J'adore...

Indigo by Clarks "Water Row" heeled desert boots.  Great with ankle pants, jeans, even with a skirt and tights. Instant attitude.
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Update

I've been in touch with the folks at Karina Dresses regarding the website. They're in process of a web redesign, and should have the online shop back up within a day or two.  I'll post an update once they're back up and running.  Unfortunate timing, but the new site should be easier to navigate.  And if you haven't entered the drawing yet, you still have time.

Update to the Update: SHOP function is now back up; don't forget to use FEMM30 for $30 off regular priced dresses!
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The Dress Of My Dreams, And One For You!

"Is there anything more thrilling than a new frock?" --Lady Sybill from Downton Abbey

I've declared on occasion that I'm "not a dress person." That's not entirely true. I love the *concept* of dresses, of being able to put on a single garment in the morning and look pulled together, and there have been times in the past where I've worn dresses regularly and voluntarily. But in recent years, finding dresses that fit and flatter, are comfortable, have SLEEVES and don't require first squeezing myself into constricting shapewear has been a nearly impossible dream.

So when the folks at Karina Dresses contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in reviewing one of their dresses and becoming a Brand Ambassador, I was surprised but I popped over to their website, took one look at the styles and immediately said yes. These are the kind of dresses I'd given up hope of ever finding again, dresses with sleeves (some styles), v-necks (some styles) and fuller, sweeping skirts. The styles look vintage-inspired to my eye but with modern fabrics and fit. Right up my style alley! Karina designs dresses that are intended to flatter a variety of body types, fit sizes from 0-20 in many styles, and be age appropriate for women 18-80. The microfiber fabric (polyester/rayon) stretches 4 ways, has a substantial feel, and can be machine washed and hung to dry.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Pinky? Great for travel!!! 
(Not to mention taking over the world.)

The fabric is sourced in small batches, so the selection of fabrics (colors/patterns) is constantly changing, and you won't see "your" dress coming and going. The dresses are made in the USA (Brooklyn, in fact), and the quality of workmanship is excellent. The facts that they are a) made here rather than in some far-flung region, reducing the amount of greenhouse-gas-producing shipping required, and b) can be tossed in the wash and hung to dry both contribute to their eco-friendly aspect.

And my dress? I was NOT disappointed when it arrived; I LOVE it. It's so comfortable, insanely flattering and the color and pattern are perfect for me. I love the simple styling, the way the skirt moves as I walk (and occasionally twirl) and that the fabric doesn't wrinkle, stick to anything or bunch up anywhere. The crossover v-neck accommodates my bustline without displaying excessive cleavage better than any v-neck or wrap dress I've tried on in years, including those in petite sizes. (YMMV when it comes to where the neckline hits and your level of comfort with daytime décolleté. For the office, a discreetly placed safety pin or a camisole will help those who prefer a more modest neckline. But the neckline on its own doesn't gape, and lies close to the body. Many Karina styles have higher necklines for those who prefer.) The style I'm wearing is the Megan, with 3/4 sleeves.

Close-up of fabric and details

But I'm not just here to brag about a my fabulous new frock. Karina Dresses has offered one to give away to readers of this blog!! Here's how to enter:

1. Between now and 11:59pm PT on Tuesday, October 11, "Like" Karina Dresses on Facebook (you must do this for your entry to be valid).

2. Hop over to the Karina Dresses website, look at the various styles, pick a favorite.

3. Between now and 11:59pm PT on Tuesday, October 11, leave a comment on this post telling us which dress you'd pick if you won, and please include a VALID e-mail address in the body of your comment. (One note, Karina Dresses are made of limited edition fabrics, so not all patterns/colors are available at any given moment. They will do their best to match your preferences, but need you to be flexible about pattern/color limitations.) If you do not wish to be entered in the contest, please don't comment on this post, thanks. 

4. If you leave a comment on the Karina Dresses Facebook page, you'll get an additional entry in the drawing.

5. The contest is open to all readers, but those who are outside the U.S. may be required to pay postage/shipping if you win. The winner will be selected by drawing and announced on Friday, October 14. 

Good luck!

AND.... If you're interested in purchasing a Karina dress, here's a Coupon Code that readers of une femme can use for $30 off any full priced dress!

 FEMM30

It's true, there are few delights more thrilling than a new frock, especially one that looks and feels as good as these do.
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Visible Monday: OMG, it's a DRESS!

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you...I'm actually wearing a dress! It's from Karina Dresses.  Isn't it fabulous?? I think I'm in love.

