My fav new car – Fiat Gucci edition

The only thing better than one iconic Italian brand is the pairing of two stylish companies, which is why fashionistas and car lovers are both buzzing about the new Gucci editions of the Fiat 500.

The first release of Fiat 500 in the United States and Canada on 1 April sold out almost immediately, so the fashionable partnership is expecting to be well-received.

“Traveling in style has also been at the heart of Gucci ever since Guccio Gucci founded his company as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags in 1921. So … it struck me as a perfect opportunity to create a new modern travel statement in Gucci’s 90th anniversary year,” explained Creative Director of Gucci, Frida Giannini.

The Gucci models will be available in black or white, and include the brand’s signature stripe of green and red down the side of the car or along the convertible roof. The seatbelts will have the same green-and red design, while the hubcabs will contain Gucci’s interlocking Gs logo.

Priced at around $23k.  Amazing!

Saving Money for Better Things

This post details how I’m changing how I watch television – goodbye cable bill!

1) I am streaming TV thru the Roku LT – cost, $50 ( I used my Amazon Visa rewards points, so did not actually cost me anything).

CNET reviewed the Roku 5 days ago and here is their summary:

The Roku LT earned our Editors’ Choice Award for two major reasons: price and content. Roku’s $50 streaming box has a truly impressive lineup of content, including Netflix, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, Pandora, HBO Go, MLB.TV, NHL GameCenter, Epix, Crackle, Picasa, Flicker, Mog, Rdio, TED Talks, Revision3, TWiT.TV, NASA, and CNET. You can see a full list on Roku’s site, and the company has been aggressive about continually adding more content sources. YouTube is strangely missing from that list.

All of the content sources are great, but the Roku LT also gets many of the little things right that competing products don’t. The user interface may be a little bland, but it’s simple and easy to navigate, plus you can customize the layout of the channels. The same goes for the remote, which keeps only the essential buttons. (Roku’s remote now includes direct-access buttons for Netflix, Pandora, and Crackle.) The separate Channel Store is also a great way to offer a ton of content from partners without cluttering the main home screen.

Roku also offers several pricier models, but we think the Roku LT is easily the best value. The core streaming functionality is what makes Roku great, so most buyers don’t need to pay extra for a Bluetooth remote, microSD card slot, or USB port.If your main goal is to stream video and music from a ton of high-quality content sources, there’s no better value than the Roku LT.

2) I have a subscription to Hulu Plus (less than $9 a month) and to Amazon Prime ($79 per year; includes streaming TV/movies & ebooks).

3) I bought a HDTV indoor TV antenna – Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna for Off-Air HDTV Reception.  It’s $38.79 on Amazon (I used my Amazon Visa reward points for this too) and it ships free with 2-day delivery … another perk of the Amazon Prime membership.  It has received 1582 reviews and a 4-star rating.

It’s small in size (inconspicuous) and will allow me to view all local TV free.  To see what stations you should be able to get with the antenna in your area, go to http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps.

I absolutely hate paying for cable and this will net me about $600 the first year (due to equipment purchases) and a higher amount in year two.  Hmmm … I wonder what shoes Valentino has put out for Spring.

Paris

“Paris is always a good idea.”

Quote attributed to Audrey Hepburn – on a decorative tray at the wonderful Dallas gift shop Nuvo

What I’m Buying

For those of you who love tea, this is one of the most beautiful items I’ve seen in a long time.

From Mariage Freres – MY BEAUTIFUL TEAPOT is hand-blown glass with a cast-iron, openwork cover in choice of red, gold, silver, or dark chocolate. Each teapot is numbered, and they will be available soon at 195 euros.

Posh Pantry

Upgrade Your Pantry Staples

Invest in a higher-quality version of these 11 basic ingredients and taste the payoff in every bite.

Black Pepper

Pepper is one of the last things you add to a dish, so its flavor has a big impact. Always grind your own.

