This gorgeous antique print from the 19th century is of the Spathiphyllum, otherwise known as The Peace Lily. A common house plant, it's quite resilient and tough to kill and constantly reminds me of one of the many fond memories of English gent before he became MY English gent. I make sure always to have this cheap and cheerful plant in ANY residence I occupy.
Dear Ether,
I ran into him at the vegetable section at Sainsbury’s in New Cross Gate. I was 21 years old and he was 19. He was carrying one of those dainty ferns that have delicate, petal like leaves that sadly die unless you have a masterful green thumb. He didn’t have a basket and was carrying too much in his arms. His face was slight obstructed by the plant. “You might want to try a Spathiphyllum instead. They’re almost impossible to kill and they let you know when they’re desperate for a drink—their leaves totally droop and look depressed.” He looked past the greenery to see who the voice was coming from and grinned when he saw me. “Hiya. I don’t know what the hell a Spathiphyllum is but if you know a plant with a fucking name like that, I better take your word for it and put this one back.” He was so damned good-looking and that accent then was still so novel. So classy! I felt like I was chatting with someone Bertie Wooster might know.
I was doing my midnight shopping as usual because I was a night owl and the store was dead. I still found UK supermarkets a marvel. They were so different than the large American ones and I loved strolling down the aisles and buying things I’d never heard of before to taste (though Mr. Brains Frozen Faggots never did make the tick-list). English gent was wearing a very hip beanie covering his hair so I didn’t see his normally trendy blonde hair cut. All I could see were his beautifully sculpted features and his dark eyebrows and lashes with his rare peridot green eyes. I noticed he had a bottle of Jack Daniels as part of his shopping along with writing paper, some pens and oddly a prayer candle. “What are you up to tonight?” I asked him nonchalantly. I had been hanging out with him along with a few of my flatmates recently. He went to boarding school with one of the guys I was living with and was particularly friendly with him and came over to our halls a lot. The three of us often stayed up talking, drinking, smoking weed and listening to chill music. I only bothered with this banter because of him. I felt when we argued over a political point or some other runaway discussion there was some sort of sexual tension. But then he would just act as mates when we would run into each other.
“Tonight. Fuck me. I have a paper to write. The whiskey always inspires me,” he chuckled. “And is the prayer candle lit to give you a hope from god to help you finish the thing?” I asked. He laughed. “No, I love to write poetry by candlelight and these last forever.” He writes poetry too….oh man……! “Well, I’m not up to anything, so if you finish your paper and you wanna pop on over when you’re done it’d be cool to hang out.” He nodded his head negatively. “This one is gonna be an all nighter. But thanks anyway. I better get that plant—the—Spatha—that whatever you recommended and get going. Cheers!” I was gutted. I just didn’t get it. I guess he knew I liked him and wasn’t interested. I meandered around Sainsbury’s a bit more, no longer keen on the novelty of the place and saw him, well, the tall leaves of his plant, in the check-out line, and watched him go. Sauntering home with, I think that night, Marmite flavored crisps (a nasty surprise) I was bored stiff and cozied up with a book and passed out. But at 2:30am my mobile rang. It was English gent. I was excited, but had to sound calm and cool. “Hey, what’s up? How’s your work going?” He sounded relaxed and relieved. “I’m done, actually and have a full bottle of whiskey and not a friend in the world tonight. Mind if I come over?” MIND? Of course not! But, as we Americans say, this was NOT going to be a “booty call.”
I feverishly threw on something cute, but not trying “too hard cute,” stashed away my candy wrappers and waited with my heart in my chest. He didn’t knock–he just texted saying he was about to come in the flat. I jolted up from my bed, opened the door and there he stood. Diesel jeans (perfect cut), vintage top with a fantastic toggle coat, chic boots (rugged and manly, yet still on trend) the bottle of booze and that damned dashing grin. Two kisses on each cheek he was in the door, 3 hours later we were drunk, and an hour later I was ready to pass out. “Can I sleep here tonight? I can’t be asked to head back to my flat.” Okay. Remember. NO BOOTY CALL. SINGLE BED. SO…WHAT THE FUCK DO I DO? “Sure, do you mind sleeping on the floor, I have a spare duvet and a pillow—it’ll be padded and comfy.” He looked taken aback, but not too shocked. I think he thought I was going to invite him to sleep with me.
