Une femme recommends...

Gentle Souls Double-Buckle Boots, $295.

Mes amis, I have found them, the perfect motorcycle boots.  These from Gentle Souls are absolute heaven on the feet, and have similar styling to the Choo's for less than 1/3 the price.  (Thanks to Frugal Scholar who suggested these!)  They run a bit large so order 1/2 size down from your normal size. 

The brown color is also gorgeous, and darker than pictured; I ordered both to see which I preferred but I only kept the black.  No need for overkill.  ;-)

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Room With A View

Monday night's view.  We stayed here:

The Pelican Inn and the rooms are designed to be reminiscent of a 16th Century Tudor inn.  The room was small but très charmant.

There's also a "Snug Room" where hotel guests can relax with a drink and read, or play board games.

We went for a walk to Muir Beach just a few hundred yards from the hotel...

Past a lovely lagoon to the beach itself.

Then around dusk we popped over here for an early evening stroll through the redwoods.

There's nothing on this earth like the smell of a coastal redwood forest.  The mix of redwoods, ferns, bay trees, and loam is just incredible.  If I could design a fragrance, this would be the base.

Now we're in Napa.  Here are today's views:

The temperature here on Tuesday was 101F.  Things are supposed to begin cooling down by a few degrees today, fingers crossed.  (I hear we just missed the Hell On Earth day in Los Angeles on Monday.)  We visited the Frank Family Vineyards in the afternoon, and swung by the little town of Calistoga where I found a decent crushable raffia sun hat.  By the time this posts we'll be off for our early morning hot air balloon ride, and then some more wine tasting. 

Hope to have another update and more pics in a day or two!

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Simple Interest - More Easy Pieces

Une femme continues the search for pieces with easy simplicity, and options to tap into the minimalist vibe without emptying the bank account. For those who can handle the double-breasted look, a knit jacket (above) from Eric Bompard, 210 Euros.  Though this channels the current military trend, especially in the dark olive color, the details are subtle enough to outlive current tendances.  It would look smashing with some wide leg trouser jeans, n'est-ce pas?

Below, also from Bompard, a v-neck pullover with zip-detail on the sleeves, 180 Euros. 

Chunky knits are also a big trend for Fall. For those who are looking for a bit of texture, this sweater coat from Pure Collection has possibilities:

Also available in Navy, $334.

And this longer cardigan brings the texture without too much bulk.

Longline cable cardigan, $218.  Also be available in camel and charcoal grey.

This v-neck tunic by Ella Moss is another of those items that's much better than it looks online.

The ruching on the pockets and tab sleeves keep it interesting.  Available in both this grey and a latte color, $218 from Nordstrom.  Confession:  I bought this one and absolutely love it!  The cut and drape are flattering to curves, and it's feather soft and lightweight. A light camisole underneath keeps it work-appropriate for the casual office.

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The *Actual* Napa Trip Wardrobe

So the heat is on, not only in LA, but also in Northern California.  My lovely visions of crisp fall weather have melted under predictions of 90+F temperatures for at least the early part of the week in Napa Valley.  That's during the days...nights are supposed to drop back down into the 50's.  Which means I've had to drastically rethink my assumptions about what I'm going to pack.

Aside from the day-to-night temperature differentials, over the six day trip I also have to prepare for venues and activities ranging from very casual to slightly dressy. We have a couple of dinners scheduled that call for attire a notch (or two) above Nice Jeans. I'll also be attending my high school reunion south of San Francisco, and while it's being billed as casual, I don't want to show up looking like a schlub, or worse, like I'm trying too hard.

Last year about this time when I was preparing to visit Paris for a week, Karen showed me the Polyvore on the Floor™ method to put together a capsule wardrobe.  This is such a helpful tool!  What you see above is a work in progress, but aside from a tweak here and there, I think it's close.  Laying everything out this way helps me to really see what goes with what, as I want to be able to mix and match as much as possible.

I started with the bottoms.  For casual (hot weather) daytime

--1 pair white cotton capris

--1 pair beige cotton capris

For casual evenings

--1 pair jeans

For dressy evenings
--Black knit pencil skirt

Tops:

--1 rust linen jersey tee, 3/4 sleeve
--1 navy v-neck tee

--3 silk jersey tanks in taupe, grey and black. (I love these for travel not only because they are light and layer well, but also because I can wash them in the sink and they dry overnight.)  

