Primary Colors 💙💛💚

What do yellow and blue make? We learn that it’s green when we are about two years old. This all linen look is entirely J Crew from eight years ago, when color blocking was having a major moment. I was in quite a preppy, Jackie O phase. I imagined her wearing this while casually strolling around her Narragansett family compound. I actually visited this compound with my ex husband before we had kids. We had taken a road  trip to Newport, Rhode Island. It was Kennedy heaven.

I loved these yellow slacks when I bought them, then kind of thought they were stupid, and now I’m back to loving them. I thought color blocking was awesome at the time, but then I morphed into a mostly black wardrobe. I couldn’t believe I dressed like a walking rainbow. I felt Black was sleek, chic, and sexy. I dressed with such a hard edge for so long. I’m happy to say that I’m back in the land of joyful, cheerful colors and patterns! All so reflective of how I’ve softened up all over, which feels so nice. Since I love button down shirts do much, and since I embraced navy a couple years ago, I love pairing this shirt and slack combo. Yellow and navy is always so fresh feeling. Crisp navy and sunny yellow compliment each other beautifully, it’s like sky meets sun. Let’s add in some grass with the green! These Jimmy Choo patent leather bright green wedges are always a fresh pop of color. The primary color theme works so well from top to bottom, and is a lovely warm weather statement. It’s a great ladylike take on menswear. The colors all feel fluid since they’re all hues of equal strength and vibrancy. Nothing is a pale shade, like the chick writing this post.

American Woman

 I always loved Lenny Kravitz’s version of this song, especially because he had this hot female drummer who was so killer in the video. I have always had a thing for Lenny. One day I’ll tie him up and demand he give me his secrets to aging backwards. Look at him; something is up. I mean, the guy just looks better and better. Piercings and eye makeup on him somehow remain “age appropriate”. It’s the funniest when Howard, who is the same age as Lenny, compares himself to him and says, “Can someone just please shoot me already?”. (Omg, I was just looking for my beloved gun emoji; was it taken away???).

Anyway, this look was chosen for my July 4th post. It was a classic, all American blue jeans and   t-shirt choice, complete with the navy bandana scarf. Standing over the Central Park fairgrounds on this particularly magnificent day in this incredible city was special. New York, like the rest of America, will not be shut down. If you blow up our buildings, we will rebuild. If you threaten us, we will not cower. If you F with us, you will lose. And we will look way better than you while we continue to defend and protect ourselves.       

PS: For all my bravado, I really almost killed myself climbing up the rocks that day in four inch wedges. It was quite a sight. But that’s how we roll; we struggle and trip, get right back up, climb, and smile. Triumph only exists because failure does too. No one will remember your stumbles. Everyone remembers the chick who got herself to the top🏻🇺🇸🏼

Capping It Off

 I adore the blazer and cap combo! My inspiration for starting to dress like that came from an old photo I saw of Carrie Fisher, of blessed memory. I think it must have been early 80’s in which she and Paul Simon were together. A few years ago I saw a black and white picture of them, in which Carrie was the height of cerebral chic in a turtleneck, cap, and blazer. She looked so effortless, cool, and smart. I was in awe of how she was dressed. Add to cart!

My other source of inspiration for this style comes from two titans in the rap/hip hop world: Mos Def and Common. I have always been obsessed with this genre of music, and remain blown away by the brilliance and intelligence these two specifically bring to the table. These dudes are just so freaking smart, and they are true lyrical poets. So when they rock the hip hop collegiate thing, I know it’s not due to some cheesy stylist. I’ve seen Mos Def perform live a couple times, and when he busts on stage in baggy shorts, a blazer with the collar turned up, cap on, and mic in hand, I am gone. Gone. It is just so sexy, especially since what’s coming out of his mouth is this liquid force of lyrical genius. Common also has a style and swag that knocks me out.  His music has been a driving force for me as well. Famous musicians can really get away with churning out popular crap. So when artists maintain the highest level of integrity by spitting rhymes of the utmost cerebral and creative quality, it moves me. That’s what I came for; give it to me.             

