As I look back at this last year, who knew that my thoughts would have been enjoyed by so many of you. More to the point, that I would have enjoyed sharing them with you so much?! I have protected the Innocent (for they know not what they do - really?) I have given you "valuable style tips" (well, my style) and I hope that you have joined me in what is sometimes the ridiculousness/absurdity of my life. The hot news is that my blog (is being turned into a film!) NO! Not yet. It's that in the new year I'm opening a website to which photos will be added! All you around me have given me so much encouragement and laughed with me (maybe at me, but that has been in private).
The Line has become hugely important to me. Some of my best friends, advisers, supporters and sometime cohorts sit together on a Saturday morning in Synagogue. All have provided constant warmth, support and humour. As a good friend of mine says "I salute you, one and all!"
Actually, dressing for the Line is easy as I figure it out the night before so I don't awake and panic. The Line is something that happens on a Saturday morning in my life. We're a very close group of women who sit together in Synagogue. Now we (for all of you that don't know) have to adhere to a strong dress code. Head covered if married - an uncovered head is a sign to a man that you are single/unmarried/divorced/widowed. Arms covered to past the elbows. No décolleté. Longer length skirts. Modesty - no trousers at all. Apart from that you can do what you want. Colour, shape, style. And believe me, we have fun! We're very fashion-forward. Stylish, yet always with reserve and modesty. Along this line, you will see in my mind, the best-dressed list. In styles, we are all different but we try and this to me is the essence of dressing. So I vote The Line, the Best Dressed.
Am still having the Winter White debate. I'll let you know how I get on.
Thank you one and all!
Happy Holidays
Happy New Year
...and above all Good Health, lots of laughter and,
Happy Shopping!
FXX
Monday, 22 December 2014
It's The Thought That Counts
Who and what makes a best-dressed list? Although I have a good memory, it's not photographic, so going through the year and remembering what we all wore could be difficult. The funny (although not surprising) thing is that I can remember all the badly dressed much easier... Within my circle, my task is surprisingly difficult as most (not all) of the women around and about know as much about fashion/style as my window cleaner (actually, he's rocking the grey tracksuit quite well). I digress - their fashion diktat is "safety-first" or should we say "boring". Bear with me as I'm really going to have to go back... ... ... Way, way back.
The one thing I will say is that dresing inappropriately could become a style all by itself. When your very good friend hosts a dinner on the eve of sabbath (Friday night) and she's very orthodox, should you adopt a modest dress code and not inappropriately and disrespectfully wear a sleeveless, open dress showing all your flesh and underwear when modesty should be the diktat? The answer is, "Yes, of course". If you're 25, the short skirt is still your friend. If you have a 5 or anything higher than that at the front of your age, no matter how good you think your legs are - put them away! Actually, I'm trying to understand why this woman did this... ... Well, that's enough time given to that thought!
Back to the title - who and what? People who try, even sometimes getting it wrong, is to my mind far better than not trying at all. This I know because I sometimes get it wrong. And I'm not unhappy with this fact because it means I won't next time. I just must spend more time editing.
---
So here's my example of no editing - here I am, sat in my dressing room, fighting against the pull of buying a black jacket. After all I've said about black! Maybe I'm wrong and you are all right. Seemingly, I can't get dressed. I don't want to wear my new low heels today as I want to wear them either to dinner or for Shul first. Trust me - I've got a lot of shoes and I'm only going into town and who could care what I look like! Ugh!! This is bad. It took me one and a half hours to dress the other day, and here I am again. OK, I'm getting dressed and I don't care. (Who am I kidding?!)
It's this "New Feminine" I've been talking about...
Happy Dressing!
FX
The one thing I will say is that dresing inappropriately could become a style all by itself. When your very good friend hosts a dinner on the eve of sabbath (Friday night) and she's very orthodox, should you adopt a modest dress code and not inappropriately and disrespectfully wear a sleeveless, open dress showing all your flesh and underwear when modesty should be the diktat? The answer is, "Yes, of course". If you're 25, the short skirt is still your friend. If you have a 5 or anything higher than that at the front of your age, no matter how good you think your legs are - put them away! Actually, I'm trying to understand why this woman did this... ... Well, that's enough time given to that thought!
