A few weeks ago I fell off the wagon. Again. At Bergdorf’s. I bought a Moschino dress (a designer I’ve been coveting for years but could never really make work until this moment) and Michael Kors Collection top-both black both way too heavy for now. Qu’elle triste…I also tried on a Balenciaga skirt and loved it but it was a print and I never wear prints so I was afraid to spend the money thinking I’d take it home and never wear it and while it was marked down three times we’re not talking any ol' H&M markdown. I can’t afford to let it sit in my closet unworn. I didn’t buy it but I was thinking about it. And I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I showed my GBF the dress and the top-the top is cool, black cashmere sleeveless shell that hits just below my hips, smooth over the front and is a big bubble in the back. A smiling, “Oh WOW” popped out of his mouth before he could stop it so I knew he liked it too. Then I showed him the dress and he was very polite but reserved in saying, I have to see that on. I’ll be honest here and tell you that on, it wasn’t the most flattering dress in the world, and by the time my GBF saw it I had realized that though it wasn’t the worst dress in the world, I just bought it because it was marked down three times and was Moschino. A few days later I showed it to my husband who exclaimed, “That looks like an Italian widow grandmother dress-take it back!!” I did. The Balenciaga skirt was still there so I bought it. I was still a bit nervous about the print but I took it to my friend again and he said it was an amazing skirt and I had to keep it. It’s quite a heavy silk and lined in silk so I’ve been waiting for it to be cooler out to wear it though I finally decided I could today. It goes perfectly with my vintage (from my own collection) Donna Karan boyfriend jacket but that’s way too hot for now so I found a more summery jacket to go with it. It took me a long time to get dressed this morning since this is such a new style of outfit for me. I’m usually quite monochromatic so my choice of accessories is easy-just wear the pieces in that color. Alas, with a tan and navy skirt I had many directions to choose. I had to try on 3 or 4 jackets to see which silhouette went best with the skirt, then which top was the right shade of cream for underneath. When it came to shoes I was running out of time and patience so I just grabbed my navy Roger Vivier pumps, though I have 3 pair of cream shoes I could have tried on and worn-I really couldn’t face that. Next time I wear the outfit I’ll try on all the shoes because I’ll already know what jacket and top I can wear. At least it meant I could take the navy Muse bag easily enough. Then it was time for jewelry and I chose the vintage creamy pearls that were my grandmother’s. She wore the double strand as opera length but I lash them to my neck as a choker and tie them behind my ponytail or jacket lapels. I had to try navy bracelets and gold, even pearl. Ultimately, I chose all gold bracelets and watch with my gold and pearl Balenciaga ring. I think it’s a pretty cool outfit, even bordering on what fashion people call “intellectual”.
A woman stopped me on the way to the train and told me I should remember to keep pulling my skirt down during the day. I slowly turned my head to look at her and saw one of the dowdiest creatures on earth but decided to remain polite. I just sneered mildly and said thank you. She wasn't finished yet, however, she smiled brightly, and went on (!?!?!?!?!?!) to tell me that I really should be wearing pantyhose with the skirt like she was with hers. I slowly turned to her once again and quietly replied, “Let’s take a look at the hideous dowdy outfit you have on today and then at the chic stylish ensemble I do, all from Paris or important French couturiers and then decide exactly where I should take my fashion cues, shall we”? I turned my back on her and walked quickly away, sat down and opened my New York Magazine, Fall Fashion Issue to see what I did need to know for fall.
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