It's in the Details

Hello my LOVELIES! I had such fun styling my friend Nedra last week. Everything I had her try on looked fabulous. As a former model, hers is the body clothes are meant for. Given that the holidays are coming up, we did a Luxe look.

Still, Nedra made it playful; she made it her own.

Above she is wearing an appliqued lace blouse, done on cotton poplin, with exquisite pleating at the elbow. It is by Catherine Malandrino via Around Again in Sag Harbor, brand new! Nedra, Instinctively knew that holding the glove to her face would create bit of mystery and distribute the burst of berry blue, more evenly though out the frame. Did she also guess that the perfect angle of her arm, made the pleats fan out in delicate drama. Probably, yes., and Gerardo did as well.

This shot, above, shows off the workmanship of the blouse as well and the gorgeous pearl and emerald necklace from KCSignatures. I knew the turquoise Kate Spade gloves would look good with this outfit, but I was surprised in the photo how the color came to life.

Below, I converted the photo to black and white to give you a better sense of the details and textures.

This luxe skirt grazing the knee looks perfect to my eyes! More detail shots below: The ring, also by KCSignatures. The bag is handmade in wood, and decorated in abalone and mother of pearl. I found it on eBay, it is one of a kind.

Gerardo really got some great detail shots!

The clutch on its own.

I love fine detailing. I also love hand crafted items and supporting small businesses, both retail, online and consignment stores. My gloves are from TJ Maxx, that is one large place I do love to shop.

THANK YOU NEDRA AND GERARDO FOR MAKING THIS POST BEAUTIFUL!

The Way Home: Heavy Steps on Fancy Streets

I feels like long ago that I took these shots of my neighborhood stores. So much In the news has been occupying my heart and mind. The future of my country, the outlook for my children; what will become of it? To my core. I am worried.

Worried.

worried.

WORRIED.

I left the Waldorf Astoria with my heart in my guts. The police force is surrounding my city. And there is good reason for it. Everything that my city , and country stands for, may be brought to its knees. I may walk this same path in 4 months and barely recognize it. This is not hyperbole, this is the sad and rawest truth.

But since my focus is on fashion, I will not dwell on this pathology. I will simply show you the glorious windows I saw on my quiet walk home, and hope that nothing of my fears comes to fruition.

On 57th Street, taking advantage of the emptied streets, I look night time photos of the great fashion houses that line my home address. Below, damask, olive drab, argyle, and sandals: the look from Prada.

Below, the focus is on footwear and harlequin marble, lit with sharp mustard and fiery red: via Prada.

Open weave stockings- single strap sandals, red brocade, and a fur shrug. Python, "animal instincts, survival of the fittest," in the background.

Above, Saint Laurent looks fresh, hip, vaguely accessible.

Below, the next five shots from Miu Miu.

Below the tweedy signature of Chanel, marching forward.

Fendi is below, highlighting saturated colors in a wavy, hallucinogenic induced pattern. A nod to a mod sixties tone. Initials, logos, yes, all there.

Up close, saturated, and furry. This is Fendi at the flagship store.

The walk home is surreal; there is virtually no one on this block and hardly anyone that I can see around me. I am so glad for these beautiful windows, and the way art and beauty can help you feel peaceful.

Since I took these shots, there has been so much in the news that is troubling- deeply so. Our country; an open minded, intelligent, kind, and polite society, has shown some nasty traits to the world and its citizens. The vitriol and sheer meanness is new and shocking. I do not know what our country will be like soon. How will the world be affected?

I am glad I can cling to love, my family, my reasoning skills, my good neighbors and close friends.

I am grateful I have access to art , beauty, and fashion, yes, that, too. Anything that elevates the mood, and lightens the load is a very good thing.

I wish you peace and beauty, dear readers.

Careful: Life in #NYC can be Tricky

It was still fashion week. I saw many inspirational shows; I felt fortunate for the opportunity to see such beauty in "Real Time". But this was an event that focused on education, and the streets were full of security forces. My high heels seem symbolic;

Careful Where you walk: Tread Lightly

As I walked to the Waldorf Astoria, I saw so many police and security forces, that I felt I was somewhere other than my very safe neighborhood: . Obama was in town, the UN was in session and Dignitaries , Princes, and Kings were staying at the destination i was walking too.