The upgrade: Tellicherry black peppercorns ($4 for a four-ounce bag, penzeys.com).

Butter

Use creamy European-style butter on the rare occasions you use butter for cooking. Buy unsalted to control the sodium.

The upgrade: Organic Valley, Horizon Organic, or Land O’ Lakes Ultra Creamy Butter ($3 to $3.50 for eight ounces, in supermarkets).

Canned Tomatoes

Organic tomatoes come in enamel-lined cans, so there’s no metallic taste―just a fresh, natural flavor.

The upgrade: Muir Glen Organic tomatoes ($1.50 for 14.5 ounces, in most supermarkets and health-food stores).

Chicken Broth

Broth from bouillon cubes is overly salty and suspiciously yellow. Low-fat, low-sodium broth is ideal.

The upgrade: Swanson Natural Goodness 100% Fat Free ($3 for 32 ounces, in supermarkets).

Eggs

Spring for organic eggs from free-range chickens. The yolks are bright yellow-orange, not a muted yellow, and the taste is full, rich, and downright eggy.

The upgrade: Greenbrier or Trader Joe’s ($2.50 to $3.50 a dozen, at health-food stores or Trader Joe’s, traderjoes.com for store locations).

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

There is a huge difference in quality between the big-brand varieties and oils made by small producers. A flavorful extra-virgin olive oil can transform a simple salad into something spectacular.

The upgrade: Lucini Italia ($19 for 500 milliliters, lucini.com) or Bertolli Gentile ($6 for 500 milliliters, in supermarkets).

Parmesan

Bypass the canned version. The best-tasting Parmesan is from a specific region in Italy and has the Parmigiano-Reggiano stamp on its rind.

The upgrade: Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano ($9 to $18 a pound).

Peanut Butter

The kids’ stuff is loaded with sugar. The natural kind contains only peanuts and salt.

The upgrade: Smucker’s Natural Creamy Peanut Butter ($3 for 16 ounces, in supermarkets).

Salt

Kosher and sea salt are clean-tasting and easy to control with your fingers.

The upgrade: Maldon Sea Salt ($7 for 8.5 ounces, thespicehouse.com) or Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt ($3 for three pounds, in supermarkets, or call 800-428-4244).

Tuna

Italian-style light-meat tuna packed in olive oil delivers a double dose of good fats. It has more calories than the all-white-meat, water-packed kind, but it doesn’t need a lot of mayo when made into tuna salad.

The upgrade: Genova ($2 for six ounces, in supermarkets).

Vanilla

Use pure (not imitation) vanilla extract and you’ll be wowed by its complex, heady perfume.

The upgrade: Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract ($20 for eight ounces, kingarthurflour.com) or McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract ($7 for four ounces, in supermarkets).

 

Additional ideas:

• If you like yogurt – try Greek style yogurt
• If you like salads – try arugula, butter lettuce, or belgian endive
• If you like spinach – try kale
• If you like cucumbers, try English or Perisan cucumbers
• If you like brocolli, try broccolini or broccoli rabe
• If you like ketchup and mustard – try flavored versions such as hot & spicy ketchup, horseradish mustard
• If you like sausage – try chicken sausage or vegetarian sausage

 

 

Wardrobe Building

Nina Garcia’s book is a great guide for building your wardrobe – here are the top 100 items a woman must have in her wardrobe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A is for…

A-LINE DRESS: The flared shape will always flatter. Accessorise with boots in winter and sandals in summer.

ANIMAL PRINT: True fashionistas are daring – show your wild side with animal prints in muted colours, either as accessories or a full outfit.

ANKLE BOOTS: These look great worn with skirts and shorts, or with skinny jeans tucked into them.

AVIATORS: The universally fashionable shades give instant cool factor.

B is for…

BALLET FLATS: Chic, timeless, elegant and comfortable. Try Chanel for high-end, or Gap for inexpensive.

