SUMMER CLOTHING SALES are steaming ahead, although the merchandise still available is thinning out. That’s good reason to dig into Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, continuing until August 6 in local branches and online. What sets Nordstrom’s apart is that the clothes, shoes and accessories are new arrivals, which means you can get a headstart on fall or at least grab a few transitional items so come an unseasonably cold September day, you’re ahead of the game with some fresh looks. We pored over the offerings and came up with eight pieces, including a few that are not actually featured as part of the anniversary sale but are good buys for the end of summer. Our picks: Aquatalia leather booties, a Lafayette 148 New York suede coat, a Madewell tote, Marc Jacobs sunglasses, a plaid linen shirt, a white knit blazer, white linen flare pants and a Clarisonic cleanser. All can be found on the Nordstrom website.
Sunglasses are a necessity of summer but I wear mine all year round to protect my eyes from midday rays. Enhance the mystique factor with these bold-shaped shades from Marc Jacobs. The polarized lenses get a thumbs up for reducing glare and increasing color clarity. $113.90 during sale, after sale $170.
A breezy maroon and navy linen-blend shirt cut in a drapey silhouette works with white jeans in summer and for the still-warm days of early fall. $99 now, $148 Aug. 7.
Score these Theory linen pants pants now and wear them for summers to come. Their ankle-skimming cut with wide, flared legs are ideal for those days you want to look relaxed but still polished. They’re not part of the anniversary sale, but at 60 percent off the original $275 price (now $109.98), we rate them a very good buy.
Madewell’s classy-looking leather tote with an extra-large interior can handle your essentials and a lot more. It’s $129 now and $198 on Aug. 7. Scoop it up.
What I love about Aquatalia is the brand combines good style with utility and sane pricing. This soft suede ankle bootie with tapered toe and sculptural heel fares well in comparison to my $450-plus Rag & Bone ankle boots. But what gives these the edge is their weatherproofing treatment. Snag them for $259.90 now, $395 if you wait.
Celeb DC dermatologist Dr. Tina Alster is a big fan of Clarisonic for face cleansing. The Clarisonic Mia is designed with a timer to give you a 60-second scrub. It’s waterproof so you can use it in the shower and it’s the perfect size for packing. $86 until the sale ends.
Lafayette 148 New York’s relaxed anorak design with a toggled-drawstring waist is timeless in soft-as-butta lambskin suede in a rich sage. Pricey but worth it. It’s available up to size 1X. $935.90. After sale, $1,398.
De rigueur for summer. A white jacket. Olivia Moon’s lightweight knit blazer also comes in other solid colors and prints. Another item not part of the anniversary sale, but for $47.70 (that’s a 40 percent reduction from the original price), it’s one of those not-to-be-missed buys.
From left to right, an Emilio Pucci dress Melania Trump wore at the end of June; Mrs. Trump’s Facebook photo and a Delpozo dress worn to meet the first lady of Poland.
Even on sale, this floral dress by Valentino, worn by the first lady on Bastille Day, requires deep pockets.
Melania Trump wore this Emilio Pucci to greet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House. The yellow floor-length, floral-patterned dress is a break with her usual sartorial preferences.
During summer sales, it has been possible to find a few of Mrs. Trump’s outfits discounted. But they quickly sell out, as did this Mary Katrantzou dress.
We’re most likely to see First Lady Melania Trump when she goes out of the country. She wore this colorful Delpozo print to meet the first lady of Poland.
Italian duo Dolce & Gabbana gets favored designer status from Melania Trump. The pencil skirt is also a first lady go-to style.
Former fashion editor Kate Bennett has a keen eye for detail — and the brands Melania Trump is wearing.
THE BEST WAY to get a glimpse of First Lady Melania Trump (and her terrific wardrobe) is when she’s overseas. Kate Bennett should know. Co-author of CNN Politics’ Cover/Line (a chatty political/pop cultural email that drops every day just in time for your lunch break), Bennett reports on Melania Trump with her features “Dress Like the First Lady” and “Our Daily Melania.” “These foreign trips are an opportunity to see the first lady on a day-to-day public schedule, which still hasn’t happened in full back home,” says Bennett. In fact, Mrs. Trump has been so illusive, Cover/Line (which launched last February) used to keep a running tally of how often they saw her.
A former fashion and style reporter, Bennett says writing about Melania’s clothing is a fun outlet. “I can be on air talking about serious stuff but still indulge my fascination with fashion.” She began following first lady fashion while on staff at the Independent Journal Review, where she often tweeted about what Michelle Obama wore.
We were curious. So, Kate, how do you recognize exactly what Melania is wearing? Do you have an amazing eye and memory, a passel of assistants or does the White House give you the information? Bennett laughs that she has a special, “useless” talent. “It’s about the same as my ability to handicap the Miss America contest.”
“I can remember what people wore two seasons ago. I identify clothing through pattern and cut and then can narrow the field down. Melania Trump only wears between 6 and 10 designers, only shops off the rack and online. (Mrs. Obama was more difficult because she would customize everything and I’d have to recognize the generic dress).”
Bennett sees what Mrs. Trump wears and thinks it may be a Dolce & Gabbana or a Michael Kors and then digs around on websites like Neiman Marcus and Net-A- Porter. Occasionally she’ll ask Stephanie Grisham, the first lady’s communications director, whether a dress is, say, a D&G or a Ralph Lauren. Grisham might tell her off the record. But it’s often the other way around: White House staff text Bennett to ask what Trump is wearing.
A savvy shopper, the former model knows what flatters her figure, mixing femme, flowy dresses with tailored suits, coat dresses and waist-defining belts. “When she’s hostessing, she does a more casual look. When she’s out and about, she does the suiting thing,” Bennett observes.
The first lady’s loyalty to Dolce & Gabbana is a very Trumpian thing, notes Bennett. D&G are happy to let her wear their clothes. Which is why she has worn them more than any other designer and why Tom Ford and Sophie Theallet, among others, are personae non gratae.
Michelle Obama had stylist Meredith Koop; Melania Trump has her helpers but does her own shopping (Michael Kors says she has been a long-time customer of his New York store). For special occasions, she does rely on designer and stylist Hervé Pierre, the man behind her inauguration ball gown and her blush-colored dress for the White House Easter Egg Roll and who counseled her on the fabulous red Christian Dior skirt suit she wore on last week’s trip to Paris.
Trump is a stiletto-wearing kind of woman, particularly partial to Louboutins (Bennett says she usually wears the So Kate style , named for model Kate Moss). But wise to the situation at the White House Egg Roll, she wore flats to match her dress.