Back to the title - who and what? People who try, even sometimes getting it wrong, is to my mind far better than not trying at all. This I know because I sometimes get it wrong. And I'm not unhappy with this fact because it means I won't next time. I just must spend more time editing.
---
So here's my example of no editing - here I am, sat in my dressing room, fighting against the pull of buying a black jacket. After all I've said about black! Maybe I'm wrong and you are all right. Seemingly, I can't get dressed. I don't want to wear my new low heels today as I want to wear them either to dinner or for Shul first. Trust me - I've got a lot of shoes and I'm only going into town and who could care what I look like! Ugh!! This is bad. It took me one and a half hours to dress the other day, and here I am again. OK, I'm getting dressed and I don't care. (Who am I kidding?!)
It's this "New Feminine" I've been talking about...
Happy Dressing!
FX
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
A Sensible Francine broadcast
So, if we're to believe it, the eponymous Lauren Santa Domingo (the girl from American Vogue) is gracing Little Old England with a new shop - "MO". A very exclusive, appointment-only, where you can buy clothes (that she may have touched) and shop straight off the runway... Are you kidding me?!! Be very wary - like I've mentioned in previous blogs, to me buying straight from the show is a very perilous pastime. This is not couture, where the clothing will be made especially for you and presented to you a few weeks later. To my mind it means buying now for delivery in, say June. If, like me, your style is ever-changing/evolving what I want now I probably won't want in June. Prime example - I'm loving the sequined sleeve and as I have a vintage sequined, long-sleeve top. I wore it recently to a tee with a cashmere tank-top over and wide-legged trousers - my homage to Esprit Dior - it got a very positive reaction. This being December, will I still want this for next pre-fall (June/July). And if, as I suspect, the high street takes note and copies this look, will I still want it when the original is available at huge cost, or will I want something else? Your guess is as good as mine... So take your ability to pre-order and think very carefully about it.
This has been a Sensible Francine Broadcast.
Happy Shopping!
This has been a Sensible Francine Broadcast.
Happy Shopping!
The Sleeves of Success!
This is not something I often (if ever) do - watch "Lorraine" on ITV in the morning. But I just put the television on and up she popped, wearing an aquamarine cardigan - a short thing, we all know the style - round neck, buttoned to the waist. Now, these cardigans I don't like, but I must confess I tried one on yesterday with a tank underneath it. Hmmmm... Is this part of the New Feminine? Becasue it has the soft shape, it seems to work although I'm not quite sure. My overriding love at the moment is Gwynth Paltrow (yes, OK I know, I know) but suspend disbelief for a moment and go back to her role in Wes Anderson's classic The Royal Tenenbaums. All '70s and prim - perfect! Must check - did she wear a cardigan?
FORGET THAT...
I just saw the Dior pre-fall show from Tokyo. Can anyone say sequinned sleeves and Polo on a basic cloth dress? Wait 'til you see the combinations - winter white trousers, fair isle sleeveless jumpers, sequinned sleeves and Yellow - I can't wait! My sequined skirt may have another life after all. Joy of joys!! The Sleeves of Success.
Now, those of you that know me will know that along with The Bible (American Vogue) I also read the Saturday Financial Times (generally for How To Spend It). I've just been reading of the disappointing growth (or should I say fall) and change of top management at Gucci, in preference to smaller, more select, exclusive brands with more relevent, non logo-led styling. This actually comes as no surprise to me as I see the Chinese and Japanese in the stores (they're the big spenders at the moment) and they seem to be dressed with a much more "niche market" sense of style - I hope you understand. You won't see a Gucci belt in sight, but you will see the most up-to-the-minute styling hot off the runway. Certainly no Last Season here! And although this is not my raison d'etre, I do appreciate it. Which brings me back to the Dior show in Tokyo. Priase where praise is due - even if I were not a huge fan the business acumen to stage this show "Esprit Dior Tokyo 2014" in Japan, looking the way it looked, I'm absolutely sure it's a huge hit! Bullseye! Hole in One!! Francine Gold Star!!
