I'm walking here...

On dog walks, fresh cuts, and hot new finds.

Good (mid-March) morning to all of you. The weather is weathering well in NYC, and my days are filled with dog walks, work, and more dog walks, which bring me great joy. Walking lady Gidget through the tree-lined streets of my neighborhood is a simple pleasure I look forward to every day, and from the happy smiles of her legions of fans, so does the world. A good thing. I'll take the lovely moments when I get them. Speaking of lovely, doesn’t Lee look super lovely going for a stroll with that sandal and belted trench vibe? I dig it. Perfection and inspiration for these in-between days.

In other news, I often bookmark articles when I don't have a moment and want to return to them. I’ve been trying to read this piece in the Times about finally organizing my closet for a good minute now and can’t get through it. Perhaps. I don’t want to have one turtleneck and one pair of pants, and I never will. Good on you if you’re that gal. Read the article and find out. Perhaps that’s also why I’ve given up on personal styling. Who am I to tell you what to eliminate when I can’t do it for myself? Then again, I CAN do it for others. Just not for me.

Another thing that is unfortunately not for me is this whole insanity around endless VISUAL documentation of self, try as I might.

The other day, I tried a new workout class/boot camp type thing in the park in my neighborhood with about seven different women, and it was great, but the teacher wanted to share photographs for her marketing materials, which I denied. There is no universe, this one or parallel or far, far away, where anyone needs to see me working out under any circumstances. I don’t know why everyone has become so comfortable being photographed and documented (obviously, I do know why). Still, you aren’t going to see me dancing, lunging, or doing much of anything on TikTok or anywhere else, and that’s that. My personal branding strategy has taken a severe hit for this, but c’est la bloody vie. Perhaps I will go through some vision quest to purge myself of my photo phobia, but I doubt it. Can’t a girl simply write and not be seen? Apparently not.

Hmm, what else? Oh. I think I found us a new foundation.

I’m finally coming to this idea of “no makeup” makeup. It’s taken me forever because I’m not usually on board for I'mt. I typically look better with “makeup makeup” in my mind, but perhaps the adage of less is more is becoming true as I round the corner of my 53rd year. And for that, I’m grateful for this new Ilia stick shown here in my light shade of Aspen, which is like nothing in the best ways. It’s the sheerest of sheer coverage and can even act as a concealer if you want it to. I like to make sure I’m well moisturized before applying, and I’ll tell you what, it looks great with a bit of my new Jones Road balm dabbed on the cheeks for a bit of sheer color. I tried this product once and didn’t like it, but now I do. A girl can change her mind.

Also, what are we doing for hair this season? Well, I’ve been thinking about this type of bottleneck bob (not the color but the shape) for a few seasons, and I’m happy to be headed to Bobland yet again. I’m seeing a lot of short hair around town, and I love it. I dig it with the blonde vibe I have going and have been trying to grow out this shag forever, and it’s finally starting to happen. Exciting.

In other beauty developments, if you’re on the prowl for a new Spring fragrance, DS and Durga, who seem to come out with a” new scent every second (suppose that’s what happens once you get bought), have one out right now that I’m in love with. It reminds me of Frederic Malles’ excellent “Music for a While” with its hints of pineapple, and it’s got a sultry warm weather feel that suits my mood just right with notes of orange flower and grounding sandalwood.

I’m also obsessed with finding the perfect poppy pinky red for both toes and fingers this Spring, like this one from Hermes called Rouge Exotique. I’m not a traditional red or pink girl (though I love light pink in the Summer), so this suits me well.

And since Spring brings thoughts of living a softer life to light, how about some soft pants? These balloon pants from the Le Bon Shoppe are the BEST. From walking the dog paired with a blazer and my favorite red ballet flats to dress this up with a silky top and some heeled sandals, there’s very little these pants can’t do for you. I'm obsessed with them and their relaxed harem shape.

Keeping with the pants theme, these Levis look interesting to me if you are on the slimmer side, as do these straight leg/legs for days little numbers from Alex Mill. Whether you dig the tailored elegance of Alex Mill or the classic Americana vibe of wide Levis, these jeans offer versatility and lasting style.

For those moments when comfort is key (when isn’t it), the Re/Done Pointelle Tee is your new go-to. I love the scoop neckline and the sleeve length, which feels very 90s. It would also look so good with my new favorite item, this lace skirt from Doen, which I would wear with the Pointelle tee and some Adidas or Vans slides all Summer.

No spring wardrobe is complete without a classic trench. I love this hooded take from COS, which is perfect for transitional weather and adds an element of timeless chic to any outfit. Check it out here.

Sometimes, I’m at odds with the preppier parts of myself. In all transparency, I have a bit of a preppy fetish. It’s not a look that necessarily suits me, but as a child of the 80s, I’m drawn to it. So I was relieved when these arrived from Mango the other day, and they look great. They are streamlined and feel more Italian classic than LL Bean, which is crucial for my attempt at preppy. More European than American works for me. Otherwise, I look like Barbara Bush if Barbara Bush was your Eighth Grade gym teacher. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. It just ain’t me.

On that note, I saw these loafers and fell in love. I admire dressing with wit, and these cuties had me at hello. And Good Night.

As did these gorgeous kitten heels because I am a kitten heel girl for life, honey. And how cute would they be with that lace skirt and a tank?

Also, the above came across my screen from Zara, a new collection I find so Prada-inspired and stunning. I love this look, and I'm especially fantasizing about walking the dog in this very elevated outfit. Isn’t she gorgeous? Girly, I know, but both of my favorite colors in one look make me happy. Mint is having a real moment, and I’m here for it. Emma Stone’s LV Oscars dress was amazing until it broke.

Lastly, let’s talk about the simple act of walking. It's not just a way to get your steps in but a moment of powerful presence. I was smitten by Jennifer Walsh, whom I interviewed for The Ageist here, and found myself enjoying walks even more now after chatting with her. Besides taking a much-needed sanity break, walking in your neighborhood in your chosen outfit (bonus if you take a moment to put it all together purposefully) allows you to connect with your surroundings, community, and yourself.

Let's embrace this week's contrasts, celebrate our surroundings, and walk confidently into a new season. Remember, style is not just about the clothes we wear but the stories they tell and the memories we create in them.

Ok here’s a speed round, are we ready?

Green is my scene (it is St. Patrick’s Day, after all), and so are these saucy little slippers. They are so cute.

Green again for the win. This striped look from Marrakshi Life is giving me life.

This brand-new green eyeliner from Trinny London is fab. Trust.

Behold, the menopause makeover. Bloody hell. Leave us alone.

Alas, this Interview tee is cool. I want to dye it hot pink or green with some old-school Rit dye—green again. What’s with me?

But as we curate our wardrobes, cull down, level up our closets, or leave well enough alone (do that, please), let’s not forget the privilege of our place in the world. Our neighborhood's unique character and charm influence our style and expression. It's a reminder to cherish where we live and draw inspiration from it. How lucky we are to be free and safe and feel the sun on our faces as we go about our days and nights. I pray for so many to do the same soon. These are fraught times, and walking in peace is priceless, no matter who you are or what you wear. If you’re ever up for it, join me. Sequins and/or kitten heels not required, but highly suggested. XO

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