SUDDENLY, it’s not summer anymore. But it doesn’t feel like fall either. So, at an outdoor event the other evening when the Fahreinheit dipped to 70, if I had had to guess which season it was by what the crowd wore, I’d have been stumped.
There was a woman at a table next to me in a white knee-length eyelet dress with three-quarter sleeves; under a gazebo bar a woman in an olive sleeveless linen shirt was chatting with a friend wearing black pants with a white-and-black wool sweater. I kind of did a double-take when I saw another woman in a blazer, jeans and ankle boots. Preferring to prolong summer, I wore white canvas pants with a long-sleeved print shirt. I’m a believer in wearing white after Labor Day, but my clothing that night felt off.
Climate Change
Global warming doesn’t make between-season dressing any easier. But surely there must be some wardrobe choices between full-blown fall and high summer. I was determined to find a few pieces that could see me through the next few weeks and later on.
Coincidentally, as I was looking for season-less staples, I noticed preppy-style blazers, loafers and striped sweaters showing up in my browser.
Hello, Preppy
No coincidence, according to recent articles in The Guardian and Financial Times. The preppy look has been making a comeback for a decade, spurred by millennials who are moving away from hoodies and sneakers to more classic looks. The Real Real reports that searches for streetwear brands Vetements and Yeezy are down 24 and 25% respectively, while searches for the Ralph Lauren label are up by 238%.
Here, we’ve chosen some preppy-ish cords in mustard and moss corduroy, a long-sleeve cotton polo in charcoal gray, a double-breasted jacket in a silk plaid, a lightweight knit turtleneck and a brightly colored wool vest to stylishly bridge the between-season chasm.
LEFT: Ralph Lauren is a master at interpreting menswear for women. To wit, this Double-Breasted Blazer ($598) crafted from a blend of Italian linen and silk yarn with a houndstooth pattern. Peak lapels and pockets that take a page from menswear complete the tailored appeal. Styled with a graphic T-shirt and cotton twill belted pants, it’s a picture of relaxed elegance.
RIGHT: In between a skinny and straight leg, these Sheri Slim jeans with stretch corduroy fabric and NYDJs’ lift-and-tuck technology are designed to flatter front and rear. They’re $119 at Nordstrom.
LEFT: If you’re drawn to deep, luscious hues, consider designer Molly Goddard’s Lambswool Sweater Vest ($365, Matches Fashion). A mix of muted burgundy and bright pink stripes, it’s a celebration of color on a layering piece for all, er, most seasons.
RIGHT: From its eco-friendly Committed collection comes Mango’s version of a suede baguette bag ($79.99) with an adjustable strap. It’s also quite a bit more wallet-friendly than Carrie Bradshaw’s beloved Fendi.
LEFT: Once upon a time, I had a pair of slouchy moss-colored cords from Sisley (former label under the Benetton umbrella) that I wore on repeat. I’ve not found any since that I loved as much. But I am tempted by this retro-looking Jane Corduroy Pant ($348) from Kate Spade kissing cousin Frances Valentine with its mid-rise, wide leg and wide-wale corduroy. I can envision the always-original Kate Spade would them with a short-sleeved sweater and kitten heels. The pants are also available in red, navy, pink, green and pale blue.
RIGHT: Eileen Fisher’s Ribbed Pima Cotton Blend Top with sustainable Tencel™ Lyocell ($128) could be the quintessential layering turtleneck. The slightly longer sleeves are made for scrunching, the fit is slim and the fabric is light enough to prevent overheating. This wheat color will span the seasons, but it also comes in black, beige and pale green.
LEFT: J. McLaughlin’s Dillon Leather Loafer ($268) is about as traditional-looking as it gets. A classic in a classic color, accented with a bamboo-style buckle.
RIGHT: Flats with croc-embossed leather from Schutz updates the loafer with a more modern, but not overly clunky-looking, lug s0le. They’re $128 from Shopbop.
LEFT: A chunky, cotton knit pullover crewneck ($120, Alex Mill), this sweater with balloon sleeves and dropped shoulder buttons at the back for a bit of novelty. That means, depending on your whim, you can wear it as a cardigan. It’s available in five other colors, as well as a khaki and white stripe combination.
RIGHT: Dooney & Bourke’s Suede Drawstring bag with a removable crossbody strap is not too deep and not too wide, so your keys, phone, etc., won’t go missing in a bottomless pit. Plus, three interior pockets assist with organization. It’s $268 from Zappos.
LEFT: This long-sleeve Polo Shirt ($98.50) in cotton piqué is the kind of top that would quality as a uniform in my lexicon. Wear it with a high-waisted belted pant now; under a sweater or jacket when the weather cools. It’s also available in white, from Ralph Lauren.
RIGHT: For anyone who prefers a jacket in a longer length, try Banana Republic’s Long & Lean Fit Wool-Blend Blazer $209, which sits just below the hips. Depending on the outside temp, wear with a sweater tank or a turtleneck and matching pants or corduroys. Whittle your waist with a coordinating belt and grab an oversize satchel. Did we mention this jacket is machine washable?
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale. We are also an Amazon Associate.
PLENTY OF SUNNY (probably) days lie ahead, but Labor Day marks the unofficial end of the season —and we’re feeling that back-to-school, back-to-work vibe. Speaking of back to work, MyLittleBird will be back to business nextTuesday.
Hope you’ve enjoyed our parade of postcards from near and far. Thanks, Kathy!
THE LAST long weekend of summer is arriving, and this old postcard has us dreaming of escaping to the beach, wiggling our toes in the sand and cooling off in the surf. Even finishing that doorstop of a book we’re reading because we thought we had so much free time. Ha!
We’re off a few more days, returning to our virtual office and resuming our regularly scheduled posts on Tuesday, September 7.
MYLITTLEBIRD is out of the office this week. We’ll be back next Tuesday, September 7.
In the meantime, we’re busy making the most of the end of summer. But like you — we guess— we’re not going to any exotic places, except for Stephanie who’s in OMG Florida.
Nope, we’re staying close to home. But we really liked these travel postcards our fab art director Kathy Legg found and thought you would, too. One can still dream.
REMEMBER when it became a kind of a popular parlor game to imagine what you’d want/need if you happened to get stranded on a desert island? Despite the chances of that happening— unless you’re Tom Hanks in the 2000 film Cast Away or more recently, Matt Damon on Mars—are slim to none.
On a far more frivolous level, I’ve been thinking about the cosmetics I can’t /don’t want to do without on an everyday basis. In my unruly stash, products do come and go, but two have remained constant—concealer and highlighter. Mascara comes in third but currently I have no uncontested favorite.
Over the past, say, 15 years, I’ve been faithful to Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat’s Radiant Under-Eye Concealer . Although the formula has changed along with the name, I don’t see any appreciable difference. When I first began using it, YSL offered about four or five shades; now there are 15 to choose from. I stick with porcelain, which has a pinkish undertone, and beige, which is slightly darker, during the summer. Even though it contains hyaluronic acid—which can help boost skin moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles—I use a little moisturizer under it so it goes on more smoothly. It also contains caffeine to reduce under-eye puffiness and swelling, as well as antioxidant Vitamin E and calendula oil, which has skin-soothing properties.