Dressing like this is the epitome of New York cool. This look was based on these bellbottoms and t shirt that I was wearing already. Since we were shooting in Central Park with no place to change, I needed a quick way to mix it up in order to get another look photographed. So if you see me wearing these pants in a lot of my photos, that’s why. To squeeze the most out of shoots I need to make fast, subtle practical changes that will allow for a whole new outfit. Which is really how we dress in real life, so I don’t care if I repeat. My friend Rachel once told me she loves that I wear the same things over and over because it’s realistic. I loved that she told me that! I’ll never pretend like all I do is shop and refuse to repeat an outfit. That is not my life in any sense. I’m just smart about my choices and combinations. Intelligence and style are always a match. Sometimes all you need to create an entire new style possibility,  is a couple of well chosen accessories and the knowledge that you know what the F you’re doing.

Love you today and everyday, The 🐝

Softening Dark Denim

These frayed denim Norma Kamali bellbottom jeans have given me tremendous mileage. I never thought I’d use them so much. I figured I’d wear them once in awhile, and that they’d be one of those items you had to have but never found the right use for. These pants are hands down a sexy staple in my wardrobe, and I always feel great in them. Clearly they look the way they do, and require height in a shoe. I always pair them with a wedge. But I have worn these bottoms with a wide range of tops. Tucked in button down, a half tucked t shirt, a cropped top, a bodysuit, a sweater, a blazer, or the matching trench coat I bought it with. The high waist is very forgiving, and holds you in nicely. Leftover pregnancy tummy can be camouflaged nicely 👏🏻.

This look was all about softening the statement denim with a soft, feminine white linen top. This shirt personifies summer; easy, breezy, light, and crisp. I love off the shoulder tops. It’s nice to show off that toned part of my body. All those vinyasa flows have given me more than just inner peace😉🙏🏻.

The only accessory here was a vibrant, handmade cuff I bought on the beach in Mexico. I wanted to add a little pop of color, but the outfit really didn’t need it. Denim and white are always a winning combo. The gorgeous weather and shooting in Central Park didn’t hurt either! Give your shoulders some air time this summer. They carry so much, and they most certainly deserve their time in the 🌞.

Happy buzzing, The 🐝

Cocktail Frock

Holler if “Troop Beverly Hills” is one of your fave flicks from childhood? I know, right?? My favorite line is when the mean, battle axe scout leader is yelling at Shelly Long that she desecrated her sacred scout uniform by “turning it into a little cocktail frock”. Her name was Velda.  Her delivery of this line kills me every time.

Well, this vintage cocktail frock is Marc Jacobs, one of my all time OG fave designers. I’ve had this for 12 years I think. It has been with me though different sizes and life periods. It has been in both Orlando and Monte Carlo. It playfully incorporates Chinese symbols in gold, so I wear it with matching yellow gold shoes and accessories. This dress delivers each time. It’s cute, has so much personality, and gets noticed despite its conservative cut. Navy and gold is always a crisp, chic color combo. You’d never know that I changed into this in a Porto Potty on Riverside Drive. Unless I told you. Which I guess I just did 🗣.

A smart cocktail dress that’s not an LBD is a terrific investment. Enough with the black already. And btw, conservative is nice sometimes. Sexy is not always the goal, or even not always the right move. Time and place. Options. Vintage. Let’s keep going with the key words... 

💙💛 Sending you double love, Marc and Moi (I have zero right to pretend I know him).

