Ballet Bodies

I have always been intrigued by the idea of dancing ballet, and though I never took more than a lesson or two, I do have some pretty strong ties to the barre. First, my sisters all studied this most exquisite and physically challenging art form. And second, once upon a time an artist, who came on good authority, said I bore a striking resemblance to Misty Copeland. I don’t see it, but I’ll take the compliment. Perhaps it was my inner fantasy life bubbling to the surface. She began her dance career at the practically geriatric (by dance standards) age of 13; could I, a fully formed adult, still live a version of the dream? My first jete toward this would-be version of myself? Classes at Ballet Bodies! (If it’s good enough for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley…) Ok, so far I’m doing more pilates and fewer plies, but I’m easing myself in. This Ryan Roberts dress conjures images of ballet leotards; it also feels like something I might wear when performing in Alvin Ailey’s Revelations. Or I could just wear it to lunch or dinner, tbd. In the immortal words of Melania Trump, wait, no, that would be Michelle Obama, “The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.” Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to do.

With love,

Amanda

More to love… Felicity & Coco Jersey Dress; ASOS Black Jersey Dress; Silence + Noise Mini Dress

Black Matters

Black is beautiful. It just is. When I’m wearing an all black look it takes me back to my early days working at Fashion magazine in Toronto. Black skinny trousers and a long-sleeve fitted black T-shirt, this was my boss’s uniform and I thought she was terribly chic. She had impossibly high standards and I learned the most about the business of fashion magazines from her. To this day those lessons serve me well. This all black look makes me feel grounded, like I’ve come home. I also think it’s pretty cute. (Cute is a word my boss would never have used, alas, it’s the gold standard for praise here in Los Angeles.) So let’s celebrate all things black, shall we? If this sounds like a thinly veiled comment on racial inequities, it is. Like I said, black is beautiful.

With love,

Amanda

More to love… Everlane Black Cashmere Crew Sweater; Forever 21 Belted Black Mini Skirt; Gianvito Rossi Bow-Detailed Sandals

Keeping it Real

Let’s get real for a moment. This is what I usually wear, day in, day out, minus the makeup and clean hair. Oh it wasn’t always so, but this here fashion careerist is admitting that lately, most days, I just go for the lowest common denominator. But rein in those feelings of disillusionment and let’s recognize that basics are a beautiful thing. Where would we be without our foundational pieces? Lost I say! More and more these simple items are dominating my wardrobe and winning my favor. Ease, comfort and a good fit = cool, calm and collected, just what I’m going for.

With love,

Amanda