Here Comes Santa Claus

Christmas windows for my boutique are always a little challenging for me, as I am not crazy about putting packages all wrapped up with gold or silver ribbon or bright red boxes crying out it is time to buy Christmas presents. Over the years, I have tried different approaches since I do have so many beautiful items for gifts. It does seem a shame not to give Crimson a festive attitude. This year I was in the mood to dress up my mannequins like modern day princesses. Oh my goodness, you are saying........whatever does she mean. As I love mixing dressy with casual, I decided to show how one can wear a simple cashmere crew neck or a grosgrain trimmed cardigan with a pretty "ballerina girl" skirt. I just went to my local fabric store and bought what was needed to create the skirts. Five meters of red tutu netting and five meters of black tutu netting. Add needed amount of matching satin ribbon for the belt and we are off to a party. I pinned the meters of fabric directly on my mannequins, but with the finished product pleasing so many of my clients, I decided to engage my couturier to make us a few of these skirts for the boutique. Guess what? We now have a waiting list of ladies wanting theirs for the holiday parties. Hopefully Mira, my seamstress will work into the wee hours of the morning to finish on time. It has been so much fun discussing lengths and shoes with the clients. Some want short to wear with high heels, some want long to wear with ballet shoes and obviously there are those who will do the opposite. Personally, I am having mine in black, just below the knee to wear with my new fur lined black motorcycle boots from Jimmy Choo. My cashmere will be a slim fitting black turtle neck. Girls just want to have fun.............

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas, Linda

Pearls and Mademoiselle Chanel

Fashion is fun!!! Proof being what I have just posted for pictures. Yes, indeed there is snow on the ground in Paris and pearl sandals in the windows of Chanel. Actually, it is kind of uplifting. Picture the situation........Me in my rubber sole boots, trying not to slip on the sidewalk with all the ice and snow on the ground.........and as I pass in front on the Chanel shop on ave. Montaigne, a bright smile comes across my face. Could not help it. Just put joy in my heart. This is what we call The Cruise Wear season in fashion jargon. Wedged in between the winter and summer collections is this charming seasonal collection. It is just always so surprising to witness its rebirth each year. Just when we are tiring of the harshness of the winter weather, just like magic, pretty little images starting creeping into the pages of the magazines and in the windows of the most beautiful boutiques. All of a sudden, I was transported to a far away island with these pretty sandals on my feet and a panama on my head.

Reality? No, thank you!!!

Bonnets, Belts and Boots

This week Paris had some of the worst weather I have seen in my 32 years of living here. Paris was beautiful under a blanket of white snow, but dressing for this occassion left me a little bewildered. So, even though it is not the most poetic of fashion advice, I have learned that if my ears and feet are warm, the rest follows. To be perfectly honest, my grandmother told me that some 50 years ago, but as an adolescent, I listened with respect and left the house without the acessories she had so lovingly placed by the door. I have a little smile for her everytime I pull that bonnet over my head these days.

And today, I say thanks to my new friend Ellise Pierce. Ellise is a fellow Texan and lives in Paris. She is without a doubt one of the most talented chefs I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Please do yourselves a favor and click on to her blog CowgirlChef. Ellise has made a name for herself in Paris. She caters to all things "wonderful food wise". Need to learn how to cook........Ellise is there. Need to have a meal catered ..........Ellise is there. Need to have wonderful meals made by her loving and talented hands and then delivered to your home.......Ellise is there. I entrust entire weeks of meals to her genuis!!!

What is more, Ellise turned me on to these life saving black fur lined boots. They are hand made by a company called n.d.c. When I say they have not been anywhere but on my feet since the first day I purchased them, I am telling the truth. Everyone needs a new friend like Ellise!!!

Bonnet by Crimson

Cashmere T-Shirt by Crimson

Pea Coat by Crimson

Belt by Prada

Skirt by Aurore Thibault

Cashmere Stockings by Crimson

Gloves by Crimson

Poncho (worn as scarf) Crimson

Bag by Nina Ricci

Special thanks to my daughter India for being my personal photographer.

Special thanks to my sister for discovering Ellise in the first place!!!