On first use, you have to click the pen a few times to get the liquid flowing into the brush applicator. After that, a click or two lets you dispense the amount you need onto the very fine, pointy-shaped brush. Some concealers I’ve used have sponge-like applicator tips, which invariably get gloppy after a month or two. The one drawback to YSL’s concealer is you can’t see how much product you have left; the only sign that you’ve run out is when you click, nothing more comes out. But it lasts a long time (I usually keep one for six months), and I use it not only around my eyes, but also to camouflage any other dark spots on my face and around my nose.
My other, more recent favorite comes from Westman Atelier, the company founded by makeup-artist-to-the-models-and-stars, Gucci Westman. I first noticed her line about five years ago on a random afternoon trip to the much-missed cosmetics floor of Barneys New York. If there were ever a place that could make you believe in the magic of makeup, this was it. Anyway, I fell for a couple of Westman products, notably the Lit Up Highlighter, a translucent gel that gives your face a dewy—not shiny–look. Gucci advises (in her videos) dabbing it on with your fingers onto tops of cheeks, cheekbones, on cupid’s bow and tear ducts. I wear it under or over a matte foundation or just by itself if I’m heading out early in the morning when I really need some oomph to perk up my face.
I HAVE gained so much weight during this pandemic that even my mantra doesn’t fit anymore. I’ve been waiting for Covid to cease and desist before starting my diet, but the way things look that might not ever happen. So now I need a new diet and a new mantra, two things that are hard to shop for.
My old mantra worked like a charm. Normally the minute I started repeating the opening lines in my head —“Let nothing upset you, let nothing frighten you” — I would start to relax. But now I just figuratively roll my eyes and think, “That’s a crock, because everything upsets me and most things frighten me.” (Calling your mantra a crock is not a good sign.) Anyway, I think I found one.
As for a new diet, that’s easy. The one I’m leaning towards involves no eating whatsoever. No weighing and measuring, no writing anything down. All I have to do is keep my mouth shut and repeat my new mantra:
From left to right: Ganni tiger-print shirt, Samsøe Samsøe sweater dress and fab graphic jacket from the fall 2021 runway of Rodebjer.
By Janet Kelly
THAT EXCITING, kind-of frenzied period known as Fashion Week is scheduled to begin this year on September 7 in New York and go on to London, Milan and then Paris, before ending in early October. Lately, though, those four esteemed fashion capitals are facing some stiff competition—from the north. During Copenhagen Fashion Week, which ended August 13, emerging and established Scandinavian brands sent their innovative, colorful designs down the runway—to the increasing approval from the fashion cognoscenti.
If your vision of Scandi design hasn’t evolved beyond its reputation for minimalism and functionality on one hand and Marimekko’s poppy prints on the other, you’re missing out.
Plus, given the fashion industry’s substantial environmental impact, these labels from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland are committed to the goal of reducing waste and increasing sustainability.
Fall’s just around the corner and so is our urge to recharge our wardrobes with something new and different. With that in mind, we figured a download on some of these brands was in order:
Copenhagen-based Ganni is probably the one you’ve heard most about—we’ve mentioned them in this space more than a few times. Just saying. Ganni’s standout pieces include graphic shirts, oversized collar blouses and new takes on denim. Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Heste founded their brand in Copenhagen in 1999, focusing on quality fabrics and patterns with a hint of quirk. Stine Goya hit the refresh button on its color palette and combined it with high-octane prints. Swedish designer Carin Rodebjer also has a penchant for prints. Oslo-based Holzweiler began as a scarf brand and branched out to sweaters; Saks Potts’s specialty is eye-catching outerwear, while Samsøe Samsøe earns its design stripes with tailored, wearable pieces.
Also on our radar are Gestusz, Rotate and Cecile Bahnsen, who styles her pricey, sometimes frothy baby doll dresses with comfy sneakers.
Below, a look at the quintessentially Scandinavian skirts, shirts, sweaters, jackets and coats in our shopping sights:
LEFT: An A-line, all-cotton checked midi skirt ($220, Farfetch) with practical pockets and a forgiving elastic waistband is part of Baum und Pferdgarten’s fall collection.
RIGHT: Pair this hand-knitted, cropped cotton sweater vest ($379, Farfetch) with the skirt above, and you’ve got yourself a statement look. Too too? It will also look perfect with a pair of high-waisted white pants and/or jeans.
LEFT: We’re all in need of some feel-good moments. Stine Goya delivers with its marriage of optimistic colors and big prints. This Fair Isle Knit Sweater in a wool, alpaca and poly blend is $425 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
RIGHT: Florals, anyone? Yes, but with an edge. The print on Stine Goya’s Hunter Twill Midi Dress ($340, Neiman Marcus) is cheekily named Opium Ocean and is made from 70% recycled polyester, a green alternative requiring less energy to manufacture and producing less pollution.
LEFT: Unlike fast fashion’s raison d’être, Swedish designer Carin Rodebjer’s goal is to create clothing that’s built to last. Made of recycled wool and polyester, the oversized Waris jacket ($795) takes its inspiration from the classic windbreaker and then adds big patch pockets and a drawstrings on the statement collar to personalize the style.
RIGHT: The showstopper of Rodebjer’s fall 2021 runway, the exuberantly graphic blue and white coat with furry collar is made from a combination of recycled wool and cotton. For even more of a statement, pair it with cigarette pants—in mustard.
LEFT: Ganni’s Tiger Print Notch Collar Shirt plays on the look of the classic button-down with a striking print and a relaxed-fit, stretchy crinkled-satin fabric. It’s $195 at Farfetch.
CENTER: Not yesterday’s or last year’s denim jacket ($351, Farfetch), Ganni breaks the mold with an oversized, ruffled peter-pan bib collar and fun toggle buttons. Also, it’s made of certified organic cotton—with a lower environmental impact (it uses less water and has fewer greenhouse gas emissions).
RIGHT: Go for green literally and figuratively and get your new season knitwear fix in a slouchy V-neck, recycled wool-blend sweater ($195, Nordstrom). Layer it over a crisp white shirt and pair with a leather midi-skirt.
LEFT: Oslo-based Holzweiler creates functional styles with a focus on sustainability— each piece is made with deadstock and recycled fabric. Hailing from Oslo, Norway, Holzweiler began as a scarf brand (don’t miss their checked scarves) and instantly became a hit. Made from an alpaca and wool blend, this oversize, multicolor knitted sweater is $218 at Farfetch.
RIGHT: My go-to throw-on before I go out the door is a zippered navy nylon jacket that’s suited for the gym but, er, not much more. I’d gladly up my game with Holzweiler’s knitted cardigan ($485). It was love at first sight for those wide sleeves, big pockets, slouchy fit and mix of pink hues.
LEFT: Intent on designing an all-time classic staple in a woman’s wardrobe, Saks Potts’s Barbara Potts and Cathrine Saks rose to the occasion. This Solvejtrenchcoat ($843) has all the requisite features—raglan sleeves and deep back yoke. Anticipating the need for extra warmth on late fall and early winter days, the designers lined the cuffs and collar with Harris Tweed and added a detachable inner vest, also in the same tweed that can be worn separately. Inside pockets accommodate a smartphone, AirPods, wallet, keys, even a newspaper!
