QC Prêt-à-Porter | Quite Continental

And the Cotton is High…

15/06/2011 § 3 Comments

I have what I like to call a “cute jacket addiction.” Wherever I am shopping, I will make a beeline for the jackets. Not coats, mind you — although I do enjoy those as well — here I’m talking about light jackets that could probably stand alone just fine in a Los Angeles winter, but wouldn’t stand a chance in New York in February. But somehow that doesn’t stop me from continuing to buy them like there’s no tomorrow.

Even in the hottest months I’m trying to figure out ways to wear a jacket and will do so until I’m bordering heatstroke. The answer to layering in the summer is keeping everything light and breathable: linen, cotton, and the like.

More than a little obsessed with pocket squares.

Wearing: Rugby Ralph Lauren khaki jacket // J. Crew button down
Juicy Couture pleated skirt // Minnetonka moccasins // Ray-Ban Caribbeans
Dad’s watch // Bracelets from the flea market

Same: sunglasses, shoes

Similar*: jacket, shirt, skirt, pocket square

*I had to take a bit more creative license with the “similars” since I had quite a time trying to find something identical to what I have on. While you’re not getting the same symphony of khakis in the click-throughs, the general concept is the same. Light, airy fabrics, a simple cotton jacket and a pleated skirt.

Blue + White + Yellow = Summer {also, Verameat jewelry}

08/06/2011 § 4 Comments

I’ve always found the pairing of navy blue, yellow and crisp white extremely summery and more than a little nautical (even if not done on purpose). With it getting hotter than all get out in the city, I’ve had to relinquish my hope that we would have a long, pleasant spring. Summer has definitely arrived, and I’ve lightened up accordingly.

You may have also noticed I am a good bit tanner than the last time you saw me. This is actually the remnants of a sunburn received from laying in Central Park for too many hours with not enough sunscreen. Kids, don’t forget your SPF…

Wearing: navy jacket by Club Monaco // multistripe oxford by Black Fleece
chino shorts by Lands’ End Canvas // Dad’s belt/watch, bracelets from the flea
Similar: jacket, shirt, shorts

Hard to see, but around my neck is a tiny ship’s helm by Verameat:

Was very pleased to pick this up at Verameat’s East Village boutique on its opening day. Designer Vera Balyura was a pleasure to meet, as well as Fred the Affenpinscher, the official mascot of Verameat. (And FYI, Fred is a girl.) Drop by Verameat to view a pleasingly odd collection of handcrafted curiosities for neck, wrist, finger and ear. If you’d like the ship’s helm, it’s available here in a variety of materials. But perhaps you might prefer a hatchet loving centaur pirate, a hippo-shark eating a woman or some lion/octopus love?

Verameat
315 E. 9th Street
Between 1st and 2nd Aves.
New York, NY 10003

Prêt-à-Porter: Black + White + Prep All Over

24/03/2011 § 3 Comments

I’m most comfortable when my shirt has buttons on it. If it’s made of oxford cloth, all the better. Especially if it’s perfectly worn in — soft and frayed a bit around the edges. My favorite shirts show their history.

Cardigan gives some sporty contrast,
and the stripes are more than a bit Waldo-like.

Black cable-knit tights and shiny patent penny loafers. Preptastic.

Direct from Emirates Stadium.

Je porte: Rugby Ralph Lauren jacket, Fred Perry cardigan, Brooks Brothers Black Fleece OCBD, Club Monaco tights, H&M skirt, Sperry Top-Sider penny loafers

La photographe: Jennerator

Prêt-à-Porter: Winterizing

02/03/2011 § 5 Comments

Cherie, spring is taking its sweet time to appear, is it not? No matter, I have decided that I can’t wait for warmer climes to wear my lightweight dresses. I officially reject the concept of season-appropriate clothing in an effort to combat my low-grade seasonal depression. However, in order to avoid freezing to death, I’ll need to winterize. Here, I’ve paired one of my favorite summer dresses with a wool cowl neck sweater, scarf and wool tights.