By the time I came back from the bathroom where I changed and brushed my teeth, he was passed out. He was like one of my English novelties I had brought back from the supermarket. Except I hadn’t tried him—yet. No, this one I was going to savor, because I didn’t know if it had a day old expiry date. I stared at him. His lashes spread out like fans almost touching his cheeks, a slight squint as if he was thinking in a dream, his lips slightly parted blowing air out making a feather from the duvet flicker. I knew he couldn’t hear me. He was way too drunk and way too deep in sleep. So I whispered, “I think I love you. And I have a feeling we’re going to be together. You’ll see. When I want something and I try hard enough, I get it.” Oh if only the two of us knew how right I was to be that night.
I swear to god, I think some of the rich assholes I've come across in my life, would, if they were sentenced to die, end up requesting a bespoke chair like this. They wouldn't DARE touch another filthy heathen's death throne let alone sit in it without it being a brand name. The people I've seen come and go throughout my life have been so superficial that when I couldn't measure up to their spending habits, they judged me not for who I was as a person, but who I was when I got dolled up or knew the right people. As soon as my credit card got maxxed out, so did our friendship. I keep falling into the trap of meeting these people partly because on the outside I look a certain way, but also because of the profession I'm in. This is why I keep my distance from people. Because at the end of the day, these fuckers will die peacefully in the electric chair as long as their shackles have shiny brass LV hardware emblazoned on them. The worst part is, they aren't even deep enough to care that they are about to sizzle. They'll just be pleased as punch to be going out in style.
Dear Ethers,
My pal, uber celeb shoe gal is having a party tomorrow night and English gent cannot come. He’s about 2 weeks behind on a project that he’s doing freelance work for in the UK and it’s due Monday. He simply doesn’t have an hour, let alone an evening to spare. I’m really nervous about going alone. Shoe gal has on her guest list people like Angela Basset, Johnny Depp, Halle Berry (and hopefully her man….grrr), Annette Bening and Warren Beatty. She also has a lot of Beverly Hills elite (blechh) and very chi-chi designers, business people and friends (hopefully the normal people) coming as well.
I really like shoe gal. She’s fun to hang out with—alone. But when she is in her element amongst the rich and fabulous she acts her role and it makes me uncomfortable. I also don’t know a single person going and feel like I’m going to be the poor schmuck who is unemployed, not wearing Cartier and living at home with her parents.
I’ve felt like this a lot in my life. I went to extremely expensive and elite private schools from 12-21. The kids were all children of directors and actors, CEO’s of major companies or huge real estate guru’s, or people that were serious investment bankers. I always hated becoming friends with them because even though by global standards I was doing pretty damned well financially, in their circle I was always the poor girl who could never keep up. I was never able to go out for $15 drinks, take taxis, shop at Barney’s, give expensive gifts, buy the pricey make-up. They made me feel insecure and embarrassed. And to be honest, it really wasn’t my fault. I was proud of myself for putting my foot down, not spending money I didn’t have and never pretending to be someone I wasn’t. They were the jerks who couldn’t understand the concept that maybe there were some people who didn’t fly in their Concord lifestyle. By then, they dropped me—I supposed it was a good thing because they probably weren’t nice enough people anyway. But, it always hurt because the process in dumping me was humiliating.
My shoe gal knows that I’m just a freelancer but I think she assumes I have money. I wear very expensive handbags (all bought for 50% off when I worked as head of copy and content at a very exclusive department store in the UK). I wear expensive clothes (again, either bought on sale and then again marked down with my discount, or through my clever eye at TJ Maxx, outlet malls, mega-sales and savvy shopping). I don’t think I’ve bought anything full price in years. I’m starting to get the problems I have with her that I’ve always had with the other rich friends I’ve acquired. She wants to go out to eat to places where the bill comes to $120 because she ONLY drinks Champagne and sparkling wine. She shops on Rodeo Drive (she lives about a block from there) and she never even looks at the price tags at Chanel (she has a personal shopper there who knows her by name and brings her, yes, her favorite bubbly while she tries on $5,000 puffer jackets).