Whether the first lady’s style will have a trickle-down effect in fashion is hard to know. Bennett believes we’ll have a better idea when the fall 2018 fashion shows kick off in the beginning of February. In the meantime, at the Council of Fashion Designers’ Awards in June, Bella Hadid, one of the models of the moment, wore a hot pink, bell-sleeve, blazer-style dress looking a lot like something a young Melania Trump would have worn. Hmm.
And, while some (we’re not one of those) would consider what the first lady wears to be of no consequence, what she does with her time in the service of the country can make a difference. Think Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative, for one, to improve children’s health. So, as we’ve said before, we have found a worthwhile cause for Melania: Championing English as a Second Language classes. If you’re reading this, Melania, you can comment below.
TO CELEBRATE my 60th birthday I decided I would learn to swim—once and for all. I’ve been on the water on boats for many years but never in the water. I hadn’t really learned how to swim as a kid and I was not comfortable around water. But it wasn’t for lack of trying. When I was 15 I signed up for class at a local high school—just me and 20 other sophomores. We were asked to enter the pool, float at the wall and kick. Apparently, my float was not horizontal enough. Three of us did not return for another class; I was one of them. So I managed my feelings about the water. I rarely went in or near pools, did not go canoeing or kayaking or snorkeling. And my bathing suits never wore out. Then, eight years ago, I signed up for a series of (smaller) adult classes and private lessons at my local swim center. The instructors were very patient and taught many of the basics. I could now float and swim short distances, but only with a kickboard. I felt stuck in my ability to learn further, so I stopped taking lessons. Again, I managed, but was convinced I was a “sinker.”
Then, a few months ago I learned about Miracle Swimming for Adults through information on their website, podcasts and in a book written by Melon Dash who founded the program 30-plus years ago.
The premise is that anyone can learn to swim, just as we had learned to walk or talk. But we had to learn slowly, step by step, without skipping any. We might have to repeat a step twenty, fifty, perhaps a hundred times until we “owned it.” And it didn’t matter how long it took. We could proceed at our own pace. There were no deadlines. The only point was to be comfortable all the time. We could ask all the questions we wanted and only do things if they sounded like fun. And, we did not have to be perfectly horizontal to have a good front float (one’s float is dependent on one’s body composition). As you may have guessed, this all resonated with me.
There was still more to learn—that we had many choices to make. We could continue to manage how we felt about the water, something we’ve done for decades very successfully, or we could choose to start anew. We could choose to feel fearful of the water or slow down and be calm inside, in control, feeling the water’s buoyancy hold you up, and feeling safe. We could choose (as in my case) to blame previous instructors or forgive them as well-meaning individuals who just wanted to keep their students safe. And we could choose to forgive ourselves for never learning to swim and giving it a go yet again.
So, I signed up for a five-day beginning class in Sarasota, Florida, which consisted of eight sessions each lasting three hours. Each session began with an hour of discussion followed by two hours in the pool with an instructor and a spotter (who was also an instructor) and four other students. We started with something very simple and familiar – just walking across the pool very slowly to feel how the water affected our movements. Then the basics, floating at the wall, focusing on feeling the water hold you up, blowing bubbles with your face in the water. Then, on the third day my breakthrough came. I floated and “unfloated” away from the wall—my first time ever. I was now free of the wall (and the kickboard)! I repeated this for the rest of the classes so that I could own it.
Once I was back home, I returned to my local swim center and signed up for a water aerobics class and some private lessons. The aerobics class was a great way to limber up and get more accustomed to the water’s buoyancy. But the lessons have been more rewarding than I could ever have imagined. My instructor, who is also a neuroscientist, explains each movement or stroke in terms of the muscles used. This is helpful for “visualizing” what I need to do in water and for deciding which exercises to do on land in between classes—my “homework assignments.” I learn something new each time and I learn because I am calm inside. I do not feel stuck. I feel more in control and am having fun.
I am very thankful for the positive experiences I have now had in the water, and there’s still much more to learn. I hope someday to go snorkeling in some exotic locale or even be a spotter in a Miracle Swimming class (in my wildest dreams). I am grateful for the support of my husband, family and friends. And I am thankful for learning (or perhaps re-learning) that I have many choices and that having choices means you’re in control—a simple but all-important life lesson.
This Caroline Constas off-the-shoulder blouse is not appropriate for Congress — or practically anywhere else.
When over-air-conditioned interiors make sleeveless not necessarily inappropriate but impractical, put on a sweater. This super-lightweight one from LittleBird Janet’s wardrobe has kept her comfy for many years.
Uniqlo’s semi-sheer V-neck cardigan (reduced from $29.90 to $19.90) offers light protection from sun and AC. uniqlo.com.
Wear a sleeveless tank or camisole underneath this airy Theory sweater. Layer it under a jacket in the fall. $275, saksfifthavenue.com.
Featherweight cashmere ombre stole will feel deliciously soft against bare shoulders. Toss it into your tote to use as needed. $195, annmashburn.com.
Cover up with a feminine, long-sleeve print button-down. Reduced from $65 to $33 at H&M’s big sister, & Other Stories, stories.com/us.
Throw this Calypso St. Barth linen sweater (reduced to $159 from over $195) over a sleeveless LBD when temperatures shift. Also available in light blue, calypsostbarth.com.
This cropped crewneck light cashmere cardigan will cover you from summer to fall. Reduced from $395 to $198, tibi.com.
Echo’s pleated scarf with frayed edges will go from a too-cold office during the day to an equally cold restaurant at night. $48, bloomingdales.com.
A jacket/blazer is always appropriate wherever your business takes you. This cotton one in pink from Massimo Dutti, Zara’s sibling, dials down the seriousness. $120, massimodutti.com.
LAST WEEK a CBS reporter was stopped from going into the House Speaker’s Lobby because she was wearing a sleeveless dress. According to CBS News, she was offered a sweater but chose to rip out some pages of her notebook and affix them to her shoulders. No go, said the security guard to her effort. BTW, there’s a dress code for men, too (jacket and tie required). The unwritten, not vigorously enforced rules (sneakers and flip flops are also a no-no), says The Washington Post’s Robin Givhan, apply to journalists, lawmakers and staff “but apparently not to first ladies and daughters.”
Heading to Capitol Hill? The Washington Post’s Robin Givhan takes on the question of what’s appropriate dress. The unwritten rules require a jacket and tie for men. Pants okay for women, but no sleeveless.
You may not be heading to Capitol Hill anytime soon but you’ve surely endured the chill of zealously air-conditioned offices, restaurants and movie theaters. It’s in these situations that a sweater / shawl / wrap of some kind is a grownup girl’s best friend.
