RECENTLY / in pictures

Happy Monday. I thought I would share a few city snaps to start the week. I hope you enjoy!

Flowers!!

Bloomingdale's windows.

Inside Bloomies. Love the hat!

A trio of images: Red sky at night, Pink blazer /stacked bracelets/ pleated skirt, Store window

Dinner Downtown at BOBO, the food and decor is fabulous!

How much are are these doggies in the window? ( Upper East Side)

And in the West Village ( Only in NY?)

So, like many cities, Manhattan comes in many flavors. Each part of Manhattan has its own personality. It is such fun to explore! Closing with a pop- art rendition of my photo inside of Bloomingdale's.

This is a message to you, my readers.

Today we were expecting snow, 4 to 6 inches. Drum roll, we got....... Nothing, Nada Squat. Just sunshine! Now this is a spring I can get I can believe in. I hope it is sunny where you are, and that only good things arebefore you!

XX, Elle

Manhattan Edge

So we have made to mid week! Is anybody out there as bone tired as I am? Maybe it is the lack of sleep last weekend, one precious hour, or the bump up in social life due to the longer days, but I am feeling overextended. The city lights seem too bright.

I had a quiet weekend at the beach on Long Island. Maybe it is just the contrast. Perhaps it is the news of a gunshot a few days ago in mid-day, very nearby, where I run most of my errands. Maybe it is the news of another suicide, another soul leaping out a window at the nearby Four Seasons, was this yesterday? Scary things are happening, everywhere it seems.

Seriously, I read the news. I know there is a lot going on. But the gunshot near me has me spooked.

Not just for me, but how it bodes for the city, in the wake of reduced funds for homeless shelters. I live a safe and privileged life, by most standards, but no one is safe.

No thinking person is untroubled.

So as I write this relatively trivial post, what I was wearing and why, it seems mindless. But maybe that is good. Paying too much attention to to the what ifs, and what is next, is a path to troubled blues. I am a light soul in general... so let me tell you about my outfit. K?

I layered. The warm temps dropped to high forties, from a high last week of 76. I wore James Jeans distressed denim, with my new embellished heeled boots. An old Chanel-like sweater, down to the zipper detail trim, and a soft- as- air cami.

This was later in the day, towards evening, and the city was bustling. This photo near my building has enough blank surfaces that you can discern my tweed, frayed denims, the flash of zipper and metal chain, and the rich overlap of details. I bought this beaded scarf for next winter, but wore it on a whim. I was glad I did, as the wind was stirring. Here is a close-up shot of the sweater that kept me warm, and my patchwork bag.

Above are details of the bottom half, but what I like most are the lights behind me, dusk meeting twilight and the flash of neons to punctuate the grey-black haze. The next shot, has me just a few steps away near the corner. Busy people everywhere, going places.

I hope they are going someplace good. I hope they get there safely. Now I am heading home to to get dinner ready for my husband. (did you notice the work cook was not mentioned?)
I think I will not watch, or listen to, any news. Maybe I will go up to the roof garden and get some city snaps. The perspective up there, is better.

From up there the jostling of limbs and engines may seems like a blur, and how small the people will look. People will seem smaller, and less vulnerable. Then I can remember all of the good things about this day.

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Outfit Details: James Jeans via LVIS in East Hampton, or similar here. Fringed cardi by P. LUCA via Workshop is sold out. Similar here . My Patchwork bag from Fox's is sold out, similar here. Suede booties with embellished heel sold out, similar here and here. My sunnies are vintage Gucci, similar here.

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Have a great day! XX, Elle

True. Bone. Rock. Rag.

I thought I would start this post with a riddle. What, on earth, is the meaning behind my blog post title? Ah, you will see soon. I am happy to say that I managed to get to the beach on a warm March day.

I am probably the only person outside who is so actively avoiding the sun. I do sit outdoors in the late afternoon , with sunscreen, but it is a sunny day, and the sun is at its strongest. So All of my photos will show me in the shade, Please forgive the grey tones!

