Savoir-Faire: A Guide to Living with Style and Grace

Summer Sunglasses

 

Above painting by Richard Phillips.  Photo from Fashion Tribes.

While I always go back to my trusty Ray-Ban aviators, there are a lot of different styles of sunglasses out right now, and getting a new pair can be such a fun way to usher in the summer season.  The cat-eye and circle shapes are having a moment, but sunglasses are so subjective and personal that I really don't think trends should affect your choice too much.  Here are some of my favorites that are available now...

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Eco-Friendly Fashion

 

Above photo from Standard Finery's Spring 2010 Collection.

Make a pledge to celebrate today, Earth Day, by going green in a new area of your life.  Going green is no longer just a trend, it is an incredibly important, full-on movement.  Every individual must take responsibility for his or her own environmental impact if we want future generations to enjoy this planet the way that we do. 

There are the obvious rules: recycle, eat organic and locally grown food, and drive a smaller car (if you have to drive one at all).  Then, there are less obvious options in areas like home design (install solar panels on your roof), beauty (use organic products), and fashion (buy vintage clothes and support environmentally conscious designers).  Eco-friendly fashion may raise a few eyebrows at first mention, but it is no longer just about hemp skirts and crunchy organic tee-shirts.  These days, there are dozens of great designers and brands who utilize organic fabrics and responsible production techniques. Here are some of our favorites – consider them when shopping for your upcoming dates and nights out...

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American Woman: Fashioning A National Identity

 

Above, 1933 Martin Munkacsi photograph of Lucile Brokaw for Harper's Bazaar.  Photo from Artnet.

I just received my invitation to the Members Preview of this year's Costume Institute exhibit at the Met - American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity.  If you are not a member at the Met, I encourage you to become one - it is a wonderful cause and joining offers you members-only previews and lectures, as well as access to the Trustees Dining Room.  Each Costume Institute exhibit is truly remarkable (you will remember the recent The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion and Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy exhibits), and this one promises to be nothing less.  

The American Woman exhibit opens to the public on May 5th, and will explore the archetypes of American women since the 1890's through dress: the Gibson Girls, Bohemians, Screen Sirens, and others, all the way through modern day.  The exhibit is very highly anticipated - Vogue even dedicated their entire May issue to it.  The exhibit is open through August 15th, but take my advice and see it before the summer tourist crowds descend on the city.  Enjoy!

xx Ally       

Beach Essentials

 

Above image from Paris Vogue.

Whether you are planning a spring trip to Florida (like me), Montauk for Memorial Day, or just a relaxed summer around your backyard pool, these pieces will get you through in style.  As I prepare for a week on the beach, this is what I'll be sure to pack.  No black, no heels (well, maybe one pair) - just the relaxed basics that make me feel comfortable and stylish... 

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