The best solution I’ve ever found to overly cold interiors is a cardigan that I bought, believe it or not, at a Crabtree & Evelyn store years ago. I’m not sure what they were selling it as—a bed jacket maybe—but I scooped it up for under $25. It’s a loosely knit blend of acrylic, nylon and mohair with a silk trim and pearlized buttons. I’ve probably kept it long past its expiration date, but it still does the job (see photo above). I’ve got one from Jil Sander in silk and cashmere for about 25 times the price that also is the ideal weight to throw over your shoulders and slip into when the temperature demands.
In any case, as long as bare shoulders and summer go together and air-conditioning continues to be excessive, we’ve got some suggestions for you on how to cover up— no notebook pages necessary.
You can pretend you’re spending the summer in Provence with this jaunty striped tote from Hat Attack. $60, us.asos.com.
Mais oui to the embroidered message on this tote. Handcrafted from straw with leather handles, it’s roomy enough for sunscreen, towel and other beach necessities. $175, modaoperandi.com.
Clutches never go out of style. Here’s a festive one with fringe and pompoms! It’s $55 from H&M’s big sister, & Other Stories, stories.com/us.
Montreal-based Indigo & Lavender’s round, retro-feeling shoulder bag is handwoven in Marrakesh of palm leaves. $60, madewell.com.
From Calypso St. Barth, this raffia handbag with contrasting trim and tassel can be worn over the shoulder or as a hands-free cross-body bag. $150, calypsostbarth.com.
Nannacay boxy straw tote with friendly greeting and geometric pattern. Braided double top handles. $230, saksfifthavenue.com.
Pixie Market’s Little Straw Bag for when you don’t have much to carry on carefree summer outings. $82, shopspring.com.
Frances Valentine straw basket tote with colorful front slip pocket (also available in hot pink and tan) and handles and fun zebra lining. $295, francesvalentine.com.
Handsome combo of black handle and dark brown straw. Reduced from $95 to $47.99 at needsupply.com.
Woven by Colombian artisans, this light beige and brown straw Adorada bag is treated to a trim of pink and orange pompoms. Add a contemporary twist to a romantic summer dress. $206, at MatchesFashion.com.
WHAT DID AUDREY Hepburn, Diane Keaton (in “Annie Hall”), Jane Birkin (before Hermès) and Brigitte Bardot have in common? They all mastered the art of casual chic with a straw or raffia bag on their arm. We hadn’t even thought about this summer classic until the Wall Street Journal brought it to our attention last week. Thank you, WSJ, for the timely reminder. It got us thinking we could also find some swell examples (see above) for you before the season’s over. Updates on the plain-Jane basket style include flirty fringe, pompoms, embroidered messages, curvy round shapes, stripes and splashes of color. Carried as a clutch, as a tote for beach gear or worn over the shoulder, this accessory is an instant pick-me-up, and one that doesn’t cost a fortune. Moreover, it goes with just about anything you already have in your closet. Woo-hoo.
DONALD TRUMP’S now infamous tweets last week about “low IQ Crazy Mika” “bleeding from a facelift” made me think more than usual about the subject of cosmetic surgery, along with “less-invasive” fillers and Botox. The latter has become about as common as taking an aspirin. According to statistics on the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2016 marked the highest number of botox injections to date, with over 7 million. General cosmetic surgery procedures (facelift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, breast augmentation, etc.) clocked in at 1,790,987 last year, up 4 percent from 2015.
In a follow-up Vanity Fair story Brzezinski tells her side of the story saying she had undergone a procedure to tighten the skin under her neck, which she told Melania Trump about when the couple stopped by Mar-a-Lago on New Year’s Eve. “The irony of it all is that Donald kept saying, ‘That’s incredible. You can’t even tell. Who did it? Who did it?’ He kept asking for the name of the doctor.” So, whether blood was streaming down from her face is debatable. Maybe not so much. In any event, she felt comfortable enough in the way she looked to at least drop by a high-profile New Year’s Eve party. Brzezinski is not alone in returning quickly to regularly scheduled activities. A little or even a lot of swelling isn’t enough to keep busy women holed up in their homes.
Coincidentally, before the Trump-Brzezinski brouhaha, I had a dermatologist appointment and decided to get a hyaluronic filler hoping to downplay those annoying lines around my mouth. I knew there was the possibility of bruising but I went ahead. And bruise I did. But the next night when I had to go to a fundraising event (the appointment was made well before the event invite), I had plenty of second thoughts. I couldn’t entirely cover up the black and blue marks with makeup, so when I ran into people I knew or to whom I was being introduced, I wondered whether they would think I had been punched, had dental surgery, had run into a door or would just assume I had been to the dermatologist. It was the double-edged sword of vanity. I was hoping to improve my looks, but there I was that night looking slightly scary with my bruised face. On the other hand, my fair-skinned husband who has frequent bouts with the dermatologist freezing suspicious skin lesions and/or with Moh’s surgery removing thin layers of skin on his face, doesn’t seem to feel the slightest pang about going out in public post-procedure. Sure, his are for legitimate medical reasons. But even though cosmetic surgery is on the upswing for men, no one assumes that’s why his face is blotchy and beet-red.
As for me, should I have stayed home until I healed? Have you been in a similar situation? We’d love to know what you think.
WE HOPE YOU HAVE A GLORIOUS FOURTH! Enjoy the sparkling fireworks.TheLittle Birds are flying off for the holiday, but we’ll see you right back here on Wednesday, the fifth of July.
Milly’s Paris Cold-Shoulder Top is a lotta money ($325, bergdorfgoodman.com) for not a lot of shirt.
A flowy gingham midi skirt (it even has an elasticized waistband). Pair it with a white T-shirt and flats. $39.99, zara.com.
A practical backpack gets a dose of flair from a multicolor bead details on the strap and closure. $49.99, zara.com.
Pleated poplin shirt with batwing sleeves ensures easy movement. $65.50, massimodutti.com. Try with palazzo pants.
The quintessential summer dress — light and voluminous with pockets, a dropped waist and an A-line silhouette in cotton. $88, everlane.com.
Dress up with this no-fuss, v-neck T-shirt with pleats, short cap sleeves and interior lining. $49.50, massimodutti.com.
Something to look forward to: an easy-to-wear, versatile leather moto jacket in an unpredictable blue. $325, massimodutti.com.
Monse’s Dot-Print Silk Halter Dress ($1,190, bergdorfgoodman.com) is too complicated for its own good.
