FALLING FOR BLOUSES

Blouses can serve various purposes in an outfit. They can range from a simple neutral color that acts as a base for a subtle outfit to a special top that becomes the centerpiece of the entire look. It's enjoyable to have choices and explore the variety of blouses in your wardrobe or consider purchasing new ones to add some wonderful surprises to your outfits.

Here are some options I recently came across, either in person or on websites, and I'm considering each one. Any (and all!) would be a fabulous boost to my wardrobe. Let's take a look.

This exquisite cotton poplin blouse adorned with crystal embellishments is a creation of Forte_Forte, a brand established in 2002 by siblings Giada and Paolo Fort and headquartered in Italy. With 10 boutiques worldwide, mostly in Europe and one in the Melrose Place area of Los Angeles, the brand offers a range of clothing, accessories, and shoes. This blouse, made of cotton poplin, looks comfortable and easy to wear. Its standout feature is the vibrant multicolored crystals. On the company’s website, it is styled with a striking coat reminiscent of leopard print, creating a perfect ensemble! The price is $650 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/2kzh4pf5

Sequined blouses have been associated with adding sparkle to formal outfits. However, they can be styled in a more casual way for everyday wear. It is fun to experiment and the blouse shown here looks like a winner! This Zadig & Voltaire Tawny sequined blouse, when worn with denim would a great daytime outfit. The color, listed as “encre”, meaning ink, that is between a black and a very dark blue exudes the right amount of richness. The price is $398 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/3zkfnkve

The combination of black and white is often seen as a timeless and classic style, serving as a versatile base for the overall outfit. Depending on the clothing piece, it can give an ensemble a classic or modern touch. This black and white striped 100% silk blouse by The Kooples has two great features including the covered button placket and the tie. Hiding the buttons makes for a clean look and the tie adds interest. The price is $415 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/278vj8wa

Theory is a brand I’ve worn for years. It is more than a reliable source for basic shades of minimalistic clothing. It gets things right! The dozen or so pairs of its "Treeca" pants, in good wool, good linen and admiral crepe shows my affinity and trust in the brand.

Theory’s tops are also on target and dependable, and I like wearing their silk blouses. Browsing various websites, I stumbled upon an item that resembled both a blouse and a jacket. The specific categorization of this garment seems to be open to interpretation! Bloomingdale’s refers to it as a Trench Long Sleeve Blouse, while Nordstrom labels it as a Double Breasted Trench Jacket. Regardless of the designation, it appears to be a versatile top suitable for everyday wear.It is made of 100% recycled polyester. The price is $295 and the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/2rkaftzy

Are you interested in any of these blouses? If not, what styles and colors do you favor?

FALLING FOR JACKETS

While the warm weather is still lingering, it's never too early to start thinking about cool autumn days. As a true New Yorker, my wardrobe is filled with plenty of black, but I love adding a pop of color or embellishment to my jackets. I’ve been browsing for some great pieces for the upcoming season.

I've been a fan of Alice + Olivia, designed by Stacey Bendet, for over a decade, especially their pants and jackets. Recently, I stumbled upon their new peony petals bright ruby pattern - it's absolutely stunning! I'm particularly drawn to the Silas Single Breasted Blazer ($595), imagining how fabulous it would look paired with an all-black ensemble. This is the link: https://tinyurl.com/35tjxc7w 

Honestly, I could easily get carried away with this peony print and add other pieces such as the button-down blouse ($375), trousers ($395), or even one of their gorgeous dresses ($465 - $695). It's interesting that while the pattern is similar among the garments, the composition varies. For instance, the jacket is made of recycled polyester and polyester, the blouse is 100% silk and depending on the the dress, made of viscose or polyester.

