Monday: Beatles Fan club reunion. Where is my necktie? And pink lipstick? Don’t forget white Go-Go boots and Falke’s All Over Flowers Stay-ups from Jane’s Vanity. Love them, yeah, yeah, yeah...Tuesday: Up late. Cancel bongo drum lesson. Give the mailman a house tour--he’s been asking. Make the family meatballs for dinner. Watch The Crown. Wednesday: Catalog sweaters. Best whisper-knit yet: Dana Pisarra’s Romantic Camisole in Almonde or Antique. Perfect with jeans and a Pendleton shirt for hot springs weekend with X. Take a selfie.
Nouvelle
About Town, Still
Posted on January 21 2018
An English Moment
Posted on January 20 2018
Lingerie Logic
Posted on January 17 2018
My Mental Vacation
Posted on January 14 2018
What started it all? Just an inscription, in Latin, seen in a book: “Hilaritati ac genio dicata.” It is engraved over the entrance arch of the Loggetta in Vicenza’s Salvi Garden. It means ”Abandon yourself to laughter and insouciance.” What a great idea! And my inspiration for a winter stay-cation. First off, set the mood, with tropical print pajamas from Olivia Von Halle. Choose her billowy Daria Barbara Silk Shirt and Wide Leg Trousers, in a glorious teal flower print, piped with white. Drift off to your loggetta. Well, OK, your couch.
The Start of Something Big
Posted on January 13 2018
The Mix
Posted on January 08 2018
My new things from Jane always give my wardrobe a boost, sometimes in surprising ways. I think of it as mixed-up elegance. It makes getting dressed a lot of fun. Picture a vintage Scottish golf jacket, made for the vacation trade in Bermuda. What a find! Tastefully embroidered with golf balls and the word “FORE,” it calls out for a glimpse of something red and lacy. The fabulous Ritratti Ermitage Embroidered Sheer Balconette Set smartens it up nicely. Just add a costume jewelry choker or a Klements scarf.
Straight
Posted on January 07 2018
Baubles, Bangles, & Bright Shiny Lingerie
Posted on January 06 2018
"Take a Break!"
Posted on January 05 2018
Thank goodness I have friends in tune with my daily ups and downs. They reside in my closet. When I come home tired, wet, and misunderstood, they say, “take a break!” Or, if I burst in the door with new ideas and places to go, they also say, “take a break!” They just know me right down to the ground. But when there is no company, nothing much on the calendar, it is nice to take a break. I never feel alone.
Your fortune, Cookie!
Posted on January 01 2018
Holidays = Chocolate. Often of an exotic nature, such as Baci from Perugina. Each chocolate and hazelnut “bacio,” or kiss, includes a tiny transparent sheet of blue printing, nestled inside its wrapper. The message is not a fortune, but a love note. Translated into five languages. The source is usually from literature, properly cited. Today’s missive: “There’s always some madness in love. But in madness, there’s always a little wisdom.” Friedrich Nietzsche.
Holiday Wishes
Posted on December 25 2017
Wishing you: David Hockney dachshunds, a postcard from Rio, Pink Martini tickets (or at least a pink martini), diamond hugs and kisses, old movies in the afternoon, a heifer for The Heifer Project, a Christine Vancouver Gatsby Velvet Robe. And may you: win at Boggle, wear fur-lined boots, decorate with orange carnations, collect blue and white china, occasionally serve red velvet cupcakes, and sleep in Morpho+Luna’s Chloe Night Silk Gown.
La Bella Figura
Posted on December 24 2017
A Little Bit of Venice
Posted on December 23 2017
Togetherness
Posted on December 19 2017
Soie ou Soir?
Posted on December 17 2017
Thank you, Slim
Posted on December 16 2017
About Town, Again
Posted on December 14 2017
Agatha, Darling
Posted on December 13 2017
A Lift
Posted on December 10 2017
Charm & Chic
Posted on December 09 2017
A New Star
Posted on December 04 2017
There's a new star in the Jane's Vanity constellation. The heavenly Salon International de la Lingerie in Paris offers a stellar opportunity for discovery. And by close observation, Jane and Emily caught sight of Akiko Ogawa Lingerie, a label that showcases the finest Japanese lace. In fact, Japan is one of the major producers of lace in the world. Jane’s Vanity offers a celestial sampling this fall.
About Town
Posted on December 03 2017
Monday: Laundry. Long walk. Write postcards to nephews. Remember to buy stamps. Flowers for the week. New Camille Roucher Dahlia Plunge lingerie set should be arriving this afternoon--smiley face. Tuesday: Gas up the coupe. Buy some celery and Rogue River Blue Cheese. Gig at women’s shelter--polish trumpet and wear snappy Olivia von Halle’s cropped PJs.