Stay tuned for more this week on Karina Dresses, and a chance to win one!

Boots: Frye from last year, available on sale here.
Bracelet: Ralph Lauren, here.

Go check out more Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style.
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Sincerest Thanks

Miniature bronze mums, planted last weekend

Thank you everyone, for your kind condolences and expressions of sympathy.

The memorial service is tomorrow, and it will be a tough day. But there will be lots of love and support, and laughter as well as tears. And then we go on.

Family news

My mother-in-law Jean succumbed to pancreatic cancer late last night.  Her passing was peaceful, at home, surrounded by family and friends. We are very grateful to the wonderful Hospice nurses who kept her comfortable during the end stages of her disease.

She was an amazing woman: a teacher for 38 years before she retired, a fabulous cook, was active in community service, was a wonderful mother to her kids, step-kids and everyone's spouses, and beloved grandmother to our son. She loved and supported the local symphony, and loved to read and travel. She will be dearly missed.

I'll be back to posting next week.
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Hmmm...

J.Crew buckle pumps

These J.Crew shoes look vaguely familiar, wonder where I've....oh yeah.

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Following the Prime Directive

Lt. Uhura rocked that uniform like no one else. Cool earrings too!

Even as a child I was a fan of science fiction, and especially loved the TV show Star Trek. In that program, the one overriding guiding principle of Star Fleet and the Federation of Planets was known as the Prime Directive. (While this concept could be a bit fluid at times depending on plot points, it was consistently referred to throughout all of the various Star Trek franchises.)

So what does a policy of non-interference in alien civilizations have to do with style?  Not much, except that it was the first and most important rule from which all others flowed.  Many of us have our own Prime Directive when it comes to our conscious and unconscious style rules. Some examples of a Style PD might be:

• To look thinner
• To look younger
• To look more sophisticated
• To project a specific image at work
• To look sexy
• To look pretty
• To look rich
• To be on the cutting edge of fashion
• To declare disdain for convention
• To wear only timeless classics
• To signal one's allegiance to a philosophy, activity or social group (think Goth, Preppy, sports team jerseys, local norms, religious traditions)
• To be comfortable

Nothing inherently wrong with any of these, and one's Style PD might shift and change from time to time, or be a blend of any of the above. But adhering to a particular primary rule year in and year out without ever re-examining whether that objective is still what's most important to us can close off some avenues of self-expression through style.  

I've written before that I was a chubby child in a very weight-conscious family. "Thou shalt wear only what is Slimming," was the Style PD I was handed as a catechism. That included no tucked shirts, nothing in bright colors, no pleated skirts, no horizontal stripes.  And for decades I hewed uncritically to those rules, with "Slimming" as my clothing mantra. But in recent years, I've found that sometimes ignoring my Prime Directive allowed me to find and wear pieces that I loved and felt best expressed my inner self, even though they may not have been the most "slimming" choice. (My horizontal stripe marinières as an example, have become wardrobe favorites though they break that particular rule. And there are often ways to style certain pieces to make them more flattering.  Inside Out Style is a wealth of information on how to make certain pieces or styles work best for different body types.)  

It's fine to have a Style PD, as long as it's a conscious choice and a true expression of who we are today. I love finding garments that not only express my style but are flattering as well. But it shouldn't feel like a prison sentence, or prohibit experimentation with new and different looks. Especially as we go through life's passages, our identities and needs change. At some point we may decide that dressing primarily to try to look young or rich or classic just doesn't express who we are anymore.

These days, my Style Prime Directive is to dress joyfully. The manifestation of that may change from day to day, but the elements of joyful dressing for me are Movement, Color (not necessarily *vivid* color), Harmony, and just a bit of Edge. Maybe I'm just kidding myself, but I think that the resultant look is more flattering when I feel *good* in what I'm wearing. Confidence, bien dans sa peau, call it what you will, it's a powerful force.

Do you have a Style Prime Directive?  Has it shifted over the years?  Do you feel it's still working for you?

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Spit and Polish

I've been sprucing up the place here a bit, and among other tweaks have made more additions to my blogroll (at right, "Blogs d'Excellence").  Please do go and check out some of these Most Excellent Blogs!
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Friday Laundry List

1. Blogger has been a bit funky lately. I notice that I've missed some of your blog posts, as they didn't show up in my feed. I'll try to catch up a bit over the weekend.

2. I've also been having trouble commenting on some Blogger and non-Blogger blogs. I suspect it's a browser issue, as I only seem to have this issue on Windows (cough*work*cough) browsers.

