Layering for temperature changes

dievca has a day where she will be running in and out from 80F (27C) to 35F (1.7C), plus temperatures in between.   She needs to look semi-professional while adding and removing layers.  Nothing fancy, but it should work. Wish her luck! (click on the photos for more detail)


An easy pack with Dries van Noten sandals

The green embossed leather Dries van Noten Sandals worked well with the Vince dress, Cynthia Rowley dress and the Chloe long skirtVince Boy t-shirt + Dries van Noten pareo worn as a wrap.  An easy way to pack for three dinners.  The Cesta bag was a great help, too.

Sometimes dievca gets the easy way right. 


dievca doesn’t run late – but

Either watch would do. Priced at $2860 and $2419  (Yoox)  dievca will pass… Wait, she found the one at the right for $1900 at Nordstroms and the one on the left for $2600 at Saks 5th Ave!

BAUME & MERCIER Riviera

Baume & Mercier’s story begins in 1830. Brothers Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume opened a comptoir horloger (watch dealership) in Les Bois, a village in the Swiss Jura.

The Baume brothers’ business grew rapidly, and true to their motto, “accept only perfection, only manufacture watches of the highest quality”, they forged a fine reputation through the creation of exceptional timepieces featuring the latest innovations.

Keenly aware of the potential represented by new territories, the company set up a Branch in London under the name “Baume Brothers”. It soon expanded throughout the British Empire. By the late 19th century, the company had already acquired a solid international reputation as becoming an inescapable watchmaking player broad.

At the time, the brand was best known for its chronographs and grand complication models. The company won ten Grand Prix awards and seven gold medals at international exhibition across the entire world. Its timepieces demonstrated a rare accuracy. In 1892, Baume won a competition held by the Kew Observatory near London with a chronometer pocket-watch equipped with a tourbillon movement of which the precision was to remain unmatched for over ten years.

At the beginning of the 1920s, the company director William Baume joined forces with Paul Mercier. Together, they founded Baume & Mercier, Genève, in 1918. The firm soon became one of the most active in the field of wristwatches by offering remarkably balanced special-shaped models.

In 1919, it was awarded the highest international distinction of the time in the shape of the “Poinçon de Genève” quality hallmark.

During the Roaring Twenties and throughout the Art Deco period, the brand established its style and left an indelible mark on watch design.

Paul Mercier knew that it was essential for the brand to live in step with its time and embrace change.

The firm grasped the importance of women’s emancipation and came to regard their desires as an unquenchable source of inspiration.

In the late 1940s, Baume & Mercier launched one of its most successful models: the Marquise. Impelled by this creative momentum, the brand creates a number of exquisitely creative and amazingly modern ladies’ watches. It thereby proved that watches for women are not merely miniaturized and simplistic interpretations of masculine models.

At the same time, Baume & Mercier was becoming known among a public looking for new products, and launched its first innovatively shaped wristwatches. These chic, urban watches kept step with life’s many special moments by embodying an art of living instilled with inimitable elegance.

During the 1950s and 60s, the company, constantly in pursuit of the equilibrium symbolized by the Greek letter Phi – the current Baume & Mercier logo – laid the groundwork of what is now considered the archetypal traditional round watch. It thus launched various chronographs equipped with functions such as moon phase or triple date displays. 

Constantly demonstrating its creativity, Baume & Mercier unveiled innovatively shaped timepieces during the 1970s, such as the Galaxie and the Stardust, which won prestigious international awards including the Golden Rose of Baden-Baden. In 1973, Baume & Mercier brought out the Riviera, one of the world’s first steel sports watches. In 1988, the firm joined the Vendôme group, now Richemont, and enriched its collection with a number of successful models which immediately established themselves as the brand’s flagship lines.

 

 


Oiy! Trying something new…

Think Royln Pickle Ball Bag Greenwhat-is-pickleball-group-rallyPickleball is an indoor or outdoor racket/paddle sport in which two players, or four players, hit a perforated hollow plastic ball over a 36-inch-high net using solid-faced paddles. Opponents on either side of the net hit the ball back and forth until one side commits a rule infraction.
 
Equipment: Plastic pickleball, composite or wooden paddle, and net
First played: 1965, Bainbridge Island, Washington, U.S

dievca will be trying her hand at Pickleball, today.  she’s thinking that if she can keep it lowkey and wear the brace – her knee should hold up fine. dievca has played tennis in the past, but this should be interesting.  (Note: this goes hand-in-hand with her experience of the Indy 500 Party she went to last night with friends.  They belong to a “Country Club” and that entails random socializing, golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, mahjong, etc.  Something that dievca’s parents avoided and dievca hasn’t sought – now she remembers why.  Nice for a weekend, but its not the type of socializing she is in to…)

Pickleball Bag from Think Royln in Green $218


TMI

never-mind-time-to-poop-coffee-mug_400x

As dievca rushes to the restroom, she wishes you the best for your week!


Net Value

Clare V., J. Crew, Amazon, Shein, Old Navy, etc. offering a Woven Tote for Summer ($22-$145).  dievca is really shopping her closets before buying, here’s what she has:

OK, not quite the “net” look, but dievca thinks she has an olive green cotton net bag for grocery shopping in a drawer…

French Mesh bag olive


Last Minute Gala

 

Vivienne Westwood Plum Cowl Neck Dress

 

Under protest, dievca got roped into a fundraising Gala.  The weather was lovely, the crowd was muttering about how to remember to put make-up on and dievca was just trying to slide on by….

dievca cannot figure out if she is a curmudgeon or has gone back to her loner Generation X roots or what~ she needs to get it together and just have fun at these events rather than whining.

