Wellies in Watermill

Boots: Hunter/ Turtleneck: Simply Vera Wang (similar here)/ Corduroy Jacket: DKNY (similar here)/ Black Jeans: J.Crew/ Bag: Target/ Sunglasses: BCBG (similar here)

I was determined to fit in apple picking this October so seeing as this was the last mild weekend we might have here in New York, we packed the kids into the car and headed out East to Watermill this past Saturday.  Watermill is like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting.  It just doesn't get any more Americana with its' charming downtown area dotted with restaurants, shops, parks and a windmill of course.  Tucked away off the main road, we discovered a lovely farm called the Milk Pail.  With its' breathtaking views and vast green fields, it truly was an idyllic setting for enjoying the fresh, crisp air and the simple pleasure of picking our own apples.  Our kids delighted in the wide variety of choices and were so pleased with themselves after they filled our bag to the brim.  My wellies turned out to be the perfect footwear for this outing as the ground was a bit soggy. I purchased these boots a few years ago and I practically live in them.  They are incredibly comfortable, timeless, classic and plus, they channel that Princess Di strolling in the countryside kind of vibe. Functional and fashionable...a win win in my book.  

Rocking the Red Carpet

In Louis Vuitton, February 2013

Reese Witherspoon has come a long way since her days starring as Elle Woods.  We have watched her style evolve from America's sweetheart to a sophisticated mother of three and a bonafide actress and producer.  Whether she's running errands in cropped jeans, flats and a cardigan or gracing the red carpet in a full length gown, Reese exudes a certain Southern ladylike charm that implies a quiet confidence and sensibility.  So, let's take a trip down memory lane (remember that splendid Valentino back in 2002?) and celebrate Reese's fashion metamorphosis.  

In Valentino, March 2002

In Nina Ricci, January 2007

In Nina Ricci, February 2007

In Jason Wu, October 2010

In Gorgio Armani Prive, February 2011

In Cushnie et Ochs, November 2011

In Monique Lhullier, April 2012

In the perfect LBD, June 2013

Purple Punch

 Skirt: Calypso (similar here)/ Top: Splendid/ Shoes: Coach (similar here)/ Clutch: Target (similar here)/ Sunglasses: Michael Kors (similar here) 

 This purple skirt is my most treasured item in my closet.  I have had it for thirteen years and I still feel like the "cat's meow" (my mother's terminology) every time I slip it on.  I acquired it during my days of working as an assistant buyer at Calypso and have paired it with everything from a crisp white wrap shirt to a black cashmere turtleneck to tall high heeled boots to simple pumps.  When the weather begins to get a little nippier, I usually couple it with a cropped black wool bracelet sleeve jacket and long black gloves.  This season, I'm thinking about shaking things up a bit and throwing on my black quilted moto jacket over this ensemble with these black booties.  I love how this piece is so classic yet I can infuse trends year to year to give it a modern edge.

Fierce French Toast

Every time we go out for brunch (which isn't too often with four children) I treat myself to french toast.  I browse over the menu but inevitably I arrive at the same decision each time.  I think it's because I have never quite mastered the art of making the perfect batch.  I either burn it or under cook it and consequently my children end up pushing it around with their forks making circles on their plates until I reluctantly offer a more appetizing alternative.  This all changed this past weekend when I decided to go back to the drawing board and attempt this recipe.  I was inspired after reading this article and woke up Saturday morning armed with my new information and determined to get it right.  I substituted challah bread for semolina and used low fat milk instead of half and half but I must say, it was superb. Of course, french toast tastes best when served with a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar and warm maple syrup.  After the kids went off to play, I savored mine over a cup of coffee and the latest issue of Coastal Living.  It was the quintessential lazy Saturday morning spent in my pj's.

Tough Love

Leather jacket: Guess (similar here)/ Top: Vince Camuto (similar here)/ Jeans: Gap/ Clutch: Target/ Booties: similar here/ Sunglasses: similar here

I generally don't subscribe to trends and if I do, they are most likely in the form of a carefully thought out accessory.  After years of trial and (a lot of ) error, I've realized what works for my body type, personality and lifestyle.  I prefer clean lines, classic shapes and neutral colors and then infuse trends into my wardrobe via a scarf, clutch, sunglasses or shoes.  So, it was definitely out of character for me to purchase this leather moto jacket last fall.  Truth be told, I was going to a concert with a group of friends and I wanted to look, well....for lack of a better word, cool.  (Please don't tell my daughter I said that.)  I'd been on the hunt for a more polished leather blazer and happened to stumble upon this jacket one night in Bloomingdale's.  The moment I slipped it on, it just felt right and impulsively, I scurried to the nearest register.  Initially, I felt guilty thinking I was only going to wear it a handful of times but as it turns out, I reach for this jacket more times than not.  It works just as well with a pair of boyfriend jeans and flats for running around town as it does with skinny jeans and a blouse for dinner or drinks. Sure, leather jackets have a reputation for being kind of rebel with an attitude, rock star tough but lately when paired with a cocktail dress and heels like this, it conveys feminine chic all the way.

 

Rocking the Red Carpet

In Tom Ford, July 2011

Recently, I have been on the hunt for the perfect black cocktail dress.  I have been to at least a dozen stores and scoured the internet for hours at a time without any luck.  You might say I'm a bit obsessed.  I prefer to call myself particular.  You see, I have a list of specific requirements.  It can't be too long or too short, it has to be simple but not plain, it has to be sexy but never...well, you know.  It needs to be sophisticated, age appropriate and modern.  Yes, I realize this is a tall order but who wouldn't have such high standards, especially after spotting Emma Stone is this seriously chic black lace sheath by Tom Ford?  It hits all the right notes from the length to the fabric to the silhouette.  And let's not forget the lovely details...the cap sleeve, the velvet bow and the architectural shape.  I refuse to give up.  I know the ideal dress is out there waiting for me.  I'll be patient.  In the meantime, let's take a look back at some of Emma's most memorable red carpet moments.  I love how she channels that girl next door vibe while simultaneously rocking the latest trends.  She's an example of how you can keep it classic yet fresh at the same time.

In Giambattista Valli, December 2011

In Burberry, November 2012

In Martin Grant, June 2012

In Lanvin, January 2013

In Eli Saab, June 2012

In Burberry, June 2012

In Calvin Klein, January 2011

In Giambattista Valli, February 2012

Red Hot

Vest: Old Navy (similar here)/ Shirt: Gap/ Jeans: Joe's Jeans/ Boots: Enzo Angiolini (similar here)/ Bag: Kate Spade (similar here)/ Sunglasses: similar here/ Belt: Target

It's amazing how quickly things can change, particularly the weather.  We spent this past weekend with friends on Fire Island where the most we needed was a light jacket to ride the ferry and sit by the water's edge at sunset.  Fast forward five days later and I needed to layer up and swap out my ballet flats for some riding boots to comfortably stroll the boardwalk down at the beach after dinner.  I've never been a big proponent of denim on denim but gradually this look has grown on me, especially when broken up by a leopard belt and a pop of color.  I have an affinity for vests because they're perfect for transitional seasons and they never go out of style.  I scored this red one a few years ago on the sale rack at Old Navy and I love the fact that it pretty much goes with everything.  This is one of those pieces that requires little thought...I just grab it and go.  If only everything could be this easy....