Hello! The celebration in Houston was lovely. I got to spend time with dear college roommates. And the party was a sort of Texas magic–outside by a pool at an old country club, attended by local friends and family and a contingent of young ones from Soho. What could have been better?
Why didn’t I wear cowboy anything? I figured it out, in retrospect. This is the Houston of the Contemporary Arts Museum and the Bayou Bend collection. A few people nodded to Cowboy, to The West, but in a beautiful and elevated style I could never hope to reach. Those familiar with my High WASP musings may remember that the worst sin is to appear to be trying. AKA heaven forfend a visible attempt.
And I was happy in pearls (hidden pearl drop earrings), a white pedicure, orange silk and cork wedge sandals as promised. I should explain; the pool was also a fountain. The sky quieted, and two people played on guitars and sang country songs. I am a lucky woman to have been thrown together with these friends at the silly age of 17, and to have stayed in touch for 51 years.
Also the dress was so floaty I never felt hot. Recommend.
Meanwhile in America, although attempts at autocracy increase, so does resultant protest and outcry, which has me feeling oddly more optimistic because at least we’re not alone. Cue Bernadette Peters.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, no matter your skies.
18 Responses
Welcome back, Lisa! I actually dropped by last night in anticipation of this morning’s post. :)
You look absolutely beautiful. I love the orange dress with wedge sandals and pearls and am so happy to hear that you enjoyed the party. College friends are such a gift — as are you! Thank you for letting us know how it went. “No One Is Alone” is a comfort in a time like this — thank you for sharing.
Have a beautiful weekend! Happy May!
Aw, Jess, thank you and so nice to see you here! Hope your April was doable.
Stunning. Can you please share the source for the dress? Thank you.
Thanks! And happy to share. It’s from the inimitable (sliiiiiightly edgy) elegant prep shop, Ann Mashburn:). I’ve always wanted one of their pieces and this was the perfect moment. https://shopmashburn.com/collections/ann-mashburn-dresses/products/ann-mashburn-trapunto-blouson-dress-orange-silk-shantung-s76465 I simply wore it unsashed.
Hello Lisa, Lucky you to visit Bayou Bend. I have long been a fan of Ima Hogg and the way she brought civilization to Texas, and what civilization! Glad you had such a wonderful event.
–Jim
Hello, Jim! Yes, I remember visiting Bayou Bend back in the 70s and feeling like I’d been introduced to a whole new world. Thank you:)
You look beautiful in the simple lines of the orange silk dress. Your shoes are a perfect complement. You’re inspiring me to consider it in black. That and the Luisa dress in navy floral silk are compelling. I’m trying to figure out the hand and the comfort of a silk and wool blend. How lovely that you know and enjoy the company of your college roommates. On Thursday I was at the Seattle First Thursday Art Walk. My bonus niece—married to my nephew—and her twin brother, she a math major and he a lawyer, are surrounded by college friends with whom they have maintained relationships over the years since graduation and through moves. A doctor friend was on her way back to Chicago after a residency. I told my niece how much I admired the richness of these connections. I was telling a friend about it this morning, and realized all these people are child-free like me. I wonder if that makes it easier. My friends are not from college, they are from high school, from work done since, and a wonderful group such as you from social media, with a stellar New York contingent. Thank you for showing up consistently to share your life and thoughts. You’re a bright spot in these trying days.
I think those dresses would really suit you. That casual but classic elegance. Suit Seattle too. A First Thursday Art Walk sounds pretty awesome, as does having high school friends you are still in touch with. I know some of your New York contingent, and they are indeed stellar. Thank you for keeping me company here.
Thank you, Lisa. Casual but classic elegance is my favorite style. I’ve gotten too casual, and I’m trying to remember how I dress. Seattle is largely casual, but since I dress for me, that’s fine. I’m going back and forth on the best use of my clothing budget: a dress or dresses and pair of suede slides; or, a Rei Kawakubo Comme des Garçons Girl wool gabardine blazer, and a Vagabond loafer in two heights. The CdG Girl line is gorgeous. The dresses make more sense for the coming months, but the blazer is more me, and would work with skirts, pants, jeans, dressed up or down.
Have you been watching The Met Gala arrival? The NYT’s live reporting hooked me, and I thought of you. This year’s theme is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The Met show looks worth a visit. My favorite outfits were on Colman Domingo, Keke Plamer, and Ann Hathaway. Domingo rocked a blue Valentino cape that seemed like a nod to kings and the late André Leon Talley. He took it off to expose a dramatic black and white patterned suit. Keke Palmer was in a white Vera Wang with black tuxedo pants underneath. Anne Hathaway was in an elegant, understated Carolina Herrera white shirt and black and silver skirt with wide horizontal bands. I liked more looks this year than usual. If I were going, I’d choose the Herrera. x.
I saw the Met Gala red carpet on social media. I can see you in Herrera. There is a great store in Seattle, Marios, that carries her line…
Gorgeous dress and love love love the pearls…welcome back!
Thank you! I did love the way the pearls matched my toenails LOL.
You look beautiful. It’s such a great coral orange on you. Sounds like you had a great time, and happy to have you back.
Thank you! It was a great time, and I’m glad to be back xo
Welcome back and I am so delighted to see you in the orange silk! Laughed at the appearing to try too hard comment – that was a mantra in my extended family as in “bless her heart she is really trying hard with that dress”. Confusing, trying hard in school was good, trying hard in getting dressed was bad….
Ceci
So confusing;). And thank you. I do love the Bless her heart phrase, although I am most likely not entitled to use it!
Orange is such a happy color and you look great. Glad you’re back and that you enjoyed your time off.
Thank you xo