--1 navy linen jersey tank with some sequins around the neck

Sweaters/Jackets:

--Linen knit striped open cardigan (white, black, taupe)

--Lace knit cardigan in grey

--Cotton and silk lightweight 3/4 sleeve black jacket

--TBD casual cardigan/hoodie or jacket for early morning excursions or evening walks

(You may wonder why I'm bringing cardigans when it's going to be so warm.  These are for evenings, but also because I tend to get chilled in air-conditioned interiors.)

Footwear:

--Converse All-Stars

--Beige walking sandals

--Black gladiator sandals

--Boots (for cooler evenings)

Jewelry:

--Long strand irregular pearls

--Fleur-de-lis gold earrings

Bags (not pictured):

--LV Damier canvas cross body bag.  Lightweight and durable, great for daytime activities.

--Small black bag for evening, probably the same Miu Miu I took to Paris last year.

All of these pieces will roll up so shouldn't take up much room in the suitcase, and none require pressing.  I may swap out one or two items during the final assembly, but I'll still make sure each piece can coordinate with at least two others.  Putting together le monsieur's travel wardrobe won't be quite this easy; he likes to take multiples of everything!

Update: 

Dropped:

--the striped cardi, mostly because the holes in the arm are now noticeable. 

--beige capris, fabric too heavy and discovered a stain I don't have time to remove. 

Added:

--lightweight white cotton 5-pocket pants which can be rolled up.

--my leopard ankle boots.

--four of my lighter weight scarves

TBD assigned:

--featherweight cotton J.Crew 3/4 sleeve cardi in a mushroom color.

Do you have any tricks for putting together a capsule travel wardrobe?

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Traveling in Style

That's a very contented looking dog chillaxin in the back of the sidecar.  Spotted last night on my drive home from work.  (Don't worry, we were stopped at a red light!)
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Casual vendredi...

The Crush - Napa Valley by deja pseu featuring a pullover sweater

Next week we're off for a few days of R&R in Napa Valley.  We'll be there during "the Crush," or grape harvest season.  We have some tours and tastings already scheduled, as well as an early (!!!) morning hot-air balloon ride and perhaps a bit touring aux bicyclettes.  But mostly, we plan to relax.  I've learned from previous winery tours to dress in layers.  It may be warm in the vineyards, but the cellars will be cool.  And comforable shoes are a must.

I'll post an update or two from the road.
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More For The Money - Bags That Don't Skimp On Style

 

While many designers have returned this season to producing elegant, understated bags, it's not necessary to pay designer prices to get a well-made, stylish bag that should last for several seasons.  Once you've found a few brands and styles you like, keep an eye out for sales or for retailer discounts for even better deals.

One of my favorite brands for leather bags is Cole Haan.  While not cheap per se, they deliver good value for the money.  In most cases, I've found the leather and workmanship to be very high quality, and the styling is often understated and classic. 

Of this season's bags, the Heritage Jade bag is my favorite so far.  The woven leather, the classic shape, interior/exterior pockets and detachable cross-body strap all add up to an extremely attractive and

functional bag.  I particularly like this Loden color, but it's also available in black, light brown, and aubergine.  $398 from Cole Haan.

Another Cole Haan bag that combines practicality with style is the Gramercy Archer Satchel, $298.  This one also features the crossbody strap and is available in several colors.

Though I find the styling hit-and-miss, Marc by Marc Jacobs bags offer nice leathers and good functionality at a decent price point. 

Classic Q Little Ukita Calfskin Satchel. $398.

I've been quite impressed in recent seasons with some of the bags that J.Crew is offering up.  This Brompton Satchel, $298 has really lovely leather and styling, and the henna color below is gorgeous and perfect for fall. 

I've rarely seen leather bags under $200 retail that are worth spit, but I've found at least one exception this season.

This Talbots leather satchel at $179 has the look of a much more expensive bag.   The leather has a nice even finish, and it seems to be sturdy and well made.  This bag could easily handle work-to-evening wear.  (Une femme loves bags that do double-duty!)

Bluefly.com is always worth checking, though their merchandise tends to be limited and popular pieces go quickly.  I found several Furla bags (normally retailing in the $500-800 range) at substantial markdowns. 

Furla 'narciso' shopper, $327.  (Regularly $545.)

Furla 'clara' bag, $357 (regularly $595).

