Classics Edition: Coat Fiend

When it comes to indulgent shopping, I tend to collect shoes and coats. I justify my spending in the latter category with the following rationale: Wintertime means spending much of one's time in a coat, day in, day out, for months on end. If I practically have to live in one, I might as well buy a coat I absolutely love, and it's worth it for me to invest in a variety of toppers to pair with anything and everything in my winter wardrobe. An added benefit is that I can just throw on a great coat on those days when I can't be bothered to figure out what to wear, and it instantly dresses me up. Even if you're not as coat-obsessed as I am, I still think your fall/winter wardrobe needs, at minimum, three coats. A brief, illustrated guide:

1. The basic trench: A light topper that will see you through the cold November rain (sorry, for the GN'R reference -- it was too easy and I couldn't help myself). Examples:

This one by Soia & Kyo has oversized buttons, a flap collar, and a fun belt. $242 @ Revolve.

This one by L'ecole des Femmes has a great shape and comes with a detachable hood. $385 @ Revolve.

Button detail.

2. The jacket. A wool jacket is more casual than a full-length coat and is perfect for chill days. I am a fan of most things Nicholas K, and the Barrett sweater is no exception. $282 @ Standard Style.

3. One serious coat. If you can afford to invest in one, this sophisticated BI LA LI Chevron striped coat would make an excellent choice. It's exclusive to Net-a-Porter and runs $955. Collar buttoned:

Or collar-down:

Photo credit: 1-3) www.revolveclothing.com. 4) www.standardstyle.com. 5-6)www.net-a-porter.com

Best in Show: Black Flats

Though I have a penchant for fun flats (among the well-worn favorites in my closet are studded, glittered, and day-glo colored versions), I think that every girl needs a pair in basic black. Here are my top picks for Wardrobe Essential # . . . oh, I've lost count.

Here, a classic brand updates a staple with a patent leather finish and an ankle strap. French Sole, $147 @ Revolve.

These Repetto ankle-strap flats have the perfect shape and a starburst pleat detail (click to see). $160, available @ Zoë in DUMBO (68 Washington St.) or online. The coral version is adorable, too.

Loeffler Randall's peep toe version, on sale @ Zoë, $252.

Marc by Marc Jacobs does it in crushed patent leather with ruched detail and a ribbon bow. $325 @ Zoë.

Photo credit:
1. revolveclothing.com
2-4. shopzoeonline.com

Investing in Hotness

Bikini season is in full swing, which means New Yorkers, having shed their erstwhile wintry pallor, have suddenly morphed into bronzed goddesses. Whether your tan is from weekends in the Hamptons, getaways to exotic destinations, or comes in a can, you'll want to take notes on today's Classics edition: Essential Swimsuits.

For showing off that golden tan, Missoni's iconic zigzag knit string bikini (below) is by now a resort classic for starlets and socialite heiresses who lounge poolside. The style frequently sells out, so if you didn't order one this spring, it may be difficult to come by. Net-a-porter currently has the Cadice Crochet bikini in stock for $345 (WORTH IT).




If I were to recommend just one suit to see you through the summer, it would have to be an Eres. Eres' stylish, streamlined, and always-chic suits are an absolute must for your summertime wardrobe. They manage to be sexy while staying classy, and the fit is unparalleled, which makes the high price point a little easier to swallow. The bikinis are cut to be ultra-flattering, and their one-pieces are anything but boring. See the website for the current collection.




I might also add a Tomas Maier suit to the mix. Here's the Saint-Tropez, a classic triangle bikini with a little twist. $395 @ Tomas Maier. Also available in black and lilac.


If you're worried about being out of shape and your regular gym routine (or lack thereof) isn't getting you there, I highly recommend taking one of Carl's classes at Crunch (Lafayette or SoHo locations). I've been a Carl devotee for four months now and even though I've always worked out fairly regularly, I didn't start getting the results I wanted until he entered my life. I'm clearly not alone in this sentiment, as wails of protest errupt if he announces he's going on vacation, and his classes always fill up quickly. The class focuses on calisthenics using your own body weight or very light weights so there's no danger of bulking up, and he switches up the exercises so you're always doing something different from one session to the next. Supplement your cardio (or whatever you usually do) with two Chisel classes a week (or one Chisel and one Beach Body Bootcamp, also taught by Carl) and you'll notice a difference pretty much immediately. It won't make you lose weight, but it tightens and tones all your trouble spots. Perfect for that teeny bikini :)

Proper Topper

In today's Classics edition, we will discuss the finer points of wardrobe essential #2: the trenchcoat. If not already privy to the mysterious allure of the trench, one need only watch Jean-Pierre Melville's Le Samourai to witness hitman Jef Costello's shadowy figure cut through Paris's seedy underbelly, his lean silhouette articulated beautifully in a trenchcoat, which becomes a subject of scrutiny in a murder investigation. But trenches aren't just for wily and elusive gangster types. They look sexy on their ladyfriends, too. Consider the next rainy day an excuse to pretend you're a modern moll.

Rag & Bone Macintosh in black mushroom, $516 @ Shopbop.


Forego the basic black and khaki in favor of this Burberry London Islington coat in pewter. $595 @ Net-a-porter.


Not exactly a trench, but this classy style from Gryphon is appropriately called "The Hitchcock." Perfect for starring in your own film noir. $590 @ Active Endeavors.

The Wrapture

This post will be the first in a series devoted to closet essentials. Think classic white tee, perfect blue jeans, and Theory pants. Lesson # 1:

A DVF wrap dress is a versatile wardrobe staple for both work and play, and this one is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Diane von Furstenburg Andrina wrap dress in navy, $365 @ Shopbop (out of stock) and Net-a-porter.

LBD's, Reissued

Little black dresses are so much fun because they work for so many different occasions and can be worn in so many different ways -- dressed-down chic with flats or way up with spiked heels and bling, belted, topped off with a coat, blazer, or cardi . . . the possibilities are limitless. But every so often you find one that's perfect just the way it is. Some refreshing takes on the LBD:

A shirt dress for day. Helmut Lang, $380 @ Shopbop.

Vintage-inspired Rebecca Taylor, $284 @ Shopbop.

Beautiful details on this Laila Azhar lapel mini shift dress, on sale @ Shopbop, $256.20.

A stunner from Vena Cava, $584 @ Shopbop.


Designers to fall for:
Vena Cava - venacavanyc.com
Laila Azhar - lailaazhar.com