I’VE GOT AN early-onset case of fashion fatigue. For one, I’m totally tired of how expensive designer clothing is (even on sale). And I’m equally weary of styles such as deconstructed blouses where you can’t tell the top from bottom, inside or out, or those very silly ones that have disembodied sleeves tied at the waist. I have given the cold shoulder to those ubiquitous off-the-shoulder shirts and blouses, especially the ones with stray, useless pieces of material hanging down from the sides. I’m always amazed that more women don’t find their blouses slipping off their shoulders at the most inconvenient moments. Also on my rant list are dresses with asymmetrical hems. Who decided that was an attractive look? I’m all for designers expressing creativity but I’d appreciate that creativity go along with functionality. I could change my mind next week and fall in love with something that’s way too expensive and totally impractical. But this week, what I want are clothes for less money and less trouble.
At around the same time I was complaining about the state of women’s fashion, I happened to read a New Yorker article, “Jane Jacobs, Georgia O’Keeffe and the Power of the Marimekko Dress.” The author’s (Alexandra Lange) contention is that the clothing of Marimekko designer Annika Rimala, and Claire McCardell before her, were roomy, simple and designed for activity. Clothing that gave women the freedom to forget what they had on. We may not be out on the streets protesting building plans like Jane Jacobs or painting large canvases like Georgia O’Keeffe, but clothing we don’t have to think about sounds like a worthy goal.
On the subject of expense, Zara and Massimo Dutti (owned by Spanish behemoth Inditex, which is by the way one of the world’s largest fashion retailers), along with online-only, San Francisco-based Everlane, are my frequent go-tos for their reasonable price points but also because they deliver on style and quality of fabric. (The first two are conveniently located on the same block in Georgetown.)
Above are some of my current picks, along with my less-favorite looks.
The space at Delanie’s Coffee gets character from periodic updates from local artists.
Ornate lighting, hardwood floors, a lit fireplace (in winter) and a generous outdoor space lure customers to The Abbey on Butler.
Espresso a Mano serves up its namesake beverage, along with first-rate scones.
Come to Beehive Coffee for the colorful murals, funky vibe, cafe mocha and the specialty lattes.
Locally brewed brands, a friendly, generous wait staff and quirky ambience are the draw at the Southside’s Big Dog Coffee.
When the weather’s fine, Coffee Tree Roasters opens its sliding glass door to bring in the breezes.
Artful swirls of foam dot beverages at Commonplace Coffee.
WE LOVE COFFEE, and sharing a cuppa with a friend makes the brew taste even better. We’ve mentioned our top places to caffeinate and linger over a pour-over in and around DC. Now, summer intern and University of Pittsburgh student Emma Larkin lures us to do likewise in the city of driver-less cars.
Beehive Coffeehouse
1327 East Carson Street
Sunday-Monday 8am-11pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am-12am, Friday- Saturday 8am-2am
412-488-4483
This colorful spot on East Carson on the city’s South Side self-identifies as “chill” with “funky vibes.” It’s perfect if you like pesto mozzarella sandwiches, and Halloween is your favorite holiday. Every inch of this establishment is painted with bright murals and store-bought cobwebs hang high on the cloud-painted ceiling. Homemade extra-buttery rice crispy treats are to die for. Seating options range from large booths to tiny tables that seat two (a tight squeeze). Wall outlets abound, so bring your tech and sit down to work. Or come with friends after shopping to take a break and review your good buys.
Delanie’s
1737 East Carson Street
Monday-Friday 7am-9pm, Saturday 8am-9pm, Sunday 8am-9pm
412-927-4030
If the term microbrew, whether it refers to coffee or beer turns you off, Delanie’s straight-up espresso drinks, smoothies and food are for you. For breakfast, egg sandwiches and salmon on a bagel are a hearty wakeup call. Great grilled cheese sandwiches, including “The Devil Wears Gouda.” The decor is updated periodically by work from local artists. If you plan to stay a while, snag a seat in the loft in the back. It’s cozy and good for meetings, although outlets are sparse.
When the weather behaves, the sliding glass door retracts and the cafe spills out onto busy Walnut Street. Order beverages and snacks, including trendy packaged oatmeal bowls, in the front. This spring I had a coconut peep-flavored latte. I wouldn’t usually spend money on novelty coffee, but this was absolutely one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted. The store’s midsection is devoted to selling coffee beans and coffee paraphernalia; think bean grinders and presses. There’s plenty of seating with lots of little tables up front and several couches with tables in the back. For an atmosphere more conducive for meetings, study sessions or preparing your taxes, reserve a conference room in the back. Coffee Tree Roasters have several locations, but this is a fave.
61c Cafe
1839 Murray Avenue
Monday to Thursday 8am to 11pm, Friday 7am to midnight, Saturday 8am to midnight, Sunday 8am to 11pm
412-521-6161
A favorite among locals and students, 61c has had devoted customers since it opened in the 1990s. Part of what makes this place special is its community vibe. And then there are the baked goods made fresh most morning: scones, muffins, bagels, cookies, croissants and bear claws. Granola, yogurt, no-sugar-added smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices and cake are also available every day of the year besides Christmas. There are too many tables to count and several coveted spots near outlets. Another reason to stop by is their patio, tucked in a garden on their corner of Murray Street, where sipping a cappuccino with perfect foam is not a bad way to while away a morning or afternoon.
Common Place Coffeehouse
5827 Forbes Avenue
Monday to Friday 7am to 9pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-9pm
412-422-0404
A little too sleek and modern to be considered common, this Squirrel Hill coffeehouse offers several long wooden tables to be shared. The artsy drinks are most Instagram-able. A photo is bound to last longer than their delicious mocha drinks.
Espresso a Mano
3623 Butler Street
Monday to Friday 7am to 9 pm, Saturday 8am to 9pm, Sunday 8am to 6pm
412-918-1864
If you want to escape to a cool dark space, listen to music and caffeinate, Espresso a Mano is for you. This indie artisan coffeehouse on the main drag of Lawrenceville where a host of boutiques beckon, makes it the ideal start or end to any shopping spree. The tables are tiny, which is not ideal if you want to spread out papers and laptops, but good if you want to be closer to the person across from you. High-quality espresso and scones and honey are highlights.
The Abbey on Butler
4635 Butler Street
Monday to Thursday 6:30am to 10pm, Friday to Saturday 7am to 2am, Sunday 7am to 10pm
412-682-0200
Unlike other coffeehouses in the city, The Abbey on Butler is part restaurant, part bar and part coffee bar, all separated to function individually. Note the ornate lighting and wood columns. Above the coffee bar is an antique rose window from a church. Meeting friends to catch up and everyone’s hungry? Walk down the hall for a Yorkshire Chicken and Gouda sandwich. Answering emails, and realizing you missed a message two weeks ago that could have saved you half of this week’s trouble? Walk across the foyer for a drink. During the winter, the bar fireplace is a big draw. Outside, there’s a swan fountain, centerpiece of a large patio space. The coffee shop serves up a bounty of baked goods beginning at 6:30am weekdays.
