By Michelle Crowe
Interior Designer Kelly Wearstler is a master of ageless cool.
May is my birthday month and with a recent Marie Kondo-ing of my closet, I’m re-evaluating what works in 2019.
I’ve long been fascinated by what in lives we establish a lifelong affinity for and what fades away. It’s been especially fraught as my trips around the sun add up and I wonder if go-tos that once made me feel sophisticated and chic now might just possibly flirt ever so slightly with dowdy?
Goodness, I hope not, but the pile of pieces to part with was rather alarming. What makes the cut now?
Lauren Hutton photographed by Jim McHugh in 1975. A great blouse always works.
Blouses
The swish of silk, the crisp feel of cotton, the romantic crinkle of linen. A blouse or tunic ticks off so many boxes for days that include video conferences, in-person meetings and a bit of mom life. Designer Lela Rose has spoken about dressing “above the table” and I find when you’re seen on screen, at a conference table or in the driver’s seat, a pretty blouse makes a lady look like she’s got it all together.
Elle Macpherson is denim perfection.
Jeans
Athleisure remains a slight mystery. I can never quite get it right. Jeans keep me on the straight and narrow, look good with a beloved blouse or sweater and travel well. No rips, please.
Amber Valletta channels the late Princess Diana for Porter magazine, photographed by Sebastian Faena.
Statement Coats
Regular readers know that we love a bright double-faced wool, a bit of embroidery or contrast piping. The only items I regret parting with in the past ten years are outerwear. In particular an Isaac Mizrahi swing coat that was straight out of an Audrey Hepburn movie and a pale blue silk shantung that Edith Head might as well have designed for Tippi Hedren.
Sandra Choi, creative director of Jimmy Choo, photographed for a talk at the Victoria & Albert.
Shoes with a Point
Though they come and they go, I remain loyal to single sole skinny heels. These days they are a little lower and not worn for as many hours, but I remain devoted to classic pumps.