RIGHT: Saks Potts’ wheelhouse is outerwear, like this gorgeous, swoon-worthy pale green leather Amalie Coat ($1,921) with contrast piping and sleeves with button cuffs.
LEFT: An eminently practical but sophisticated sweater dress ($310, Nordstrom) in a season-spanning neutral from Samsøe Samsøe. Cheers for the white buttons and slightly flared hem. Wear with bare legs in early fall, then slouchy boots when the Fahrenheit falls.
RIGHT: A utilitarian jacket in bubblegum pink and brushed cotton corduroy from Samsøe Samsøe could lift one’s spirits any old time of year. It’s $220 at Nordstrom.
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale. We are also an Amazon Associate.
Since writing about dyscalculia in 2019, well-being editor Mary Carpenter has found that the best shorthand explanation for most people is difficulty with estimation—which can interfere with everything from creating a daily schedule to assessing the size of a container needed for leftover food or a suitcase for a week-long vacation.
DIFFICULTY CONVERTING measurements (500g of rice), estimating the length of a familiar drive and figuring out how much to tip may all stem from a common if unfamiliar learning disorder called dyscalculia.
Compared to dyslexia, dyscalculia—also called math dyslexia—affects almost as many people and plays a role in everything from time management (running out of time or arriving very early) to motor function, such as learning a dance routine. And problems with spatial awareness can mean hitting your head on furniture when searching for lost objects.
Under its listing in the DSM-5 under “specific learning disorder,” the explanation “not attributed to intellectual disabilities…” is particularly reassuring for those who mistakenly add zeroes when describing the size of a neighbor’s house or who forget an address immediately after hearing it.
Dyscalculia is increasingly diagnosed in school-age children, affecting 5 to 7% of U.S. students, compared with 5 to 12% for dyslexia. On the other hand, dyslexia research and reports in scientific journals occur nearly 14 times more frequently than dyscalculia.
Even for those considered “good at math” early on, dyscalculia can cause problems, especially once they reach higher-level problems that require manipulating symbols. Having “little creativity with numbers” accompanies uncertainty about solving basic mathematical equations, according to CogniFit.
Many, though, find challenges in “simple mathematical operations,” such as counting backwards, understanding place value and reading analog clocks—and count using their fingers in place of mental calculations.
Memory—both short-term and working memory—plays an important role in most calculations. For solving problems, poor working memory interferes with the temporary storage and manipulation of information needed for keeping track of instructions and paying attention.
And poor short-term memory affects keeping track of formulas and tables, such as for multiplication and fractions, as well as of small amounts of information while completing tasks. Dyscalculia overlaps with attention deficit disorder: about 20% of students with ADD also have dyscalculia.
Basic tools to deal with dyscalculia include keeping scratch paper on hand, for example, at meetings to figure out numerical issues as they arise. Another is to post tables and charts where they might be needed, such as common conversion formulas in the kitchen.
For kitchen and office, time management tools like cellphone alarms and timers can help—especially if kept close at hand with phone belts and timers worn around the neck.
Additude offers a free “symptom test” for adult dyscalculia. CogniFit also offers testing along with a program of “cognitive stimulation”—described as a “series of online therapeutic activities [for] adults with dyscalculia,” based on theories about brain neuroplasticity. These activities are promoted as better tailored for individual profiles than games like sudoku or “brain games” that are touted to improve mental acuity.
(The cost of CogniFit programs, unavailable until you register, is estimated at upwards of $20/month. More importantly, though, research does not yet fully support the beneficial effects of brain games, exercises or activities on neuroplasticity.)
For me, what helped most was simply learning about dyscalculia so that I worry less about my mental functioning when losing track of zeroes in recounting figures or when what looks like a vast expanse of time for running errands turns into a rush. I’ve always known about the need to double-check my numerical reports and for years have relied on an around-the-neck timer for cooking.
What also helped me was that the friend who first told me about experiencing her own dyscalculia is one of the most brilliant and capable women I know.
—Mary Carpenter regularly reports on topical issues in health and medicine.
BEFORE THE virus forced us all to stay home I enjoyed a brief volunteer stint with the American Red Cross of Northern New England. I didn’t save any lives or give cookies to blood donors, but I did help a team of first responders install new fire alarms in a crumbling apartment. Anyway, my name remains on their email list so I get to read about what’s new at the Red Cross. Today I was alerted to an upcoming lecture that piqued my curiosity:
“This presentation is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Feel free to disseminate. Join us as we learn more about what aging means, ageism definitions, theories of ageism, explicit and implicit bias, inter-generational tension and (re)framing principles around aging from our guest speaker with the Gerontological Society of America and the Reframing Aging Initiative.”
I looked up the word “reframing” and learned it means “changing the way situations, experiences, events, idea and/or emotions are viewed.” I must say that as a 74-year-old I was pretty excited, because I’m sick and tired of how older people are denigrated in America. Just this morning my son related a negative encounter he had with one of his students recently, and he explained her lack of credibility this way: “She turned out to be like 65. Sorry Mom, but you know —she’s old.” (There’s some of that inter-generational tension they will be discussing in the lecture.)
Anyway, who isn’t interested in finding out what aging means? I always thought it meant that over time your body starts falling apart and eventually stops working altogether, but I guess I’m wrong. I might have to check it out.
Clockwise from left to right: Vince’s breezy linen tee, eyelash-lengthening mascara and creamy lipstick from Marc Jacobs Beauty, UnderArmour trail shoes with fuchsia soles and Citizens of Humanity cuffed boyfriend jeans.
By Janet Kelly
THE BIG kahuna retail event of August, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, has ended. But if you missed it, there are still opportunities to score late-summer deals.
Through August 17, Dermstore is celebrating its 22nd birthday with its own Anniversary Event. Beauty bargain hunters can swoop up discounts of 10 to 25 percent off luxury skin-care products—the best bets of this sale.
Esteé Lauder is shutting down Becca Cosmetics at the end of September, attributing the closure to the impact of the coronavirus. The result is many of its products are currently selling for half price.
According to Business of Fashion, whether Marc Jacobs Beauty will renew its licensing agreement with its manufacturer remains uncertain. In the midst of the confusion, you can snag the brand’s mascaras and lipsticks for 50% off their original price.
Workout-wear brands Sweaty Betty and Splits59 are marking down the prices of sweats and leggings in colors that will soon be out of season and/or didn’t appeal to their customers.
Pajama sets, white jeans and summery T-shirts add to the mix of on-sale merchandise this month.
Below, what we’re stalking.
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil dissolves even waterproof mascara. By using the code CELEBRATE, get 25% off, which makes it $22.40 during Dermstore’s sale.
A mineral-based, tinted sunscreen, Senté’s Invisible Shield (SPF 52) offers broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection, while giving your skin a little glow. It’s $30.40, down from $38, also at Dermstore.
At Lash’d Lengthening and Curling Mascara in a rich black from Marc Jacobs Beauty is lightweight and buildable in addition to being flake- and smudge-resistant. It’s $14 (reduced from $27) at Sephora. Note: Marc Jacobs Beauty items are selling out fast; I bought a lash conditioner about a month ago, but it’s out of stock now both on the Jacobs site and Sephora.