I chose an easy Boho look for this warm and breezy day. My beaded and tie-dyed tunic was a bargain that I picked up for $12.00 last year, in a small shop on the way to the flower district. I paired it with a macrame trimmed bomber jacket . I was thrilled to get to a sandy spot with no one around, but hubby and a few trilling birds.

I found the perfect place to rest and lounge in the shade for a bit. is there such a thing as shade bathing? Perhaps not, but for me, today, YES!

I may be in a shaded spot, but the air is warm and the breeze is perfect. Ahhhh. :) Not much to do but watch my skirt blow in the wind, and listen to my hubby asking questions about camera angles. Thanks Hubby for photos today!

My straw and leather bag holds only some sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses, and some notes from Macy's furniture department. I am helping my my daughter decorate her new co-op. We have the perfect leather chair in mind for her living room! I can review in on the beach. Or not....

Come to think of it, I have a lot to do. So I will leave you with this little bit of beach for you to start your week, ( and for me to remind myself of how beautiful nature is!)

Have a great week ahead!

I hope your week was equally splendid. Are you a sun worshiper? Do you watch how much sun you get, too? I hope you are not as diligent as I am. ( I am high risk for skin cancer) I hope the sun is out and that your mood, too, is sunny!

Outfit Details: perforated platform sandals via Zulily.com. Pendant via KC Signatures.com. Tunic dress, By True Rock , via midtown boutique, similar here, & macrame trimmed bomber jacket: Rag and Bone. ( True Rock+ Rag and Bone) . Seemed just a little bit of editing was all I needed for my post title. ;)

XX, Elle

Sun Hats for Spring and my #TBT outfit.

My #TBT, has me sitting on the warm stone steps, outside of the hotel lobby, at a resort In Cancun. The photo, below right was taken about 2 years ago. Yesterday I could have worn the very same outfit, if i had made it to the beach as planned. Alas, I did not.

Yesterday it was 74 in NYC! Instead of beach bumming in East Hampton, I helped my daughter look for sofas, and then went to an office party. I ended up having a wonderful day and evening, even if there was no sand between my toes at the end of the the day.

When it gets this warm I add a sun hat ( a large one for the beach or pool, or a small one like a fedora for city walks, plus sunnies of course.) I like SKINCEUTICALS Sheer Physical UV Defense sunscreen. This is a product that does its job, as you can tell by my year round pallor! Disclaimer - My daughter works for this company! But this is my very own opinion.

I like the way a sun hat keeps the wind from tossing my hair, and I enjoy knowing thatI have extra protection for my skin, eyes, and even my hair. Ilove the oversized beach hats for the pool, beach, or backyard. I did a Polyvore set to show you my favorites. Add a bikini, a fabulous one piece, some serious sunscreen, your favorite beach read, and you are set to go! Or will be, when another day like yesterday comes along!

Or maybe it is already summer- like weather where you are!

See my page for links, or check below photos of the links from my Polyvore page. To shop it, go directly to the page.

An oversized sun hat makes a fashion statement, as well as protecting your skin. Add one to a tunic, romper, or sundress, too, and put the Spring back in your step! Add one of the above hats with a ruffly maxi dress, and have all eyes on you! It is not quite sun hat weather yet, but now is the time to make sure you have them tucked away in that closet. The temps are sure to go UP, UP, UP!

Or more likely UP, DOWN, UP, DOWN, UP, AND UP UP UP!

Happy days! Friday is right around the corner! Now tell me, what is your skin protection routine in the spring, and summer? Do you wear hats routinely, or just for style. Let me know inf the comments section, and rock your weekend!

xoxoxoxo XX, Elle xoxoxoxo

Pleats, Flowers, and Bows, oh my.

I did not mean to toss on so many trends when I put this outfit together. In, fact, nothing I am wearing is new, except for my pendant necklace from KC Signatures . My three year old Zara skirt still looks super fresh, and I love the lightweight metallic feel of it.

I take that back, my booties are new, from ASOS on sale recently. I love the heels that look like ice cubes, stacked perfectly on top of one another, waiting for a glass of lemonade or vodka, or lemonade with vodka.

My floral blouse is a bit dated, as an abstract floral. The newest florals are bolder, and more realistic, not rendered like brushstrokes like this old thing. But I care not. NOT at all, actually. Bad Bad Blogger.

