Toting

When I posted this Soeur tote a few weeks ago I was certain it would be ridiculously large on me. Not so! Lightweight and good-looking, this bag is a win-win.

Bits & Bobs

It’s been in the 50s/60s in both NYC and Paris. I’ve been living in trim jeans, Ann Mashburn’s black knit Parker Jacket, a big scarf, and Chloe flats. A similar vibe to Barbara Martelo‘s outfit in the snap from 2019, except, I am carrying an Hermès Picotin.

Even when overcast I burn, and eltaMD has been my go-to sunblock for ages. However, I want to give Augustinus Bader’s Mineral Sunscreen a try.

Rose Abricoté is still my favorite Hermès Rosy lip enhancer shade.

In a brilliant move, Cartier made a hinged version of the classic Love Bracelet “for those who prefer to put it on and take it off by themselves.” Going through airport security will be a lot easier.

I bought the Toteme FW24 shearling knowing that I will wear it even more often next fall. Now I am considering a pair of Khaite boots and here for the same reason.

My new favorite spot to hideout is the Rose Bakery at Maison de Balzac in the 16th, it’s a hidden gem.

To further cement my expat tradwife status, I took a macaron workshop at the recently opened Cordon Bleu outpost at the Hôtel de la Marine — it was very fun. Tomorrow I will learn how to make eclairs.

Ta!

FW25: Layering Lesson

I 🤍  this Sacai FW25 look and wish it were available today — it would be perfect for spring. And, I’m inspired by the seemingly careless styling on these W25 The Row looks, also good for spring.

Spring!

For months now I’ve been banging on about why I shelved my Adidas and only wear sneakers for working out. However, long hauls around the city in Belgians or boots got old fast. So, yesterday I tried a pair of canvas sneakers by The Row, but felt like a toddler and returned them. The ballerina and sneaker mashups caught my eye, and no one did them better than Mrs. Prada. The ones above are featherweight, and comfortable right out of the box — I could not be happier.

Anyone else try the TikTok hack of using primer to help perfume last longer than a minute? I did, and it works!

And, I’ve put off a bunch of home projects long enough, no time like the present.

Happy spring!

Last Licks

Preston, do you and your readers have any “last licks” for their winter clothes? Yesterday, I went to the Whitney with my older son and husband. I wanted to wear something more fun than I usually wore and pulled out a red, Ann Mashburn cashmere collared sweater I had bought in November and wore once in December. I loved the sweater but it felt too festive and bright to wear all the time (I usually wear navy and black.) I realized I had better get some wear out of it before the weather warms up. Do other people have winter clothing they’ve forgotten about that they are now determined to get wear out of before spring sets in?

Laura

Great question, Laura!

My last lick is this Carolina Herrera cape that I spied on the runway mid-February 2024, then purchased in August. I wore it only a handful of times before one of the coldest winters on record set in. I’d hoped a chunky sweater underneath would extend its wearability into the colder months, however, the freezing temps came early and only just recently abated. A spring coat is often joked about because it’s worn once, maybe twice, before it’s too warm. However, I intend to wear the cape as often as possible in the coming weeks.

I am sure many readers have overlooked winter items they are pulling out before it’s too warm to wear them.

New Arrivals: Phoebe Philo

Phoebe Philo’s latest drop from the B Collection: great sandals that I will try in Paris later this week, and I love the gold hardware on this trifold clutch, the silver clasps on her other bags look cheap to my eye. I have a similar old Céline clutch that I wear all the time.

Hermès FW25

Love the doubling down on equestrian codes — the house’s heritage first and foremost  — in the Hermès FW25 collection. The show even felt like it was held in an indoor ring. I don’t usually like palladium hardware, but it looks magnificent here. The belted coat and Birkin 35(?) make me happy.

Paris Chic

Spied in Paris: Barbara Martelo‘s coat and pumps, Suzanne Koller‘s coat cinched with a Carven belt, and these The Row sandals on Lauren Santo Domingo — they’re keeping it chic in Paris.

A Bold Lip, Less Lashes

This stunning Alaia SS25 campaign image caught my eye. The beautiful Daria Werbowy — in a fabulous pink, shaggy coat and a bold lip — is certainly impactful, but the natural eyelashes are a happy surprise. False lashes have been my pet peeve since they roared onto the beauty scene a number of years ago; I hope this signals an end to the hideous trend.

Bits & Bobs

March 1! We head back to Paris soon, so a trip to LA to see Helmut Lang: What Remains Behind at the MAK Center will have to wait. Same with Cecily Brown: Themes and Variations at the Barnes Foundation. I am in Philadelphia Monday for the PHS Flower Show, however the Cecily Brown exhibition does not open until March 9. Book clubs are chicer than ever and both Air Mail and New York Magazine ran articles on their exploding popularity, especially with younger women. I am in three book groups, and in one we only read short stories. Next in my queue is Show Don’t Tell, a collection of stories by Curtis Sittenfeld. As a boarding school alum, Sittenfeld’s Prep is an all-time favorite. Finally, a grey and brown outfit snippet on a Milan FW25 show week attendee, and my tan suede Belgian Shoes are going into rotation.