Q: What to wear to Nutcracker ballet in NYC?
A: Love! If you’re talking daytime, with little ones in tow, something like this, or a tartan skirt like this or this with a black turtleneck and either ballet flats or bow mules depending on how much you’ll need to walk. If you’re going for afternoon with girlfriends, followed by a cocktail, this. If you’re a pants girlie, love the idea of this blouse with some velvet trousers, or a fabulous pair of tinsel trousers with an ivory knit.
Q: Bag for travel – zipper, not too big, but big enough to throw in some diapers, makeup, etc!
A: I love my M. Z. Wallace medium metro tote for travel days. It weighs next to nothing and, as you’ve noted, the zipper comes in such handy (especially if you have a baby around and may have to balance baby on hip!). For something a bit more polished, Clare Vivier. Cuyana are similar to Clare but at a better pricepoint. I have one of their bags and do appreciate how high-quality and well-designed they are, but I find myself wanting something with just a tiny bit more character? Clare V. has it. Cuyana, though, is a good pick if you want the look for a little less.
P.S. Thoughts on good travel days.
Q: Something to wear to my sister’s baby shower. Cute but on casual side.
A: A Julia Amory caftan or this knit dress with metallic flats like this or this. Casual, comfortable, but have a festive/celebratory feel.
Q: Comfortable gold heels for holidays – under $100.
A: I’d go with something like this! Fabulous!
Q: Pretty way to present bottles of wine as gifts.
A: These bows have adhesive backings — so pretty. These letterpress tags are gorgeous, too.
Q: Night time looks for adult beach trip (St. Barth’s!)
A: Oo la la. I’d look at Johanna Ortiz, Marea, Farm Rio, and Agua Bendita.
Q: Warm weather holiday lewks. Texas is still in 70s/80s.
A: Marea has some great picks — this is perfect for a warm weather Thanksgiving! Cleobella, too. Hill House has lots of plaids that are a lightweight material if you’re thinking Christmas.
Q: What to wear for breakfast with Santa and other holiday events with children.
A: Easy: Love this HHH (in my closet) and this black watch (on its way to me), and have seen lots of chic peas wearing Tuckernuck tartan to family holiday events over the years — this one is great with a little black velvet mule. Comfortable, pulled-together, and perfectly on-point. I like to zhush them up with big (vintage) earrings and fun statement shoes. This forest green lace mini would be unexpected but easy, and I love the idea of a metallic turtleneck (this, this, or this) with a skirt — slip, velvet, pleated!
Q: Nice, black wool trousers. Slouchy vibe.
A: Toteme is a good place to start — these might be up your alley? I like this slimmer fit style. Vince, too. Not wool, but people rave about the Favorite Daughter slouchy trousers.
Q: Casual Thanksgiving outfit.
A: A sweater like this or this with your favorite jeans.
Q: Dress for work Christmas party?
A: This Aligne! Festive, chic, sophisticated. If we’re talking formal, this Solace or this VB.
Q: Warm winter coats and snow pants for kids. First winter in CT!
A: I love the bibs and snow mittens from Northern Classics — great colors, simple styling, and fantastic quality. Most colors can be passed down from gender to gender, too. This is what my children have. For jackets, we’ve used Helly Hensen and Reima. These are ski-grade coats for truly cold weather. I’ve been purchasing good quality coats that I hope to pass down, and that I intend to double for skiing (we’re finally taking them this year!). For boots, we’ve been loving the heavy-soled styles from Kuling. They don’t have zippers or laces but do have a cord so you can cinch above ankle.
Q: Christmas Eve dress – cocktail attire.
A: This Derek Lam, this A.L.C., this Mestiza.
Q: Unusual Christmas tree ornaments.
A: Love these mushrooms and basically anything ABC home carries (these moths…!) Parterre also has some fabulous, vintage-inspired, one-of-a-kind beauties, like these velvet embroidered hearts.
P.S. Kitchen gizmos we love.
P.P.S. Notes on making really good cocktails at home.
P.P.P.S. Visitations.
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Hi! Can you please share what the dress is the top picture is from? Thank you!
Wah – I don’t know! I found it on Pinterest! Maybe Oscar de la Renta?
xx