3. I'll have something New and Very Exciting™ to share with you next week.

4. My new favorite nail polish (toes only right now, though it's so pretty I'm considering adding to my next manicure): Essie Brownie Points. It's a perfect color for Fall.

5. I picked the wrong month to try to give up carbs and alcohol.

6. I'm a bit behind on responding to all of your lovely comments, will catch up on those this weekend as well.

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Home to Roost

In a previous post showing the view from my kitchen sink, I mentioned my kitschy rooster kitchen decor. It all began innocently enough, with this beautiful embroidered panel my in-laws brought back from China several years ago. (On the Chinese calendar, my birth year was Year of the Rooster.) Below, a close up of the really stunning embroidery on this piece:

Suddenly, I had a Theme, and from that point, it seemed that everywhere I went I saw plenty of rooster nonsense just begging to be added to the collection.  (OK, a few token hens here and there too. Remember, The Roosters May Crow, But The Hens Deliver The Goods.)

This one's actually a timer, dial is on the back.

Below, one of a pair of chicken soup bowls that belonged to le monsieur's Grandmother. (Chicken soup is sometimes referred to as "Jewish Penicillin" for its healing properties.)

Below, a closeup of a chicken "under the weather."

In the last couple of years, I haven't added to the collection, as I haven't seen anything really special enough to warrant rearranging the current pieces.

Do you collect anything?  Let's see! Post to show your collections and let me know, and I'll put up links to all next Thursday.
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Worth watching for the costumes alone...

Where Downton Abbey and Fashion intersect, you'll find The House of Eliott.

Tabitha's delightfully entertaining post about Downton Abbey reminded me that I hadn't watched The House of Eliott in ages. This BBC series from the early 1990's was a favorite of mine when it aired, and I'd love to watch the whole thing from start to finish again. It's available through Netflix, or the complete series can be purchased at amazon.com.


Though the show was cancelled unexpectedly by the BBC at the end of the third season (leaving the storylines hanging) this is such an enjoyable series that one can mostly overlook the unresolved fates of the characters. (Or at least know, going in, that you'll be left hanging.)

This program is worth a look just for the costumes and exploration of 1920's period fashion and the nascent couture industry, as well as the expanding roles of women and shifting class relationships.

Have you seen it? What did you think?

Public Service Announcement

$79.50 before discount

In case you've been pondering whether to dip a toe into the colored pants trend but are reluctant to make a J Brand-level committment, Talbot's is currently offering pants 20-40% off depending on how many you purchase. I have a pair of these ankle cords in "Vixen" (and am wearing today!). They are also available in Petite, Women's and Women's Petite sizes.  (Take THAT, J Brand!)

In addition to the ankle length, Talbots also offers the colored cords in straight leg and curvy bootcut styles.

Has anyone else been able to get into the Target.com website to peruse the Missoni goodies?  Me either.
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A Taste for Cognac

While I generally prefer a nice single malt for a nightcap, I've always been entranced by the color cognac. Aside from its warm, rich and soothing visual tenor, it's such a versatile and multitasking hue. If you like to wear a lot of color, it acts as a neutral, and if you wear primarily neutrals it can easily assume the "pop of color" role.

In leather goods especially, this color can look so elegant and earthy at the same time, like a well worn club chair in some Victorian library. This season, cognac seems to have come into its own, and I've seen some truly gorgeous bags and shoes worth a second look. There are many shades that could reasonably be described as "cognac" whether the manufacturer does or not.

"Notting Hill" from Fluevog

Duchesse mentioned these Fluevog boots above in a post last week. Wouldn't they look fabulous worn with a heather grey skirt and tights, or over a pair of slim leg jeans or cords? I love the simplicity of these, nothing superfluous to detract from the gorgeous leather or that will look dated in a couple of years.

Cole Haan Air Marion Moc Pump, $278

If a pump is more your style, these from Cole Haan have Nike Air technology and a walkable 2.5" heel. Great for the office with skirts or pants, but could work with a pair of bootcut or flare jeans too. Though this is a softer, more muted version of cognac, there's still plenty of interest with the two-tone leather and chunky heel.

Whether you call them a heeled oxford or a "bootie," these from Børn, really get the color right...

Børn "Waverly," $114.95 at Nordstrom

 I just love the wingtip detailing too, great for incorporating un peu de menswear into your look.