And finally, the bag that took Paris by storm a few years back, and is still one of my favorites, the "24 Heures" bag by Gerard Darel.  I have two of these that I've used regularly for several seasons, and they still look great and are holding up brilliantly.

Gerard Darel "24 Heures," $498.

When shopping for leather bags at a lower price point, some things to consider:

• 
  
  Leather should be of even texture and thickness.  Leather on less structured bags should be soft and pliable.  Leather that is stiff or feels papery or dry will probably not wear well.
• 
  
  Croc or ostrich embossed leathers on bags at lower price points often look cheap. Same with snakeskin prints. YMMV.
• 
  
  Hardware should be solid.  Clips and O-rings should close completely. Shiny coated hardware can chip or tarnish with wear; solid nickel or brass hardware in a brushed finish is often a better bet.
• 
  
  Check stitching.  Loose stiches or ends are an indication that the bag may not hold up to serious wear.
• 
  
  Put what you normally carry in the bag and see how it fits and feels.  Is the bag easy to get in and out of?  Does it feel comfortable on the arm or shoulder? 
• 
  
  When shopping on discount websites such as Bluefly.com or Overstock.com it's a good idea to stick to brands you know and trust.  Also, make sure that the e-tailer has a generous return policy.

Do you have any favorite sources for inexpensive leather bags?  Do wear your bags for multiple seasons, or do you replace more often?

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Our Bodies, Our Selves

"New Body, New Life?"

While standing in the checkout line a few weeks ago, the cover of this "magazine" caught my eye and I had to breathe deeply and count to ten.  Of all the lies we are told and tell ourselves, this is one of the most insidious: the notion that by changing our appearance we become a different person, the one who gets to live the life of our dreams. 

I'll concede that losing weight has probably opened up some opportunities for Jennifer Hudson.  She works in an industry that is generally unforgiving of women who dare to go above a size 2, so she'll probably get a wider range of work as long as she keeps the weight off.  She's probably made some good money shilling for Weight Watchers.  And maybe now she can line up for some designer samples for her red carpet appearances.  But a "new life?"  Seriously?  She is still the person who was a finalist on American Idol and won an Oscar (both at her larger size, incidentally), still the person whose mother and brother were tragically murdered.  She was a beautiful and talented woman before and is still a beautiful and talented woman.

Maybe my perceptions are a bit skewed and my antennae a bit too finely tuned in this area.  I've posted before about my parents, who instilled in me the idea that nothing mattered for a woman as much as her appearance, and that being Pretty (capital P, culturally-sanctioned, Homecoming Queen, Breck Girl pretty) was the key to the kingdom.  I assumed that if I could just get thin I'd be Pretty, as I'd always been told "you have such a pretty face, if you'd just lose some weight...."  My parents divorced when I was in 9th grade; I latched with a vengeance onto the idea that somehow being thin/Pretty would make my life "normal" and began dieting in earnest, spending the next decade and a half in the narrowed world of eating disorders.  I believed that solving the "problem" of my body would solve the problems of my life.  So during those years, rather than being focused outward toward the larger world and my place in it, I was focused inward in a never ending struggle to be "thin enough" to cross the elusive threshold into Pretty, when all of the chaotic pieces would somehow fall into place, and my *real* life would begin. Though I managed to get good grades both in high school and college, had friends and the occasional boyfriend, did well in the various jobs I held, my thoughts were often consumed by what I was going to have for lunch and what the scale would show the next morning and whether I'd ever look like the image of the 5'10", 110lb models I'd torn from magazines and pinned up to inspire me on those nights when I was losing the battle with my growling stomach.  I have trouble remembering the dates of my first (brief) marriage and divorce, but I could probably tell you what I weighed in any given month and year between the ages of 15 and 30. 

In my early 30's, I had a friend who was not just Pretty, but traffic-stoppingly gorgeous.  I'm talking a cross between young Susan Sarandon and young Michelle Pfeiffer gorgeous.  We'd go out, and she'd be swarmed by men.  I can't tell you how many times some alpha male would sidle up to her and say all googly-eyed, "you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen!"   When I'd remark on her beauty, she'd say "yeah, that and fifty cents will get me a cup of coffee" (the actual price of a cup of coffee at the time in those pre-Starbucks days).  She complained that men could never get beyond her looks, and weren't interested in getting to know who she was.  No one ever praised her intelligence or sense of humor (she had both in spades). Her prettiness didn't save her from troubles.  She battled with substance abuse, bad relationships, money problems.  Since then I've seen countless examples reinforcing the understanding that even great beauty doesn't save us from struggle, from loss and grief, from sickness and death. 