Big Dog Coffee
2717 Sarah Street
Monday to Friday 6am to 10pm, Saturday to Sunday 7:30am to 10pm
412-586-7306
Perhaps my favorite coffeehouse in all of Pittsburgh, Big Dog delivers on coffee (Intelligentsia brew and Mercurio’s), space (it’s a converted turn-of-century bakery) and art. Located on a quiet street a few blocks from Southside Works, the exterior is inconspicuous enough you may miss it if you’re not looking closely. Inside, the first thing you notice are the brightly colored paintings hanging everywhere. Coffee and espresso drinks are carefully made by the friendly staff; bagels rock. Of all the tables in the three seating areas, the best is in the right window. It’s small but seats four, is in close proximity to the life-giving coffee counter and has a private outlet. It’s hard to pinpoint its appeal. Perhaps it’s the judicious use of hot pink here and there, or the fact that they once forgot my order and made up for it by triple sizing it and giving me free biscotti, which was unnecessary considering very little time had passed. I could camp out here and never miss my desk at home.
—Emma Larkin
Editor’s note: Relatively new on the scene is Arriviste Coffee Bar (5730 Ellsworth Avenue, 412-204-7320). It serves “single-origin” coffees from Commonplace Coffee Company (Pittsburgh) and Passenger Coffee Roasters (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) and “are the first coffee shop in the city to use an under-counter Modbar espresso machine…” What’s more relevant to me is that I’ve had some very smooth cappuccinos there (small cookie included) and will return. Arriviste hours: Monday to Friday 7am-6pm and Saturday to Sunday 8am to 5pm.
In the National Constitution Center’s Signers Hall, life-size bronzers of the signers of the Constitution bring home the difficulty of trying to hammer out a document that would please large and small states alike.
“Marguerite” ruby and diamond brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris, 1969. From Hillwood exhibit, “Spectacular Gems and Jewelry from the Merriweather Post Collection.” / Photo by Square Moose Inc.
Cartier emerald and diamond brooch, 1928. From Hillwood exhibit, “Spectacular Gems and Jewelry from the Merriweather Post Collection.” / Photo by Square Moose Inc.
WASHINGTON DC’sHillwood Museum is dazzling visitors with “Spectacular Gems and Jewelry from the Merriweather Post Collection.” More than 50 pieces from the 1900s through the 1960s belonging to the cereal heiress show that Post recognized that jewelry went beyond adornment to artwork worthy of display.
Among the showstoppers is an emerald and diamond pendant brooch made by Cartier in the 1920s. The fab pin features more than 250 carats of carved Indian emeralds from the Mughal period. More must-sees: a ruby and diamond floral brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels from 1969; a pear-shaped amethyst ring by Verdura and a gold, peridot and diamond brooch by David Webb.
Hillwood is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Suggested donation is $18 for adults ($15 for seniors, $10 for college students, $5 for ages 6 to 18, free for children under 6 and members). The exhibit will run through January 1, 2018.
In Philadelphia, you can’t do anything better for your country than visiting the National Constitution Center. The center’s main exhibit, “The Story of We the People,”with its three concentric rings of interactive exhibits, guides you through top moments in America’s history (see a rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation) and impresses the hell out of you with the importance of the U.S. Constitution. Then there’s Signers Hall, where you can walk among 42 life-size, bronze statues of the founding fathers who signed (along with some who didn’t) their names to the Constitution on September 17, 1787. The statues range in height from George Washington at 6 feet, 2 inches to James Madison at 5 feet, 4 inches. Sitting down and looking invitingly at visitors is Benjamin Franklin.
The National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, is open daily (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) Monday to Saturday 9:30am to 5pm, Sunday noon to 5pm. Tickets are $14.50 for adults ($13 for seniors and college students with ID, $11 for ages 6 to 18, military, free for children under 5, military and members).
The Frick Museum in Pittsburgh marks the centennial of American photographer Irving Penn’s birth with “Irving Penn: Beyond Beauty.” The exhibit of 140 photographs includes his glamorous fashion photos, portraits of famous personalties (e.g., Truman Capote, Salvador Dali), still lifes and his late work with found objects (crushed paper cups and cigarette butts).
The Frick, 7227 Reynolds Street, is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, Friday 10am to 9pm. Tickets $10 ($8 for students and seniors, $6 for 16 and under, free for children 5 and under and for active duty military and their immediate families and for members). Free admission for all July 8, July 29 and August 19, 2017, courtesy of the Jack Buncher Foundation. The exhibit will run through September.
Mad about Sacai and Simone Rocha? Curious to see new lines like Gauchère and Toogood? The summer sale at Relish begins this Friday, June 23, at 10 a.m. and continues through July. Aficionados head to the boutique a couple of days ahead to stake out their desired items, so when the crowds arrive, they don’t have to spend time searching. Well-Being Editor Mary Carpenter is a regular at the sales event, which is now in its 23rd year. In light of that landmark, we’re republishing Mary’s description of how to make the most of the event.
TWICE A YEAR some friends and I get together for what has become a ritual—the twice-yearly sale at Relish, the Georgetown boutique that caters to the fashion-forward. I’m not a fashionista, so this is something of a lark, but we’re serious enough to know where we’ll be once every six months.
At around 9 a.m., we start our decadent morning with breakfast at Leopold’s, consuming heart-breakingly delicious European coffee and tasty pastries. From the window, we watch people lining up outside of this clothing store that is out of our price range for the rest of the year, although not impossible for a well-deserved treat or holiday gift to self.
When the doors open at 10 a.m., we don’t race unceremoniously out of Leopold’s, but we don’t linger either. It’s a great sale, as much as 50 percent off on the first day as opposed to chintzier sales that mark down the merchandise 10 percent at a time over a month or longer. And the clothes!!! A carefully curated selection of designer items from Marni, Dries Van Noten, Joseph, Sophie D’Hoore and more we would otherwise be reluctant to try on, fearing we would be expected to make a purchase and, worse, hovering salespeople chortling their praise. When the Relish dressing rooms fill with those women who stood in line, we find a corner in the back where we hang up our choices and, mostly discreetly, try them on. Then we often switch and try on each other’s choices.
What sets Relish apart from other high-end retailers is the owner Nancy Pearlstein, who is frighteningly honest. You often have to vie for her attention, and sometimes you must slink around conspicuously in the hope that she will notice you. If something you’ve tried on doesn’t look good, she will tell you with a deep frown, or sometimes a carefully chosen word.