I was thrilled to find my skirt 3 years ago. Prada has just produced one that I WANTED! I shopped it on line of course and saw that Top Shop had one much like it, in a pretty pink color. Prada's was blue, metallic blue if memory serves. I took the subway downtown ( no one who buys Prada take the subway- probably).

On the way to Prada, I rationalized that I would love and wear this skirt for years to come. Then, like a divine intervention, I fell into H&M. Who had, weird coincidence (?), the very same skirt, but in a metallic silver, that reads pale gold in certain light. Like a Prada skirt ( which I have only bought at Outlets or resale) it fits small and perfectly. And I was right, three years later I still love it!

It is hard to describe the hand of this fabric, it feels like a cross between linen, silk, and aluminum foil.

It is lightweight, as though it was made for space travel. I also bought a wool knife pleated skirt from Milly that year. It is a tad big, but it is lovely too.

I added an older blouse, and sash, tied it like a bow, and voilá, I was dressed. I did my up-do myself. It is a bit asymmetrical, but I was chill with that. So long as it did not get blown to bits by the wind. I used a couple of jeweled clips, too, that you may see one day. Super cute and perfect for an 8 year old girl! ( just add 5 decades and we are there.) Okay?

I added a cross-body minaudèrie for a dash of the geometric. ( Badgely Mischka, via Century 21, NYC) And now it appears I am standing sentry next to the velvet ropes.

Shall I let you in? Hmm. How much do you like my outfit?

( It is just a gym behind me, but a fancy one!)

My nail color is a bluish purple, Le Vernis 727 from CHANEL. I usually opt for more muted colors, but hey, it is Spring very very soon, and flowers will be coming up in this yummy shade; UNTIL THEN, I will wear it on my nails just to prompt Mother Nature..

I love adding a lightweight minaudèrie to an outfit, or a mini bag, too, is a fun accent. I just bought a new one from Fox's, a designer Off- Price store much like Century 21. The two below, both By Badgley Mischka came from these stores, the gold one bought most recently at $29.99.! Below, too, a better look at my pendant necklace which is rutilated blue quartz, surrounded by marcasite and yellow citrine stones, and strung on a hand-knotted chain of faceted semi-precious stones. I bought this at KC Signatures near Bloomingdales. ( for those of you who are not familiar with these 3 stores, take note!)

There you have it, another #OOTD from Elle, a veritable mash up of trends, lots of shine, and much happiness on this warm day. I am sending it to you. Can you feel it? :)

XXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOEllEXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOO

B-O-L-D

On the heels of a serious post about well being, this post will be lighter. Still, my look is bold. My choice of dress is simple, but dramatic, and the cut-outs- though small, are bold, too. I am after all, not a young person.

I am breaking every fashion rule invented, it seems. I am too short for horizontal stripes, too old for cut out dresses, I am wearing too many rings. I am too old for sleeveless dresses, and my hair, at 57, should not be mid-way down my back, although it is up today! Metallic blue sunglasses?

Yes, today I shift away from black and tortoise shell, and ignore the rules of convention.

The List of "fashion rules" were meant to be broken, right? Or at least adapted. . Everyone must find their own comfort zone for their style to be authentic. Experimenting with new trends, is energizing. Style and fashion choices, should be energizing! We will make mistakes, but that is okay, too. We are not perfect.

I am also breaking posting rules. I am including different shots, in different locations. The colors and lights do not match perfectly. For a more professional look I should choose one spot and have it all be consistent. Three photos do not blend at all, but I will include them anyway.

But it is my blog, and I am not perfect. My blog should reflect that.

A few steps away, I am in a different spot, with different ambiance. We found it by accident. Two shots were taken there, and they are my favorite in this post. Serendipity is a good thing! I love what looks to be rosewood, or some kind of exotic wood.

This background adds so much more contrast and dimension, too, with the shadow both around, and behind me.

This next shot is from this location. It is the bit I cropped out, and is my reflection in the gorgeous, brass flower- studded doorway. This became the photo that I used in my prior post. I love photos that feature and explore reflections, because we are not really seeing what we think we are seeing; indeed we never are!