Damn, That's Some Hot Pretzel

Sometimes you buy clothing thinking, "I have no idea when the hell am I ever going to wear this, but I like it so whatever”.  That’s how I felt about this two piece, white and gray Norma Kamali ensemble. Truth is, if I’m ever invited to a black tie gang initiation I could make this work. Until that day hopefully arrives, I’ll put it on to eat a pretzel overlooking the water on Riverside Blvd. As always, Norma’s fabrics are the utmost in comfort. They don’t wrinkle, and they breathe with you. I’d actually wear this to go dancing, with hightops. I’m loathe to ever dress revealing effort, but this outfit is actually effortless. It’s an open back, so the white sports bra was all that was needed. This amazing industrial statement necklace is from that store in Israel I’ve mentioned, Plazmalab. FYI, it’s in Tel Aviv on King George street. Go. I always say how I love “things that look like other things”, so a necklace made of recycled machinery parts is rad. I’d love to wear that necklace with a strapless black or white dress to a fancy event, bringing an unexpected mood to the whole enterprise of “fancy events”. Statement necklace indeed.

I was starving at this point in the shoot, so what better snack to shove in my mouth than a classic NYC hot pretzel. I had to forgo the mustard; there was NOT A CHANCE it wouldn’t have dripped down. This outfit is straight up urban chic, a refreshing change from all that leggings athleisure insanity. It’s just too much; that genre has usurped complete control over how women dress on a daily basis. To athleisure I say this, “don’t be so greedy. Let us wear other cool, comfortable things as we do our errands and pretend to workout”. Actually, I’m going dancing with the squad this Monday night at Fat Buddha on the LES. The DJs are my teachers and friends. Think I’m gonna wear this! Midnight salty carbs yeahhhhhhh👍🏼.

Stay both cool and hot at once, L🐝

The Oldest One Was Madeline

 I had This uncharacteristic preppy, Jackie O phase a few years ago. I was knee deep in J Crew catalogs and clean bursts of color. It’s so interesting to observe how our style evolves. The shape our external takes as the internal struggles to find its footing. In 2018 I can safely say I have no interest in being on a boat in Hyannis Port, but this look very much appealed to me for a couple years. I think color blocking was very much a thing and I dug it. It felt fresh and effortless. It’s not me overall though, and I kick myself thinking how much stuff I bought and then gave away.

I had a tendency to buy one in every color if I liked something, so I had a Rainbow’s worth of options in pencil skirts abs v neck tees. While much of that phase’s clothing was ultimately donated (at least there’s that), this dress remains a lovely contributor to my wardrobe. It’s a red, white, and navy print. It’s a great, easy summer dress that works with anything from white sneakers to a neutral wedge to a nude heel. It’s indeed effortless and looks so. All I needed here were white summer slides and this straw fedora, another J Crew fave. I find that my best hats come from there. We took this shot near the Riverside water edge on the upper west side of Manhattan . It was a lovely scene down there; peeps lunching, strolling, kids and teens chasing each other, and a nice tree to sit under. This type of scenario is always most welcome in the midst of a concrete jungle, specifically a hot one!

The hat reminds me of a line in the Madeline books, an absolute fave of mine since I’m little. Hence the title of this post.  Now as Miss Clavel runs faster and faster, to the scene of the disaster, I’m going to relax knowing she will take care of everything. It’s all good; there’s someone in charge making sure we are in two straight lines, even as we cause a bit of trouble and disrupt our balance.

Wishing you a lovely summer day, LB

Random pieces thrown together 🖤🖤🖤

Random pieces thrown together🖤🖤🖤. I am nuts for this Norma Kamali quilted ballgown skirt! The fabric is light so it’s less overwhelming. This piece is surprisingly versatile. It can look like a black tie dress with a black bodysuit, or be street chic with a fitted t shirt and sneakers. I’ve got my original doc martens on here🤘🏻. I will always choose flats when possible.

The Norma sleeveless top in a black and white leopard pattern makes this look like more of an actual outfit. It was colder when I took this shot, so the long black trench coat was a good dramatic topper. That was Norma too. Pieces from the same line will often work together. I put the hat on as a joke, to highlight how laughter can brighten up absolutely everything. All black everything, until you flash those pearly whites 😁. This hat was given out at my daughter’s bat mitzvah three years ago. She’s always laughing 🤣. This outfit has drama, just like life. But I chose to soften it up. Yes, that’s a metaphor... 

Sew I Have This Hat...