The currency of Pretty is widely accepted, but it only goes so far, only buys so much.  Yes, it might open some doors, and smooth some roads, but ultimately the quality of our lives is mostly up to us and the choices we make.  We give too much power to Pretty.  Losing weight or changing some other aspect of our appearance may do much to boost confidence, allow us a broader range of sartorial choices, and be received generally more positively from the world at large. But Pretty doesn't erase an unhappy childhood or replenish a ravaged retirement account or keep us dry when life is raining down shit.

The attributes of confidence, attitude, kindness, curiosity, a sense of humor, generosity of spirit, poise, character, and yes, style, will take us to all of those places that Pretty goes and then far beyond, and these can all be cultivated and sustained at whatever age, long after Pretty has flown the coop.  For those of us who don't make a living in the lens of a camera or walking red carpets, Pretty is fleeting and of little value on its own.  Being known and loved, loving, being able to enjoy the moment, making a contribution to this world in whatever capacity we have...these are the things that determine the quality of our lives and aren't dependent on being a size 2 or having flawless skin. 

So the next time we find ourselves caught up Before and After daydreams, it's good to recall the words of Buckaroo Banzai, "Remember, no matter where you go, there you are."

(And if I haven't convinced you, go read this amazing post from almost four years ago, from A Dress A Day. )

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The Look for Less: Olive Trench

Readers mentioned that they loved the look of the olive trench in last Friday's Polyvore, but that the price (over $700) was prohibitive.  Just for you, une femme scoured the internets all weekend and found the trench above from Nordstrom, $148.

And this one from DKNY, also $148.

Then there's this version from Max Studio, with 3/4 sleeves.

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Note to comment spammers:

If you want to pitch your crappy fake products, start your own damn blog.  Any and all spam comments will be terminated with extreme prejudice.
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Casual vendredi...

Paris in the Fall by deja pseu featuring fleur de lis jewelry

Une femme can dream... not until next year, though. 

But......

At long last, the earrings are mine!  Yes, these are the earrings from BeladoraII that I've been sighing over for almost two years now, and have used in countless Polyvores.  On Wednesday they finally adorned my ears. And I was able to have lunch with the lovely Belle de Ville too, so it was really a banner day!

Fabulous, aren't they?  This pair was one of a kind, but there are plenty more beautiful goodies where these came from. 
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Booting Up (Or, How To Wear Motorcycle Boots To The Office)

Les bottes motos by deja pseu featuring a d&g dress

Over the weekend I received an e-mail from reader Ginny, who'd found a great pair of biker boots and was wondering how to style them for the workplace, taking into account a daily commute that includes public transport and some walking. 

Provided you don't work in a very conservative environment, today's more relaxed dress codes make boots, even more edgy styles like these, a viable option.  (Once I've found my perfect pair, I certainly plan to wear them to the office!)  The looks above are a starting point; here are some additional thoughts:

• You'll want to keep the look balanced.  The "tougher" the boots, the less refined or fussy the other pieces should be. But that doesn't mean you should wear leather and studs head to toe;  rather, as with animal prints, we probably want to stick with one biker-esque piece at a time especially at work.  I'd opt for knits rather than strictly tailored pieces to soften and balance the overall look.  A bit of texture helps too, but it doesn't need to be as pronounced as what I've shown above.
• Keep the legwear lean and narrow.  Skinny or slim-leg jeans, jeggings (if you can tolerate them), slim ponte knit pants, leggings or opaque tights will work best. 
• Accessories that are too dainty, traditional or structured will look out of place.  While I'm all about mixing up masculine and feminine elements, that single short strand of pearls won't work here. (Check out yesterday's guest post by Duchesse for some great jewelry options.) Bags should be a bit "laid back," not too conservative, ladylike, structured or polished, and keep the detailing simple.
• Remember to treat and waterproof your leather boots if you'll be wearing them in wet or snowy weather. 