Here’s what you should know about her. She is 43, so almost 14 years my senior. She was first and orthopedic surgeon and then became one of the top shoe designers, at least in America. She came to this country at 8, fleeing from war and speaking no English. This woman is brilliant and has made the American dream happen for herself. She is a successful businessperson and she has worked damned hard. She should reap the benefits of this—I’m not taking that from her. But, it’s just getting hard to keep up. I don’t want to lose her as a friend. But when she calls me up and says let’s meet for a drink, she’s not talking about the local pub. She means The Four Season’s Hotel.
I have NEVER allowed ANYONE to treat me as a charity case. I’ve had these rich friends offer to pay for me and I have always said no. There are two reasons why. 1: I never want to owe someone because then they feel that they own you in some way. 2: I feel it has to damage the relationship somehow because the friend might start feeling resentful that they are being used for their cash.
I had a terrible incident happen to me in London. I had an extremely rich girlfriend of mine who came to visit from the States and wanted to go to the Light Bar in London. A drink there is 15quid. She was staying with me and wanted to take a cab and I told her that it would cost 40quid and the tube was free. She was really angry and offered to pay for the taxi. I finally gave in but was really uncomfortable. She then got us into the Light Bar and kept ordering us rounds (there were two other friends she knew from London there as well). I said to her that I could not afford more than one drink, but she kept ordering anyway and told me she’d pay. I was gutted and miserable the whole night. When the bill came, it was almost 1000 pounds. All 3 of them took out their credit cards and I was the only person who couldn’t pony up the cash. My “friend” explained, in a stupid, drunken manner, that I didn’t have the money to afford the drinks and could the three of them cover me? I was devastated. I didn’t speak to her for the rest of the next day and thank goodness that evening she flew home. She and I speak on occasion, but the friendship really died on that night. I swore NEVER to let that happen again.
The problem with the business I’m in is that I’m either interacting with people who have large expense accounts or who are very wealthy. I don’t actually hang out with fellow journalists all that often. It’s not easy NOT having the green. I want to be friends with my shoe gal, but I don’t want to have the talk with her that I’ve had with so many that has made me turn crimson—that I just can’t afford to go out with her.
Again, the irony is that I come from a well-off family, and I would certainly not be considered poor. But to these people, I am broke. A hindrance. So, I’ll go to this shoe gal’s party, put on a big, smiley face and pretend that all is hunky-dory in my life. But inside, my heart is thumping and all I’ll want to do is get the fuck out of there. Can you now understand why I don’t want to be broke with English gent and why I want so badly to be a success in a career and make money so that I’m not embarrassed anymore? I know I should be confidant in myself regardless of what others think—but realistically, the world doesn’t work that way. You’ve got to be able to pay the bills, not matter how lovely a disposition you have or how happy or in love you are. I NEVER want to be someone’s charity case or anyone’s poor relation.
I’ll give you guys the details about the party as soon as………..
As you all know, I’m a lover of all things vintage. I treasure finding a one-off piece that no one has and that was worn by someone before I was even born. And I love the feeling when your heart starts to race when you see a designer label in a great style, in your size, that is actually affordable. That’s the ultimate triumph in vintage shopping. The best I’ve ever done is a YSL Rive Gauche black velvet jacket–but it looks almost like a cape that an aunt gave me when I was only about 12. It sat rotting in my closet for about 10 years and when I was going through stuff after coming home from college, I discovered this masterpiece! Really heart stopping. Unfortunately, vintage shops, due to eBay and other outlets know brands—so it is rare to find a deal any more. But when you do discover a gem……..heaven. One lady who can appreciate this is Sharon Rose. Check out her website and drool over her fashion designer finds!
I decided to pay homage to the king of vintage, Maestro Halston. I mean, could Studio 54 have BEEN without his amazing dresses and slinky fabrics hugging the girls dancing and probably snorting coke in the bathrooms? I can just see the tall blondes sashaying into the disco’s in his designs, heavy make-up, red lips, and just looking like goddesses. To me, Halston WAS the 70’s and if you are lucky enough to find a vintage piece, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg.