I’ve been embracing embroidery lately. It’s fresh, feminine, sure of itself, yet carefree with a boho twist. This Isabel Marant top is a hybrid of the classic peasant top style with a button down. And you know I adore a button down! Since I’ve been super into the silk pajama look this year, I’m fond of this ensemble. The silk pants and button down top definitely feel like a sophisticated take on  dressy pajamas. I love the lightness of the linen top with the gravity of burgundy and navy. It’s a good contrast. This is a beautiful spring brunch look.

Yellow gold accessories give this a primary color vibe, in a good way ❤️💛💙. This fedora with birds on a chain is 20 years old. It remains completely current. The tapered ankles on the pants show off the cute white bootie slides. This is a clean, pretty look that knows what it’s doing. You better believe girly can look solid 🏋🏼‍♀️🧘🏼‍♀️
 

Fade to Black

This dress is a one piece wonder. It’s so well constructed, and it’s the entirety of the look. I usually dress with a few components thrown together, that’s more creative to me, but you can’t deny the sleekness of a beautifully made garment. I normally loathe the way I look in a cap sleeve, but I can deal with it here, I think that’s because of the flattering nipped waist.

The dress is a cool tea length with some crinoline to keep the bottom half of the skirt afloat. The fabric is a soft black with tiny white dots. The ten year old Prada shoes are chic and whimsical. I bought them on a trip to Monte Carlo. The heels are way higher than I prefer, but are required for a dress this glamorous. Sometimes simple dressing just feels nice and clean. There’s an ease to a dress, a shoe, and done. When dealing with one piece, proper cut and tailoring is essential. I did put on this show-stopping dragon tail limited edition, sparkly pave cuff from Noir. I’ve never seen anything like it, and you know I love unique statement jewelry. Sometimes I layer it on, sometimes I’ll go with one piece as the focal point. I usually go with a statement earring in my right ear (my gold safety pins never leave the left), but with this dress I leave the earrings small and simple. Because of the small dot pattern I usually wear a diamond stud or a classic pearl. I like the wrist detail here though. It adds unexpected attitude to the otherwise Audrey Hepburn shape of the dress. Breakfast at Jessica’s anyone? 

Wild Horses Can’t Be Broken

Omg, Jordache!! I’m a sucker for an 80’s throwback. When the company so generously gifted me this sweatshirt, I threw it on immediately. It’s oversized, another 80’s nod. That whole baggy sweats look that our moms probably hated. They def thought it was shlumpy.  Not here, though, because the size is well utilized.  I was going for a Molly Ringwald “Pretty in Pink” vibe.  I mean, the 80’s are a gift that keep on giving.  It’s just reference after reference 💥💥💥.

I had on tailored white slacks, making the sweatshirt feel like a sweater, not a gross sweatshirt you’d sleep in.  I wear this black straw J Crew fedora to death. I call it my black hat 🤪✡️🖤.  The green in the cuff correlated to the same green in my shoes; silver platform oxfords with a bright green trim💚.  I really like the light gray with white for summer.  I’ll pair this with white cutoffs too.  Or a white denim miniskirt, if I find one. Any suggestions?  The white sunnies here keep the sweatshirt light and fresh.  Slouch with style, Girls.  Not all we put on must cling to our bodies like sausage casings.  You gotta have a backup plan for bloat, am I right?? 🐳

Kimono she didn't

Out of the several kimonos I’ve amassed, this one is my favorite.  It’s so vintage feeling, from the faded background color to the pattern.  I got it in Tel Aviv in November, at this super cool store called Plazmalab. I love how the store describes itself as a “collection of dreamers”.  Check it out if you go!  I picked up a bunch of gems from there, all very unique pieces.

