Comments on: On My Nightstand/French Style

By: Kristi

Kristi — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:50:33 +0000

Aaonce, thanks for the movie recommendation and insight into your wardrobe. I have not been able to find anything similar to French Style in the Italian genre and have been complaining about it for years!

By: aaonce

aaonce — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:37:08 +0000

Thanks for your discussion on this book, I was wondering if it was worthy of the hype attributed to it. The author’s comment about “if you can’t remember something on your list, you don’t NEED it” is one I live by. I have heard of “The Human Stain”, perhaps I have read it as well. Can’t remember. Please share your impression of “Reading Lolita in Tehran”. Sounds interesting, by the title. Although it isn’t in line with this thread, I just finished watching the movie “The Lemon Tree”. It is a story about a Palestinian woman who is being forced to have lemon trees (given to her by her father) cut down by the Israeli government, because they are seen as a security threat. Not an overly heavy story, certainly interesting. Thought you may like it.
Now, about the list: I love black jeans, but they are hard to find. As with anything, I have to really love something before it can find a home in my closet. I wear silk scarves in the spring and fall and pashminas in the fall/winter. So a Hermes scarf would have to be something I thought I couldn’t live with out–it would just really have to work for me. Pearls follow the same sentiment: they must be something that catches my eye and compliment what I already own. In general, single (and even double strands) don’t do much for me. I tend to like unusual designs or over sized pearls to keep a fussy appearance at bay. While I do dress “up” slightly, I don’t have an overly formal (or matronly style-quite the contrary). I agree with much of her list, except that a white t-shirt isn’t a must have-(never has been for me) and my gloves are black, but they are opera length cashmere. I do have a hot pink beret though that I seem to favor in the dead of winter. Besides Italian Chic, have you found a “must have/must read book for Italian Fashion?

By: Kristi

Kristi — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:34:30 +0000

Phyllis,
That has been my rule of thumb with scarves — only buying ones I absolutely love, the colors, pattern, etc. That means I only own two because I’ve never fallen for any more than that! Also, I saw a woman coming out of the preschool the other day in complete winter black — pants, big overcoat, boots and even a black hat, but she had on red gloves and they Popped! It looked great.
Jeanne, Thanks for commenting. Love your mother’s advice … perfect. Also, please feel free to comment on how your not a cent in lent is going once we kick off.
Beth, Tine, Fiona, La, let us know if you take on this experiment yourself and if you get anythign out of it. I have been keeping a photo file on my computer of looks that work/looks that don’t. I must say the first day’s post is not my favorite so I created an “undecided” file I will go back to. I also realize my weight affects what I like and dislike about my clothes right now, as well.

By: Patricia

Patricia — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:28:56 +0000

Kristi, thanks so much for this post. This book sounds so interesting, it’s a pity it’s not more available. I’m looking forward to this week’s series with A.!

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:10:46 +0000

Kristi, thank you so very much for this post. I too am a “Catholic on a Budget” and this post really helps me. I am aiming for “not a cent for Lent” too. I wanted to read this book but did not want to shell out $100 for a book I haven’t even skimmed through. Your thorough post reminds me of all the lovely items in my wardrobe that I do have, and to wear them by God! My BF always reminds me to actually wear the items in my wardrobe – he says, “your best [items] are for wearing” and by doing this, my desire to shop to look for the perfect item is satisfied, as I remember that I might actually already OWN the perfect item!

By luck and generous Mum and bf, I have a few high end handbags, and I find that these, plus my two posh-looking black patent leather Hush Puppies shoes and Franco Sarto knee boots [$250...in 2005!] really elevates my look. My Mum was raised in the Philippines, where she was taught the concept of always being “postura” – the Filipino equivalent of La Bella Figura! So she always makes the most of her wardrobe and says the most important items in a lady’s repetoire are rosy lipstick and blush, neat shoes and figure showcasing skirts! You do a great job with your wardrobe, and I love your skirt and sweater combinations.
A bientot, Jeanne

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:16:29 +0000

Kristi – I adored this post (and the one above it too)! Really like how you incorporated photos of your idea look and the role model idea to keep your style crystalized in your head.

I recently considered buying a Hermes scarf, but decided against it. I only thought I wanted it because of the Hermes name, which isn’t a good reason for such a pricey (or any) purchase. However, I did buy two silk scarves from Talbots last week. I like them so much, I can’t decide whether to wear them or have them framed and put on my office wall as art. They’re online now. One is the “I Love You” scarf and the other has a park theme.

I have red leather gloves. Why? I have have no idea. Never wear them.

By: Fiona

Fiona — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:36:57 +0000

Thanks so much for the excerpts and your thoughts on French Style. I haven’t even been able to track it down through the library, for at least a look! I picked by Susan Sommers French Chic at a second hand bookstore years ago for about $8 (this book is inferior to French Style I have heard) and am hoping the same thing will happy with French Style one day! But until then, your fun post will keep me going. Thanks again.

By: Kristi

Kristi — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:51:16 +0000

Just reserved it ILL. Thanks.
I also wish I would have spent more time in Europe — never even thought of it in high school or college.I will encourage my children to do so.

By: Kristi

Kristi — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:45:54 +0000

I think Hermes seem a little matronly to me as well, but so do most silky scarves … I am favoring big thick knit scarves lately. Although I have a few strands of pearls, same thing — they just don’t suit me. I’m saving them for my kids …
Do you really want to dress in black from head to toe? Cool. I think that you are right, with the right pair of black jeans they would work. I’ve had bad luck with the black jeans I’ve tried lately … but if I found a perfect fitting pair, we’ll see.

By: Marsi

Marsi — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:39:24 +0000

A GREAT book to get through interlibrary loan is called “Your Carriage, Madam,” which is a book on posture written in the 1940s. Out of print now, of course, but the information in it is invaluable. It will change the way you think about movement. Tim Gunn mentions it in his book, the title of which I can’t recall at the moment.