He has a lovely collection out today but what’s great is it still pays homage to his time in his heyday. The column dresses with the layers, the one-shoulder Roman-goddess gowns, the well-cut shirt dress. Everything of his is a modern version of what he’s always done. I love when fashion houses stay true to their roots. You can still, today, see a Halston from a million miles away, even if it’s from a 201o collection.
I went with a really classic Halston evening gown in a lovely color–a canary yellow. I love the tiers. I just think this is so now, but yet so 70’s. How can it be? But it is elegant, classic and just so fantastically retro. It looks like it would elongate and be light as a feather. Perfection. To jazz things up a bit, I went with a really electric blue color to compliment the yellow. It just felt right. It felt punk 2009 meets LSD 1970’s.
I hope you like this Wish List as much as I do. I didn’t want to add a necklace for this dress. I see this with hair slicked back in a low bun or a very high ponytail and just showing off those collarbones. The only bit of bauble is a bad-ass rocker cuff that I thought was really rocker-chick fun. You know those 54 girls–they liked their dancing, booze and their Jagger.
FYI: Mr. Roy “Halston” Frowisck (who sadly died in 1990) was specifically known for his dresses being worn to discotheques. Born in Iowa, he began his career as a window dresser. He worked mainly with hats and his big break was when the Chicago Daily News ran a brief story on his fab hats. In 1957 he opened his own shop (seems very Coco Chanel, eh?) and then moved to NYC working for famous milliner Lilly Dache. He then was let loose to become head milliner of Bergdorf’s and his big claim to fame was designing the famous pillbox hat for Ms. Jackie Kennedy that she wore to her husband’s presidential inauguration. He became part of a hip crowd of jet setters and Bianca Jagger, Liza Minnelli, Anjelica Huston, Lauren Bacall, Babe Paley, and Elizabeth Taylor all wore his goodies. His perfume (bottle designed by Elsa Peretti) became the second biggest perfume of all time. A great man with an interesting life, he died of AIDS in 1990. But his name lives on and I am pleased to show you that his lovely clothes still, 3o years later, have remained in the limelight.
Dedicatedly yours,
—One of 365
This stunning, canary yellow, strapless silk-gown epitomizes the Halston of today and yesterday. People might ask you where you got that AMAZING vintage piece, but they also might ask where that couture dress came from. It is timeless. I love the color. I think on light skin it will look ethereal and on dark skin, it will bring out your color beautifully. The dress is simple. It is meant to act as a column--like Greek goddess gown. You are meant to make an entrance, be handed a glass of champagne, put it down and then dance. I think this is jaw-dropping and elegant. The back has a slight cut out, which is very sexy, but is layered with tiers so nothing too revealing. I think this dress would be bland and boring in black or white. Yellow is the perfect match. Strapless Silk Gown, $3,814, halston.com
I love colors and how designers are embracing pops of palettes in their designs. No more matchy-matchy anymore. I think the yellow and the blue make a stunning combination. I like the texture of the snake-skin. It modernizes the outfit and brings the whimsy from the light silk and layering to a more rock-star badass 54 girl making her entrance. With a 4.5" heel, the column dress is going to make you look sky-high which will look amazing and you'll feel like one of Warhol's muses entering The Factory! I think these are all rock n' roll and are a really fun surprise because they aren't expected with the outfit. Penn Snakeskin Sandals, $995, halston.com
I love this bag because it's slouchy, and suede. It looks the part of being 70's and is a total clutch with a removal strap so you can make it casual or dressy. Again, ties in with the shoes and the bright colors of the yellow and the bright blue. Totally unexpected which is what you want with a statement outfit. And hey, the 70's was all about experimenting, right? It's also roomy, so you can stash anything you need in here. Not just a lipstick and a cell phone. The strap will be useful if you start dancing. Just wrap it around your wrist and you are set to boogie! Henry Small Suede Clutch, $1,395, halston.com
All rock and roll babes have cuffs with metal right? Well, yours just happens to be a HALSTON dahhhling! I like this because it's your first introduction to the pop of color blue and it also shows those who see you that your not just some lovely yellow flower walking into the room, but a chic killer in your 70's homage to the king of disco. I think it will lengthen the arm and go nicely with the bag. And if your shoes peep out, it will all tie nicely together. Hey, and if a guy you don't like tries to hit on you, it works handily as a gauntlet!! Stud Embellished Cuff, $995, halston.com
Halston have always been famous for their fragrances. The packaging for 2009 has been revamped by the famous Elsa Peretti (known for her beautiful Tiffany's jewels). To quote the designer of the fragrance, Carlos Benaïm, he says the fragrance is a "floriental woody, and has top notes of Sicilian bergamot, marigold and black currant; a heart of precious roses, orris, jasmine petals, rose absolute and rose essence, and a drydown of patchouli, sandalwood and deep amber." So, grab yourself a bottle, even just to have sitting on your bureau. Stunning!
PS: If you dig my Wish List’s then just click over to your right and hit the side-bar under “Wish Lists.” You’ll find everything from Net-a-Porter to Sonia Rykiel (great timing too because she just announced her collaboration with H&M). It’s always such fun! And if you really LOVE fashion, check out Fashion Fridays on the sidebar too. It’s a bit bonkers, but a really fun weekly staple from my wardrobe that I make a story up about the look and show the clothes and allow you to visualize the whole sha-bang from the picture I’ve painted. Again, lot’s of fun for you fashion lovers.
I am a soldier when I shop. I do it for the country that is One of 365. I have to make sure this "governing-body" looks damned good and I can't have ANYONE get in my way.
Dear Ether,
When I shop, I become a fierce, focused creature who does not like to be disturbed by ANYONE. When a friend asks me if I’d like to go shopping, I always try to weasel out of it. I don’t want to be interrupted with questions about HER dress or what I think about how HER shoes look on HER feet. I need to focus on the sale racks, sizes—my eyes rapidly scanning for deals without any deterrent.
I love shopping. There are many women who detest it and only go when they have to find an outfit for an occasion. I adore just heading out and perusing the boutiques seeing what I can drool over and store in my mind for when the sales come. I love the air-conditioned rooms, the music the they play, the pang in my heart when I see a tag with a red slash through it. I am a hunter and clothes are my prey.
I wouldn't make a badge or a bumper-sticker out of this, but it sure is my mantra
I have an excessive amount of clothing. It’s beyond ridiculous. I’m actually pretty proud that through the mounds of cloth I don’t have anything I truly regret. I mean, of course there are the pieces of crap you buy from Primark that you wish you maybe should have saved the 5 quid on for a coffee, or you realize you just bought ANOTHER black top. But for the most part, I’ve done decently well. Nothing too horrible. I’ve had regrets. I bought a Mulberry bag on sale in London that was 250 quid reduced from 500 and it sits smushed in a corner never used. It’s a little small and just a bit traditional for me. Would I like the money back, of course! But, no one would look at it and say, “What the hell were you thinking?” I’m always good about making sure to buy clothes that are made of lovely fabrics (I could ADORE a piece, but if it’s made of polyester or some shit I can’t pronounce—I’m done). I hate when from a distance you see a garment that’s lovely, and then you get close for further inspection and see it’s possibly flammable—oh, the horror!
English gent is an excellent shopping partner. He is the ONE person who I can tolerate to take with me. In fact, he is quite an asset being a fashionista himself (though when we see a mirror we tend to fight over it in a shop). He gives honest advice on how things look on me. He also knows the trends and gives ace investment premonitions. He never tires, he’ll wait patiently while I scour the racks and he appreciates clothing as much as I do (he is so in love with fashion that he has been known to buy something, change out of what he is wearing, and walk out of the store donning his new outfit!).
My style icons are a mix of Ms. Paltrow, the perfect Ms. Sienna and legendary Kate Moss, of course. When I go out, I try to conjure these women. I’m lucky with my figure that I can pull some of the looks off these ladies can (I’m not as tall as Gwyneth nor as flat-chested, I’m not as leggy or skinny as Sienna or Kate) but I can make their looks happen if I try and do get compliments which make my day (because if ONLY they new how much I paid for them—STEALS!).