The next two shots were shot on the sly by Geraldo, my photographer. They are overexposed, which I like, as it muddled the crowded walkway with light, for an interesting city snap. They are of me and my friend Deborah who helped me enormously in this shoot. Just a raised eyebrow from my friend, will suggest that something is not right. How lucky I am that she is my friend, and that she was there that day. Lipstick on my teeth was only the top thing on the list of things she corrected, and finessed. And having her there was such fun!

Now you see what I mean by disparate photos. But I wanted to include the shot of my reflection because it was interesting ( to you, I hope) . I also wanted to include these two, because they tell a story, and ends my post with the upbeat mood of friendship and collaboration. A good theme, given the headlines in my country. I hope you will agree, and not mind! In fact, I hope you will share you thoughts with me!

Happy weekend! May it be splendid, and full of sunshine and great memories, in the making!

XX, Elle

/Guarded/

THE OSCARS HAVE COME AND GONE. I ENJOYED THIS SHOW, THAT WAS SO MUCH MORE ABOUT GOWNS THIS YEAR. IT WAS THOUGHTFUL AND DIFFICULT, BUT WORTHWHILE AS I WAS MOVED TO TEARS WITH LADY GAGA'S PERFORMANCE. BELOW, I AM A SHADOW.

As you know, Lady Gaga performed her original song, co- written with Diane Warren, "Til it Happens to You", to haunting effect. The performance was so passionate as she belted it out, and pounded it out , on the piano. Tears, and a standing ovation resulted. The song resonated. Fittingly the performance was introduced by Joe Biden. I watched it over and over, with crimson blue eyes.

I believe this is a song that every woman, and many men can relate to. Most of us have lives touched with sexual assault in some way, whether it happens to you or a loved one.

Having someone speak out in defense of someone vulnerable, is a brave and noble thing. It just is.

My photo above, is part of a shoot that I will share tomorrow. It is a photo that is disparate, and separate from the post, in tone and color. I am in the shadows, looking out. You can not see my face. I did not plan this post this way, but today Gaga's performance still lingers in my mind, and this shot looks different to me today, than it did on Saturday, on the unseasonably warm and bright day. So this shot became a post about loss, fear, and feeling separate.

I wonder if victims of assault, any assault, ( sexual assault, verbal abuse, bullying) feel this way: Inside looking out, their person distorted, the outside light, blunted and glazed by sadness.

If you have been treated badly, it is hard to not be guarded. Still. Thoughtful, overly concerned with the consequences of your actions. Will they invite shame, embarrassment, confusion? It can feel as though your jeweled shoes might well be lead; so hard to move forward.

I dedicate this post to anyone who has been made to feel shame. I hope you can be buoyed by common experience, and that you heal, with time. I wish for you, that that you can take steps forward towards the beautiful that is waiting.

On this topic, I want to mention an important film. it was written and directed by my friend, Dea Jenkins, who also speaks out this issue. Imbalance is an award winning short film, that tells the story, from a sadly true event, of a 10 year old girl who is sexually molested on a subway. No one on the NYC subway train notices, and she does not speak up. My friend speaks up, in the telling of this haunting film, and I am grateful to the brave women who are out there, listening, and speaking up for others who can not.

************* XX, ELLE ****************

Hush ** Blush

There are days when the loudest sound we will hear is a whisper, the brightest color we can manage is a soft muted blush. When we dress, we choose loose, soft, and indulgent. I was in such a state last week.

My curls. tight last night and full of bounce, wandered down my back in loose waves. I let it be. I chose kitten heels with quiet soles, and waves of gray sequins that remind me of the sunset at night, when the moon is full.

It was cold, harsh and windy outside. I stayed indoors, depriving myself of the rush of adrenaline that hits me when I step into the city streets. I did not need that today. Today will be quiet, reflective. Shhh. Hush.

My loose dress and blush shawl look like lingerie worn inside. It is not. So much of what we infer is contextual, no? The workmanship and soft burnout velvet is soft of my skin. If this were a dropped waist silhouette, you would see something like this on Downton Abbey.