Becca’s bestseller since 2016 is its Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlighter in champagne pop. Although that shade is not on sale, others, including rose gold and pearl, are reduced from $38 to $19 at Sephora. The brand’s water-resistant, creamy Ultimate Coverage Longwear Concealer, originally $29, is $14.50 on the Becca Cosmetics site.
Plump up your pout with Marc Jacobs Beauty’s Lip Crème Lipstick, which gets high marks for vibrant color, staying power and hydrating ingredients. The So Sofia hue (shown) is a bright watermelon for $16, reduced from $32.
LEFT: Figure-friendly for grown-up girls, Citizens of Humanity jeans are not frequently on sale, but this tapered-fit Peggi Boyfriend style with just a little stretch is. It’s $118.80, reduced from $198 at Bloomingdale’s.
CENTER: I can’t have enough white jeans in summer. Forgive me if I’ve already mentioned this too many times. So, Everlane’s Original Cheeky Jean in a creamy white—reduced from $78 to $50—is a candidate for another pair. Advertised to be engineered for the perfect rear fit, its pockets are set higher and closer together for a lifted look. It’s also available in a curvy fit.
RIGHT: Black denim reads more formal than other hues. These ankle-length High-Rise Stove Pipe Jeans would be a nice transseasonal complement to other pairs in your closet, particularly when they’re on sale at Shopbop, reduced from $189 to $94.50.
LEFT: I’ve lamented about T-shirt prices in this space before. But admittedly, I have a soft spot for anything Vince. I might just rationalize paying $75 ($50 less than the original price) for this Linen Relaxed Elbow Sleeve Crew, thinking I would wear it so much it would practically pay for itself.
CENTER: This mid-weight jersey Perfect Tee from Club Monaco (reduced from $70 to $49) is fitted just right for tucking into jeans or skirts. The pink is only available in limited sizes, but it also comes in cloud blue in more sizes.
RIGHT: If celadon is not your color, Vince’s featherweight cotton Short Sleeve Relaxed Tee (reduced from $85 to $51), take your pick of peach, black or white.
LEFT: You don’t have to reserve this powder-pink Warm Up Fleece Sweatshirt from Los Angeles-based Splits59 for the yoga studio or gym. It’s way too cute not to wear everywhere —and it’s on sale for $65.
CENTER: British brand Sweaty Betty specializes in bum-sculpting, as on these High-Waisted Yoga Leggings that support and compress and stay up when you bend down for a squat or stretch out for downward-facing dog. Select colors (pink, beetle blue and purple) are selling for half the original $108 price.
RIGHT: It turns out that these waterproof, cushioned Under Armour Charged Bandit GTX Trail Shoes with rugged outer soles—in fuchsia, no less—are no longer on sale at Backcountry. They’re $99.99.
LEFT: Printfresh is an appropriate name for this sleepwear brand, whose prints are, well, refreshing. This Clover Pajama Set ($89.95, reduced from $138 ) is available in limited sizes at Anthropologie.
RIGHT: Reduced from $98 to $64.50, J. Crew’s menswear-inspired Long-Sleeve Pajama Set comes in white, rose, navy and hydrangea (shown).
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale. We are also an Amazon Associate.
Since our Well-Being post on microbiome diet-by-algorithm in March, 2019, the field has moved forward with a new selection of products offering more refined analyses and dietary guidelines—though burdensome input requirements may make these worthwhile only for those with diet-related health issues. A MyLittleBird update below:
“EARLY” IS how George Hadjigeorgiou — co-founder of the highly rated, algorithm-based, microbiome-based diet app Zoe—describes both the research and the products. Zoe offers personalized guidance not just on food choices and combinations but also on the timing of consumption—based on users recording every food ingredient consumed throughout every day.
“The [Zoe] program as it is now is for those with a particular problem to solve that can be linked to diet/nutrition,” says Hadjigeorgiou, “whether obesity, high cholesterol or a disease like type 2 diabetes.” Athough Zoe will not release numbers of people using the product, he said that “within this focused group…I can assure you there’s tons of people!”
The “Achilles heel” of all microbiome-related apps continues to be food tracking, writes Richard Sprague on neo.life: “not just because it’s a pain to enter all your meals but because often the healthiest choices are those you make from scratch, at home, with multiple ingredients.”
Sprague explains that “plummeting costs of gene sequencing has brought consumer prices to microbiome technology”—from around $100 for simpler microbiome apps like Thryve, to $499 for Day Two. At $354, Zoe was the “most thorough” app product he tried, with some early successes: the lamb chops he worried might be off-limits were permitted, but only if he added black beans, wilted spinach and a honeycrisp apple.
Meanwhile, researchers continue to document how “the collection of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract … play a role in the etiology of various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and colorectal cancer,” according to Seattle computational biologist Ohad Manor. “Individual clinical blood markers, such as those for diabetes and cholesterol, have been found to be associated with abundances of certain gut bacteria.”
The post below was originally published March 18, 2019:
PERSONALIZED DIETS created by A.I. (artificial intelligence) and based on analysis of an individual’s gut bacteria will prescribe the healthiest specific foods for each person, according to California-based cardiologist Eric Topol. Still in the early stages of development, complicated algorithms will pull together microbiome analysis results along with other variables—including physical activity, sleep, stress, medications, family history and existing medical conditions.
Groundbreaking research by two Israeli investigators in 2014 found that the bacteria populating an individual’s microbiome had a much greater influence on blood-sugar spikes than did specific food or diets. The finding contradicted decades of dietary research, including the largest nutrition study ever, which concluded that the Mediterranean diet provides optimal long-term health for everyone.
Blood-sugar spikes can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as the insulin resistance that causes weight gain and is a precursor to diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs over time when high blood sugar levels put an increasingly heavy load on the pancreas to produce more insulin—which the body needs for metabolizing glucose to produce energy.
Foods that create high blood-sugar levels are considered to have a heavy “glycemic load.” According to two meta-analyses of dozens of studies, people who consumed lower-glycemic-load diets were at lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease than those eating foods with higher glycemic loads.
Unprocessed whole carbohydrates—even a boiled potato—generally have a much lower glycemic load than an equivalent quantity of processed carbohydrates, like a hamburger bun, according to Toronto kidney disease specialist Jason Fung. He uses such comparisons to criticize the common focus on macronutrients—proteins, carbs, fats—rather than on specific foods to create a healthy diet. Among carbohydrates, fructose has a “deadly effect,” he notes.
The finding that the healthiest foods are different for each individual —“the first major development” in the field of nutrition, according to Topol—comes from research by Eran Segal, Eran Elinav and colleagues at the Weizmann Institute of Science, first published in the journal Cell as “Personalized Nutrition by Prediction of Glycemic Responses.” The Weizmann Institute offers online access to diets based on microbiome analysis.
For his own personal gut inspection, Topol donned a blood-glucose sensor and provided a stool sample. The results showed an unusual preponderance of one type of bacteria and advised a list of foods that were healthier—mixed nuts, bratwurst, and cheesecake, for example —and less healthy, like oatmeal and squash. Still in an early state, the algorithm missed at least one important variable, Topol’s pre-existing kidney stones—a condition exacerbated by eating mixed nuts.
An earlier effort to create personalized diets, called nutrigenomics, used genetic profiling to determine an individual’s food choices for ideal health.