A few weeks ago as I started really exploring color again, I realized that a bag in a cognac shade would blend well with just about everything in my color palette, and be a great season-spanning option. (Disclaimer: Yes, I've gone on record recently saying that I have too many bags already. I'll be listing some of my gently used bags over at Emotional Baggage in the next few weeks.)

Satchels with a cross-body strap are my favorite style at the moment for practicality and versatility. I also prefer bags with an exterior pocket or two and interior organization.  Here are a few options in varying shades of what I'd consider "cognac."

J.Crew Brompton Hobo in Henna

I really loved the look and color of this bag, but a combination of no exterior pockets and a HUGE profile removed it from the running right off.

Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini

This is a popular bag and well designed, but the shape just didn't feel right to me.

Tory Burch Suede Messenger

I like the suede on this one, and for once the ubiquitous T logo is removable.

Cole Haan Vintage Valise Kendra Tote

Though more of a tote than a satchel, I considered this one as a workday bag, but ultimately decided it would be too big for weekend use, and wanted more of a universal bag. I still think Cole Haan bags are a great value, very well made and reasonably priced.

Longchamp has opened a boutique here in Southern California at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa (not exactly our backyard, but worth the occasional drive).  I hadn't really been aware of this until I spotted the store on a recent visit.  (I almost don't need to go to Paris anymore...just kidding!!!)  While Longchamp leather bags haven't particularly appealed to me in the past, I saw some interesting pieces in the window, and just thought I'd pop in and have a quick browse. That's when I spotted this bag on display right in the middle of the store.

Longchamp Gatsby Tote

I can't begin to tell you how irritating it is that every picture I've found of this bag equally misrepresents the color and texture. The bag in that picture above looks downright drab and ugly.  Here's how it looks IRL.

I totally crushed on this bag the first time I looked at it.  I didn't buy it right away, but went back three times on two different visits to look again before I finally took the plunge.  Here's why this bag is so perfect:

• Size: it's a medium sized bag on me, but has plenty of room for everything I carry daily.
• Lightweight: I was surprised at how light this bag is.
• Color: this color is really lovely, just glows.
• Hardware: minimal, and brushed gold, very subtle. No obtrusive logo anywhere.
• The snakeskin embossing adds some texture but stays in subtle territory.
• Shape: has structure yet the leather is soft and pliable, nothing stiff or bulky about this bag.
• Organization: two exterior pockets, and three interior plus a key fob.  Below a shot of the interior, the lining being another item in the plus category.

Yep. That's leopard print!  Saks has this bag available in orange but not cognac.

Even though this purchase means putting myself on a serious spending ban for the next couple of months, I'm very satisfied. A little touch of cognac is just the thing to lift the spirits.

Do you have a favorite accessory color that just seems to "go with everything" or brightens up the rest of your wardrobe?

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Today, you should be reading Wendy Brandes

Go here.

(There's nothing I can add to what she's written.)
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Bompard Catalog, The First Sign of Autumn

Va-voom! 

While I'm not as fortunate as Tish to receive an actual printed catalog, complete with yarn color samples, I've been perusing the new fall catalog online and have selected my picks for the If Money Were No Object fantasy cashmere wardrobe.

I'd start off with this v-neck sweater with that quelque chose extra lace on the shoulders. I'm not normally one for lace, but the placement and contrast here makes it almost a little edgy. The marmot brown is a rich and sensible color, but IMWNO, I'd also get one in this lovely Tourmaline Pink.

The ribbed jacket would be wonderful for cold morning dog walking, or a nice piece for an afternoon of aprés ski Jaegertea sipping by the outdoor fire pit.

I'll take one of these openwork design cardigans in Stream Blue, please.

I'd add to my collection of lace voile scarves, this time in Pink Tourmaline. (How gorgeous is this color??)

If I had the means to be labeled "eccentric," I'd be all over this adorable dog print scarf. (This dog, which appears to be wearing a scarf of its own, strongly resembles my boy dog, Byron!)

It's rarely cold enough here to wear a hat, but when it is, wouldn't this knit beret in Garnet Red be a fun option?

While polka dots aren't my thing, I do think this sweater is terribly cute.

At this point, I'm well stocked with as much cashmere as one needs in LA, but if that voile scarf goes on sale in January.....

What would you select for your fantasy cashmere wardrobe, If Money Were No Object?
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One of those days

Yesterday, it was one of those days...

...that started with a donut and went downhill from there.

...wherein I returned from a quick trip to the loo to find 45 new emails in my inbox, most of which required an immediate response. (And the scenario repeated all day, anytime I stepped away from my desk for any reason.)