In all likelihood, you find something that works. In more than 10 years of attending many of these sales, I still own and wear almost every item I’ve bought there. And I’m someone with a closet full of what-was-I-thinking’s—clothes someone told me looked good, are a dismal failure and still upset me too much to toss.
Even if you find nothing, you will have gained a new sense of fashion possibilities and perhaps be better prepared, once six more months have passed, to go whole hog at the next sale.
Founder of Scout Bags, Deb Waterman Johns has been wearing the same “uniform” for the past 25 years. / MyLittleBird photo.
A mom with two young daughters knows the necessity of keeping it simple. White jeans. At night, she raises the ante with a sleeveless, flowy top from Ecru Style.
MyLittleBird Managing Editor Nancy McKeon’s uniform: a slouchy cotton Chanel sweater, a winged collar shirt and cotton, ankle-length pants. / MyLittleBird photo.
MyLittleBird’s Janet Kelly’s go-to summer outfit is a striped shirt and white cotton pants. Both from Everlane. / MyLittleBird photo.
A uniform of white pants, blue shirt and black boots gets an unexpected but welcome dash with a fringed handbag. / Photo courtesy of “Parisian Chic Look Book: What Should I Wear Today”?/Flammarion.
To wear to a hip restaurant: Ines de la Fressange suggests a tuxedo jacket, white blouse with a black foulard, black pants and black velvet slippers. / Photo courtesy of “Parisian Chic Look Book: What Should I Wear Today”?/Flammarion.
CHOICE, PARTICULARLY when it applies to wardrobe, is overrated. Who wants to stand in front of a full closet in the wee hours, or anytime for that matter, debating what to wear. How enviable my long-ago summer camp uniform of navy and gray shorts with navy and gray T-shirts now seems. Which got us to thinking—how could we decrease the time and the stress that are involved in this daily dressing process? We reached out to friends, family, colleagues and to the pages of the new Parisian Chic Look Book: What Should I Wear Today? from the quintessentially French Inès de la Fressange.
“It helps to find a uniform,” says Deb Waterman Johns, co-founder of Scout Bags. “The Prada fanny pack and Patricia Underwood knot hairband have been my wardrobe anchor for 25 years. I have a very casual lifestyle. I must have 40 black T-shirts from Petit Bateau” (which she buys for much less in Paris.) To those basics, Johns adds cargo shorts (black leggings in winter) and black Converse sneakers. It just helps to streamline, she says.
And streamline is exactly what my daughter-in-law, who’s a busy working mom, knows how to do. During the day, white jean capris from BlankNYC, a Madewell T-shirt and flats are her staples; at night she changes to longer AG white jeans and adds a heel and a silky sleeveless shirt.
To minimize the angst over “what should I wear today,” I’ve taken a page from my daughter-in-law’s book and adapted it. I’m a sucker for blue-and-white striped cotton T-shirts (the Gap, Saint James, Everlane, Theory, a wildly overpriced Marc Jacobs); I have a few white blouses (a button-down and a little boho one from J. Crew, along with other styles from Theory and Brooks Brothers) and a couple of oversize linen shirts in white and indigo. I own several pairs of Paige white ankle-length jeans but lately I’m more comfortable in looser, cotton pants from Everlane, Alice + Olivia and Joseph. And sneakers—or minimal sandals a la Jackie O. Speaking of the inimitable Jackie, who, although she didn’t need a uniform in the same way the rest of us do, favored black T-shirts and white pants in summer.
Summer or winter, the palette of MyLittleBird Managing Editor Nancy McKeon is black and white. A pair of Talbots cotton ankle pants (in photo above) for summer, Pendleton wool (full trouser length) for winter and stretchy Lycra-blend, ankle or cropped, for dog walks. Her blouses/shirts/sweaters/jackets vary by brand (from cheap-cheap to more-than-enough) and by fabric weight. What changes is everything but the look—the pants can be longer or shorter, heavier-weight fabric or lighter, the jacket sometimes more structured, sometimes more slouchy (see photo). Most of her six white non-iron cotton blouses have a winged collar, nothing fancy but very practical. BTW, McKeon, who composed the photo on her sisal carpeting, has in the process learned just how much of Jeremiah’s dog hair is embedded there.
Inès de la Fressange understands the value of keeping it simple. In her recent book, she advises on how to mix the ingredients you already have—blue or black jeans, a trench coat, a white shirt, boots, sandals. Wardrobe building blocks can be dressed up or down to suit every situation, from what to wear to work to having dinner with your ex. De la Fressange is big on accessories—embellished flats, a handbag in an unexpected jewel tone, a piece of statement jewelry.
Do you have a summer uniform? Send us an e-mail describing it, and please feel free to attach a photo.
Dolce & Gabbana’s pink feather clutch, topped with crystals is so adorable it’s hard to decide whether to hug it or wear it. There’s time to save up or forgo your rent/mortgage; it won’t be available until Oct. 30, 2017. $3,375, modaoperandi.com.
You’ll have to wait until Emerson Fry restocks this roomy, linen, leopard print clutch, but you won’t regret adding it to your accessory arsenal. $98, emersonfry.com.
Gotta have it: a hand-woven raffia tote with irresistible pink pom-poms. $152, netaporter.com.
Prada interprets Picasso for this one-off bag carried at the Prada men’s fall 2017 runway show. But I first noticed it on the back cover of Vogue on the arm of Jessica Chastain. $3,080, saksfifthavenue.com.
Think of Rafe’s mother-of-pearl and metal cubist minaudiere as a jeweled accessory for whatever you wear. $945, neimanmarcus.com. See the website for area locations in DC and Philadelphia.
“I LOVE handbags; you don’t have to take your clothes off to try them on,” says MyLittleBird’s always-wry Art Director Kathy Legg. Managing Editor Nancy McKeon considers handbag shopping spectator sport, and indeed for at least two of the examples above, ogling is about as far as one might want to go, considering the stratospheric prices of the Prada Picasso-ish top-handle handbag and the pink feather fantasy clutch from Dolce & Gabbana. The ones from Emerson Fry and Nannacay are more wallet-friendly. Any of these personality-plus purses makes the case that a show-stopping accessory is all you need to make your outfit go from meh to marvelous.
Bernardo was founded by architect and artist Bernard Rudofsky in 1946. The company’s signature, minimalist sandal has been worn by the likes of Jackie O and Jane Birkin. This thong sandal with a thin leather t-strap and flexible rubber sole has a cushioned footbed. $98, bernardo1946.com.
Totally casual and comfy, Lands’ End Gatas sandals hug your feet just right and stay put thanks to the elastic front strap. Also available in turquoise, purple and black. $45, landsend.com.
