Schiap” on Line

‘Or give me a new Muse with stockings and suspenders 
And a smile like a cat
 With false eyelashes and finger-nails of carmine 
And dressed by Schiaparelli, with a pill-box hat.’ from Autumn Journal by Louis MacNeice Once upon a time, (In the 1920’s) a young Italian beauty was invited to a ball in London.…

The Guys in the White Hats

I walk without flinching through the burning cathedral of the summer. ~Violette Leduc, Mad in Pursuit Labor Day officially brings the curtain down on my favorite season; fortunately, there are, in Kentucky at least, 3 more weeks of Indian summer, I plan to revel in every hot, humid, sticky moment. However reluctant I am to…

Derby Tip of the Week

Turnout matters. To me, a visit to the paddock is worth fighting the crowds, for, in addition to supporting to my persistent (though erroneous) belief that I’m a good judge of horseflesh, I derive pleasure from admiring the grooms’ art. Beautifully conditioned, impeccably turned out thoroughbreds simply radiate breeding and care. I’m conviced that, with…

More on Top Hats

Nothing now could take the wind out of my sails. Because I’m invited to step out this evening With top hat and white tie and tails. Irving Berlin Royal Ascot, Fred Astaire, riding to hounds, Cabaret, impressarios, John Singer Sargent’s incomparable portrait of Lord Ribbesdale, Willy Wonka, opening night at the opera, Alice’s mad teaparty…

Little Black Dress

But when it’s time to be discreet There’s one thing you just can’t beat And that’s a strapless backless classical little black dress Richard Hartley, Shock Treatment Audrey Hepburn knew it, as did Betty Boop and Edith Piaf. Clearly Mme. Gautreau, the subject of John Singer Sargent’s portrait of Madame X knew it; that is,…