110 Staples to Add to Your Wardrobe
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This New York Magazine feature is fun, especially in slideshow mode.
While the skirts are too short for me, I was impressed by the wearability of the pieces, priced from $30 to $1000.
This summer I noticed the ubiquity of neutrals. Could be the sign of a lingering recession, but I think women are buying for longevity, whether at Old Navy or Chanel.
Shown above, sapphire cashmere cardigan with georgette ruffle trim. DKNY, $195.
The autumn "must have" according to many is the camel boy-coat, which is at least a classic, unlike the weird open-toed boots of last spring. However, my mother wore this coat (actually several identical models) for at least 30 years, and I'm not able to even try one on.
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Comments
I hope to get many years of wear out of it...I too am looking to the future when I purchase new garments.
It could be that I am of that certain age...and padding my RRSP's!
The slideshow was cool though, and made me think and reassess a bit.
Just a note to thank you for your wonderful blog. I discovered it a few weeks ago and have been enjoying your writing very much. You have such an appealing, thoughtful perspective.
And to say that I love the camel boy-coat, which reminds me of my winter coat in early elementary school. In those days we wore crinolines and their fulness did not go well with the lines of the boy-coats but my sisters and I wore them together anyway!
Francie
hostess: I'm the black wool type, too.
Frugal: So true and so 'you' to point that cost factor. (Absolute worst is a white coat.) Re your non-pact, hope you'll keep going to Goodwill b/c you have amazing stories.
Mardel: I can imagine from your photos, you would look half dead.
mater: Imagine you could only wear a cool camel w/out yellow in it. (Wait...is that taupe?)
Francie: Finally a commenter who can wear camel! And welcome!
LPC: Capes, oh god... shall I post on them or will you?
Camel works for some, but a coat in a neutral that works for you can be a piece that is kept for years.
I'm also fond of red coats - whether a true but rather deep red or a more maroon or burgundy.
Yes, that is far too much in the way of staples. Why are all the skirts so short? Their readers aren't all 20-somethings, and NYC isn't exactly tropical.
Alienne: Grey is everywhere here but I always look for a rich grey, toward charcoal, as some grays are so sad.
Rubi: Calvin K, have been doing very good work recently, lucky you!
Tiffany: Real camelhair fabric is incredibly durable and so luxurious.
Imogen: Think it's intended as a selection but years ago I took 110 to heart.
lagatta; I've seen camel glow on those with peach undertoned skin, and some camels are far yellower than others; some camels actually have a pink undertone, close to flesh.
Yeah, short skirts! Not for me either and just try to find longer in NYC boutiques.
As to the camel polo coats, I always feel bad when a true "classic" runs into trendy. Somehow for me it spoils the cache that these items always exude. I once saw a great photo of the Kennedy siblings (on the lawn at HyannisPort of course, tossing around a football) wearing the required rugby shirts, corduroy trousers and ivy league scarfs. But what I loved most was the fabulous camelhair polo coat on one of the girls. Big pockets, wide lapels, mother of pearl buttons...the full monty. They were a rakish lot, but certainly had style. The shot was taken in the early 50's, long before these simple items became a trend that walked down every runway. Whether it flatters you or not, I find camel and the right shade of grey to be luxe looks that never truly go out of style.