Little prevue for next posting: Chanel windows in winter

A bientot, Linda

Mini Moke's and Marine's T-Shirts in St. Tropez

This is my favorite car to drive while in St. Tropez..........the Mini Moke.........I discovered it when I first came to visit about 25 years ago. My other St. Tropez discovery is this vintage shop by the port. It has simply the best selection of vintage sailor's t-shirts imagineable. However, the selection of vintage clothing does not stop with just the t-shirts. I found a great pair of white gabardine sailor's pants, also. Nothing better than throwing those pants on with one of these old soft stripped t-shirts. Obviously, in the middle of winter, St. Tropez calls for a great navy cashmere cardigan or a warm cashmere crew neck with a pretty print silk scarf. I am always in the mood for that look when having a drink on the port while watching the boats come and go or having lunch by the fire place at Club 55.

St. Tropez is only a one and half hour flight from Paris, so it makes for a great weekend getaway. Nice change of pace.........believe me.......and yes, I know I am a very lucky girl.

Spring/Summer 2011 Inspiration Board

So, it works like this. I run around Paris looking for the right accessories (buttons, bows,etc.) to put on my sweaters for spring and then just like magic, I have a collection. Well,HELL, it just does not seem to be working like that. Sorry, for the hell word, but I am so frustrated with myself right now. Sorry to be venting my frustration, but I AM frustrated!!! Normally, I should be in production right now for my spring merchandise. Is not happening!!! Nope, Linda, is still trying to decide if she wants to go with soft pale colors, a simple palette as in black, white and pink, or go Palm Beach with brights like fushia, orange, turquoise. You see, I am a Gemini and I guess from the day I was born, I was meant to be all over the map with ideas. It is not that I am lacking in them, I just seem to pop up with a new one in my head everyday. At some point, I must decide THIS is the direction I want to go in for Spring/Summer 2011. Do not get me wrong, I LOVE this process, but I need to make some decisions. I am so fortunate to have incredible resources in Paris. For gorgeous ribbons in silk, grosgrain, velvet, cotton........and any other beautiful to look at and fabulous to touch trimmings I go to Mokuba. I work with a wonderfully dedicated team. Their enthusiasm inspires me, and their professionalism helps get me out the door and to production on time. Buttons? I have been on the search for "vintage" buttons. So, girls, come spring, your cardigan will have mixed vintage buttons in every shape and size I could find in Paris' endless treasure chest of everything "vintage". I also found a couple who make brooches in enamel and metal with pretty whimsical themes. I have an appointment with them NOW to talk about them making special buttons in pretty colored enamel.........so, out the door I am and off to make another hard decision.......pale pinks or bright pinks? Oh, please, Gods of all things Pretty, help me decide. I want them all!!!

Am I a victim of fashion? Don't care...........nourishes my soul.

Lots of XOXOS to You, Linda

Gold Green and Grey

Gold is for the gorgeous gold metal tassles that crown the top of the black iron gate surrounding the gardens in the Palais Royale.

Green is for the sage green in my "boyfriends" sweater from Crimson.

Grey, ah, come on, girls, it happens to all of us!!!

What I did not know is that grey hair can be unruly. Since deciding to go "natural" just one year ago.....almost to the day.....I have discovered an oddity. My hair has always just kind of hung there. Now, I have the best of both worlds. The old and the new. My new grey hair gives me the perk I never had before. Body!!! Might not be the case for everyone, but just wanted to share my joy. I will be honest with you, it took me awhile to become courageous and just go for it. I bleached my hair off and on for years. Grey hair....now you see it....now you don't. Good gracious, girl, make up your mind. Either you do or you don't. Guess I just got married......I say I do!!! I so love not having to wonder if those greys are showing through when someone is looking at me. My girls aren't crazy about it......their mother's aging thing I am guessing. Best girlfriend's say, Linda, just cover up the sides. Men seem to navigate their "first glance" just to the grey. Halleluiah, I am celebrating my independence from this drug. Girls, stand up and say

"I don't give a damn.......I no longer take (insert your choice of dye or peroxide)". Now, go out and buy yourselves a little something for your soul from all the money you are saving at the hairdressers. Do not forget...Your hair will love you so much more!!! The others will follow.