Sequined sleeves anyone?
Happy Shopping
X
FORGET THAT...
I just saw the Dior pre-fall show from Tokyo. Can anyone say sequinned sleeves and Polo on a basic cloth dress? Wait 'til you see the combinations - winter white trousers, fair isle sleeveless jumpers, sequinned sleeves and Yellow - I can't wait! My sequined skirt may have another life after all. Joy of joys!! The Sleeves of Success.
Now, those of you that know me will know that along with The Bible (American Vogue) I also read the Saturday Financial Times (generally for How To Spend It). I've just been reading of the disappointing growth (or should I say fall) and change of top management at Gucci, in preference to smaller, more select, exclusive brands with more relevent, non logo-led styling. This actually comes as no surprise to me as I see the Chinese and Japanese in the stores (they're the big spenders at the moment) and they seem to be dressed with a much more "niche market" sense of style - I hope you understand. You won't see a Gucci belt in sight, but you will see the most up-to-the-minute styling hot off the runway. Certainly no Last Season here! And although this is not my raison d'etre, I do appreciate it. Which brings me back to the Dior show in Tokyo. Priase where praise is due - even if I were not a huge fan the business acumen to stage this show "Esprit Dior Tokyo 2014" in Japan, looking the way it looked, I'm absolutely sure it's a huge hit! Bullseye! Hole in One!! Francine Gold Star!!
Sequined sleeves anyone?
Happy Shopping
X
Wednesday, 10 December 2014
There's a Change afoot...
As a continuation of my last post, my sequined skirt is not going to be given the kiss of life. The life support has been turned off. The fabric was not good enough to repair and altering would be a fortune. Don't cry - I'm over it. Nature has her way of moving you on. New mink jacket bought! Natural black female beauty! It's love. Selling my demi-buff (that's light brown to the no-fur buyers) jacket and was thinking of selling my bright green black mink coat as well. But just spoke to my Mother who has convinced me not to sell it. Would like a white/pastel or maybe a different, more classic, pale mink coat. But that's not really the change I'm talking about. Just glimpsed the January English Vogue and what did I see, apart from a feature on a friend of mine, the return to Simple Dressing. Hold the front page! Surely not English Vogue?! But anyhow, I feel it.
I went yesterday to Bicester Shopping Village with a girl friend and lots of fun was had. Going to a tea party at Dior in Conduit Street, which will be very convivial. As previously stated, I'm much more into Pre-Fall than Cruise in Dior...
Winter white, winter white... I'm going to see if Scooby's (my South London drycleaners) are listed on the stock exchange. If winter white is purchased, then their shares (or should that be profits) will soar sky-high! So may buy shares - it's like funding a small country anyhow. Not that they're expensive, just the regularity of the visits. No couture in sight for me... What did surprise me, was that when we went into Dolce & Gabbana in Bicester, a few years ago I would have (killed is a little strong, but you get my drift) wanted most of what I saw. Well nothing tempted me at all. I couldn't have seen myself in any of it. What does this mean for my passion for most things Dior? Maybe because it's most and not all that it survives and my love of past collections, as opposed to the new ones. Is it like wine? Sometimes the old vintage is better than the new.
To be continued...
Happy Shopping!
XX
I went yesterday to Bicester Shopping Village with a girl friend and lots of fun was had. Going to a tea party at Dior in Conduit Street, which will be very convivial. As previously stated, I'm much more into Pre-Fall than Cruise in Dior...