...that was so demanding and frustrating that by the time I arrived home from work, my brain was mush, and all I wanted was a glass of wine and something mindless on the TV.

So I'm outsourcing today, but keeping it colorful.

Tara gets style inspiration from the bloggers, while bloggers and Barbie (yes, THAT Barbie) get inspiration from Klimt.

Lisa takes a dip into the blue.

Imogen shows us how to choose eyeglasses frames.

This color, Mussel, available in several pieces at Eileen Fisher this month, is a wonderful alternative to black.

Another color story comes home to roost. (With *gorgeous* results!)

How's your week going??
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Rentrée, et plus de skin care

Not petit monsieur's class

Well not rentrée in the literal sense, as we did not have four-to-five weeks of vacation in August, spent at some bucolic retreat. It's been business-as-usual (and then some) around here.

But not-quite-so-petit monsieur (who's had quite a growth spurt in the last few months) returns to school today, and we welcome a more predictable routine than the summer day camp which, while very enjoyable for p.m., observed a rather let's-throw-a-dart-today method of activity planning and required a daily morning strategizing session between le monsieur et moi that went something like:

Field trip today?  Yes/No

• If Yes, lunch money required?  Yes/No
• If Yes, how much?
• If Yes, blue camp shirt required attire? Yes/No
• If Yes, is it still in the dirty laundry hamper?
• If Yes, have all permission slips been filled out and returned? Yes/No (including the new one sent home the night before stuffed in the never-accessed pocket of p.m.'s backpack)
• If No, why isn't there a single &$%* pen in this house that works???
• If Yes, is beach/swimming attire required?  Yes/No
• If Yes, wear under street clothes or alone? Will anyone bother to reapply the sunscreen we put in the backpack? 
• If Yes, is pickup time earlier or later than normal?
• If No field trip, is bag lunch required or is it Random Pizza Day again....

Rinse and repeat daily (Sat/Sun excepted) for the month of August.

So, skincare. Two weeks ago I had my routine appointment with my dermatologist. (Skin cancer runs in my family, so I get a "spot check" twice per year.)  Toward the end of the appointment, my derm remarked, "your skin is looking really good! What are you using?" I told her what I've adopted since June, when Tish Jett from A Femme sent me home from Paris with some of her favorite skincare products (most of which are available there at Monoprix and the corner pharmacie, OTC). Tish has now dished, here and here about those products, so I may share with you as well.

This stuff is every bit as good as Tish says it is. It leaves the skin looking dewy and "plumped" and has SPF 15 (which isn't enough protection by itself, but great when layered with an additional SPF product).  For those of you in the U.S. who have been frustrated by the lack of stock available here, I've sourced it for us:  Frenchcosmetics.net . I don't know whether this is the best price you'll see, but you *will* be able to get the product. (And shipping is free on all orders over $35.) This company doesn't keep a lot of stock on hand, but rather places a weekly order directly to France, so delivery will take 2-3 weeks after orders are placed. I hope the folks at Eucerin realize the error of their ways and make this available here soon.

The Auriga Flavo C serum and moisturizer (which I've been using at night, after the prescription-strength Retin A) is also available from Frenchcosmetics.net, here and here. The vitamin C in these products is supposed to firm and clarify the skin and tighten the pores. 

Fortunately the Avene scrub and moisture mask Tish recommended are readily available in the U.S.  Drugstore.com carries a broad selection of Avene products.

All of these products are far less expensive than many of the over-hyped department store potions and seem to be quite effective. I think on our next trip to France I'll be bringing an extra suitcase to fill up with skin care products to bring home! 

Do you have any favorite but difficult-to-source skincare products?  How do you keep yourself stocked?

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A change in the weather

Cool and cloudy, with the occasional sprinkle.  I know this won't last, and am enjoying while I can.

My MIL finally came home from the hospital late Friday.  She's still weak, but we're hoping that being home and much more comfortable will enable her to rest and build up her strength. This afternoon I'm taking a turn to hang out with her so BIL can get a break.

Up later this week, more on skincare, some fall clothes, and my newest handbag crush.  And maybe some chicken soup.
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Roast Chicken a là FF - Vegetarians look away!

Before

After

Taking direction from the Universe via FF, I roasted an organic free-range chicken tonight.  Stuffed the cavity with freshly snipped rosemary and thyme from the garden.  Did not skimp on the butter (also organic).  We'll enjoy several meals from this "chook."
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