Coat Vintage

Sweater Crimson

Scarf Hermes

Corduroy Jean Current-Elliott

Boots Vivienne Westwood

Girls, I love you already....so do what makes you feel best......Linda

Sorry, sorry, sorry. Been kind of crazed since coming back from NYC. Am writing as if you are all friends or family. Suits me....hope you do not mind. I am finishing up my Spring/Summer 2011 Collection for Crimson.....tying up loose ends for my website re-launch in January. Yes, indeed should have my "boutique on-line" by then. Really excited about that. Am hoping it will be to your liking. Working on the graphics, the clean and clear way to present the collections and obviously the best way to show my cashmere.

My web master is wanting me to do still life pictures or put my knitwear on mannequins. I am balking. Honestly, I like energy when I am looking at clothes. Energy for me comes from the people wearing it. I love attitudes people give when they are dressed. I like the way people inhabit their clothing...........personality.

While in NYC two weeks ago, I was happy to see my daughters both wearing my new berets for this fall and winter. Believe me.....they do not always like what I do. So, I am always happy when I see they adopt an article........

India, on the top photo, bought her great scarf at J. Crew on Madison Ave., and I love the way she paired it with Crimson's Black Beret.

Tatiana wearing the Grey Beret teamed hers with Crimsons Loop Scarf in beige.

With a little luck, maybe I can convince them to help me with my website.....Stay tuned for that one, friends. Talk about energy.....I have a hard time keeping up with them.

xoxo from Paris

P.S. This is their favorite stop in NYC...........hotdog to go from the street Vendor.

Kosher, of course!!!

Paris in the Fall

Just spent 5 wonderful days in NYC. I do love the energy that city generates. New York is always positive. Everyone there believes in the American Dream. If NYC were not the birthplace of America, I would certainly say, it has been a large part of its education on so many levels. Hello? Bagels..Cream Cheese..Lox

I will not pretend for one second to be a historian, so let's just get down to the simple truth, there are so many immigrants in NYC. I had one American taxi driver during my 5 day stay. Considering I took about 8 taxis a day during 5 days....you do the math. Next truth I am baring....immigrant is not a bad thing to be, folks. Guess what? I am an immigrant in France, and have been for 32 years now. So, this is not a negative text I am writing. Now that I have cleared that up.........on with my thoughts..........as much as I do love New York, I adore Paris. I actually recorded a song about 25 years ago entitled just that:

J'aime New York, Mais J'adore Paris

Do not rush out to buy it, folks, as it is truly forgettable in the minds of the poor French population who had to witness my short lived singing career. Hey, it was a great experience!!!

The point of what I want to say is just that Paris is so very breathtakingly beautiful, that

I could never stay away for too long. These pictures are part of my life. I do walk or drive across this marvelous bridge...Pont Alexandre III about everyday, and I do see the Eiffel Tower about 10 times a day on my daily comings and goings. However, as soon as I return to Paris, I am already thinking about my next trip home. I am so lucky to be living in Paris and so very, very, very proud to call America my home.

O.K., now on to the really important part of this posting......girls......listen up:

My Outfit!!! I love this grey poncho that I manufacture for my boutique.

It comes in about 20 colors, and I have it made in Scotland. I have one on or in my bag about everyday. Good for crisp fall days, good for cool summer evenings. Great for keeping warm on airplanes and shopping in the frozen foods department in any country. Good gracious I just realized Crimson is a Global Necessity!!!

My jean is the slimmest fit I have ever ventured to buy. Picked it up while in NYC at J. Crew.

It is called the Breathless Jean. Understandable, as one does not dare to breathe while wearing it!!!

Now, girls, step back and look at these shoes.....I searched all over NYC to find them. I first saw them in this months' American Vogue. They are Marc Jacob's modern version of the brogue.

No, you are not seeing things, they indeed have gold sprinkles on the side. No, not low profile, but a hell of a lot of fun.

My bag is my own personalized with my initials vintage Goyard. I have carried it around the world. The Goyard bags are great because they are light as a feather...made of linen and cotton.

I throw in everything.....including my heavy camera. It is starting to look a little tired, but then again I like that.

