist…it really is a stunning look. Shorter hair can benefit from more delicate clips or barrettes. These little 14K gold chain bows are charming.
All items in this post, plus many more in a range of price points available on ShopMy: