My So-Called Style.

 

Chanel, Bal Harbor, Miami. Mama likes.

Every style maven I follow posts about what they love, their “most wanted” fashion items or facets of their signature dressing style. Now, I’m no tastemaker. Maybe someday. For now, I’m satisfied with summarizing, reporting and making accessible. But I know what I like. I’ve never struggled with lacking an opinion, trust me. So, if you were ever curious as to what this style reporter’s own style happens to be, here’s your unobstructed view. It is, in a word, eclectic. I’m not the typical “classic” dresser – you know, the one in tennis skirts, ballet flats, pintucked blouses and pearl necklaces. Nor am I the total “rocker chic” – with studded handbag, black half-gloves, platform booties and shredded jeans. No also, to the completely “boho” neo-hippie – in her fur vests, peasant blouses, chandelier earrings and gladiator sandals. I am a little bit of all three. Here are some items from my “so-called” style.   

   

My favorite perfume: Yves Saint Laurent “Parisienne.” I never thought I’d be a “roses” girl, but there is a delicate and mature coupling of violet roses, sandalwood and berries in this lovely perfume. Based on recent reviews, I’m apparently the target the marketing department is hoping to reach: a woman too young for YSL’s perfume “Elle,” and too old for their perfume “Opium.” In other words, a woman in her thirties. Nice to know I got the message.    

   

 My favorite shoes: Stuart Weitzman’s “Solitaire” black satin d’orsay pumps. Too bad I’ve never worn them. I snagged them during a 75% off sale at Bluefly.com, and was so ecstatic at the deal I got that I didn’t bother to ensure the best fit. They pinch.    

   

 My favorite dress: my Diane Von Furstenburg Kitt dress in “Cottonclub” print - also snagged for about 80% off, this time on sample sale site Hautelook.com. Fortunately, this time, I got the fit right.   

   

My favorite coat: a vintage 3/4 sleeve faux-fur number in ecru, bought off eBay for $40. Never has $40 gone so far – or caused so much psychic distress. The same year, my husband bought me a perfectly lovely Hillary Radley black trench off Bluefly.com for Christmas, per my explicit request. It sits, new and forlorn in my closet, bested by it’s older, cooler neighbor.   

 

My favorite shirt: The Elie Tahari silk blouse I bought on a trip with my husband to Miami from the shops at Bal Harbor. While I was – hold your breath – too intimidated to go into Chanel, I wasn’t too chicken to visit my friend, Mr. Tahari. And I’m glad I wasn’t – this beautiful, gauzy number was 40% off. I feel like a French ex-pat stranded on a Caribbean island when I wear it. And really, isn’t that the point of fashion? To make you feel elevated, beautiful, romantic or inspired? To make you feel – period?  

   

My favorite handbag: (ARGH! THE PRESSURE!) It’s a toss-up between my Louis Vuitton Batignolles Horizontal (for functionality, travel and – believe it or not – hardiness. Nothing wears like coated canvas. And trust me – with 3 kids – I’ve got plenty of proof), my Gustto yellow Occhiali tote for spring, summer and knocking around town (another sample sale find!) and my Beirn snake skin clutch (Bluefly.com – 60% off!) for a night out. 

There’s plenty more where this came from, but i think I’ve taxed your tolerance for self-indulgence enough for one day.

For my friend Lisa – this Etienne Aigner Stella Satchel is on sale at www.ebags.com right now for $89.99 – with free shipping! Might fit the bill for a good spring/summer bag of slouchy shape with room to spare! Find it here. You can search by color and type. If something else strikes your fancy, wait until March 17th for an extra 25% off one item in celebration of St. Patty’s day! Use Coupon Code: COMJSTPAT