Winter white, winter white... I'm going to see if Scooby's (my South London drycleaners) are listed on the stock exchange. If winter white is purchased, then their shares (or should that be profits) will soar sky-high! So may buy shares - it's like funding a small country anyhow. Not that they're expensive, just the regularity of the visits. No couture in sight for me... What did surprise me, was that when we went into Dolce & Gabbana in Bicester, a few years ago I would have (killed is a little strong, but you get my drift) wanted most of what I saw. Well nothing tempted me at all. I couldn't have seen myself in any of it. What does this mean for my passion for most things Dior? Maybe because it's most and not all that it survives and my love of past collections, as opposed to the new ones. Is it like wine? Sometimes the old vintage is better than the new.
To be continued...
Happy Shopping!
XX
Quelle Horrore!!
I ripped one of my go-to skirts (grey sequinned). The rip is on the seam, so I hope it can be mended. But how did it happen? No idea. And no, it wasn't too tight or fighting with drunken hips. But, joy of joys, I just got back my pink skirt with the couture embroidery on. Wow it looks great! I can't wait to wear it! This possible loss of my grey sequinned skirt has sent me into a temporary spin - how to replace?... Urgh - all that looking. I phoned the designer named on the skirt to see if they had any old stock? Four years old? Forget it... Maybe I'll look around the stores and see what's out there. Not quite the right time, but needs must.
Sending my skirt off to to my Alterationist. If anyone can do anything, Alina can (alina@galediltd.com). Next - a list must be made. You all know why - preview sales any minute now and Cruise is in. And what is needed to fill any gaps has to be bought. A pair of jeans would be nice, maybe. Can't I just buy shoes? This I really enjoy. Anything else is such a number. Top of that list - swimwear, followed by underwear, followed by dressing gowns. Dressing Gowns again? Don't ask - I like full-length (that's to the floor and not hovering somewhere over my ankle), not too heavy and not silky. OK, you look! Because I'm sick of that one.
Back to my jeans. Maybe the Posh Spice ones I saw a few months ago? Maybe the new Gucci ones? Very sailor, very flared. Maybe... A lace top, I think may be required. Note I haven't specified colour - I'm not that foolish. Got to give myself some chance! Will I succumb to my Crinoline skirt? Maybe, who knows?
Winter White. Oh that. So high maintenance I'm getting a nosebleed just thinking about it. But, well I just might if the price is right. If I do invest in winter white, I'll have to arrive late at all my events in the hope that any food being thrown will have already been discharged and I'll be safe from any stains. Who am I kidding? I could build a glass cabinet to house these clothes in and they'd still get stained! Maybe by thought... I think some people are just attractive to flying stains. That must be me. The trousers in this look are very long and flared. So another item not to be worn in the wet. I could always carry my outfit in a garment bag to my destination and then dress, for fear of actual contact with the pavement - wet or dry! I could wear this in a bubble. What? Bubble wrap.
Away from the serious stuff for now - I hosted a ladies lunch in my home this week in my real life, for another Woman Of Note, Dame Tani Gray-Thompson. What a joy she was to listen to! So honest, funny and self-effacing. I know all my guests felt exactly the same way I did. She really is an inspiring woman and how lucky am I to have had this opportunity?
OK. Back to the Winter White. A decision has been made! Unless when I awake and I find a money tree in my small garden/courtyard (I am not quite landed gentry - a Queen-in-Waiting) I'm not going to resemble Snow White this winter. I'm going to upgrade my black Mink jacket instead - Ha ha! Sell last years back to where I bought it (Gale) and in it's place get a new female black. Much better use of money! Yes, I thought you'd agree. Although of course I had imagined the Snow White theme, especially as I'm so blonde at the moment. Never mind - there may be a Money Tree when I awake. We won't hold our breath, though. Hold on - didn't I plant some strange things a while ago?... Maybe my winter white can be Spring White. Mmmmm.... not quite the same but something to dream of. I found a 50p piece in the street - you think it's a sign? Yes - the sign is that winter white will be 2016.
Had a little spare time today so I went around some shops looking at Cruise. Good job I'm not going on a cruise, as looking at what's on offer I think I'd be cancelling my trip. Ha ha - only kidding. You know my motto - if in doubt, just have another look at what you've got and smile. A smile is never last season.