BANGLES: For a bold look, wear big bands beneath your elbow. For glamour, wear an armload of thin, 18-carat gold ones.

BELTS: An under-appreciated accessory that makes you look slimmer and accentuates curves.

BIKINI: The key to wearing them is confidence. Keep them small and in one, solid colour to best flatter.

BLACKBERRY: The modern girl’s weapon which lets her bid on eBay or peruse gossip website Perez Hilton while shopping.

BLACK OPAQUE TIGHTS: These bring an edge to every outfit while making legs look slimmer and sleeker. The higher the denier the better.

BLAZER: Beat the boys by wearing them better than they ever can – either oversized or tight and shrunken.

BOYFRIEND CARDIGAN: Anything that looks as if it’s been stolen out of your man’s closet won’t go out of style. Wear over a T-shirt and belt it.

BROOCHES: Be creative with strange designs and sizes pinned on in unexpected places – such as hats.

 

C is for…

CABLE-KNIT SWEATER: 
Cosy, casual, yet unbelievably stylish. A white version will go with everything you own.

CAMEL COAT: A classic that looks elegant and expensive. The rich colour works well combined with black and white.

CAPE: Adds drama and hides flaws. Keep everything else in the outfit tight and tailored.

CASHMERE SWEATERS: Have as many as possible in as many styles and colours as possible, and invest in quality.

CHAMPAGNE: The drink of celebration, so always have a bottle ready and waiting – preferably Moet.

CHARM BRACELET: Build your own by collecting both new and vintage charms which remind you of your life experiences.

CLUTCH BAG: Add excitement with metallics, bright colours and jewels.

COCKTAIL RING: Make a statement  –  make them bold, adventurous and very large.

CONVERSE TRAINERS: The ultimate casual footwear. Team with jeans and a white T-shirt for downtown style.

COSMETICS BAG: A good-looking satin or velvet style can double up as a clutch bag.

COWBOY BOOTS: Acceptable with a cocktail dress but safer with Levis. Invest in a good pair, then beat them up a bit.

CUFF JEWELLERY: Forever on the runway, try wood for the bohemian look or platinum for uptown glitz.

D is for…

DENIM JACKET: Be extreme – wear it a size too small, in either really dark or really worn fabric. But never team with more denim.

DIAMOND STUDS: Best when large and real – they work with most outfits.

DRIVING SHOES: Like a fashionable loafer, but with rubber gussets on the sole. Perfect for weekends.

 

E is for…

An evening gown like this sequinned Roberto Cavalli number will never let you down

ESPADRILLES: Either flat or heeled, these rope and cloth creations are the ultimate summer shoe.

EVENING GOWN: Buy whenever you see one you like  –  it’s wise to have one waiting in the wings.

EXOTIC SKIN BAG: For instant luxe. The three skins which will never lose appeal are crocodile, ostrich and snakeskin.

 

F is for…

FISHNETS: Super-sexy, but only when done right: i.e. fine mesh worn with sophisticated clothes.

FRYE ‘HARNESS’ BOOTS: These big clunky boots assert strength and power. Tuck jeans into an old, beaten-up pair.

FUR: Whether fake or real, fur adds the glam factor. There is nothing it doesn’t play well with.

 

G is for…

GENTLEMAN’S HAT: Can attract and deflect attention. Try a trilby, Panama or gangster-ish fedora.

GLOVES: A glamorous accessory when well-fitting. For an edgy look, try leather or fingerless gloves.

H is for…

HAVAIANAS: Brazil’s national treasure, these flip-flops – put on the runway by Jean Paul Gaultier – are cute.

HOBO BAG: These satchel-like bags are perfect for everyday use – spacious, slouchy and durable.

HOOP EARRINGS: A great standby for day and evening. Stick with silver or gold, and the thinner the better.