I like wearing a kimono as a layering piece as outerwear.  Here, though, it was the top itself.  I felt like Mrs Roper from Three’s Company🤣.  I wore it over this fine mesh, pearl detailed collar that I bought at a high end consignment shop where I live.  It’s called Mint, I’ve mentioned it before.  I bought it thinking it’d be so perfect under a black blazer.  It’s such pretty detailing underneath any open top.  Glamorous loungewear is so 60’s.  It is indeed nice to have something comfortable and chic to wear while entertaining.  I wouldn’t waste this on myself alone, but I have to be in loose clothing when I have guests, or I get sweaty and irritated.  One of my fave winter looks was this kimono over black leather pants and a black turtleneck, with beat up motorcycle boots.  For summer I’ll use it as a jacket on a cool night.  Huge kimono sleeves make me feel like a samurai 🥋.  Now I’ll just have to get a Honzu sword, like Uma in Kill Bill.  Not that I’d have a clue what to do with it😏. 

I Really Need a Caf-TAN

 Boy, do I adore this piece! It brings to mind something Elizabeth Taylor may have worn in the 60's. This is a linen caftan made in Morocco. I wish I could say I picked it up on my travels, but I'd never lie to you. I will get to that country eventually, but for now I can go to the Upper East Side boutique Five Story😂.

Linen is a tough fabric; it's know for wrinkling, but sometimes that aggravation is worth it. A linen dress is harder to stay un rumpled in, but a jacket is the perfect way to incorporate this fabric into your look. Just hang it up in the car or drape across your lap or shoulders until you need to put it on. Plus, a little worn in is cool anyway. I love the burgundy embroidery against the pinky salmon color. There's something so chic about the slim fit and length. This looks cool as it does here over jeans and a white tank, and it would look terrific over a white or black dress. Spring/Summer outerwear should be fresh and clean.

This pop of color is a statement unto itself. I'm obsessed with the Pucci scarf in my hair. I've attempted to do this several times, only to feel like an idiot. This time it worked, and added to the vintage glam mood. If putting a shmata on your head is too much for you,  no prob. Just freshen up classic warm weather basics with a bright, sleek jacket such as this. You'll be surprised how much it can elevate the everyday.

I'm Sensing a Shift...

 Best souvenir from a trip: this adorable dress purchased in the Mexico airport. I took my kids to Cancun in January, and spotted this fuchsia, embroidered gem as we were rushing to catch the plane home. I was determined to leave Mexico with some handmade local threads. This lil shift did not disappoint. It's the perfect easy dress for Spring. What's cool about this styling of it is that the belt I planned on wearing with it broke, so I improvised by cinching the waist with a rolled up scarf. I'm patting myself on the back for this one👏🏻. Thankfully I had a complimentary hot pink silk scarf with me! I had thought I'd put in on my head, so it truly was in my bag. A dangly turquoise earring completed the look. 1,2,3 for real. This was such a sweet look for walking around downtown Miami on my recent Passover trip.

I took these photos with Aziz, a great photographer I met through Air BNB. It was a well priced way to get good vacation pics. I really recommend it, whether you're alone or with friends/fam. Treat yourself to beautifully captured trip memories; why not? I did these for the blog and IG, and there was a nice guy from Bulgaria who was doing it too. He was excited to be in America for the first time and wanted nice pics. Good for him. It was also a cool way to meet interesting people from different walks of life. When I think about how much money I spent on the expensive designer embroidered peasant top I bought a couple years ago, I want to kick myself. For a fraction of that price I bought the real deal of a dress that's authentic. Much better way to go! Always keep your eyes open while you travel. There are fantastic finds that are wearable mementos. It feels so good to wear souvenirs that don't involve Mickey ears😅.

Skirting the Issue

Confession; I fell in love with this light rinse, long denim skirt while shopping for my kids at a children's store. This was in the tween section, and I pounced. Forced to wear floor sweeping length skirts in my very religious high school and Israeli seminary, I previously associated long skirts with anything but fashion. That's really not the case though. A long, relaxed skirt can be so effortlessly sexy. It's another way to interpret the classic denim bottom. The light wash and thin fabric ease up any heaviness. This skirt would look so classy with a white button down, a bodysuit, or a cropped tee like I did here. Denim and white are like peanut butter and jelly; always a yummy pairing. This old J Crew rope belt was the perfect boho chic accessory. All the pieces here are light and airy. A funky tote bag holds all summer essentials. With nice weather, if I can, I like to shlep a book and blanket for impromptu park reading. Some mismatched layered necklaces add just the right stylish detailing. Take this look from day to night by adding a boyfriend blazer with pushed up sleeves. Rock various lengths this summer, and stretch out your wardrobe with new options. 