Happy Shopping!
Sending my skirt off to to my Alterationist. If anyone can do anything, Alina can (alina@galediltd.com). Next - a list must be made. You all know why - preview sales any minute now and Cruise is in. And what is needed to fill any gaps has to be bought. A pair of jeans would be nice, maybe. Can't I just buy shoes? This I really enjoy. Anything else is such a number. Top of that list - swimwear, followed by underwear, followed by dressing gowns. Dressing Gowns again? Don't ask - I like full-length (that's to the floor and not hovering somewhere over my ankle), not too heavy and not silky. OK, you look! Because I'm sick of that one.
Back to my jeans. Maybe the Posh Spice ones I saw a few months ago? Maybe the new Gucci ones? Very sailor, very flared. Maybe... A lace top, I think may be required. Note I haven't specified colour - I'm not that foolish. Got to give myself some chance! Will I succumb to my Crinoline skirt? Maybe, who knows?
Winter White. Oh that. So high maintenance I'm getting a nosebleed just thinking about it. But, well I just might if the price is right. If I do invest in winter white, I'll have to arrive late at all my events in the hope that any food being thrown will have already been discharged and I'll be safe from any stains. Who am I kidding? I could build a glass cabinet to house these clothes in and they'd still get stained! Maybe by thought... I think some people are just attractive to flying stains. That must be me. The trousers in this look are very long and flared. So another item not to be worn in the wet. I could always carry my outfit in a garment bag to my destination and then dress, for fear of actual contact with the pavement - wet or dry! I could wear this in a bubble. What? Bubble wrap.
Away from the serious stuff for now - I hosted a ladies lunch in my home this week in my real life, for another Woman Of Note, Dame Tani Gray-Thompson. What a joy she was to listen to! So honest, funny and self-effacing. I know all my guests felt exactly the same way I did. She really is an inspiring woman and how lucky am I to have had this opportunity?
OK. Back to the Winter White. A decision has been made! Unless when I awake and I find a money tree in my small garden/courtyard (I am not quite landed gentry - a Queen-in-Waiting) I'm not going to resemble Snow White this winter. I'm going to upgrade my black Mink jacket instead - Ha ha! Sell last years back to where I bought it (Gale) and in it's place get a new female black. Much better use of money! Yes, I thought you'd agree. Although of course I had imagined the Snow White theme, especially as I'm so blonde at the moment. Never mind - there may be a Money Tree when I awake. We won't hold our breath, though. Hold on - didn't I plant some strange things a while ago?... Maybe my winter white can be Spring White. Mmmmm.... not quite the same but something to dream of. I found a 50p piece in the street - you think it's a sign? Yes - the sign is that winter white will be 2016.
Had a little spare time today so I went around some shops looking at Cruise. Good job I'm not going on a cruise, as looking at what's on offer I think I'd be cancelling my trip. Ha ha - only kidding. You know my motto - if in doubt, just have another look at what you've got and smile. A smile is never last season.
Happy Shopping!
Monday, 1 December 2014
Women of Note
I've just watched Posh People Inside Tatler. I wonder on the mirrored relevance of my life as the dinner of the year within the "Jewish Art Fabulous" social scene presents itself tomorrow evening - the BFAMI Gala. I am a member of this committee, so I'm perfectly placed to tell you all about it. That, I won't! But what I will do is comment. Is BFAMI the Jewish Tatler? Maybe yes, maybe no... Now this is the gala dinner I've been going to the longest. I started when I was married, so fun has been had for a long long time. Well before I was a committee member. Being on this committee is like being a member of the Oxford Bullington Club - what goes on in the club, stays in the club (generally - there's always a leak here and there). The same as the committee meetings - and remember I've been on many committees before. But this one is out there by itself. Will tell you all about it in a couple of days time. Shame it's not Black Tie. Did someone mention a gown?
