Something to Wear

Among all the booties and shboots filling the stores and providing us all with fond memories of Desperately Seeking Susan, here's a pair from Cole Haan that has been calling my name and fits perfectly with my sense of style. I live in skirts, dresses and jeans. Rarely (if ever) wear pants, so my perfect boots are tall, slim, high-heeled and full of character.


Last fall I embarked on a search for the perfect denim skirt. I found it at J. Crew. That skirt was a great purchase. I wear it year-round, dress it up and down, with boots or sandals, colors or neutrals, and it always looks good. This season they have a new skirt, in a beautiful grey-ish wash, which promptly joined my wardrobe.

A word of advice if you're a size zero: Call the store in advance, because most locations are already out of it. They'd gladly order it for you, but you can do that yourself. While I was at it, I stocked up on opaque tights (20% off when buying three pairs or more).

At Last

After a month-long search for the perfect denim pencil skirt that took me where no woman wants to go, I finally found it at J. Crew.

The picture from their website doesn't do it justice, probably because of the awful, preppy-on-crack styling. I'm wearing it with a soft, sexy top (silk for now, a deep v-neck cashmere later), very high heels (red or brown Manolo mary-janes) and interesting jewelry. Wool ballet flats are not for this short non-blonde.

New for Fall: Fins

The other day I was shopping in the city, full of good intention to get a head start on my fall wardrobe. I went into the Anthropologie store on 5th Avenue, where I frequently find interesting pieces. I never wear Anthropologie from head to toe, because it can give one the unfortunate look of an art teacher on crack. But I love pairing their skirts with a simple J. Crew white t-shirt or a frilly, lacy top with skinny jeans, under a well-cut Tahari jacket.

One of the first items I spotted that day was a denim pencil skirt. I had this vision of wearing this skirt with a snug red or white cashmere sweater and a pair of red Manolos. I grabbed the skirt and a few other items and headed downstairs to the (perpetually poorly lit) fitting rooms.

The picture doesn't show the really nice, feminine cut of the skirt or the beautiful, modern denim wash. You can't see all the details that make it pretty, but notice that unlike most other denim skirts it doesn't have a fly-front or the common 5-pocket cut. Instead, it has an a-symmetric button placket (not very convenient, but forgivable) and adjustable D-rings tightening the waist (very cute).

The only problem: the side pockets have ruffles sticking from them. You can't see it in the picture and it isn't noticeable until you put the skirt on. But the second you finish re-buttoning the front you realize that your hips are sprouting something that looks exactly like fins.

Now, I'm a size zero and even then I often have to get skirts taken in, because they're too roomy at the hip. Still, I have no wish to draw any special attention to that area. I don't even want to think how grotesque these fins look on someone a bit wider than me. Who is the designer responsible for this monstrosity and what was he/she thinking?

As far as I'm concerned, this skirt is unwearable. So I'm still searching for the perfect little denim skirt, with a lady-like cut and button front. Any tips to where I can get it would be highly appreciated.

Fashion Notes

Last Tuesday I attended two fashion trade shows in Manhattan. The first one was all about menswear, the second was mostly denim. Both were interesting. I can't say that I spotted any revolutinary trend or have a big scoop, but clothes are always fun. Two things of note: I was happy to see that color is continuing to be big in men's clothes. I've always loved Paul Smith's designs, and the last couple of years have seen colorful stripes everywhere. It looks like more and more designers are offering their take on this look.

When it comes to denim, skinny jeans are here to stay. I'm happy about this this, as I wouldn't want to retire my Harlans any time soon. Fortunately for skinny haters, this is not the only option available. There are still enough bootcuts and I even spotted a flare or two.


(Photo is of a Paul Smith designed mini from 1998)