Wearing clothes with “bling” is something I like to do from time to time, but I’ve yet to include wearing words and messages on my clothes. (Though at times I wear my emotions on my sleeves!) A new offering from Zadig & Voltaire is the Very Diamanté Blazer ($598) a black blazer with rhinestone embellishments. The words could be a fun conversation starter when meeting new people and I love the inverted notched lapels. This would look great with leather pants! The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/48dtfmj2

In several previous posts, I've mentioned how much I like Rag & Bone. They have a unique style that blends classic elements with a modern edge. The brand markets items from head to toe. I can confirm the Brea leather boots are comfortable and have held up for a few years!

The Emile Studded Blazer ($728) from the new fall line, available at Neiman Marcus, is another great example of the modern edge style. It's a relaxed, double-breasted black blazer with metal studded trim, making it a versatile piece that can be worn in several seasons. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/5n7dh4c7

Dorothee Schumacher was a name I was unfamiliar with until I stumbled upon this jacket while browsing online. I later learned that Dorothee Schumacher is a global brand based in Mannheim, Germany, with collections sold in over 40 countries.

What caught my eye was their Graphic Elegance Houndstooth Plaid Jacket.($1,300).

This double-breasted jacket is not your typical houndstooth! It has an oversized fit and an asymmetric notched lapel. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/b2nwa7md

In addition to clothes, the brand sells shoes, bags, accessories and home goods. Dorothee Schumacher should test operating a store in New York. Though the website lists a number of retailers in the area selling its clothes, I could see it fitting in the NYC retail scene.

This post included four jackets. However, it is only August, so I know as we move into autumn the list of jackets to consider will only be increasing! What types of jackets are you considering to purchase, or are you shopping in your closet?

STAND OUT IN STYLE WITH LEOPARD SHOES

In several of my posts, I’ve discussed my love for shoes, especially those that are both stylish and comfortable. I’ve been a fan of leopard accessories, especially shoes, and I’m glad to see leopard making another comeback this summer. It looks to be a theme in the months ahead. Leopard shoes can really perk up a monotone outfit, especially an all-black outfit. Below are several leopard styles to consider for your shoe line-up.

An elegant slingback that is available in two different heights

Designer Marion Parke is a podiatric surgeon and launched her luxury footwear company in 2016.

The company’s website describes how her podiatry background meshes with her shoe design: “Every style incorporates her unique insole, which is sculpted to follow the natural contour and curvature of the bottom of the foot. With an arch support, added material to support the rearfoot and ankle, as well as medical grade material for cushioning that molds to the foot over time, Marion transforms the insole of a traditional luxury dress shoe into an orthotic.” That sounds caring and comfortable!

The Marion Parke shoe shown, called the Classic Slingback is elegant. It has a pointed toe and an adjustable buckle. It is made of calf hair and nappa leather. Featuring a flattering 2.8-inch stiletto heel, this versatile shoe could become a go-to. Dress them up for a special occasion or elevate your casual outfits for a touch of effortless polish. The price is $550. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/585nm7uw

The website shows this leopard style with a 2 inch heel that is thicker than the above mentioned pair. The price is slightly higher, $575.

A versatile pump

Aquazzura, known for luxurious footwear and the bow tie at the back collar of its pumps that are available in a range of heights and fabrications has a perfect leopard print pump. This pointed toe shoe has a 2 inch kitten heel. It looks to be the right choice for a long day, allowing for nice walking distances and then feeling fabulous while doing something special at the end of the day! The price is $850. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/mrrftvt4

A block heel

A block heel with a square toe could be one of the most comfortable types of shoes. Typically, they eliminate toes being squeezed, and the sturdy heel is ideal for walking. Prada’s loafer pump, in calf hair with a 1 ¼ inch heel, is a great combination of support and fun fashion. The price is $1,320. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/3exkrray

A marvelous mule

Mules are a stellar choice for summer shoes as they are stylish and comfortable in the heat. This Saint Laurent shoe, called the Barbara Mules with a low-cut vamp is made of leopard grosgrain (viscose) With a pointed toe, it has a perfect 2.2 inch kitten heel. The price is $845. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/nhwjad3d

Do you like incorporating leopard in your wardrobe? If so, when you spot a pair of leopard shoes you like or plan to purchase, please share with me!