The Art of Color
Posted on December 02 2017
Fishnet Catch
Posted on November 26 2017
Not by the Numbers
Posted on November 25 2017
Each change of season poses a challenge for getting dressed. And often leaves me feeling as if my closet is empty. Fall is especially alarming. First, because it is cold. Second, because the bright autumn light starkly points out items in need of attention or a fond farewell. But, as I recreate my look each season, I resist the urge to dress by the numbers. Fashion formulas abound: one this, one that, and so on. It makes me crazy. Instead, I just try to acquire things I love. Jane’s Vanity provides clothes that are beyond formulaic. They offer something else, a chance to be my very best self.
Black Friday Sale
Posted on November 22 2017
A Charmed Season
Posted on November 21 2017
My favorite charm bracelet is chunky and sparely embellished. Each of its five, evenly spaced, baubles is a work of art--of heart. As I lay it out, I think of the coming cozy months that call for a little sparkle. Each charm tells a story for the season. Wear your finery this winter, on wrist and elsewhere, with a shake of fun and soul.
A Whisper of Inspiration
Posted on November 19 2017
Tiara Daze
Posted on November 18 2017
Much Depends on Dinner
Posted on November 12 2017
Was Lord Byron speaking of food or flirtation when he wrote those lines? Perhaps both. Dinner, the art thereof, is complicated. Where to dine? When? Diane Johnson, in her delightful Le Divorce, schools Americans in the French concept of dinner “after,” rather than “before.” Much easier to focus on the food, I suppose. And such excellent food. But, whichever, one must look one’s seductive and vibrant best at table. Decolletage can be quite low. Conversation more elevated. What a wonderful opportunity to dress up a bit and have a lovely time.
The Paisley Palace
Posted on November 11 2017
Jane’s Vanity has a little hangout in Portland that you may visit, if you are lucky, and only by appointment. Known fondly as “The Paisley Palace,” it is the Breakfast at Tiffany’s of lingerie. As Holly Golightly says, “Nothing very bad can happen to you here!” Or as my friend Karen says, “May I move in?” Step inside this amazing apartment and feel enveloped by romance--and paisley. Your senses come alive. The rich jewel tones on walls and windows create an exotic lair. Beautifully framed art peeks out behind rails of lingerie.
Sexy Armor
Posted on November 05 2017
White Nights
Posted on November 04 2017
"The Eye"
Posted on October 30 2017
An island Wedding
Posted on October 22 2017
Come along to Martha’s Vineyard for a September wedding. The air is sparkling. The guests are delirious. Pack boldly and prepare to have a dreamy time. Island first-timers may puzzle a bit over wardrobe. Island casual? Island cocktail? Whether you choose a nautical theme or something more in the direction of Margaritaville, Jane has you covered. Or uncovered, if you take a cue from the beauteous wedding guests whose cutouts, bare midriffs, and wisps of striking prints set the joyous tone.
In Search of French Lace
Posted on October 21 2017
Another Stylish Book Review
Posted on October 18 2017
I thought a sequel to my original Stylish Book Review was in order, as I've found several new treasures to add to my collection. So here it is. Another Stylish Book Review: Three Long + One Short. My little style library constantly changes, but three longer titles are “core.” Although not new, they stand out among my treasured assortment of fashion and design books. Full of information, ideas, and adventures, they ask to be read again, when the moment feels right. They are friends.
Wardrobe Heroes
Posted on October 16 2017
In Reserve
Posted on October 15 2017
For me, part of the fun of travel is to test my wardrobe planning. Were my selections brilliant? Did I wear every single thing? Did I fit right in to wherever I was going, with a little zing? Was there plenty of room in my suitcase for shopping en route? But, sometimes I ask myself what I would do if all of my luggage were lost. Really lost. It could happen. Rather than being a disaster, such a scenario could provide a new challenge: how to manage without a thing! Well almost. It could be done, no problem.
My Dear Creature
Posted on October 10 2017
Despacito
Posted on October 08 2017
A Shot of Black
Posted on October 07 2017
First, there was the Little Black Dress (LBD). Next came the Little White Dress (LWD). But don’t forget the Little Black Accent (LBA). No matter your skin tone or wardrobe choices, you can add a shot of black. For day or night, a black accent gives your wardrobe definition. You are suddenly dressed up, glamorous, a bit smug. Where to start? Use the photos on the Jane’s Vanity website as a lesson in color, especially black.
And Under the Little Jacket?
Posted on October 03 2017
Sartorial Splendor
Posted on September 09 2017
The Art of Flirtation
Posted on September 04 2017
A Mural of Lingerie
Posted on August 20 2017
In the City By the Sea
Posted on August 18 2017
The Ahh-lure of Champagne
Posted on August 15 2017