I will only read my sweetest book. It is a book of photos taken by my daughter, when she traveled abroad a few years back. Her inscription to me, was so thoughtful, so dear, I can not tell it here. I do not trust it's sweetness will translate intact and whole, to this page.

I will put my things down for a bit.

And when I stand again, I shall listen with only one ear; the one that works and brings me sound. I won't begrudge my condition, I will only feel gratitude that I can hear the sound of laughter and conversation. The annoying sound of traffic is hushed by half. No I will not make less, or more, of hearing only half.

The day will stay quiet. hush..

Photos by Geraldo Vitale and hair by my friend Shelly.

Outift details: Dress and Shawl from H&M ( believe it or not, and on sale!)

Have a wonderful week! XX, Elle

Rollin'

We were heading out to the garage for photos. It was late in the day, but I knew the garage would be lit well. The garage is painted white, with a large blue stripe running through the perimeter; it might work well with the sweater I am wearing. Alas, we never made it out!

I saw the luggage cart, and thought this might be fun! I saw the single florescent light above and thought the light might not be in my favor, but Iopted for rolling! Which is what I did. First I was balanced perfectly, and then I shifted and rolled right. It doesn't take much to amuse me, I guess.

And from there I decided that my luggage cart should be a go cart. Down the ramp I went! :)

I had such fun with this little shoot. I enjoyed being spontaneous, and ending up with a completely different post than I imagined!

I had imagined an outdoor post, where natural, though fading, light would enhance the texture of my faux astrakhan coat by Ralph Lauren. The bit of stripes of my sweater peeking out of my 3/4 length sleeve coat, would be a nice detail, and would mingle nicely, with the gleaming sparkle of my stacked emerald, and ruby bracelets.

Instead you are seeing me inside, in a poorly lit place, just having fun. Rolling with it, literally. I am sorry the light values do not match from frame to frame, I tried, but the single fluorescent light made me look one way when I was directly under it, and then a bit different, off to the side... The harder I tried, the more processed the photos looked. So I settled on the fact that this is not the most professional post, in that way. Gerardo takes the shots, but I edit them, and I am still, and always, learning. These shots are a bit overexposed, which I hope makes the differences in hue less apparent.

I had fun! I am pretty sure this is my first post where I am smiling in all of the photos. Now here is a shot of the bracelets, that I was hoping to showcase with natural sunlight. They are by KC Signatures near Bloomingdales. A bit of imagination ( my idea) and voilá!

Outfit details: denim-Hudson jeans, last year, thrifted at LVIS. V-neck sweater ( matches an old Missoni skirt perfectly) on sale at H&M, -emerald, white topaz, and ruby bracelets via KC Signatures. Ralph Lauren coat via TJ Maxx last year. My bow tie was a sash. I usually wrap it around once so it is not this long! Vintage crocodile clutch by Lederer's , via eBay.

Do you fellow bloggers ever do this? Plan a shoot, and then improvise, and change locations?

Happy Monday. I thought I would share a few city snaps to start the week. I hope you enjoy!

This is a message to you, my readers.

XX, Elle

Seriously, I read the news. I know there is a lot going on. But the gunshot near me has me spooked.

No thinking person is untroubled.

Have a great day! XX, Elle

Have a great week ahead!

XX, Elle

Or maybe it is already summer- like weather where you are!

xoxoxoxo XX, Elle xoxoxoxo

It is hard to describe the hand of this fabric, it feels like a cross between linen, silk, and aluminum foil.

Happy weekend! May it be splendid, and full of sunshine and great memories, in the making!

XX, Elle

Having someone speak out in defense of someone vulnerable, is a brave and noble thing. It just is.

I wonder if victims of assault, any assault, ( sexual assault, verbal abuse, bullying) feel this way: Inside looking out, their person distorted, the outside light, blunted and glazed by sadness.

I will put my things down for a bit.

The day will stay quiet. hush..

Have a wonderful week! XX, Elle

I had such fun with this little shoot. I enjoyed being spontaneous, and ending up with a completely different post than I imagined!

Let me know in the comments section. Happy week ahead! XX, Elle