 

I is for…

INVESTMENT BAG: It lasts a lifetime, costs a month’s salary and never goes out of style. Try the Louis Vuitton Speedy or Gucci Jackie O.

iPOD: Its white earplugs are now a ubiquitous accessory and fashion essential.

 

J is for…

JEANS: Denim snobbery makes choosing stressful, but ignore the brand and buy the best-fitting pair you can find.

JEWELLERY POUCH: Several velvet or silk pouches are vital for carrying jewellery when travelling.

 

K is for…

KAFTAN: Pair with beads and flat shoes for jet-set chic. Buy from an ethnic shop for the real deal.

KHAKIS: The tan twill fabric forever associated with polo is a perfect notch up from jeans.

KNEE-HIGH BOOTS: Sexual and powerful, these boots make men weak with desire. Wear with a knee-length skirt.

 

L is for…

LEATHER TROUSERS: Primal rock and roll. Try a size down, as leather will stretch – and keep it

LINGERIE  …of the sexy variety. Far more than just a bra, every woman should own a camisole, silk slip, negligee and silk stockings.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS: Price is immaterial; the perfect LBD is priceless. Choose the best material and accessorise.

LITTLE WHITE DRESS: Wear this tan-enhancer with edgy accessories and gold or silver shoes.

LUGGAGE: Buy one piece at a time until you have a matching carry-on, roller-wheel bag, large suitcase and duffle.

L.L BEAN TOTE: The toughest bag you can buy is perfect for carrying wine and weekly shopping.

 

M is for…

MAD MONEY: An emergency spare note stashed in a secret purse pocket. Once spent, always replace.

MAN’S WHITE SHIRT: Quietly suggestive of the-morning-after-the-night-before dressing, an untailored crisp cotton shirt sizzles on a woman.

MARY-JANES: Best in patent leather with thin straps, try sky-high heels, pointed toes or studs.

MOCCASINS: Sneakily stylish, these old-school casual classics look incredible with cut-off denim shorts.

MISSONI KNIT: Missoni knit dresses are unmistakable, unrivalled and unforgettable.

MONOGRAMMED STATIONERY: In the age of emails and texts, a handwritten monogrammed note is incredibly stylish.

MOTORCYCLE JACKET: Central to the cool kid uniform. Avoid cheap, shiny or double-breasted versions – vintage is great.

N is for…

NAIL POLISH: Never dip into the middle-ground palette; go vamp red, light pink, black or clear.

O is for…

OLD CONCERT T-SHIRT: Nothing is cooler than an old concert T-shirt.

ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT: The bikini can’t always cut it; New Year holidays demand cover-up. Choose a belted, all-black version.

 

P is for…

PYJAMAS: A comfortable must-have. Try Chinese-silk or bold-coloured cotton.

PEA COAT: The low-key, low-maintenance look is perfected by stiff-wool naval coats from the Army Navy store.

PEARL NECKLACE: Don’t wear them too seriously or they lose their cool. Add real or fake pearls to a tank top and killer heels.

PENCIL SKIRT: Asserting femininity and power, this should be snug not tight, and worn with super-high heels.

PERFUME: A powerful weapon. Find your signature scent and stick to it.

PERFECT WHITE T-SHIRT: The right white tee should indicate calm and casual ease – effortlessness is essential.

PUSH-UP BRA: One of the 20th century’s best inventions. But remember, cleavage should be mostly concealed.

PUCCI: Even a small bit of Pucci – perhaps a scarf in your hair – gives Sixties jetset glamour.

POLO SHIRT: Wear a size smaller than normal with jeans and an of-the-moment jacket.

 

R is for…

Red lipstick equals ultimate Hollywood glamour

RED LIPSTICK: Nothing says Hollywood glamour like red lips. Spend time finding your perfect shade.

ROBE: Essential for after baths or morning-afters, the best robe is simple and silk.

 

S is for…

SAFARI JACKET: Even if it skips a season, this style will always return.

SANDALS: Every woman should own at least two pairs: casual daytime and dressy nightwear. A pedicure is mandatory.