Vintage OG

It feels so good and true to return to my love of a solid vintage find. Whilst on a stay cation in Williamsburg (Brooklyn, not Virginia) I found a super cool little vintage spot. The store was tiny, in a space that essentially housed a collection of walk in kiosks. Maybe that's not a kiosk, I don't know. But you get the picture. In five seconds I zeroed in on this hat, grease stained mechanics jacket, and lil boy bow tie. I also bought a blue tin box that I use for my ever present Tums and Altoids😂, as well as a giant safety pin. I'll put it on a silver chain and wear it as a pendant.

The hat is a Borsalino from the 20's. I know that name only because very orthodox men who wear black hats will buy a prestigious Borsalino. Well, I'm a chick and this one is brown, but it's all good in the hood 🎩. I wear my Current Elliot overalls with everything. I fully intend to use the mechanic jacket as outerwear, even over an LBD. A whimsical, unexpected something that keeps me warm is way more fun than anything typical. The bow tie is a clip on👓💼. The red leather rope I got on Amazon, and just looped it on as a slouchy, skater Gurl detail. Now the sneakers, those are a separate post altogether... Stay tuned👟👟🤘🏻.

I've always loved anything with a history. It makes living in the present a boatload more interesting. A well priced antique piece is so much more of a statement, than an expensive labeled something that probably isn't very distinctive in any way. Style can't really be bought; it's created. Vintage has a built in personality.  It's instantly interesting. And since I love a fashion challenge, it's delightful to hunt through a good vintage treasure chest. I really recommend searching for local spots near you and taking a visit. There's probably one near you that you don't even know of. You never know what you'll find, and it's so fun to hit the jackpot. It's a wearable Antiques Roadshow.

💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼

This emoji is what I feel like when I wear this slinky, sexy black outfit. I love the long skirt with the high slits, as well as the off the shoulder, super feminine cropped top. I've always said that Norma Kamali makes me feel just the right mix of strong and feminine. In yoga lately we've been learning a lot about the duality of finding both the strength and ease in any pose/situation. This lesson is invaluable: stand firm and rooted, but be soft and pliable. Maintain your foundation always, but let your heart be open and sweet. This two piece ensemble embodies these qualities. I love wearing long skirts for a fun night out. It's a less obvious choice than "jeans and a top"🙄. Everything in the Norma collection is always mix and match. Both these pieces have multiple uses. With the weather finally getting hotter, I'm psyched to wear this look out. ❤️,the 🐝

Jump(suit) for Joy

One of the numerous things bravo King, Andy Cohen, and I have in common is that we love a fly jumpsuit. Also side ponytails, Ramona, and boy bands, to name just a few. I've met Andy a couple times, once at a Knicks game and then when I uncomfortably accosted him in the hallway outside a taping of Watch What Happens Live. I was wearing my fleece Mazal bathrobe. My friend LMT and I also brought him a vintage snoopy lunchbox, a custom Bravo Scrabble board we'd spent weeks making, and cupcakes with his face. Stalker much🕵🏻?? I also once called into the show singing a song, as I asked Gigi a stupid question about that season of Shahs of Sunset. 
   