---
Well, the Gala has been and gone. Over in a flash, the blink of an eye. You'd think someone was listening to me. To a fun Gala - why wear black? Yes I know I've said this before (many times) but obviously you're not listening to me! I can see how wearing a Burkha must be a blessing for some women - not to stand out or be seen. Why, when you have fun clothes in colours, textures and sparkle, wear a black dress? This is a fun art evening, and yet... I can't even be bothered to comment. So that says it all. And back to the beginning. BFAMI isn't Tatler (thank goodness) although some people there do believe they belong to the aristocracy (the Jewish aristocracy).
...I Met A Real Person
Excuse me, what am I saying? The World is full of I'm a Celebrity This and I'm a Celebrity That - what have they done worth celebrating? Wearing a BodyCon dress, spraying yourself orange and bedding a Footballer/Politician/Musician does not a celebrity make!
...I Met The Author
Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni at a signing of her latest book Monsieur Dior: Once Upon A Time. What a charming, engaging, articulate, friendly woman she was! She was wonderful in her own right - nothing to do with her husband's bank balance. Her status was carved through intellect and passion. No one could ever call her a Celebrity, not would they. This is a real Woman Of Note.
Who Do You Run With?
Who is your posse? Are you all alike? In my case I think in a way, yes. All over-achieving, extremely stylish, friendly women from many countries. And what is very interesting is that although we are all stylish, we all have a different style. Or do we? I just nearly bought a pair of 5cm heeled shoes. Now, in the future I may buy them, as I already wear that height during the day. But for an "outfit", what prompted me was that one of my friends had another designer on, but the same height heel and I thought they looked very cool. But then everything does on this friend. But I went for the 10.5cm, pale pink, red-tipped (of course I did). Will investigate further...
I know you're all dying to know - did my lilac silk cocktail dress manage to escape unscathed? Where was my first port-of-call the next morning? South London...
It's getting colder. Wrap up warm. Remember - Spring is on the way...
Happy Shopping!
XX
---
Well, the Gala has been and gone. Over in a flash, the blink of an eye. You'd think someone was listening to me. To a fun Gala - why wear black? Yes I know I've said this before (many times) but obviously you're not listening to me! I can see how wearing a Burkha must be a blessing for some women - not to stand out or be seen. Why, when you have fun clothes in colours, textures and sparkle, wear a black dress? This is a fun art evening, and yet... I can't even be bothered to comment. So that says it all. And back to the beginning. BFAMI isn't Tatler (thank goodness) although some people there do believe they belong to the aristocracy (the Jewish aristocracy).
...I Met A Real Person
Excuse me, what am I saying? The World is full of I'm a Celebrity This and I'm a Celebrity That - what have they done worth celebrating? Wearing a BodyCon dress, spraying yourself orange and bedding a Footballer/Politician/Musician does not a celebrity make!
...I Met The Author
Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni at a signing of her latest book Monsieur Dior: Once Upon A Time. What a charming, engaging, articulate, friendly woman she was! She was wonderful in her own right - nothing to do with her husband's bank balance. Her status was carved through intellect and passion. No one could ever call her a Celebrity, not would they. This is a real Woman Of Note.
Who Do You Run With?
Who is your posse? Are you all alike? In my case I think in a way, yes. All over-achieving, extremely stylish, friendly women from many countries. And what is very interesting is that although we are all stylish, we all have a different style. Or do we? I just nearly bought a pair of 5cm heeled shoes. Now, in the future I may buy them, as I already wear that height during the day. But for an "outfit", what prompted me was that one of my friends had another designer on, but the same height heel and I thought they looked very cool. But then everything does on this friend. But I went for the 10.5cm, pale pink, red-tipped (of course I did). Will investigate further...
I know you're all dying to know - did my lilac silk cocktail dress manage to escape unscathed? Where was my first port-of-call the next morning? South London...
It's getting colder. Wrap up warm. Remember - Spring is on the way...
Happy Shopping!
XX
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