SARONG: This essential beachside accessory has endless options: knot round your neck, waist or head.

SIGNET RING: Show your individuality by choosing an engraving, or search antique stores for old, intricate designs.

SILK SCARF: Parisians wear scarves as belts, handbag decorations, headbands, tops or tied around the neck. Invaluable.

SLIPPERS: Feet which endure high heels deserve pampering.

SPANX: These life-altering control-top tights make you look a size smaller.

STATEMENT NECKLACE: Sometimes it’s best to let an accessory take centre stage. Be bold, on a plain backdrop.

STILLETOS: You can never have too many. Stilettos give confidence, height and sassiness. Invest, then practise your walking.

STRIPED SAILOR SHIRT: The embodiment of French chic which explodes the myth that horizontal stripes aren’t flattering.

SUIT: Wear a lacy camisole or plain T-shirt under the jacket then play up make-up, jewellery and hair.

SUNHAT: A floppy sunhat shades you from the sun and hides beach-worn hair.

 

T is for…

TRENCH COAT: An object of mystique, perfect for when you’re feeling enigmatic. Add a pair of shades for greater effect.

TURQUOISE AND CORAL JEWELLERY: These chic colours always draw compliments, especially in the middle of dreary winter.

TUXEDO JACKET: Androgyny is for ever avant garde. The tux should be slender and fitted, with a brooch on the lapel.

 

U is for…

UMBRELLA: A stylish woman is never caught off guard – always keep a mini umbrella in your handbag.

UNDERWEAR …of the functional variety. What you wear beneath your clothes matters; a bad panty line can ruin an outfit so don’t skimp.

 

V is for…

VALID PASSPORT: Never let yours expire. Designer passport cases are affordable and glamorous.

VANS: The ultimate California girl look. These trainers can be customised for your own unique look. 

VINTAGE: Set yourself apart from the pack. Only choose items in good condition which fit well.

W is for…

WATCHES: The advent of time-telling mobile phones means they’re statement pieces, not time-telling-pieces.

WAYFARERS: In these distinctive sturdy sunglasses you’ll never look like a fashion victim. Stick with black.

WELLINGTON BOOTS: The only option for festivals, wear these with dresses, skirts or skinny jeans, come rain or shine.

WIDE-LEG TROUSERS: A rare combination of movement and charisma. Try black, white or pinstripe.

WRAP DRESSES:  Hugging and draping in all the right places, the wrap is beautifully flattering. Buy it in jersey.

Y is for…

YOGA GEAR: Inner peace can be achieved only in nice clothes. But never wear sweatsuits outside the gym.

 

Z is for…

ZIP-FRONT HOODIES: Now core fashion territory, the best hoodie is fitted and comes in cashmere.

Saving Money for Better Things

Today’s Groupon is a great deal.  For the Dallas market, the regular ticket price is $12 per ticket and the matinee price is $9.00 per ticket, so you get a nice savings either way.

AMC Theatres – Up to Half Off Movie Tickets AMC Theatres Location: Online Deal Our Promise To You If the experience using your Groupon ever lets you down, we’ll make it right or return your purchase. Simple as that. Movies are one of three things that keep people awake in the dark, the other two being boogeymen and debates about which pet to include in the inheritance. Keep eyes and ears open with today’s Groupon to any one of AMC Theatres’ locations nationwide. Choose between the following options: For $12, you get two AMC Silver Experience movie tickets (up to a $24 value). For $24, you get four AMC Silver Experience movie tickets (up to a $48 value).

Burger Starter

One of my favorite new products is called Burger Starter and is new at William Sonoma.

It contains sweet carmelized onions, worcestershire, dijon mustard, garlic, and other spices.  It is great with any type of burger and is especially good with grass fed beef to add flavor or moisture.