Special message for Madame B.: Your Breathless Jean is on the way from NY. I called the Madison Ave. boutique and they agreed to ship it. So, make your trip to Deauville a short one!!!

See, ladies, I am a trend setter. I love it..........

That Perfecto Jacket

I have mentioned before that I do not believe in disguising myself as my daughters. Well, sometimes I get confused. Case in point is this motorcycle jacket that you see me wearing in one picture and then my daughters wearing the same jacket in the other picture. The original motorcyle jacket was popularized by Schott's Perfecto. American design made years and years and well, years ago. Fashion lesson: This new one by Balenciaga was born only about two years ago. I should know!!! I broke down and bought two at the same time....However, I thought it would be the perfect Christmas gift and I bought one for each of my daughters. My gift was a huge success.........they wear them constantly and two years later the jacket looks almost better than the day I bought it. This is what I call a good investment. Money well spent!!!

The funny thing is, I did not feel I could pull it off. One day, however, my older daughter's father showed up in my boutique with this huge package from Balenciaga. Present for me.........seems he felt that I could and should have The Balenciaga Jacket. Cannot tell you how happy I was to receive it as a present. Took the responsability off my shoulders of feeling ridiculous for buying it for myself.

This picture of me was taken in Paris about a week ago. I feel I must keep the rest of my look as casual as possible to feel comfortable when wearing said jacket. Hence, jeans, my Kelly bag and a great pair of old penny loafers. Yea, that works. Now, my daughters!!! India and I came to New York this weekend to visit Tatiana, my younger daughter who just started college in the USA. Total coincidence that they were both wearing their jackets today. So, I snapped this picture to show you the difference. They just naturally pull theirs off with a different dress attitude. After comparing the pictures, I feel more confident that I do not look like I am trying to dress like my daughters. So, thanks Francois, for giving me the courage to just go for it.

Tatiana, on the left side of the photo is wearing an oversized cashmere beret from the current collection in CRIMSON. What better compliment for me than when my girls go for something in my shop.

I wish you all as great a weekend as I am having with my Mother-Daughter Reunion in NYC.

Love to you, Linda

My New Friend Flint

His name is Flint Chabannes de Balsac and he is a Griffon Korthals. I just met him yesterday and I love him already. Life is funny that way. Just when you are least expecting it, someone new and wonderful walks into your life. Just so happens he is not available. He is lucky enough to have been adopted by one of the most loving families I have ever had the priviledge to know.

I recently heard the expression that " what is most important is not to be successful IN life but to be successful WITH your life. AH HA!!! All inclusive I would say. So, Flint, my friend, I nominate you as the dog most likely to succeed!!!

Cashmere Coat Arthur and Fox

Cashmere T-Shirt Crimson

Cashmere scarf Crimson

Military Green Pants Current and Elliott

Cashmere socks Crimson

Cotton Velvet shoes Massaro

Cashmere, cashmere, cashmere!!! Boring? Never!!! I must take a trip to Mongolia one day as that is the source for most of the world's cashmere. However, afterwards this beautiful fiber makes its way around the world to different manufacturers. The fabric in my coat is Italian,

my scarf was hand woven in the province of Kashmir, my t-shirt straight from Scotland. Actually, I am the proud designer of this t-shirt. Its just an easy piece to accompany anything else you feel like wearing. I cut it close to the body so there is no bulk under a jacket or another sweater. The finishing is like a t-shirt....instead of ribbing....I have it hemmed. It is the type of garment that "dresses up or dresses down". Let's face it, you can take it anywhere!!! I wonder if I had a dog like Flint, could I take him everywhere. Must do some research on that one........

Hope your day is successful.......got to start somewhere......with love Linda

Seriously, one should not have to chose one of these desserts. To even start a process of elimination is heart breaking. So, I opt for the easy way out and just take pictures.

Believe me for the first few years of living in France, I indulged myself greatly. French desserts are works of art. Beautifully made and wonderful to eat. I am now going to disappoint you, as I am incapable of describing the ingredients and the names of these wonders. I am not a cook in any form or fashion and will admit great ignorance in writing about anything to do with food forms. How can I put this? Seriously? I think we all needed a break from looking at fashion and personally, I find these glass pots of cream with wafers and chocolate sprinkles, or

those whipped up mounds of chocolate mousse, or even better yet, those fresh raspberries with french wafer fingers (I think that is what they are called), and last but not least the religieuse au chocolat with lavender icing to die for. Pretty and poetic. So, there you have it friends and family, my contribution to your knowledge of french cuisine!!! Please do not quote me on any of the above terminology..... just wanted to brighten your day in a sugary way.