All of this reflects my own style aesthetic; YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) of course.  Do you wear biker or equestrian boots to work?  If so, how do you style them?
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Bold Statements - Minimalist Jewelry

I was thrilled when Duchesse accepted the invitation to be my very first guest poster.  With an eagle eye for unique and standout pieces, she's outdone herself here, presenting some fabulous jewelry at all price points to accent and complete our favorite minimalist looks.
......................

As part of her series on minimalist dressing, Deja Pseu has graciously invited me to write a guest post on jewelry.
-Duchesse, Passage des perles

If you enjoy jewelry, the subtle cuts of minimalist clothes are a perfect backdrop, but require some thought.

Pieces like this Céline pantsuit are styled for the runway with no jewelry, but I'd feel naked with absolutely nothing on my fingers or ears, and appreciate the subtle softening effect of a ring or earrings.

Mass-market production jewelry (such as those in a typical department store) is often over-designed and too fussy. One of those messy-chain necklaces will look as out of place on a calm Calvin Klein dress as fuzzy dice in a Bentley.

Instead, invest in fine quality or seek out young designers making handmade pieces from the noble metals– and don't mess with Ms. In-Between.

Resist one-upping the restraint of minimalist with the starkest designs; you don't want to look like a nun who won the lottery. The Tiffany Frank Gehry Torque Pendant is an example of what I'd avoid: too cold, too neuter.

Below, suggestions for what you pull out of your jewelry box, or for additions to your collection, at both fine and emerging-designer price points. Because sometimes our budgets are minimalist, too.



Earrings

Serene yet interesting, Dean Harris' citrine and 18k dangles provide a rich yet neutral accent. Price, $1,550 from Barneys.




At the gentle end of the price continuum, rosaline glass and washed-gold over brass earrngs by Etsy seller juliesadorabowls have the right organic feel. Price, $22.





Bracelets

Minimalist clothes suit bangles and cuffs. For the fine jewelry option, I'd choose vintage and admit serious jewel lust for Beladora's retro rose cuff; price, $2,450. What begins as lust would turn into a lifetime romance.

Ethnic jewelry is marvelous with simple chic, and the clothes return the compliment. This etched brass Turkish Tile cuff molds to the wrist and is just $30 from Etsy seller bcjewelry. At that price, you can wear a pair!

Natural materials like Roost's horn cuff also work well. This 2-inch bracelet is $35 from Multi Chic.






Around your neck


I noticed a woman in an Eileen Fisher ensemble accessorized by a huge, bright-bead necklace that overwhelmed its grace, and could almost hear her thinking "It just needs something to pick it up". Think caress rather than bear hug, texture rather than brilliant colour.Beth Orduna's labradorite pendant necklace features a shimmery faceted teardrop stone (nearly 1 1/2 inches) fastened to a flowered clasp holding a ring of moonstone, and a 19-inch silver chain. Price, $814 from Twist.

Etsy seller wulfgirl has the goods for our budget option; check out her 18k bead and silver-coated Czech glass 25-inch necklace strung on silk.

It's nubbly and cool, and combines silver and gold so mixes easily with what you already have; price, $40.

Rings

Your jewelry looks best when it's not too formal, in harmony with the relaxed simplicity of the clothes. (Shown: Eileen Fisher double-faced merino jacket.) Wear a standout ring, like this Jamie Joseph oval serpentine ring with diamond, bezel-set in 14k gold on your hand and voila, you're dressed! Price, $805 from Ylang23.





Low-end for rings is often a false economy: they need to wear well. But Anat Basanta's is the exception; her silver Corset Ring combines substance with subtlety; price, $185.



The traditional wedding band and diamond ER set looks dated with these sleek clothes, so if you wear them, how about a new ring? Shown, Carla Caruso Infinity Band, price, $350 from The Clay Pot.

Don't forget your pearls!

Minimalism’s assured authenticity is best accessorized with the unmistakably genuine, but real pearls don’t have to be perfect spheres. Save that polite white strand for blazers or tweeds; choose pearls with character and natural colour. With so many pearls available in the triple-digit range, you can wear your gems day and night.

A 32-inch rope of baroque Tahitian pearls (8mm-11mm) with natural (undyed) hues of peacock, pistachio, deep blue, aubergine, chocolate, silver, and deep steel grey would be quite wonderful. Price, $540 from Kojima Company.

I think I saved the best for last, but you know me and pearls! Both Pseu and I will enjoy hearing what you like to wear with your pared-down favourite pieces.
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