The product sells for about $10:

http://www.williamsonoma.com

Building the Perfect Wardrobe

Surprisingly, the Wall Street Journal has some very good articles on Style.  They recently pondered the question, “If you lost your entire wardrobe, how would you go about replacing it?

Donna Karan Says: Seven Easy Pieces

“You don’t need a lot of pieces, just the right ones, so think versatility,” said Donna Karan. For starters, the fashion designer recommends a simple dress that can be worn by day and jazzed up for evening. A body-tailored jacket is a must—as part of a suit or as a light coat—as is a bare top that can be covered up or worn on its own at night. “I would also want a skirt that flatters your shape, slim pants that can be suited or worn casually, a cashmere sweater to throw over everything and an evening piece that’s sexy and illuminating,” she added. Voilà! There, in a nutshell, is Ms. Karan’s Seven Easy Pieces system of flexible dressing. “Each piece is a mini-wardrobe, designed to be worn multiple ways. I love seasonless fabrics such as crepe and jersey,” she said. From her spring collection, Ms. Karan favors an off-the-shoulder ivory zip jacket and one of her twisted jersey dresses.

Carolina Herrera Says: Perfect White Shirt

Carolina Herrera, lauded as much for her own style as for the clothes she designs, would immediately replace the item for which she’s most well-known: the white shirt. “For day or evening it’s a staple all women should have,” she said. “It’s an easy element for anyone to wear and most importantly, to wear it in her own way.” Ms. Herrera’s starter gear is comprised of classic separates but with a modern touch. “If you have a few pieces you can mix and match to create an interesting look for yourself, you can build on them,” she said.

Vera Wang Says: Leggings and a Cardigan

“Replacement would be focused on underpinnings,” said Vera Wang. “I would immediately buy leggings. They’re my middle name. T-shirts—Rick Owens or my own label—and sweaters are important for me. I like to layer so both would be thin silk and cashmere weaves or light viscose chiffon. I’m such a hoarder I couldn’t redo my entire closet unless it was a catastrophic circumstance. I’d be heartbroken if I lost my cardigan collection,” she added. Ms. Wang’s go-to piece for spring is her signature short-to-long skirt. “You can work it with a legging by day and a high heel by night.”

Nanette Lepore Says: Reinvent Yourself

Designer Nanette Lepore thinks having to replace everything is a unique opportunity for self reinvention. “Sometimes you build up in your mind what you had and loved, sort of like the boyfriend that got away,” she said. “The instinct is to recreate what you lost. First buy what you’re most obsessed with so you don’t think about the loss and then break the mold.” From her spring collection, Ms. Lepore would start with wide-leg, high-waisted 1940s-movie-star-style trousers in pale blue. “I would reinvent myself and become a glamour girl,” she said. Another top pick is a blazer and pleated skirt in hot tangerine, and a lace pastel dress with a neon slip underneath.

Rachel Roy Says: Stay Timeless

For Rachel Roy, a shift dress and classic trench coat are jump-start pieces. “Both make you feel strong and confident,” she said. “The trench can be worn as a dress and feminized with a statement necklace.” The designer’s advice for building a new wardrobe is to go for a poised, timeless look with an edge. “I love a fitted button-down shirt tucked into a red cropped pant and topped off with a pair of snakeskin shoes.” Choosing from her own collection, Ms. Roy recommends a romantic pantsuit in a neutral color, a silk pajama shirt and one of her black-and-white graphic floral dresses. “I think all of them embody effortless chic.”

Gigi Mortimer Says: Pack and Learn

Gigi Mortimer, co-founder of the clothing and accessories label Glamourpuss NYC, equates building a new wardrobe with packing for a trip: “Each time you pack, you re-evaluate your image and start fresh. You decide on the key pieces you need to feel comfortable, confident and chic.” Ms. Mortimer’s fundamental items include a white stretch cotton button-down shirt, a V-neck camel cashmere sweater and well-fitting jeans in navy and white. “I’d also buy a trench coat—the color isn’t as important as the cut. To this I’d add straight black cropped pants. For night, dressy black trousers and a white silk shirt with interesting detail. Starting over would be fun. Having been in the fashion business for so long I don’t get attached to anything. Every season you find something great.”