(This is for you gentleman who read my blog…I thought I’d throw you some eye-candy)
Yep, this is how we ladies feel when we are donning something sexy. Or at least, I do. What an entrance!
My dream is to walk into Burberry and buy some of their Prorsum goodies, hit Chanel and buy a pochette bag, saunter into Temperley and buy a whimsical dress made of silk and air, and have no credit card limit. Oh, yes, there are millions of other designers who I’d kill to wear. But honey, put me on a stranded island with these 3, and I’d make the natives catwalk cuties in no time.
I have kept every item of clothing I have ever bought. They are stored in boxes throughout my folks house. I refuse to give anything away. I believe one day something might come back or if I have a daughter she’d kill me for giving it away (yes, I think there is hope for the overall and the multi-colored high-top). Clothes, to me, have always been my hobby. Some people love thimbles, spoons, Rembrandts. I love Miu Miu or a great pair of jeans. And when I go out looking spiffy, there’s no better feeling in the world.
But………just don’t fuck with me while I’m getting my outfit together.
I love Monday’s because they mean I can go virtual shopping on some amazing websites and style dream outfits that I would love to wear had I had the bank account of a movie-star. BUT, maybe 1 of you Ethers DO have an enviable credit card limit and can splurge, or might be inspired by the choices from the “The Wish List” and look to your favorite shops for inspiration. What matters most is that I LOVE doing it and I think you guys LOVE seeing it so it shall continue being a weekly staple to help get the dreaded 5-day toil over and done with. It’s a dream that as a magazine writer I wish I could have the liberty to do, but never would be given the space or creativity to do it.
And speaking of work, it’s the recession so many of us are looking for new jobs. This means interviews! I think what separates the men from the boys is often the little details. The cuff-link or the finely-cut suit. But we’re talking womenswear right now, so I’m focusing on being fashion forward but classic. Beautifully made clothes that are cut to perfection, but are simple in design with a pop of personality. I think these days you need to stand out slightly by wearing something a little different than a boring black suit and white button down shirt with black heels. Truthfully, I’ve never gone for a job on Wall Street or to work for a top law firm. So, the choices that I’ve made today might be totally inappropriate (though I don’t know if nowadays places are hipper and want a chicer looking employee).
I went with fashion label Marni, a favorite of mine for years (even though all I’ve been able to do is stand awe-struck through their windows and look at their amazing stores with their minimalist curved hangers and beautifully patterned clothing). I think they embody European, and especially Italian fashion design. With their architectural cuts, Impressionist colors, Marni provides must-have wardrobe staples but gives you the extra edge so you’re always tweaked, looking slightly ahead of the game and never fully part of the crowd. In a nutshell I would call them avant-garde in a way that is very wearable so you’ll always look interesting and different without looking too risky.
Marni began in 1994 as a family business (the Castiglioni’s) who were fur producers to the best fashion houses, but they also wanted to have their own stake in the fashion game. It all began with a women’s collection designed by Consuelo that was eclectic, tailored, researched and unique. A huge success, Marni continues to create “holistic collections for markets that have become more receptive to innovative Italian design.” (Marni.com) Marni also decided not to have a strict advertising campaign which has allowed editor’s to create amazing creations with their clothing each season which has actually given them a lot more coverage had they had stricter look-book structures.
