Vintage White Lace, Icing On a Cake

The Butterfield Skirt and matching cake,

PerennialSpring.com. Cake not available to order.

Designer Caily Herbert grew up down the block from us here in Montclair. Young Figgy received one of her girlhood dresses, a fancy hand-me-down, new with tags. Caily's been a baker, worked on a farm and in the book publishing world, involved with the (near) release of a very big book. She attended Bard College, in its magical perch overlooking the Hudson River.

But now, behold: Her dreamy, handmade clothing line fashioned from finite amounts of fabrics and trims that she found on her treasure hunts. Every garment is made-to-order.

From the PerennialSpring website: The Butterfield Skirt in eucalyptus green cotton, ever so slightly sheer. Order skirt with lining for ensured opacity. Garments pictured are unlined. Available in sizes XXS to 4X. (That's Caily modeling.)

I love this feminine circle skirt, made with vintage Schiffli lace trim that Caily says "looks like frosting on a cake." A long row of covered buttons at the side adds to the confectionery appeal. In one Instagram photo, Caily models the skirt while holding a blue frosted cake with careful swoops of white icing. "Correct accessory for the Butterfield Skirt," the caption says. If I get the skirt, it will be a splurge to wear as a feminine basic, with a black top and black capri leggings, since I am no longer twentysomething. A kitten heel would help, too. I love the color (my favorite), the cut, the swing, the buttons--and the cake lace. 👗👗🎂

This beautiful young woman can sew and bake...for her mom's milestone birthday party, she made a "Wedgwood" Cake modeled after the famous English china pattern dating to May 1759 and named for potter Josiah Wedgwood. Here's that iconic color scheme (BTW, the designer's mother, Kate, said both blue cakes tasted as good as they looked):

The 7-inch Magnolia Blossom vase from 2Modern.

Caily has a whole line of circle skating skirts with vintage ribbon trims. She styles them all with fun winter sweaters. You have to take a look.

Maiden Voyage to Plato's Closet!

J.Crew Velvet Peplum Top. I found it in GRAIN [white],
size XL, NWT, for $8 yesterday.

My Figgy, now 22, is a big fan of Plato's Closet, where you can turn in gently used or new/unworn clothing or, more importantly, shop for it. Yesterday at 6 p.m., we went with her dear friend [nickname Boaty, long story, a proud Smith graduate] and friend's mom, Rachael, who has become my close friend, too.

On past voyages, Figgy has scored awesome black ankle boots and strappy, dusty-blue crushed velvet shoes that I love! I need sneakers, the treads are flattened on mine, and though they were good prices, didn't find any great ones in my [big] size. [You have fine understanding, my Irish grandpa, Jim Mahon, used to joke, a twinkle in his blue eyes. Under standing, big feet. He liked a good riddle.]

Anyway, I saw a short, tweedy Michael Kors skirt [I would wear over black leggings], but too small. I was happy when I found this J.Crew Peplum Top. Originally $59.50, it's in the jcrew.com sale section now for $14.99. I paid $8 and it's in pristine condition. I will not wear it with jeans, as the model is wearing it, above. I rarely wear jeans now, but will again one day. They are uncomfortable in many ways.

The peplum part is soft cotton velvet, really feminine. I will likely pair it with a black skirt, and perhaps a black tank underneath.

Figgy found some teetering-heel shoes, a flowy, floral skirt and a crushed velvet dress. Rach scored a beautiful sparkly top and lovely straw beach hat that looks so pretty on her. Boaty got shades and two black tops.

It was a successful style voyage. Until later.

Here is the top in white.

My O Aha Moment

Follow this LINK.

I am loving this O the Oprah Magazine Collection for Talbots--30% of proceeds go to Dress for Success, to help disadvantaged women entering the workforce. And see the necklace on the model second from left? I got it, and I love it. I blogged about it the other day--it's big and glittery, clunky, even, but it lifts my spirits. My Figgy and Punchy and H. like it, too.

By the day before Easter, the skirt on left [which I also got] and the necklace were 30% off. They didn't have my skirt size in store so the nice sales associate walked me over to the magic red Talbots phone and we called the catalog people and they sent it to me. I received it from my U.S. Mail carrier yesterday and love wearing it. Thanks, Oprah and Talbots! I'm now eyeing the green cardigan with white polka dots.

