Nothing says ready-for-anything like a fresh white button up shirt.  It’s timeless and versatile.

This season however, Anine Bing’s Mika Cotton-Poplin Shirt ($200) stands out in the most subtle ways. First, its weight is substantial and its finish, uncommon. Made from a thick cotton poplin that holds its shape and gives structure that doesn’t wane by lunch.  Secondly, the cut is a dream.  It is oversized without being overwhelming (I sized down to an XS) thanks to the bracelet length sleeves and the loose collar makes it clear you’ve advanced past basic.  Finally, the detailing of the cuffs are the chef’s kiss.  Pair yours untucked with slim denim, tucked into a skirt, or wear it open over a tank dress.  The blue stripe version and the ivory one, that comes is a lightweight linen-lyocell blend, are other great additions for Spring.

Honorable Alternatives:
Cropped –  J.Crew Relaxed-Fit Cropped Cotton-Poplin Shirt ($89.50)
Not So Oversized – Rag & Bone Maxine Cotton-Poplin Shirt ($195)

For Men: Theory’s Sylvain Cotton-Poplin Shirt ($195) is a more straightforward classic with the tailored fit Theory is known for, so it’ll slip under your jacket without any extra bulk.  Why I love it: medium weight and lux finish, the perfect amount of stretch, and the unfussy styling (no chest pocket, because who puts pens there anyway).

Honorable Alternatives:
Similar style to Theory’s with a roomier cut – BR Premium Cotton-Poplin Dress Shirt ($90)
Traditional Winner – Sid Mashburn Spread-Collar Shirt ($165) – slim-fit version here

Shop additional selections on my website.

Everyone gets a pocket!  Form meets function this season with utility wear.  Here’s a few pieces for women from skirts and pants to jackets (and even a romper) for the spring season.

/ 1 / Nili Lotan Denise Belted Cotton-Canvas Jacket ($875)

/ 2 / DKNY Cargo Midi Skirt ($165)

/ 3 / Vince Button-Front Shirt Jacket ($345)

/ 4 / Rag & Bone Pleated Long-Sleeve Romper ($325)

/ 5 / Rag & Bone Leyton Cotton Workwear Pant ($295)

/ 6 / Mare Mare x Anthropologie Pleated Cargo Skirt ($148)

/ 7 / 3.1 Phillip Lim Cotton Canvas Ripstop Combo Utility Skirt ($525)

/ 8 / Vanessa Bruno Tobby Cotton-Blend Belted Short ($260)

/ 9 /  Dorothee Schumacher Cozy Coolness Jacket ($695)

/ 10 / Theory High-Rise Cargo Pant ($345)

Ensconced In Velvet

Velvet is not a year-round fabric, but for four solid months each year you can partake with reckless abandon with the fabric really taking center stage around the holidays.
While fabrics like tweed, herringbone, houndstooth, argyle, tartan, jacquard, and brocade are also classics through fall and winter – velvet adds dimension and drama.  Two great things to find under the mistletoe!

The featured options are classic velvet blazers, in neutral hues, that offer an endless possibility of ways to wear and style for the colder season.  Ladies can pair theirs with an easy black satin pant, a jean, or dress.  Men can work the drama by opting for a midnight navy trouser or black denim with their blue velvet blazer.

LADIES
J.Crew Willa Stretch-Velvet Blazer in Cafe Latté  ($228)

Additional Options:
• Reiss Teya Velvet Blazer  ($545)
• Banana Republic Veluro Oversized Blazer  ($280)

GENTS

Banana Republic Henri Velvet Blazer in Admiral Blue  ($425) 

Additional Options:
• Massimo Alba Olive Velvet Jacket  ($895)
• John Varvatos Roberto Two-Button Blazer  ($598) 

Shop additional selections on my website.

I met Mother Oxford’s founder, Lydia Kutko, over the summer and was impressed by her simple focus on a shirt that works for every day. This may sound like an exaggeration, but truly, I mean every single day! Kutko lives by the da Vinci ‘s ode “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” In January 2020, Lydia created the NYC-based sustainable and ethical womenswear company that’s created for women and by women—while also working with women-run manufacturing facilities, both domestically and internationally.