So with your history lesson, a bit of love for the brand from me, and keeping in mind what this outfit is going to be worn for here goes:
It all begins with the wrapping paper when you open the gift, right? Well, this is quite some paper! This coat will set the standard for the rest of the outfit. It looks hand dyed, the colors are that of Italy with its sepia tones and the material is perfect for summer and fall. Made of silk and linen organza, this is a mix n' match version of the trench but with asymmetrical lines, cuffs that are like a dress shirt and a unique belted trapeze shaping. Sun and Violet Runway Duster, Originally $2, 250 now $1,125 Marni.com
Bringing out the ruddy reddish brown in the duster and complimenting the asymmetrical lines as well, this top is ideal. Though it is a plain color, its architectural design is unique so even when you remove your striking outer layer, you still are wearing an interesting piece. You also don't want to compete with too many different patterns so the plain color with the extraordinary detail is the perfect combination (though Marni is famous for making patterns come together that blow your mind!). Cotton and Silk Top w/ Pocket Detail. Originally $630 now $315 Marni.com
Sleek, slick and a perfect cut are always what you want to look for in a trouser. Italy is famous for its tailoring and Marni prides itself on this tradition. The color, once again, compliments the duster, but also will work with the rest of your ensemble once it is removed. Great for any occasion, these are just a wonderful wardrobe staple. Cotton Cady Trousers Originally $630 now $315 Marni.com
I have to say, when the shoe selection came up on the screen, I almost fainted and had to be resuscitated. They have a massive selection and it was tough to choose, but I went with this killer heel. I really liked that it tied all the colors together, I thought the leather cutting detail was extraordinary, the heel looked thick enough to walk in and the platform looked hefty enough so you wouldn't die from ball-of-foot pain. I also think these would make your legs look authoratative in those trousers (hey, the less you have to shorten, the taller you are, right?) and if you wore them for going out they'd make your legs look seriously sexy. Hematite Leather Sandals Originally $850 now $425 Marni.com
Okay, I thought, how could I scrape together the cash for this bag? I could sell my computer, but then how would I write? Or, sell English gent for escorting, but he regretfully declined (damn those English manners!). If anyone from Marni is out there, here is my pathetic plea--if you have a bag that you don't want and were gonna toss in the bin because maybe a stitch was off, e-mail me. I will be your indentured servant for all time. Okay. Pathetic begging over. I LOVE THIS BAG. It is big, beautiful and brings out the color of the duster and the top--it just defines everything in this outfit. The tiers in the leather are once again playing on the architectural thought process of the Marni brain. The bag is functional and perfect for your interview with its space for paperwork, but it also is the perfect city bag that just will age beautifully. This is an investment piece because it will last you a lifetime. Bella! Bandoliers Tourmaline Leather Bag Originally $1,975 now $988 Marni.com
Marni had really fun and organic accessories. I went with these bracelet/bangles. They are within the color scheme and when you take of the duster and have the sleeveless top on, they'll look great on your bare arms. Lovely. Horn Bracelet Embellished With Applique Ruffle Originally $325 now $163 Marni.com
Marni had really fun and organic accessories. I went with these bracelet/bangles. They are within the color scheme and when you take of the duster and have the sleeveless top on, they'll look great on your bare arms. Lovely. Horn Wavy Bangle Originally $290 now $145 Marni.com
I couldn't resist! It's so rare that a label has such lovely lingerie too. And why not be decked out from top to bottom. This 90% cotton 10% silk bra is extremely luxurious, cute and is just a wonderful little treat. Green and Pink Bra Originally $325 now $163 Marni.com
You knew these knickers were coming too! Yes they might be slightly large, but I hate those teensy pants that veer a little too close to, well, I don't want to get graphic. I like a roomy pair of trunks. These are just adorable and so European. Can't you just see a cutie in the 50's sitting in her flat in Italy in this bra and underwear smoking a cigarette, sipping an espresso and peeking out her balcony for her beau to arrive? Ahhhh....those were the days. Green and Pink Briefs, originally $235 now $118 Marni.com
Well, I have given you quite the outfit to choose from. I think this is the biggest selection yet, thanks to Marni’s amazing Website. And remember, I have ZERO affiliation with the brands that I pick so I’m not trying to sell you anything. Think of this as an editorial spread. I hope you enjoyed this and good luck on your interview you hot ticket! You deserve the job if you are looking THIS stylish. Since I put a lot of work into putting this fab frock together I expect you to VOTE! No one ever seems to and I really am curious to know what you think. So, take the 10 seconds and click on the button….please…otherwise, you can buy me the above bag! Which is cheaper and easier? Yeah, I thought so………
Step out of the Ether and send me an E-mail. I would be glad to have your thoughts, feelings and ideas.