While the method failed to garner reliable data, research increasingly supports the “no single diet that’s right for everyone” statement on Berkeley Wellness: Some people do well on low carb/high protein, while others do well on different combinations “partly due to genetic reasons.”
Whatever the diet, individuals also differ in the best way to proceed with healthy prescriptions. For calorie-counting diets, for example, some people do better using a point system while “others prefer a more mindful approach,” according to Berkeley Wellness.
And while some people prefer to go it alone, many do better by choosing a partner, consulting a dietician or joining a structured weight-loss program. Among the longest-enduring of these, Weight Watchers offers an extensive app-based rating system for different foods—but for many members, what matters most is the weekly weigh-ins, and for some the crucial addition of an ongoing support group.
More structured, the residential program offered by the Pritikin Program educates participants on eating for health and weight loss –- and provides a mound of take-home recipes and exercise regimens, according to Florida-based environmental educator K.R., who recently spent a week there. While the high-carbohydrate, very low-fat diet is strict, K.R. appreciated the program’s suggestions for leeway, such allowing an occasional off-diet meal but following that with one that adheres closely.
Like the microbiome algorithm, Pritikin focuses on the effect on insulin levels of different foods and the consequences for weight loss and risk of metabolic syndrome, according to Fung. Saying “any diet that lowers insulin will show incredible benefits,” he also includes Atkins, Paleo and Mediterranean—and supports “intermittent fasting,” eating within a limited time period (usually 8-10 hours) and fasting during the hours that remain.
Even with sophisticated algorithms, some universal diet advice may hold true —for example, that people over 65 may need more protein. “During stressful periods, aging bodies process protein less efficiently and need more of it to maintain muscle mass and strength,” writes Kaiser news columnist Judith Graham.
In a 2018 study that followed more than 2,900 seniors, those who ate the most protein were 30 percent less likely to become functionally impaired —unable to climb stairs —than those who ate the least amount. The current protein recommendation for older adults is more than a gram of protein for every kilo of body weight —for a 150-pound woman, 70 grams or more of protein spread throughout the day, which is a 20 to 50% increase over the RDA (based on studies that rarely include older adults).
The microbiome approach has its detractors. “Most people do not need personalized diets,” Dean Ornish, UCSF medical professor and low-fat diet champion, wrote in response to Topol’s New York Times article. “To say that artificial intelligence is needed to design a diet based on your microbiome is incorrect since a healthy diet can quickly change your microbiome in beneficial ways.” Ornish is especially critical of the recommendation that Topol eat bratwurst, “which the World Health Organization defined as [a] potent carcinogen.”
But even for people who have figured out the best diet for them, an easily accessible algorithm is an appealing means to get a quick health grade for specific foods and could simplify daily dietary choices.
—Mary Carpenter
Every Tuesday in this space, well-being editor Mary Carpenter reports on health news that affects our everyday lives.
EVERYDAY life can be annoying these days. You can’t do anything without getting an email or a text or a phone call afterwards asking you to write a review about your experience. Earlier today I brought my car in for an inspection at a local auto shop. When I paid, I was informed that if I write a review of my service and post it online I will get a free oil change whenever I need one.
First of all, who says I’m bringing my car to them for my next oil change? And secondly, I’m not in the business of public relations. Write your own reviews.
Each time I shop at at L.L. Bean, which I do often because it’s three miles from my front door and just about the only retail establishment still in business after Covid swept through, by the time I get home I’ve received an email from the store asking me to rate my purchase. Hey, I haven’t even had time to take it out of the bag yet—how do I know what I think of it? Not to mention, who cares how I feel? If I like my socks, does that mean you will like the same socks? No, is the correct answer, so what’s the point?
Zebra and poppy prints from Anthropologie; nectarine midi from Staud with matching top.
By Janet Kelly
WHITE OR cream-colored pants in cotton and linen and jeans—straight and wide-leg— are my summer go-tos. Depending on the occasion, I wear them with an assortment of striped tees, polos, silk blouses and white shirts . White makes you look crisp even when you’re anything but.
But as we approach the punishingly hot dog days of August, I’m thinking about what to wear to maximize whatever little breeze may come my way. Mini skirts, though making a big comeback, are not in the game plan. The same goes for shorts. However, I am thinking about jettisoning pants and switching to the knee-length or midi skirts on my radar. Like dresses, they rank high on the comfort level.
A shape-framing silhouette or a longer and fuller style both provide relief from heat-trapping pants. Play with hemlines and waistlines, prints and pleats, and choose from a variety of fabrics—from cotton poplin to voile to linen. As for what to wear with them, how easy is a T-shirt and skirt combination?
There’s also a case for sets—summer skirts and matching or coordinating tops that make a polished statement. Tory Burch showed matchy-matchy picnic-ready looks in gingham, while Boss’s ombre tops blend into their skirts, giving the illusion of one-piece dressing.
Below, our picks, some of which you can wear right through fall.
LEFT: A ’70s-inspired poppy print graces Antik Batik’s pull-on midi skirt (with tassel ties). The lightweight, flowy fabric is fully lined so swirl with abandon. It’s $318 at Anthropologie.
RIGHT: Spiffy-looking, no? J. Crew’s Button-front Skirt ($98.99) with patch pockets is made from a stretch linen fabric (a linen and poly blend) for breathability and easy movement. Also, minimal wrinkling. Add monochromatic polish by pairing it with the relaxed fit of a navy Baird McNutt Irish Linen shirt ($87.99), also from J. Crew.
LEFT: You probably are familiar with those days when you can’t think of a thing to wear. That’s when you grab Anthropologie’s aptly named utility skirt (reduced to $59.95). A cotton and tencel blend, it’s machine washable. Just pull it on, tuck in your T-shirt, tighten the drawstring waist, and voilà.
RIGHT: Dressing up again can be fun—especially if you channel your inner child’s crayon-happy days with Agnès b.’s long pleated skirt. The made-in-France Pencil Mark Skirt is $252. Wear it with a pair of classic Tretorn sneakers.
ABOVE: When the weather cools, coordinate Boss’s Ombre Knit top ($248) with the label’s accordion-pleated Vapinapa skirt ($398) for an elegant combination. For now, choose a fitted T-shirt, such as this Ribbed Crop Crewneck Top from Vince, at Nordstrom.
ABOVE: Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or party on the porch, go matchy-matchy with Tory Burch’s retro-ish gingham Printed Skirt ($330) and puff-sleeve button-front printed blouse ($248), both at Shopbop. Note that the elastic-hem top is cropped, but you can pull it down (as shown) to avoid any midriff baring.
LEFT: Here’s a flowy, ankle-length—on most, notes the website—linen A-line skirt with godets (inset pieces of for added flare). It comes in white—which has a built-in cotton half-slip— navy, beige and this army khaki color, which we’re partial to because you can wear it now with a linen or cotton T-shirt and in the fall with a sweater. It’s $278 at CP Shades.
RIGHT: The unexpected pairing of a beach-ready front-slit wraparound linen skirt ($119), and a more formal oversize, linen-blend bib white shirt ($59.90) is a flattering look that deserves to be imitated.