Sending love to you all from Paris, Linda

Vintage Point of View

Fur Jacket Vintage Pierre Balmain

Hermes Silk Scarf (Gala Bridles design 1957)

Cashmere Twin Set Crimson

Levi Vintage Jean

Vintage Pirate Boots by Vivienne Westwood

Sunglasses Chanel

Bag Chanel Classic

Pearl Earrings Cartier

Yes, I know!!! Enough already with the old jeans....I wish I could stop. Truly I do, but it's just a Texas habit that makes me feel good. My best friend is my jean, my partner in crime as it were.

On the other hand, this vintage fur jacket is something I bought in a Paris auction house about 15 years ago. Believe it or not, I never worn it until last year. One day I put it on and felt like Carrie from Sex and the City. You know a quirky mix....gave me kind of a jaunt in my step. So,

as today was the first real day of cold weather in Paris, it was just the right thing to keep me

warm. No, it did not make me feel like Carrie today, but I thought the pale grey in the fur looked very pretty with the pale greys and pinks in my Hermes scarf. This I bought for one of my daughters a few years ago thinking she would understand where I was coming from.

The result being she has never even tried to wear it!!! Didn't and doesn't get it, my dears. I am not worried, because one day she will reclaim what is rightfully hers and enjoy it. This particular design from Hermes originated in 1957 and remains even today as the most popular silk scarf sold. My twinset is from my shop. A basic for Crimson. I did it in chocolate, flannel grey and black. I want all three!!! Just when I want to minimize my wardrobe, I go and do something where I want to OWN all the colors.

I had tea this afternoon with my good friend, Joelle, and she was wearing an incredibly well cut (for the city and not for horse riding) black jodphur. Prada of all places.....luckily there is one just down the street from my shop.........won't take me but a minute to see if there is still one left in my size. A jodphur might replace a jean, no? You can always dream!!!

A bientot, Linda

Black is Back

Coat Balenciaga Re-edition

Cashmere Scarf Crimson

Silk Top Zara (so inexpensive and 100% silk!!!)

Cashmere Cardie Crimson

Skirt Prada

Black Patent Bow Belt Prada

Silk Stockings Crimson

Boots - re-edition Ferragamo

Bag by Nina Ricci

Pearl Earrings Cartier

Girls, have to tell you something. From age 50 to 60, I refused to wear black. Do not know why but just could not do it. I felt really weary when trying....seriously, I felt as though I looked tired. So, I went into mourning and decided to bury black for life. Honestly thought it was over and swore to never wear black again. Never say never......black is back for me and I am feeling even a little addicted.

It is tricky though. Black can be uniform looking....black can be boring.....so, I need a little something to throw it off, and then I don't feel so sad. Remember Julie Andrews and the Von Trapp children singing that song? Always loved it!!! Right, back to fashion. So, ladies, today I thought I pulled off the black look pretty well. Tell me what you think. By the way, I am feeling so weird about the "zero comments" category on my blog. Other bloggers get lots and lots of comments. I feel as though I am letting you down. It is so obvious that I am so jealous of those bloggers who incite written thoughts from their audience. My blog master said maybe my audience does not understand how to do it. How dare her talk about you like that. She does not even know you. Anyway, if you would like to and did not understand how to, here is how it works. Underneath the posting is written COMMENTS or COMENTAIRES. Just click on that and give me your thoughts. Afterall, I do keep giving you mine. If all else fails, send it by e-mail and I can add it on to the comments section. That way, I will not feel so sad.....

I must face reality here, I am so soliciting communication from my readers. Is that normal or am I feeling totally ignored here? e-mail: linda.wright@me.com

Another thing I swore I would never do again.....cover up my grey hair by going blonde again. I have done it several times. Always searching for that college color.