The walk was remarkable easy, all of the streets were cordoned off, and our city's finest were everywhere. I knew this on one level, but walking though this noisy reality, was an epiphany of the alarming kind. Am I walking in the eye of the storm?

I was, in fact. President Obama was across the street, but many UN representatives were here at the Waldorf-Astoria, and the security was tighter than than of any airport. We were stopped, our metal things went through a detector, and ID was presented in order to enter. Everyone looked like security guards, including the Princes and Kings!

I noted with a cringe, that someone asked one of the Heads of State for directions to the bathroom.

A photo of the luxurious hotel when I arrived. A security van is set up, and a long airport style line was formed for security reasons ( all bottom left) At least we could keep our shoes, on! With my high platforms- removing them would have been less that graceful.

Our cities finest, and bravest, were out in full force. Not unusual, any more.

I arrived without incident. I was grateful to be in such a beautiful place. Beauty has a calming effect on me: as if everything is in the best possible position and that harm can be thwarted in this way.

Here are photos of the inside of he Waldorf-Astoria. Though the world may be troubled, this institution remains solid and lovely.

The mosaic floor, so grand, in its painstaking details , and a luminous chandelier in the finest cut crystal. The paradox of it all: the juxtaposition of luxury against the cool blue police force -standing vigil, ever watchful.

Once there, I felt relaxed. Maybe it was the immediate service of champagne and crab cakes. Or perhaps it was the illusion of luxury: in a place as lovely as this- surely nothing bad could happen?

I asked a stranger to take my photo. It is not a great shot, but I am there-- a smile even! I edited it with sepia tones to reflect how I felt. even though I am smiling.

I met my sister, and the function that we were there to attend was lovely. Flowers were everywhere, in every corner.

A close up of my lace blouse, pearl trimmed belt, and eyelet jacket:

After the presentation for Elon University was over, ( the school that my nephew attends) - which was so impressive, and so well attended- I was happy to go outside, once again, just to check on my city.

Was it alright? It seems it was, although it was eerily quiet on my way home. Which gave me a great opportunity to take photos of the windows on 57th street, all the way home. That will be the next post!

Outfit details

Skirt, Chanel ~ Via Michael's Consignment, Blouse and Belt via ~ Paola Poggi, . Lined eyelet jacket is Elie Tahari from Spring 2014, similar here . Platform maryjanes here, Earrings, vintage Chanel, via 1stdibs.com, similar here and here.

Tell me, are you also a bit worried about the welfare of your city, or do you feel calm and reassured? Let me know! Have a great week, Dearest Readers!

XOXOXO Elle XOXOXO

Claire Pettibone Presents: Four Seasons Bridal Couture at Academy Mansion

I introduced you to Claire Pettibone's genius in my last post! I am glad I furnished that preview. Now I am going to present the Four Season's Collection she debuted at #NYFW, at Academy Mansion, in NYC. All photos are by Gerardo Vitale, and a few by me.

We begin with Winter, the darkest season, but not somber, just a time of quiet reflection.

You can indeed get a sense of the detail and mood of this Winter collection, one of four, based on the Art Nouveau illustrations Of Alphonse Mucha. Of course, her use of lace and sequins- a modest touch of sparkle - is much like the snow, glinting on an winter moon-lit evening.

Yes, that is me, in a metallic, pleated skirt, and embroidered blouse with black piping. I am not attired by Claire, but Gerardo guided me to the spotlight and took a photo before I realized quite what he was doing. But his instincts were sound; pale in the light I do fit into the scene, sort of.

Above, and below, two shots that I took with my Samsung Note 5. It does have a different feel from Gerardo's superior camera, but I like to include all perspectives.

Now we go backwards to Autumn, the photos resting on the magical moment when leaves fall in burnished colors, the days shorten, and we take the time to dream of love.