changing colors

efficient dressing

Dressing up can be a distraction. This is why I wilted my closet down to the basics. By getting rid of cheaply-made and ill-fitting things, I am able to ensure that whatever piece I pull out will look decent on me. It saves me time and saves me from heartache.

The older I get, the more I appreciate structured pieces that fit well and retain their shape over time. And so in 2012, I spent most of my lunch hours Googling everything there is to know about the iconic jackets and cardigans from Chanel.  After looking at endless tweeds, bouclés, and delicious buttons that look like jewelry, I finally took the plunge. Here, ladies and gents, is the jacket I will wear forever, provided I stay in this size:



It is perfection. Because it's unlined and lighter than the usual tailored jackets, it is suitable for this tropical weather. The miracle of good tailoring means it elongates the arms, narrows the torso, and lifts the shoulders. Best of all, it is timeless. Eternally chic. Forever relevant. It might even outlive me. 

This was my only clothing purchase in the last 6 months. Hard to believe, but true. I buy much less now that I know what works for my body. I've been getting by on classic dresses, a stack of cashmere sweaters, several dark and lean jeans, several good bags, and a pile of ballet flats. Oh, and of course I have my usual box of ratty shirts for traveling. I am starting to add tailored jackets to this short list. My beloved Valentino needs to be tailored down, as I have lost weight since I bought it (which was at least 4 years ago). I am eying a black Balenciaga tuxedo jacket and waiting for designer discounts, but haven't decided on my next purchase. Maybe next year?

ceylon tea

I will soon be backpacking with my closest, dearest friends. The destination is an island country in the northern Indian Ocean - The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. My British ancestors probably called it 'the colonies,' but because I'm a caffeine junkie and am fascinated by old maps, I like to call it Ceylon.

Planes, trains, lots of walking. That's the plan. I'm still tired from all the high-altitude climbing we did in Kinabalu a few months ago, and I'm afraid my body will fail me. But what the heck. This can't be that bad. Let's see how it goes.

slowly but surely

how to wear a pucci (or any other investment piece)

"Recasting an investment piece as an everyday friend is the best way to showcase it if you don’t want to look shallow.

If you wore it with a form-fitting white vest which enhanced your cleavage, and a tan plus mules, it would be akin to putting all your best china in the window." source

i dream

of a space like this for the company.

easy breezy

Project: Mount Pinatubo

Date: February 18, 2012

Jump-off: Sta. Juliana in Capas, Tarlac

960 MASL

LLA: 15°8'35"N, 120°20'54"E

Minor climb

Trail class 1