I'm writing this post from Whole Foods West Orange. Our home internet is down and it has gotten very hard to do work emails from my tiny phone screen, especially because I had to look at before and after photos of a redesigned home and send interview questions to the designer. Finally did it here. Now my laptop feels like a luxury. So H. came home with a gallon of milk and a rotisserie chicken and handed off the car keys to me; I had been with Punchy since 2:40, at playground with our friends, etc.

Things are tough with Punch. She has conflicting feelings about her mom being in one place and me being here. I don't want to divulge too much of her story. But suffice it to say I feel pain, too. Just not the same as hers.

Things seem okay with Figgy. As okay as they can be when you have your 20 year old back home and she burns incense and admires moss and slugs [she does, and her fish--she has always loved nature] and dyes her hair turquoise. And gets paint on our bath towels and cooks at odd hours. But we love our Figgy. And yes, she is a full-time student at Montclair State and works weekends in Williamsburg, which she seems to like.

Back to the fashion; it softly buffers me. A feminine skirt, a pair of tights, nice high heels--these things are a style barrier between ugly anger/hurt and beauty/light.

I'm going to head home and go to bed. I love to get into bed! I will have to plan my outfit for tomorrow, too.

Good night.

TCOY

1. Got up when alarm went off at 6:35; did not go back to sleep. Went to 7 a.m. support group. Got important book. Did important reading. Found solace at meeting.
2. Made a peanut butter banana smoothie.
3. Had some broccoli rabe for lunch.
4. Bought and read the latest issue of Eating Well Magazine. Loved it; so many recipes I want to try. Made "The Best Vanilla Custard" today and Punchy loved it. You bake it in a water bath.
5. Had a cup of hot tea while working here at Whole Foods.

Maiden Voyage to Tory Burch at the Shops at Riverside

Behold the signature orange doors. My heart started beating faster.

On January 1, the exciting annual email appeared from Tory Burch with this header: Happy Birthday, Alice--Our Gift to You. A virtual $50 gift card to use online or in stores by January 31, the last day of my birthday month. 

I usually schlep to the Short Hills Mall for a Tory store, because NYC [with locations on Madison Avenue and in the Meatpacking District] charges clothing sales tax and NJ doesn't. But now I found the style mecca in Hackensack, about 15 minutes away, at the Shops at Riverside. Scooted over with my iPhone [to show the email] and the generous $50 fresh orange gift card Moey and Ted gave me for my birthday. I got a pair of elegant, ladylike mid-heel sandals that I know I will wear and wear and wear, plus a pretty blue [the color is called Evening Sky] cashmere cardigan at 50 percent off. And so: $100 off my purchase. I was walking on sunshine. 

For future reference, the mall also has Wolford, Brooks Brothers, Kate Spade, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Coach, Lilly Pulitzer!!! and Bloomingdale's stores. You know, for the shopper born with a silver spoon in her mouth--or at least the promise of a fashionable bib over her onesie.

While at Tory, I heard the sales associate tell two women to give their email addresses so they can get the birthday gift--she said it might change next year to an item rather than a gift card. The staff also offered beverages. I chose water but think there was beer? or soda, too. Nice touch. And luxe dressing rooms with plush velvet curtains.

To top it off with a juicy-bright orange ribbon, right before I left, Punch's teacher called to tell me she was having a great day.

Good night. Thanks, Tory and Moey.

TCOY

1. Boot camp in the dome.
2. 15-minute nap.

Madcap Night at Milly on Madison Avenue

I wrote this date down in my purple datebook--I miss my New York City, my Madison Avenue, my Bergdorf's. Ever since Punch moved in, I've stuck closer to home.

I booked Elaine to watch Punch, threw a lemon-pepper chicken in the oven, zapped some brown rice, steamed some green beans, dashed off some work emails and then hopped in the car. It was close to 6 and the traffic was bad. The event was open from 6:30 to 8:30, and I think I arrived a bit after 7.  I nabbed free parking in front of Ralph Lauren on Madison, a block from Milly at Madison and 73rd Street.