Two years ago, David Mallet, who is my hair guru in Paris said, "Linda, just do it. Go ROCK. Go BLOND!!! It's just hair. It will grow back. Yea, O.K., David, but what about my not wanting to hide my "natural" aging and just being honest? I believe his exact words were, "Screw It". So he cut my hair short,really short and I became a 100% peroxide blond. India and Tatiana, my two daughters hated it. My dentist, totally handsome Fred, hated it. I felt good for about two weeks and then decided it was all over. So two years later here I am back to my natural color....greying at the temples. I actually like it and am so happy not to wince when I have not had those "touch ups" and notice people noticing my grey hair. So there you have it. My ups and downs with nevers and forevers. My grey hair is forever. I see David in two weeks time. I'm scared, because I so love wearing the black I swore I would never wear again. Wait!!! Let's see....maybe some highlights. I owe myself a "try on"!!!

Je vous embrasse, Linda

Eiffel Tower and Mocha Soya

Just had a second thought. Maybe you would like to see how pretty the Eiffel Tower looks today with all this Indian Summer sunshine. Personally, I like the looks of my Mocha Soya better. Ungrateful, am I not?

Please read the posting Textures Talks To Me(the one just before this) to better understand why this one exists, darlings!!!

Velvet Jacket bespoke by Henry Poole in London

Cashmere Sweater by Crimson in Paris

Striped T-Shirt 45RPM

Cashmere Gauze Leopard Scarf by Crimson

Red Ballerina Shoes by Prada

Personal Name Bracelet made at Bendel's NYC

Ivory and Sandalwood Bracelets by Luis Morais in Miami

Gold and Amber Ring by Ibu Gallery in Paris

Bag by Balenciaga

Jean by Ralph Lauren Collection

Beautiful sunny sunday in Paris, and I just went out for my favorite treat.....Yep, mocha soya coffee at Rose Bakery and then stopped by to pick up the latest newspapers. I am staying in today.

Last week was fashion week in Paris, and I am exhausted. In fact, what I did was visit exhibitors

to compliment my own production for Crimson. I look for articles I do not and will not ever

manufacture myself. This was buying season for Spring/Summer 2011. I was underwhelmed with the choices. I always visit these salons (as they are called), because if nothing else, I will see what I definitely would not like for my shop. I take this all very seriously, because I truly do respect my customer and want to provide something pretty and with the quality they deserve.

It is very difficult to be a single specialty shop in today's fashion world. It is the major brands that have the true staying power. One by one the individualy owned boutiques seem to be disappearing. So, I try to keep up with what is important in today's modern fashion world...

one has to stay "current", and on the other hand, I like that my place is to still provide the most beautiful classic cashmeres to be found. I am special....I am proud....my cashmere is made by

caring hands in Scotland.

What I chose to wear to Rose's today are like second skin for me. My velvet jacket was made to measure (bespoke as the english say) by a wonderful tailor on Saville Row in London...Henry Poole. I have been wearing it for about 10 years now. It still looks great teamed with the pants I had made to match or mixing it with my latest purchase in jeans - Ralph Lauren Collection.

My t-shirt comes from one of my most favorite places to shop since about 10 years. 45RPM.

I first discovered them in NYC and now they have a shop in Paris. My bag is Balenciaga, and once again I have carried it for about 6 years. I love keeping pieces that feel right season after season of having them in my closet. Now, for those bracelets. I LOVE collecting bracelets. Maybe one day I will post pictures of my bracelet collection. Strangely enough, certain jewelry makes me feel a little toooo classic....a little toooo old. So, I opt for less serious jewelry. Having said that I am lucky enough to have some beautiful pieces by Buccellati of Italy. I will wear those later this week when I am not so tired.....I need energy and the right attitude for those "proper pieces". Hoping your week will be a healthy and productive one.

Special thoughts for you, Linda

I have such trouble being 100% serious when I get dressed in the morning.

Or in the evening for that matter!!! Looking for the right words here..... sophisticated and refined....whatever, I just can never pull it off. As soon as I start feeling like my efforts are going to sound off the "I am trying to look smart" alarm, I panic. NO, I will never be on anyone's best dressed list. I would love to learn the trick, however. Yes, now I am being serious. The ladies that I admire the most in the way they dress are the ladies who ARE polished and totally own

their style. They were born with it....money does not buy it. I do feel that a step in the right direction is owning a few quality classic pieces. This particularly beautiful autumn day found me on Ave. Montaigne in Paris wearing a few of my favorite classics.