Mother Oxford’s quick-dry performance-cotton fabric makes it mess-friendly and sweat-resistant. Initially it was created for new mothers, but as demand grew, so did their audience. The brand empowers women to transition effortlessly through their personal and professional lives in clothes that command respect. Their classic fit button-down oxford shirts (and shirt dresses) are designed with your busy life in mind; all their products are easy to care for (machine wash gentle and line dry). They’re also size inclusive (size 0-28, XS to XXL) with their own “MO Size” guide.

The longer hem and deep side slits give you endless styling options to half tuck or tie up. They also have these great looking elastic cuffs to keep your sleeves up – so whether you’re growing a belly, breastfeeding, or transitioning from the pandemic life, you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort to stay polished!

Pictured: Mother Oxford ($138) 

 The holidays are fast approaching with perhaps some timid parties, there was no time to waste in getting this to you. While it seems unbelievable to find ourselves still wading through a pandemic via the Greek alphabet, it’s why I’ve decided my mantra for this season is “simplicity.”  I traveled around the wilds of Texas visiting family for Thanksgiving, but I’ll be sticking to the Northeast for Christmas and the New Year because it just feels easy and because New York City is absolutely gorgeous this time of year, offering plenty to do now that things are open again. 

Simplicity, though, isn’t exclusive to being deliberately elegant – as I was reminded when I visited the “Dior: Designer of Dreams” exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum last week.  Christian Dior opened his eponymous brand in 1946 when he was 41 (note: it’s never too late to start something… even a fashion powerhouse!) with a post-war goal of allowing women to rediscover joy, elegance, and beauty after years of wartime rations.  In the US and abroad, a scarcity of fabric led to regulations which restricted the length and fullness of skirts and dresses. Colors were limited, buttons were counted, zipper lengths were shortened, and even cuffs were banned (supply chain, anyone?). Once the war was over, short frocks reminded Dior of war and occupation and he wanted to bring in a season of celebration – fireworks not bombs, and dressing up instead of making do.    

Seeing Dior’s work cumulatively and chronologically presented impressed how few of his pieces were truly simple. A “simple” all black ensemble would require 30 yards of fabric. He was even protested in 1947 by a Chicago group called “The Little Below the Knee Club” who thought that his extravagant use of fabric, which lowered the hemline about 10 inches from regulated styles, was akin to moving them back to Victorian times and were angry that their wardrobes could become passé overnight.  Gotta love that Midwest practicality. 😉  But Dior was unmoved, he never meant his designs to be for everyday dress, as his focus was on special occasion dressing. He also anticipated that people would understand his designs in time, and 76 years of Dior fashion has proven he was correct.  

Dior only served as Creative Director for 10 years before dying of a heart attack. His sudden passing left the company in chaos, but with the remarkable trove of work to reference the brand has been carried forward through the imagination of nine other creative directors.  

Dior said, “Don’t buy much but make sure that what you buy is good” and “happiness is the secret to all beauty; there is no beauty that is attractive without happiness.”

With this, I wish you a happy, simple, and beautiful holiday season! 

/1/ Eye Just Blue-Light Blocking Screen Protector ($46 for iPhone)
/2/ Free People Polar Queen Faux-Fur Boot ($198)
/3/ Lily Silk 25-momme Terese Luxury Pillowcase w/ Hidden Zipper ($69)
/4/ House of Waris Night of Nights Herbal Tea ($28) /
5/ Garnet Hill Kids Boiled-Wool Slipper Boots ($49)
/6/ Comrad Unisex Socks ($32)
/7/ Vuori Men’s Meta Pant ($98)
/8/ Juggle Bali iPhone Case ($59)
/9/ Winning Solutions Mystery Date Retro-Bookshelf Edition Board Game ($40)
/10/ The Little Market Flat-Beaded Turquoise Bracelet ($22)
/11/ Sorel Men’s Caribou Moc Toe Waterproof Boots ($180)
/12/ Matia Lia Baroni Bespoke Ring ($85)