Sips & Quips 
I stood amidst fashionistas wearing stiletto black pumps [with bare, gently tanned legs] and handsome young men in open-collared dress shirts and tailored jackets. [I overheard a 50ish man jocularly say, Do some blow and get laid to another man; out of context in the frilly Milly mecca.] Svedka Vodka was listed on the invite; three cocktails were offered. I chose The Blue, a tall stir of vodka, lime juice and ginger ale with a plump, bumpy blackberry to top it off. [The refreshing drink did go down easy, and relax me in the fitting room.] Vegan Divas was also noted on the invite--white trays held mini, lofty vegan donut rings, topped with chocolate, cinnamon or coconut. They were good, but lighter and less satisfying than regular rich donut rings....the better to fit into the clothes, I guess.

Oh, the clothes. As I've written before, Milly clothes and accessories are gorgeous. Playful prints, feminine silhouettes, pretty, carefree style. Great handbags. Dreamy beach cover-ups. Fresh dipped colors, like melon, salmon, pink. Blacks with chic details: ribbing, leather pockets, cutouts. 

The salespeople--both men and women--are nice. I've noticed that before. But the good news about tonight is that I found a great black sweater on the sale rack, marked down to $147 from $295. Size L, fits nicely. Then: Since full-price items were 20 percent off, I slipped on a coral and metallic gold shoulder bag that was $295 before the sale. I really do need a handbag. 

Cut to the Chase: Falling Hard for Fashion
I wanted to write a check. Sorry, they don't take checks. I don't carry credit cards. Went on my iPhone to see where the nearest Bank of America branch was, in order to put a check into it and withdraw cash. But the nearest branch was .18 miles away, at 1330 First Avenue. It was 8:18 p.m.--12 minutes until 8:30 party end. I hailed a cab and asked the driver to please take me there, wait for me, and drive me back to Milly. When we finally found the branch, I fell out of the cab face-down onto the street, tripping on my red Talbots slingback pumps. Are you okay? the cabbie asked. Yes, I said. [Happy to report that my black tights didn't tear when I landed on my knees.] The ATM spit out my receipt at 8:33. 

Grace, the lovely young saleswoman, rang up the purse. I had $220 cash and $16.70 on my debit card, just enough to make the $236 cost. And if I have it shipped to NJ, which will happen tomorrow, I pay $10 shipping vs. the higher sales tax. I will also have enough money on my debit card [after the check deposit clears] to have the sweater sent, too.

Back from Madison Avenue now, back on my couch. I did enjoy my fashion fix, and do intend to feel put-together with a good purse. I didn't buy the white Friends of Finn T-shirt [15% of sale goes to help animals], which was cute but $90 and at one size for all, a bit too snug on me.

Above: Gradiating hole sweater with bateau neckline, originally $295. Mine is black. I love the neckline, soft texture, modern look, and nearly knuckle-grazing sleeves. And the 50 percent price cut. You wear it over a tank. Below: Milly purse in coral and metallic gold.

Good night.

Please note. This froth & fashion post was fun to write-- and the event was fun to attend--but it doesn't mask the pain  I feel over Punch's recent behavior at school and at home.  No beautiful handbag can hide that. No way, no how.  I hope and pray. Fashion god, motherhood god, childhood  god, please hear me. Please bless that little girl, and  please boost my patience with both her and Figgy.

TCOY

1. Nap.
2. Escape to NYC.

Cheetah Twins

Kindergarten teacher Mary Paolazzi and Punch in school today.

Punch's teacher is a godsend. We're so grateful for her. And just now, she emailed me and H. this photo she titled Cheetah Twins. She and Punch both dressed to match by chance! H. got Punch's outfit a few weeks ago at Target. They find really cute stuff there.

Good night. 

TCOY

1. Boot camp in the park.
2. Salad, and wilted spinach.
3. Going to bed now [after I do another huge pile of dishes]. Tired.
4. Got gorgeous new bubble bath at Neiman Marcus and a billfold/wallet on sale to organize and clean up my life and spending. Think I will take bath before jumping into bed.
5. H. playing his lute right now and it's soothing.