Mackintosh Leopard print Raincoat

Hermes Silk Twill Scarf

Cashmere cardigan from my shop Crimson

Vintage 501 Levis

Handmade Jodphur boots from John Lobb

I chose some bright pinks and oranges to off-set the leopard print.

Those Levis are too short you are saying? Yes, indeed they are. On the other hand, one can admire my egyptian cotton socks (Crimson has them in 40 colors) that go nicely with my gorgeous boots. Oh, and before I forget, every girl needs a pair of pearl earrings. I feel almost "polished" when I put them on.

Je vous embrasse, Linda

Sometimes I feel as though I am a bit of a hypocrite, because I regularly give you the impression that the only thing I really like to wear is a pair of jeans and the rest of the fluff of fashion is slightly below me. Yea, well that is so not true. So, I am confessing right now.

I so care and I so want and I so buy, and I am so happy when I CAN and when I do. I have a distinct idea of what makes me feel good when I am dressing. It is an important detail in how my day goes. You know when you are having a bad hair day, well, same thing applies when I feel I am not dressed like me day. Part of my psychological make-up....makes me feel more confident. It is just so easy to spot an individual who knows their personal style and makes it work for them. Could be going against the grain of fashion for the season, but that individual gives us the desire to have their "style". That is called IMAGE. Well, let me cut this short, because obviously there is so much to be said on this subject, and I would love to help you all with finding your own personal style, but I have work to do. I know you all care, so I will tell you ........one of the worst seasons my boutique has experienced in deliveries. Must be orchestrated by that great "Who Gets What and When" production chief in the sky. I must have sinned a lot in the world of fashion this year, because I have been punished beyond punished. Hence, I am off to my boutique to pray that my beautiful sweaters and scarfs will be flowing from the Fed-Ex delivery van today. Let me end this on a high note and tell you the source of this gathering of my favorite things........Purse is a classic Kelly from Hermes, scarf is a gorgeous France meets America (notice the flags) silk square from Hermes, shoes....oh those shoes, hand made from John Lobb (Hermes), RED socks from my shop Crimson, beautiful vintage shirt from Hilditch and Key and stolen from my ex's closet (Nope do not regret doing it) and oh, yea, an incredible pair of vintage Levi's (so short that my great red socks show). My coat is a covert cloth english classic hand made by Henry Poole in London (notice my red lining).

I felt so good wearing these to brunch on sunday at Rose Bakery. A girl in the check-out counter said I looked pretty. I actually believed her!!! Love to You All, Linda

Club 55 ? What? You have never been? Just kidding here, guys!!!

Actually, I am very fortunate to have discovered this wonderful beach in St. Tropez about 22 years ago. I was working for a french fashion magazine at the time - Femme- it was called. The chief fashion editor decided we should do a summer story based in St. Tropez. Magazine no longer exists, but my desire to return each year is still there. This year I was late in going, but have decided that September is definitely less stressful. You see Club 55 is the place to see and be seen. It is a constant fashion show, and the star watching is unbeatable. So, one needs to be conscientious about one's beach attire. For the ladies it is Eres swimsuits, Pucci coverups, Missoni caftans.....Get the picture? AND please, beach bags!!!

If it is not a "Brand" you have on your arm, girl, wear some Gucci sun glasses to hide your embarrassement. Chanel flip-flops and Zanotti multi-colored stone sandals seem to finish these

fine laid- back beach looks.....Oh My God, girlfriends, I am in such big trouble here. Yes, I do love fashion, but seriously, it must be my roots (Texas remember), because for me there is nothing cooler than a pair of cut off jean shorts, great t-shirt or shirt and my handy carry-all LL Bean canvas tote for feeling I am "it" in the summer. Some people just never grow up.....sophistication seems to avoid me like I will now avoid those "fashionistas"in august.

I have to be honest, though, I love seeing these well turned-out ladies embark on the beach. It nurtures my "voyeur's" soul.