LEFT: I’m a fan of zebra prints, usually on wallpaper. But I’d spring for the wildlife on this fun, full-ish skirt ($198) from Anthropologie. RIGHT: Minimalists, heads up. And, yes, white and beige go together swimmingly. You’ll love the streamlined silhouette of a cotton high-waist pencil skirt ($235, Garmentory) —with slim faux-leather piping around the waistline and side-slit pockets—paired with a cream-colored linen vest.
LEFT: Simmering hot summer days demand breezy clothing. This cotton voile Boating Skirt ($295) with elasticized back gets our nod. Plus, that cheerful cherry plaid print is irresistible. Wear with your favorite red, white or blue T-shirt.
RIGHT: Tiered skirts and dresses have been trending for a couple of seasons, with no signs— yet—of petering out. Staud’s Sea Skirt in crisp black poplin is classic enough to span the seasons and return for duty the following year. It’s $225 at Shopbop, and it’s also available in summery nectarine and white at Staud.
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale. We are also an Amazon Associate.
MY HUSBAND and I have been battling a problem of less import than the wildfires in the West and the Covid surge but certainly on a par with, if not greater than, Britney Spears’ legal issues. The dreaded porcupine is back.
I first wrote about Porky—my husband’s name for him—back in September, 2019, describing our frustration at a creature who cared not a whit for other people’s property. Instead he came nightly to our beautiful linden tree, climbed up its considerable trunk, spent the night chomping the yummy leaves until he had his fill, then surreptitiously climbed down and headed back to his woodland home to sleep it off. Evidence of his drunken binges were strewn about in the form of stripped and broken tree branches.
Outraged, we fought back. After much research, we settled on a solution that did not involve an arrow to his heart but rather a simple wrapping of the tree trunk with plastic netting that made it impossible for an animal to grasp the bark and climb up. I say “simple” but it wasn’t—several days were devoted to this porcupine thing, if you count the repeated trips to several hardware stores and all the failed attempts. But at last we were victorious. Free of the intruder, our tree thanked us by blooming beautifully and filling out more than ever before.
A full four seasons passed with no Porky. Until three days ago, when evidence on the ground hinted at his return. Hoping we were wrong, still we suspected that Porky had cracked the code and was back to his old tricks. Then two nights ago we had proof: Out looking for our cat, I spied Porky lumbering across the front lawn and disappearing up into the tree. Curses!
Further research suggested wrapping the trunk in metal flashing, thus making it impossible to get a foothold, or in this case, claw-hold. A trip to Home Depot was required, and a few hours work over the weekend led to a successful outcome.
Okay, so I feel sad about Porky and how disappointed he must be, kind of like learning your local Baskin-Robbins has closed permanently. A few half-hearted dents in the flashing made it clear to us that Porky had tried. But too bad. Isn’t it enough that the blooms of half my flowers in the yard have been gobbled up by deer in the last few days?
DESPITE WHAT the Duchess of Windsor, aka Wallis Simpson, said—that you can’t be too rich or too thin—you can be both. But really, can you ever have enough white shirts? We think not.
A white shirt is right for all reasons and seasons. I couldn’t survive sizzling summer days without a breezy white linen blouse or three. In fall and winter, wearing a white shirt peeking out under a crew neck or cardigan lights up your face. Pop a pretty ruffled one under a blazer in springtime.
Think celebs like Sharon Stone, who famously wore a lilac Vera Wang taffeta skirt and her then-husband’s crisp white button-down from the Gap to the 1998 Oscars. Former J. Crew artistic director Jenna Lyons showed that a white shirt goes with everything, from denim to tulle skirts and anything in between. Designer Carolina Herrera grew an entire business out of white blouses.
Wear one for the weekend, when you return to an office, for a night out but also a night in watching Netflix. Whether it’s oversized or fitted, linen, poplin or a blend, there’s nothing more timeless.
Below, we picked out a baker’s dozen we’d be happy to welcome to our respective closets.
And, if by chance, you’re averse to the thought of ironing shirts, Managing Editor Nancy McKeon has found non-iron choices at Brooks Brothers, L.L. Bean, Lands’ End and Talbots as well as at Chico’s and Foxcroft.
LEFT: Made from cotton with a touch of stretch, a classic Short-Sleeve Shirt gets an update with a smocked sleeve and a back hem that creates a gathered effect. The old-but-looks-new-again Peter Pan collar adds to the appeal. It’s $89 at Cos Stores, and it also happens to look excellent in black.
CENTER: Sometimes you just wanna dress up—for a specific occasion or to make an occasion. Rows of scalloped ruffles cascade down this light, slightly sheer Shannon Blouse from New York City-based Sea, known for designs with feminine details. It’s reduced 40 percent to $231 from $385, at Nordstrom.
RIGHT: When your aim is to look crisp even in sticky, summer weather, it would be hard to top Cos’s Short-Sleeve Button-Down ($79) with its roomy fit and wide sleeves.
LEFT: It’s all in the details—the subtle ruffle neckline, sweet ruffle cuffs and nicely finished seams, which will make you want to roll up the sleeves in warm weather. The Classic-Fit Ruffleneck, which is $89.50 at J. Crew, will zhoosh up a pair of faded jeans.
RIGHT: I feel bad about my elbows (along with a lot of other body parts), which is one reason I like this Candice Blouse — it hides them. Other reasons are its breezy linen fabric, subtle puff sleeves and slightly cropped hem, which is just what high-waisted pants (that are everywhere) require. It’s $149 at Shopbop.
LEFT: The founder of Paris-based Sézane believes in creating pieces that will outlive trends and suit (almost) every season. In summery eyelet with embroidery on the front and back and lace details on the collar and cuffs, this linen-and-cotton Ponnie Shirt ($125) in écru passes the litmus test.
RIGHT: Copenhagen, Denmark-based Samsøe Samsøe hews to a design tradition of minimal, accessible fashion, such as this elbow-camouflaging Mejse Puff Sleeve Button-Up Shirt that’s a blend of eco-friendly fabric lyocell and linen. The combination of the band collar and the poufy shoulder makes a winning mix. Plus, it’s reduced from $140 to $84 at Nordstrom.
LEFT: Theory’s slim-fitting, well-made and utilitarian designs often find a way into my closet, although I complain about the price. When I asked a Saks salesperson why the clothes can be so spendy, he explained to me that they’re considered a less expensive version of Prada! In any event, I’m tempted by this pima cotton, perfectly simple Theory Button Down. It’s reduced from $175 to $105 at Bloomingdale’s.
RIGHT: Breathable linen, drop shoulders, a boxy, oversize silhouette and pleated three-quarter-length sleeves make Everlane’s Billow Blouse ($58) an appealing summer buy for looking good and feeling cool.
LEFT: Every size of this sunny-weather, white Utility Linen Shirt is sold out; a note on the Alex Mill site asks you to join the waiting list if you want one. (Limited sizes are available in khaki and red.) BTW, former Gap Inc. and J. Crew Group boss 76-year-old Mickey Drexler has recently taken over as chief executive officer. His son started the company.
RIGHT: One-of-a-kind pieces from San Francisco-based CP Shades are cut, sewn and garment dyed all by hand. A pullover linen tunic, Petra ($198) takes inspiration from vintage artist smocks. The shirt, which is longer in the back, has a very generous, oversize fit, so you may need to size down. If you can’t abide wrinkles, CP Shades is not your cup of tea.