Amy Fine Collins Says: Develop Designer Relationships

Not so for Amy Fine Collins, whose closet is sacred territory and each garment has a historical narrative attached to it. “I don’t love shopping. I never wear a designer I don’t know. What I like is the dialogue between the designer and me,” said the fashion writer, who has earned a place in the International Best-Dressed List Hall of Fame. If forced to rebuild, Ms. Collins said she would create a fresher identity with a new designer who has an exciting future. For now, she’d make an SOS call to Carolina Herrera, Stacey Bendet of Alice & Olivia and her new favorite, Paola Quadretti. Her emergency kit would consist of two black dresses—one for evening and a workhorse day piece. “I’d buy a cardigan with special detail on it and a pencil skirt in a print like leopard or stretch tweed and two black scooped-neck cashmere sweaters—one long-sleeved and one tank. The palette would be black and white to get it all going quickly, and for spring, I’d choose a dress with horizontal stripes. Accessories are the hardest items to replace. I’ve never thrown out a belt in my life.”

Carolyne Roehm Says: Be True to Yourself

Carolyne Roehm, fashion-designer-turned-lifestyle-expert and author, was forced to replace her wardrobe in 1999 when she lost it all in a fire at her Connecticut home. “I followed the less-is-more approach and only bought things of enduring style and quality. That latter gave way to whims based upon the fashions of the moment—at the time it was difficult to find what the French call ‘le grande classique,’ so whenever I found them I would buy in three or four classic colors. I built a huge inventory of clothes. Today, I would make a realistic assessment of my lifestyle needs and ask myself what are the pieces that set me apart from the crowd in a positive way and what items reflect my personal style and not one currently promoted in fashion media. I would base a new wardrobe on exciting accessories and build classics around them.”

Lauren Santo Domingo Says: Be Provocative

Lauren Santo Domingo’s philosophy is the polar opposite of Ms. Roehm’s. “I wouldn’t stick with classics,” said the co-founder of Moda Operandi, the online boutique that allows customers to pre-order the latest runway collections. “I say invest in fashion because it’s an opportunity to revamp your wardrobe. I’m drawn to the more provocative pieces in a collection. The foundation would be a basic shift dress but a bit conceptual so that I wouldn’t get bored. Limited options frustrate me so I’d push the envelope. Givenchy, Balenciaga or Proenza Schouler would likely have something that fits the bill. I would immediately replace my jeans and buy several pairs of the same ones. From there I would buy staples from a one-stop shop like J.Crew or Brooks Brothers.”

What would I buy? For me, it’s not about what but where. When I shop I can be pathologically indecisive or weirdly impulsive, so the task would be some version of a Rorschach test. I’m at a point in my life where I would turn to a stylist or buyer whose taste I trust. I wouldn’t shop a department store—way too overwhelming—even though many of them have excellent personal shoppers; nor would I choose one specific designer’s freestanding shop. I’d rather select a boutique where the owner has a well-edited collection of clothes by a variety of designers, and has thoughtfully selected pieces that can all work well together. I like Diane Firsten in Palm Beach and Gail Rothwell in East Hampton.

Ten Best Shopping Streets

According to The Best of Everything, by Nathaniel Lande (new edition out shortly), the 10 best shopping streets in the world are:

1.  Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich, Switzerland

2.  Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California

3.  Laugavegur in Reykjavik, Iceland

4.  The Ginza in Tokyo, Japan

5.  Fifth Avenue in NYC

6.  The Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois

7.  Avenue Montaigne in Paris, France

8.  Avinguda Diagonal in Barcelona, Spain

9.  Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy

10.  Bond Street in London, England

I have been to 5 of them, so still have some work to do.