As for this jumpsuit, it's Maje. I loved it's vintage, 70's feel. I've said this before, but it made me feel like Bianca Jagger seamlessly getting out of a limo, "ignoring" the paparazzi. The white shoes and necklace gave a great, fresh pop to an otherwise deeper color palette. As the weather was turning colder, the white was a less obvious choice. Hence why I dug it. The ultimate accessory was this navy Maison Michel hat from the ever fab boutique Five Story. This hat is a special piece. I'm not going to spew some bullshit about how "I just threw it on". When I do talk like that it's honest, but this wasn't one of those times. There are very few components to this outfit, each cleanly selected to support the jumpsuit statement. The jumpsuit is the only piece with pattern so it shines. The only downside to wearing this is that it makes going to the bathroom a giant pain in the ass🚽. Butt, chalk it up to the things we do for glamour. Am I right, Ladies?  Jumping for joy if I made you laugh😅. I love all your pieces, not just one. 😍,LB

PS: in case you're wondering, the white ankle booties are Maison Martin Margiela. Add to my list of items I'd like to be buried in.

❄️🐰

These snow bunny pics were really fun to shoot. These were an impromptu addition to a recent shoot I did. After a dozen costume changes, it was so nice to slip on boots and leggings and jump around in fresh snow. A yummy coat, slick boots, and sporty shades are all one needs to pretend to be chillin in Aspen. Sporty leggings and a turtleneck sweatshirt were the easiest building blocks. That they were both black kept everything clean looking, so it was effortless to just switch coats, sunglasses, and boots. I've had both these classic Moon Boots and Pajara faux fur boots for several years. They each look brand new, and have withstood winter wear and tear so well. Fitted leggings or skinny jeans are what make a bulky, heavy coat still feminine looking. Some days I don't care if I resemble the Michelin Man, but other days I try to avoid that. Snow in suburbia looks like a winter wonderland. While my city friends kvetch about gray sludge, I feel like I'm in Narnia. I get such a kick out of foreigners who have never seen snow, and CANNOT BELIEVE IT. I mean that's just so cute. They're right though, fresh snow is so pretty. The Lady Blaga team always makes fun our priority, otherwise there's no point to this. So we hopped in the snow like happy  bunnies 🐰❄️!

Cut It Out

It's so nice when an outfit or item works for more than one season. Leather all year made a big comeback a couple years ago. While I wouldn't wear this in the summer, I'd certainly put it on in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. It's a great transitional look since despite the head to toe leather, it's sleeveless and has cut out work all over the bottom half. This two piece ensemble can certainly be broken up. I'd love to find a pair of high waisted white pants for the top. The skirt would look pretty with a cream camisole under a cropped denim jacket, or even a whimsical tee shirt. I've grown to really love navy. It's slimming, classy, and sophisticated. This outfit exposes my arms, but the cut overall remains demure. This is a nice change from dressing in sexy body con looks. I'm comfortable in both masculine and feminine styles of dress, and my choices are mood dependent. I reach for this outfit when I'm feeling a lil girlier. It's perfect for dressy events. I've worn it with navy heels before, but these iridescent pumps add a bit of pizazz. The cut out detailing lightens up the heaviness of the leather, thereby making it suitable for warmer weather too.

I bought this at a store called Miri, which specializes in more modest designs for religious women. I love highlighting designers that cater to the sensitivity and needs of all kinds of groups. Just as when I wrote about Muslim designer Vivi Zubedi during NYFW, I'm so pleased to write about a Jewish designer who dresses her community for their level of comfort. Very observant Jewish women wouldn't wear sleeveless, and I appreciate that Miri has all kinds of styles. Just as more religious women should be accommodated, so should gals like me, who don't find the exposure of my arms to be problematic. There is enough fashion, creativity, and beauty to make all of us feel good. We are all entitled to as many lovely options as possible 💙💙💙.

Personally, I've never been hung up on externals. I define spirituality as coming purely from the inside. I think it's a mistake to focus so much on clothing determining our connection to God. It can distract from working on things internally. Again, just my opinion. I am sure I've written about this, but in high school I wasn't allowed to take a final because I didn't wear socks on a 95 degree day, thereby exposing my ankles under my floor length skirt. THAT IS INSANE. I digress...in my dress...  Have whatever kind of day you want. It's your choice. Anyone who told you otherwise is lying. You are more than ankle bones. Love, LB