LEFT: This clever twist on a white tunic combines a no-iron woven front with an easygoing knitted back, both in crisp white. Upping the style quotient is the white grosgrain ribbon that runs down the front placket. And yes, the Chico’s Grosgrain-Placket Tunic has pockets. It’s $89.50 at Chico’s.
RIGHT: The Taylor Essential Non-Iron Pinpoint Shirt from the Foxcroft Collection is a cut or two above basic. It’s classic without being button-down; there’s a bit of shaping to keep it from being boxy, the split cuff and collar add style—and it’s no-iron. That’s right, grab it fresh from the dryer and (once it cools off), pop it back on. In white plus light pink and light blue, it’s $79 at Foxcroft Collection.
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.
Beaded bracelets from Rosie Assoulin and Akola; floral earrings from Kendra Scott, Lizzie Fortunato, Tuckernuck and Lele Sadoughi and necklaces from Gorjana and Dannijo.
By Janet Kelly
IF ONLY I had liked summer camp as much as I do when I reminisce about it. Those were carefree days filled with swimming in the lake, nonstop sports (ok, I didn’t like that so much), roasting marshmallows and making bracelets, lanyards and necklaces out of bright beads and baubles.
Maybe it’s the kitschy, colorful, mood-lifting jewelry, which pops up almost every summer, that reminds us of less stressful times spent stringing together alphabet necklaces, braiding rope bracelets and weaving daisy chains.
Speaking of daisies, earrings in floral shapes are particularly popular this season, with brands from Lele Sadoughi to Kate Spade, Kendra Scott, Tuckernuck and Lizzie Fortunato selling their own flowery interpretation.
For the past few summers, Rosie Assoulin has made her mark in hot-hued, elastic, slip-on bracelets. They’re certainly cheerful confections for counteracting the anxiety of a long lockdown, and nothing could be easier for accessorizing whatever you’re wearing. The Sundance Catalog also offers plenty of choices of handcrafted wrap and multi-strand bracelets with multi-colored gems like lapis, turquoise and aquamarine.
Of course, along with more sophisticated designs come higher prices, especially for high-end designers, such as Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta who have put a more luxury spin on the trend with, respectively, a $450 beaded bracelet and a $1,300 hand-enameled silver and macramé wrist circlet.
Considering that this is supposed to be fun jewelry, our choices—below—are on the more wallet-friendly side. If you’re artsy-crafty, creative and DIY-inclined, Assoulin sells a You Do It ….Candy Necklace Kit ($150) with 73 enamel beads, two gold-tone plated end caps and a tan string with button closure. Or, head to Michaels, which sells all the tools and materials you need, along with instructions, to make a beachy multi-strand bracelet for a total of $110, less a 20 percent discount (until the end of July).
Anyway, here’s to being a happy camper and endless summer days.
LEFT: A mix of translucent gemstones and ceramic beads brings texture and eye-catching color to a made-for-summer necklace ($80) from Gorjana in shiny 18-karat-gold plate.
RIGHT: As kids in Jacksonville, Florida, Danielle Snyder and Jodie Snyder-Morel’s would fiddle with their mom’s vintage jewelry and make earrings and necklaces using their father’s medical tools. The sister act launched their brand in 2008 and have been going strong since. Their 18-inch-long Carmen Necklace ($170) is made from cowrie shells, pearls and beads of varying size and color, accented by a charming heart of 10K-gold plated brass.
LEFT: If you need a birthday or a just-because gift this summer, think pink. This delicate, rose-gold beaded Friendship Bracelet ( $46) on an adjustable nylon cord is from Catbird, a woman-owned-and-operated company that prides itself on ethically sourced materials and eco-friendly practices.
RIGHT: Catbird designer Emily Levine, a Milan-based native New Yorker, BBB designed this 16-inch-long sweet Double Daisy Chain Necklace ($25) in a grown-up palette. Show it off by layering with one or two of your favorite gold necklaces.
LEFT: Flower-etched magnesite beads, strung on leather, are accompanied by strands of bright gems of lapis, ruby, turquoise and pearls and closed with a sterling silver button. Tough and girly meet happily on this Super Bloom Bracelet, which is $238 at the Sundance Catalog.
RIGHT: Say hello to midsummer with a pair of dreamy, drop New Bloom Earrings (on gold-plated wire) from jewelry designer Lizzie Fortunato. The flowers are carved from lemon-yellow agate and set with faceted rhodolite stones.
LEFT: Dazzle ’em with Kate Spade’s Daisy Studs ($58). Made of enamel and glass, they’ll sparkle lots when they catch the light.
RIGHT: Feel good about spending money. Jewelry brand Akola provides living-wage jobs to poverty-stricken Ugandan women. The women make each of the pieces, such as this elegant Monarch Beaded Stretch Bracelet ($125, Neiman Marcus), with materials like recycled glass and dyed bone beads, accented with gold-tone discs.
ABOVE: Made of raffia and pearl beads, Tuckernuck’s statement-making (1.9-by-1.9 inches) Lilac Fleur Earrings ($88) are part of a playful collection that includes chili peppers and artichokes, as well as other floral designs.
LEFT: Stack your wrist with Rosie Assoulin’s Color Therapy Set ($150) of eight bracelets, strung with vibrant enamel and gold-tone beads. The designer calls it “jewelry to make you smile.” While you’re doing that, note that green hues are associated with abundance, healing and growth.
RIGHT: Aw. Assoulin’s We Are Family . . . . Camp Bracelets ($75) make such sweet presents. Keep one and give the others to the mother, sister, daughter and friends in your life.
Trendy, daisy-shaped Kyla Gold Stud Earrings come in a cheery raspberry as well as a go-with-everything white. They’re $68.
The color turquoise just screams summer, and these hand-swirled acetate Button Earrings ($85 from Lele Sadoughi) that measure 1 inch with a 1/2-inch crystal fireball center make a fetching floral accent to your summer wardrobe.
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale. We are also an Amazon Associate.
AS WE do on the fourth of July, the French party on the fourteenth—to celebrate the end of the tyranny of the ancien regime.
We’re happy to join the fun of Bastille Day festivities tomorrow, but our fascination with les Français—particularly les Françaises—goes way beyond that.
We’ll never be as impossibly stylish as, say Brigitte Macron, de la Fressange or Camille Cottin, but we can buy similar beauty products, eat perfect pastries, sip Pastis or Lillet and shop the stores the French admire. See our suggestions below.
LEFT: Ladurée pastry shops in Paris are tiny jewel boxes filled with the most scrumptious bites of pastry your mouth could imagine. The story of the cafe’s macaron begins in the middle of the 19th century with Pierre Desfontaines, who first thought of taking two macaron shells and joining them with a ganache filling. The recipe hasn’t changed since. You can purchase an assortment of 12 traditional and seasonal macarons, presented in an elegant pink gift box of Ladurée macarons for $45.50. To sit down in a Ladurée cafe, you don’t have to travel to Paris. There are three locations in New York City, three in and around the Los Angeles, two in Miami and one in D.C. Alternatively, hunt down your own home-grown favorite.