Get a leg up on summer style. Wear Aquatalia’s Risa metallic leather gladiator sandal with trim straps and a leather stacked heel. $395, aquatalia.com.
Think summer on the Italian Riviera. These Paul Andrew sandals with a slight lift at the heel are what to wear on your feet whether you’re in Italy or elsewhere. For price and where to buy, see paulandrew.com.
The straps on Kanna’s metallic suede sandal are on the wide side and may not work for thicker calves but the shoe is cushy and a good choice for narrow feet $115, kannashoes.com.
The name says it all. L’Amour des Pieds’ Foires Asymmetrical Slingback Sandal appeals with a cushioned footbed and tapered setback heel. $248.95, nordstrom.com.
Bring out the bling for a dressy occasion: Frances Valentine’s Beatrix jeweled metallic sandal with a heel inspired by Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome is designed to be elegant and stable. $495, francesvalentine.com.
Prada’s upscale interpretation of a Birkenstock supportive sandal with a scalloped platform. See prada.com for price and details.
LAST WEEK New York magazine’s The Strategist focused on feet and the best ways to keep them presentable and comfortable as we enter the season of sandals and full exposure. Their recommendations included Yoga Toes, a promising way to prevent bunions and hammertoes through stretch. Other product suggestions: foot peel potions, callus removers, foot cream and foot massagers (tennis balls!). MyLittleBird’s Managing Editor Nancy McKeon would add tea tree oil spray to that list. “It’s hard to find but refreshing and healing as well,” she says. And don’t forget about tending to your soles with a few easy exercises, like gripping a small towel with your toes.
While well-groomed, hydrated feet and shaped and buffed/polished toes are key, it’s important to consider how your foot looks in a sandal. Think of shopping for sandals like shopping for a dress—look for lines that flatter the good things about your foot. If you happen to be in a shoe store or shoe section of a department store, use the mirror to judge how your feet look. Yes, Birkenstocks and the like are nerd-trendy, and while they may be comfortable and great for travel, they do the silhouette of your foot no favors.
A few tips:
A stacked-heel sandal will balance heavier calves and ankles.
For a desirable lift and more support and stability than sky-high heels, wedges are a good option.
Sandals that are within one or two shades of your skin tone elongate legs.
Straps on sandals vary in width and placement, which affects looks as well as comfort. Thick straps placed high on the foot shorten your leg line.
In the gallery above, see our eight picks for feet that demand good looks and comfort, too.
SUMMER SALES make now a really good time to stock up for the season, but you better do it fast because stores/websites are already looking ahead to fall. Which is why we’re looking forward to Fashion Group International D.C.’s (FGIDC) bi-annual trends presentation. After the shows in February, a flurry of stories appear, conjecturing what 10, 11 or 4 trends seen on the runway women will incorporate into their wardrobe. Will we decide to wear more red (as seen on a slinky dress from Jil Sander and a full-skirted one from Brock), revive pantsuits (to project solidarity with Hillary Clinton) or embrace craft-to-wear a la Melania Trump, who wore a $51,500 Dolce & Gabbana floral coat with silk flowers in Sicily on the first day of the G-7 summit.
Red is right for fall 2017. Left: a cherry shirt and skirt from Jil Sander. Right: a full-skirted look from newcomer Brock.
We’ll get some answers to those questions this Thursday, June 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in conjunction with the last of an FGDIC series of workshops aimed at giving fashion-focused entrepreneurs the resources to grow their businesses.
Panelists Ambyr Hanks, founder of The Written Runway and content marketing manager at HZDG; 52 Thursdays blogger Sarah Phillips and Heloise McKee Mitchell, founder and lead designer of home decor site, Mintwood Home, will discuss content marketing and the importance of social media in creating a brand. Angela Bobo, digital strategist and social media manager for TAA PR, will moderate.
The event will take place at Canvas Co/Work, 1203 19th St. NW. Tickets are $15 for FGDIC members, $25 for nonmembers and $30 at the door. RSVP today (www.fgidc.org).
T by Alexander Wang’s twist-front cropped shirt, sort of a reconstructed camp shirt, is totally adorable. Paired with slightly high-waisted pants, it nicely accentuates the waist. During Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale, it’s $149.98 at nordstrom.com. See the website for area locations.
Uncontrollable air conditioning makes a summer jacket a must-have. This one in chambray by Joie is light enough to stash in a tote, plus who doesn’t want pink this year. And it goes so well with all those summer whites. $178, neimanmarcus.com.
For sheer versatility and wearability on so many occasions, a great-fitting pair of black pants wins my affection. Rag & Bone’s black stretch-crepe Abel pants are finished with crepe de chine side stripes and ankle slits for a fluid wide-leg shape. $255, netaporter.com.
The consensus is that the boho-inspired clothing of Ulla Johnson is overpriced. This sleeveless midi dress with a detailed bib neckline, tassel tie and ruffle at the hem is a charmer for casual summer days. It’s $256 at modaoperandi.com during the site’s up-to-50-percent-off sale.
Even with Moda Operandi’s almost 50 percent reduction, this snazzy metallic jacket by Isabel Marant ($669, modaoperandi.com) is a splurge. If you’re lucky enough to snag it before it’s sold out, though, it would be worth the indulgence.
I’ve been on the hunt for a trench coat for a while. Fabiana Filippi’s Classic Trench ($577, farfetch.com) nails it for me. I’m usually a sucker for epaulets and other signature details of a trench coat, but the very simplicity of this coat appeals to me. It’s only 15 percent off its original price, but there are very few left.
Sportmax’s red, pink and white linen blend checked dress with a self-tying sash ($575, farfetch.com) is 50 percent off its original $1,150. Still pricey, but the perfect, light-as-air dress for summer scorchers. It’s also available in gray and cream.
Not a trench coat per se, but Belgian designer Sophie D’Hoore’s hurricane-green cotton coat with a ruffle trim is the kind of stand-out piece that it doesn’t matter what you wear under it. $616, farfetch.com.
DESPITE THE UNSEASONABLY cool and rainy weather, Memorial Day signals the official start to summer—and a torrent of sales. The usual suspects: Nordstrom‘s Half Yearly Sale (through June 4) is discounting clothing and accessories by up to 40 percent; Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus are offering the same, while Bloomingdale’s is cutting prices by up to 60 percent (but just for this weekend). Also getting into the act are high-end fashion sites like Moda Operandi (MO), Net a Porter and Farfetch, all reducing prices on select clothing and accessories by up to 50 percent. MO is ratcheting up an additional 20 percent for this weekend. Savvy shoppers, take note: Although nobody needs a winter coat in June, you usually get the biggest bang for out-of-season items.
