Laura Mercier Fig Bath Honey ($40) // Massimo Dutti Cashmere Foulard ($69) // Mauve Herringbone Pencil Skirt ($100) // Burberry London Stretch Crepe Jersey Dress ($895) // Aveda Paddle Brush ($20) and Spornette Prego Round Brush ($22) // Sessun Coolville Shirt ($195) and Tie-Top in Navy Tweed ($80)
One. A few Christmases ago, a friend gave me a Laura Mercier bath kit as a gift. I immediately fell in love with this luxurious bubble bath. It leaves your skin feeling so soft, and all of the fragrances (especially the fig above and the almond coconut) are too die for.
I’m also a big fan of the citrus basil bath bombs from Dermstore. They smell terrific and really help my sort feet after a long day. The best part? You get six bombs for $15.
Two. When I go scarf shopping, I’m looking for two things: softness and width. The last thing I want is some scratchy wool abomination itching my neck all day long. Also, I like a wide scarf. In fact, I like my scarves so wide that when I wrap them around my neck, they look like they’re about to swallow my head whole.
This cashmere scarf from Massimo Dutti is so soft, and wide enough to give me a medium amount of volume. Plus, the charcoal grey color is gorgeous. I also like Paula Bianco scarves (not quite as wide, but longer so you can layer it), especially this chunky knit for winter (gorgeous). Love Quotes is also a good brand if you want a large selection of colors. And Express scarves are a bit thin, but they are usually very wide and cheaper than most other brands at under-$25.
Three. I am really loving this mauve-colored herringbone skirt from J.Crew. I’d wear it with a navy or grey blouse and coordinating blazer. If you like the idea of herringbone but not the summery hue, I recommend this basic black from Ann Taylor Loft or this dark grey from Banana Republic. Both are under-$100.
Four. The only thing I can say about this dress is, “Be still my beating heart.” The color is fabulous, the shape is incredible (and probably incredibly flattering) and it has long sleeves. Bless you, Christopher Bailey.
As you might imagine, similar dresses were tough to find. This Kay Unger dress in cherry red comes close and this pleat shoulder faux wrap isn’t too far off. But if it is the color you covet, try this Tibi pleated dress or this stretch knit crewneck from BCBG.
Five. Never underestimate the power of a good hair brush. This paddle brush from Aveda is the best $20 that I have ever spent. I bought my last one in 1996 and used it straight through until last summer. It stimulates the scalp and carries just the right amount of oil down to the ends when it detangles. If you like the idea of a paddle brush, but want something a bit cheaper, this brush from Revlon is just $7.
The round brush is from Spornette, and I like it so much that I own two (one 3″ and one 2″). The ceramic-coated plate gets hot enough to curl the hair but not so hot that it will scorch your follicles. And no matter what size you need, Spornette has you covered.
Six. Early in the fall, I realized that I owned silk blouses in black, grey, blush and white but no navy. Since the light, feminine blouses are a staple of my wardrobe, I decided to invest in this blouse from OTTE. The fabric is luxurious, the shape is great (with a bit of tailoring) and the color is truest navy. Looking for something similar? J.Crew has a sheer sleeve blouse for $90 and this printed navy tie blouse from Banana is $60.
I think my navy blouse would look lovely under this tie-tweed top from J.CREW. The sizes are a bit limited online, but I called customer service and found my size through one of the stores. I think wearing a heavier shirt over a light blouse is a great alternative to a blazer or sweater. Looking for one under-$100? This black top should fit the bill.
Love the J Crew mauve herringbone pencil skirt. I'm curious, what would you consider a coordinating blazer to wear with it?
This is quickly becoming my new favorite post on your blog!
SLG: If you did a navy shirt, navy–grey shirt, grey.
100% agree on the magical Aveda brush! I don't know what's so different about it, but it's way better than any other brush I've ever used. It doesn't rip my fine hair and makes it so incredibly soft. A worthwhile investment for sure!