RIGHT: Tired of Aperol spritzers? According to a recent article in the New York Times, Pastis—an anise-flavored popular in the south of France— is a perfect aperitif for the hot, lazy days of summer. Pastis requires only two ingredients: the liqueur and cold water, which, when mixed, turns into a pearly-colored liquid, best imbibed during a competitive game of pétanque. A bottle of Ricard Pastissells for around $35.
FAR LEFT: Founded by a nurse in Paris during WWII who concocted a plant-based balm to treat victims suffering from burns to the eyes. One of the side effects was that the formula stimulated eyelash and eyebrow growth. Since 1948, the brand has expanded into other eye care products, including this cornflower water-based non-greasy makeup remover and treatment that eliminates all traces of eyeliner, mascara around the eyes. Tired of waking up most mornings with black stuff under my eyes, I’m game to try it.
NEAR LEFT: I remember when you could only buy La Roche-Posay’s sunscreen in Europe. That’s of course no longer the case. The brand has a slew of products in its skincare line that I have yet to sample, but the one I have —Lipikar Balm AP+ Moisturizer for Dry Skin —($19.99) offers relief for dry to very dry skin (that describes mine exactly). It soothes and hydrates both face and body, and it’s not at all greasy, which makes it comfortable to use on dry hands as well.
NEAR RIGHT: L’Occitane en Provence’s Dry Skin Hand Cream ($29, Sephora) also has its cheering section for its soothing, smoothing relief of rough, dry hands. It’s made of 20 percent shea butter, blended with coconut oil, almond extracts and honey.
FAR RIGHT: Seven botanical oils, including argan, macadamia, camellia and sweet almond, are active ingredients in the Huile Prodigieuse Multi Purpose Dry Oil(100ml, $42) from Nuxe. The triple-duty oil—for face, body and hair—is scented with notes of orange blossom, magnolia and vanilla.
LEFT: In addition to its four boutiques in its home base of Paris, Sézane has shops in Aix en Provence, Lille, London and New York City. The mission of founder Morgane Sézalory is to “create high-quality, well-cut pieces that can be worn forever.” An example is the brand’s signature mohair and baby alpaca Gaspard cardigan ($120), embellished with mother-of-pearl buttons that can be worn front or back. Buy now for fall.
CENTER: Best known for her “poor boy” sweater—a ribbed pullover with high armholes—Sonia Rykiel reimagined the idea of knitwear in fashion. Although the designer died in 2016, the brand rebooted this past February with snug knit tops and modern takes on classic Rykiel stripes. This cotton sweater with multicolor stripes is reduced 50 percent to $200.
RIGHT: While living in London, Gaelle Drevet got the chance to closely observe French streetwear before opening the Frankie Shop in 2014 with locations in London and Paris. Marketed as accessible, “French girl chic” apparel, the boutiques sell clothing from trending designers like Rachel Comey and Ganni. We love these mini Lunet Crochet Net Bags ($42 each) in tangerine, turquoise, lime green, dandelion, white, cobalt and lilac. Except for the cobalt, they’re all currently sold out.
LEFT: It’s the blue in the French flag, the blue of an Endless Summer hydrangea, the blue of Serena & Lily’s linen pajamas. According to PPG Paints, it’s a midtone, bright, blueberry blue with a wisteria undertone. RIGHT: Lavender is to the South of France like cherry blossoms are to D.C. And, it’s in full bloom in my garden in Pittsburgh—at least it was until the rains pummeled the plants and led me to prune them as our garden guru Stephanie showed me how. Lavender smells divine whether you walk by it and inhale or cut the flowers and make cute little sachets to fill drawers and such. The fragrance from the oils of the lavender plant is believed to help reduce stress, anxiety and possibly even mild pain.
Left: The ensemble cast of Call My Agent! From right to left: Grégory Montel as Gabriel Sarda, Camille Cottin as Andréa Martel and Assaad Bouab as Hicham Janowski.
Wait, you haven’t watched Netflix’s Call My Agent!? Solve that problem tout de suite by bingeing it—all four seasons are still available of this comedy-drama about a French talent agency’s amusing machinations to keep their jobs and make their clients happy. Top agent and quintessential Parisienne Andréa Martel wears a wardrobe of sleek but timeless suit jackets, turtlenecks and ankle boots, all of which she makes look feminine and classy. For anyone who has watched Call My Agent and wants more of Andréa/Camille, she is currently in Stillwater, a film starring Matt Damon and Abigail Breslin. It premiered at Cannes last week and is due in theaters July 30.
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale. We are also an Amazon Associate.
BEACH OUTINGS require the right clothing and gear. Here are the items I’m eyeing.
ABOVE LEFT: The black edging on this all-cotton, wide-brim Maurice Floppy Hat ($120) makes the difference between a blah white topper and one with flare.
ABOVE RIGHT: I’m not a fan of tie-dye in general, but I’d make an exception for this frayed Panama Hat. Made from high-quality Toquilla straw from Ecuador, it’s $250 from Sensi Studio. The removable scarf is a bonus.
BELOW RIGHT: The reason I don’t have more (actually any) Helen Kaminski hats—I think they’re unfailingly attractive—is because of, well, the price. They’re rarely on sale, but this raffia Yolanda hat is marked down to $180 from $300. It comes with an adjustable elastic inner band and a flexible wire edge on the almost 4-inch brim so you can set it at your most flattering angle. Besides peony, it comes in blue, tan, burgundy and in beige with a rust-colored fringe.
BELOW LEFT: Versatile, packable, protective (3.5 inch brim) and colorful. What’s not to like? This crochet hat in a sunny palette is $78 at Anthropologie.
LEFT: Made of broadcloth cotton, Frances Valentine’s limited edition Veracruz embroidered caftan dress ($698) will keep you covered while lounging on a Mediterranean beach somewhere and then take you to après beach cocktails or dinner on the veranda. It’s generously sized, has pockets, and there are only a few sizes left on the FV site.
CENTER: Light and airy with a roomy fit, Emerson Fry’s beach-ready Olympia Caftan ($178, Garmentory) is hand block printed on organic cotton. It comes with a removable sash, so you can cinch in the waist—or not.
RIGHT: Easy to wear by itself or to pop over a bathing suit, Vineyard Vines’s Beachy Stripe Tie-Front Cover-Up ($93.99) is a happy combination of pastel hues and hot pink and royal blue tassels.
LEFT: The Next Generation Original Beach Canopy Chair ($69.95, Renetto) has pretty much everything you’d want in a seat for the beach. An attached pillow, a canopy with an adjustable visor in the front, pockets for storing reading materials or sunscreen and such and two cup holders, plus it weighs a reasonable 12 pounds for no-sweat transport.
CENTER: A beach tent—what a good idea, especially one that only weighs 4.45 pounds (the frame is fiberglass), is made of water-repellent polyester and offers UV light protection of 50+. The Pacific Breeze Easy Set Up Beach Tent from Amazon is 87 inches long by 47 inches high and 49 inches deep. It sells for $69.99.
RIGHT: Also perfect for protection (UPF 50) from the sun is the oversize (8-foot) Sport Brella Premiere UPF 50+ Umbrella Shelter ($54.37, Amazon). It weighs 8 pounds and its center pole has a tilt mechanism to provide screen where you want it. Zippered windows let the sea breezes in and prevent a blow-away umbrella situation.