Above are eight items that got the attention of our wallet.
Everlane’s crease-resistant cocoon dress with draped shoulders is as effortless as it gets. Also available in black, $98, everlane.com.
Despite its asymmetric hem, Topshop Unique’s Margo polo, stretch-knit dress with pink, black and white stripes fits the easygoing category. Wear with sneakers. And, it’s now $126, down from $180, as part of Net a Porter’s sitewide sale.
Toteme’s ribbed stretch-knit dress with a flattering V-neck, useful front pockets and side slits passes the test for simple elegance. Also available in cream. Reduced from $230 to $115, netaporter.com.
This cheetah-print sheath from J. McLaughlin is made of the company’s signature Catalina knit jersey with a hint of spandex for comfort, durability and wrinkle resistance. $225, jmclaughlin.com. See the website for stores in D.C. and Pittsburgh.
A classic pique knit shift updated with gingham cuff and collar. Reduced to $79.99 from $119, talbots.com. See the website for locations in D.C., Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Equipment’s lightweight, loose-fit, army-green linen dress with flap pockets can be cinched at the waist with a detachable belt. Reduced from $225 to $158, netaporter.com.
A flowy, easy-silhouette, don’t think too hard about kind of dress, gussied up with metallic threads. $185, annmashburn.com and 3251 Prospect St. NW, D.C.
SECOND TO MY QUEST to find something to wear for two summer weddings is my search for easy-to-wear, everyday dresses.
The cool and rainy weather has made cropped jeans or pants paired with T-shirts and blouses my outfit of choice, but I know hot summer days are coming. Which is when I’ll want to switch to a dress as my go-to uniform for the next several months. One that’s light as air, doesn’t stick to me and preferably doesn’t wrinkle too much. I’ll be able to wear said dress for a lunch date, a business meeting, for a casual dinner and pack it up for a weekend away. Simplicity is key, meaning trendy details such as balloon sleeves, high-low hems and off-the shoulder designs should be limited. Although my husband the dapper dresser objects, if the shape of the dress is, well, not so form-fitting, so be it. Comfort counts—a lot.
In the slide show above are several possibilities, but I’m always looking at more options for the ideal summer frock. So, let me know what you’ve discovered. Comment on this story or post on our Facebook page.
Enough skin peeks through this Moonlight Lace dress to make it feel femme rather than matronly. A nipped-in waist and flared skirt make an appealing silhouette. A good option for a semi-formal occasion. $470, anthropologie.com. See the website for local branches in DC, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Saloni’s dark floral print dress fills the bill for what to wear to an afternoon wedding late summer or early fall. $575, modaoperandi.com.
The metal-plated belt accentuates the waist of this Halston Heritage jumpsuit. Along with another metal sliver at the shoulder, they perform like jewelry, a striking touch on all black. The halter top can make even not-so-buff arms look better. $595, halstonheritage.com.
Add black pants to Carmen March’s silk-blend, loose-fitting metallic top ($640, netaporter.com) and voila, a sophisticated black-tie ensemble. You may want to sub the black bra shown here for a less-revealing black camisole.
Carmen March’s tapered black pants in luxe taffeta are cut high for the illusion of a smaller waist and longer legs. Tuck the Carmen March metallic blouse inside to show off the waist. $1,000, netaporter.com.
Top Sissa’s cotton and linen midi Rusty Red Pocket Dress ($760, modaoperandi.com) with a straw hat and you’re set for a casual wedding, not to mention a slew of other summer occasions.
Black tie or black tie optional, Shoshanna’s asymmetrical, cap-sleeve midnight-blue gown is the antidote for anxiety about upper arms and untanned legs. $660, saksfifthavenue.com.
A girly cotton voile dress with butterfly sleeves trimmed in red is foolproof for beach and/or lawn party wedding fetes. $510, netaporter.com.
Dress up this cropped navy jumpsuit in burnout fabric with jewelry and heels for a fancy fete or dress down with a pair of flat sandals for a casual event. From Diane von Furstenberg. $398, dvf.com.
Go daring with a the season’s big “it trend: deconstruction. Rick Owens’ twist-front crepe de chine-trimmed stretch-jersey top ($430, netaporter.com) can work with black or white pants or skirt. Either way, it’s elegant. Just add sparkling earrings.
I RECEIVED TWO invitations to weddings this summer —about two more than I usually receive. I wrote to my colleagues for support—were they similarly afflicted? No, thank god, wrote Stephanie, reminding me of the decision to be made about stockings. (see New York Times’s Vanessa Friedman’s advice.) Nancy responded similarly. “No, thank goodness.” Kathy also chimed in with a no, as did Anne. So did Mary but acknowledged that friends were calling to borrow accessories. Why such aversion?
Can we just all agree that finding something “appropriate to wear” is the major sticking point? If so, the first rule of thumb is to read the invitation, lest you wind up wearing something suitable for a garden party when the invite said black tie. “Black tie” means formal, but you don’t have to haul out the long ball gown. In fact, unless your social calendar requires that you attend multiple galas a year, buying an evening gown seems unnecessary. How many times will you wear that dress again? And if you’re not in the wedding party, wearing long can look dated, even dowdy. A midi-dress or skirt, a length that is oh so popular and readily available, will look more chic. BTW, despite what some of my friends say (you know who you are), you can wear black—just not white—to a wedding. Of course, that depends on the crowd. What works in NYC may not in St. Louis.
“Black tie optional” only means a tuxedo is not de rigueur for your male partner. If you already own and were planning to wear a long dress, go for it, but something cocktail-ish works, as does a jumpsuit, preferably with a defined waist. A nuance to consider—what will your host expect? I attended a black-tie-optional wedding two summers ago where the first cousin of the father of the bride wore a safari suit. The latter didn’t speak to the former for six months after. If the invitation reads semi-formal or cocktail, opt for a short or mid-length dress or suit in a light color for a daytime event, a darker color for the evening. For weddings on the beach or in a garden setting, something flowy and floral would be on-trend this summer. Shoes are key; find a pair of sandals suitable for walking on the sand and/or a pair of heels you don’t mind sinking into the grass. (If you need courage to choose comfortable flats, take courage from First Lady Melania Trump, seen here at the White House Easter Egg Roll and here back in February.)
The 10 examples in the slide show above cover the bases for summer and early fall weddings. Feeling bad about your neck, arms, legs? We’ve looked for choices that accentuate waists, flutter about the upper arms and fall flatteringly below the knee.
—Janet Kelly
Getting married yourself this summer? Feel like making something of your own? There’s still time to enter the 2017 Toilet Paper Wedding Contest. See rules and requirements right here.