*Image above: Vogue, 1998.
Q: Rattan and black leather totes at different prices.
A: There are so many fabulous woven options out this season! A few of my favorites: the Pam Munson Teddy (I have this and wear it constantly…it’s the perfect shape and weight to grab and go); the Dans La Main Kelly (I have with the green trim), this rainbow Gucci, this all-black All Saints ($159!), and this Loewe. For more affordable options, check out Mango — love this and this isn’t a tote but its shape is SO good. Bridging the gap between woven and black leather, check out this forever-chic Khaite. I think I first saw it on Lilly Sisto and I haven’t stopped thinking of it since.
For black leather, I like the ones from DeMellier. Splurge: Celine. Save: Cuyana.
Q: Beach cocktail attire charity event in CT.
A: I love the whimsical, often sealife-inspired, patterns from Alemais, like this. I recently wore this to my son’s birthday party. Fun, different, interesting, a propos. If you want something very on-theme, you might consider this Marysia (on sale!). Other pretty options that have a beachy vibe but aren’t as on-the-nose:
Q: A duvet that is long on the side to cover mattress, sheets, and blanket.
A: I think you might be looking for a box spring cover? We use this so everything looks polished and white versus a little bit of the box cover showing. Otherwise, you might size up in duvet from your bed’s true size, if it’s a really high bed and you don’t like how much of the bed is showing.
Q: A tray like on your picture but much longer to make a big brown buffet look beachy.
A: [Ed. note: she was talking about my Half Past Seven tray!]. Try this gorgeous overlong one from S&L, currently on sale!
Q: Postpartum wedding guest dress. Budget up to $300.
A: Way to go, mama! Get out there! I feel like this style in black would have made me feel fabulous. A lot of support up top, but a loose fit around waist/hips. I’ve seen many women with different body types wear this Reformation and it always looks saucy, pretty, and flattering. I know people are polarized by strapless options, but this J. Crew is very pretty and ethereal. And this Cleobella is really fun and pretty on IMO — sweet colors, an eye catching pattern.
Q: Fall wedding in Copenhagen. Black tie optional. Leaning towards the optional end.
A: Oo I feel like we need something slick and sophisticated and architectural. Splurge: this Toteme, in black, this Cecilie Bahnsen, or this La Ligne. More reasonably priced: this J. Crew (SO fun), this Pixie Market, or everyone’s favorite Staud (SO FLATTERING).
Q: Summer maternity that isn’t hideous.
A: Wah, I hear you! I would check out Zara and H&M and simply size up in their dresses — love this white eyelet and this sweet floral, both of which would work with bump — and this patterned H&M and this $25 striped one would be perfect. This J. Crew dress could also be good with a bump, as would this. I just ordered this Doen mini and I was thinking it would have also worked while pregnant. Shirt dresses with self-tie waists were also my best friend — bonus points because they can work while nursing, too! Love this one and this one. These Juliet Dunns, these Milles, and these Jenni Kaynes also run big/loose and would work easily through second trimester.
Q: Sister’s baby/couples shower.
A: Congrats to the family! I would reach for something like this, this, or this. Sweet, festive, cheerful!
Q: A kitchen runner.
A: Love this gingham one and it’s on sale!
Q: Inexpensive cover-ups.
A: Love this in solid white and these pareos come in SUCH good prints! J. Crew also has some great options on sale, like this one.