Yeah, ok, next week she will try again. And another week in June.

Is there anything you are pushing through?


Casual Dress: dining in Chelsea

cakeSo, the Birthday dinner ended up at a local Chinese Food restaurant in Chelsea (Grand Sichuan).  A bit of a dump, but the company was good and the birthday cake from Le Bergamote was spectacular!

It was raining lightly, so dievca dressed to bike (click on photos to see the brands):

The Party continued at a wine bar up by Times Square – but dievca tapped out.  she had worked a full day and had PT before the dinner.  

dievca thought her Sunday would be free and clear, but it turns out that she has been scheduled to meet friends for dinner. Thank Goodness they texted to ask what the dress code is for Cookshop otherwise she would have forgotten…

The dress code is stated as Casual Dress: With “casual dress”, anything goes. Let your comfort and the weather be your guide. Still, it’s important to use your best judgment. No matter how casual the dress, everything you wear should fit you well at your current weight, and be in good clean condition.

So, dievca is diving back in to her closet for something to wear (64F = 18C, no rain):


87F (30.6C) in April … whew!

Screenshot_20230413_172100_One UI Home

There wasn’t much of a Winter in New York City, now Spring seems to be hijacked by Summer temperatures. It’s a bit crazy – Master broke out the fan! 
kitty-hot

They say that the temperature will drop to a high of 67 F (19C) today, so dievca’s plans to wear a light cotton dress to a birthday dinner will have to be revamped…
Here’s what she was planning to wear:

Now she’s moving on to something else:


Speaking of Spring with Cynthia Rowley

dievca has an upcoming Fundraising Event on a boat. She’s looking into wearing this Cynthia Rowley dress with a jeans jacket and her Dries van Noten chunky green platform sandals Her hair is cut in a bob and will blow everywhere, but the  red lipstick and green drop earring will keep it together. 
Cynthia Rowley Isla Dress Red Preint $525
The Ultimate Pretty Meets Sporty! Sleek and sporty lycra with silk twill skirt.

  • Scoop neckline
  • Scoop back
  • Side pockets
  • Fabric content:
    • Top: 67% nylon, 33% spandex
    • Bottom: 100% silk
  • Care instructions: dry clean recommended

Fit: model is 5’8″ and wears a size S.

Size Small measurements:

  • Length from shoulder: 52″

MSRP $545


Quirky for a Friday

Master’s description of dievca’s style is “Whimsical Chic”.  In other words – sometimes weird.

dievca ran into this belt on SSENSE as an exclusive and it is really making her smile:rose-murdoch-ssense-exclusive-multicolor-pj-harvey-rules-belt 2rose-murdoch-ssense-exclusive-multicolor-pj-harvey-rules-belt

SSENSE Exclusive Multicolor PJ Harvey Rules Belt

Hand-woven elasticized belt.
· Reclaimed metal toy cars in multicolor at length
· Hook-eye fastening

Available exclusively at SSENSE.
Supplier color: Car toys

Metal, plastic, textile.

Made in United Kingdom.

$120


Yesterdays fun~made Master laugh

dievca’s touches of GREEN in a sea of NYC black made her Master laugh. XO


Ask and you shall receive~

dievca read an email from the handbag brand ,Jack Gomme, and spotted a bag she was interested in:

Jack Gommer _Mandarine_A_800x

The Mandarine color was sold out online – 3 hours after the email arrived.

So dievca dropped an email to the French Brand’s customer service to ask if there was a orange bag available in a physical store or something.  she opened and closed the email in French – but that was the limit of her skills….

Fresh tangerine on white groundIt worked!  Customer service replied within 24 hours and put an extra bag online for dievca to buy.  The bag has arrived and its a breath of Citrus for the Spring.

If you like the shape and size it looks like Cyprus and Noir are the only two colors still available from the six. Click on the title below to see the bags online:

ROCK NAPPA LEATHER CROSSBODY BAG

SKU: 23E1768.AC01D-2750

295,00 €

BAG DESIGNED IN PARIS AND MADE IN FRANCE

ATELIER CUIR – NAPPA: A refined style and subtle shades underline the beauty and quality of this Nappa leather with soft and resistant finishes, carefully selected in Europe

– Crossbody bag
– Adjustable shoulder strap
– Zipper closure
– 1 outside pocket
– 2 inside pockets
– Comes with a cotton storage pouch
– Capacity: pocket book, large wallet, 8″ tablet, small water bottle
– Composition: 100% cowhide leather

Dimensions: 26x12x7cm
Weight: 365g


Running a bit late this Monday morning

Coffee Pillow

BUT FIRST COFFEE pillow from Amazon $21.99


Lime – Aid

On the flight to Los Angeles, dievca picked up a Financial Times and there was a great Sunday Style insert.  she’s been disappointed with Fashion Reporting in the recent past, except for Harper’s Bazaar.  It was a treat that the FT did not disappoint either.

A small blurb showed some Lime-Colored offerings for the new season:

This Lime agenda was pushed forward after admiring Dionne Warwick singing Burt Bacharach:

Since dievca should be saving her pennies –  she shopped her apartment:

Not glamorous, but some Lime-Aid.


Gifting you my heart with Alaïa

$1170 at Net-A-Porter in Red and Pink Leather


A rose by any other name…

Organza Flowers by Cynthia Rowley offer romance no matter which type of flower it is ~

The phrase is from Romeo and Juliet and the full quote is: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet.” Basically, what it means is that what matters is what something is, not what it is called.


Not an auspicious start…

Broken Coffee CarafeBroken Coffee Carafe
Spilled Maple Syrup
Misplaced Eye Glasses

It’s a rough Monday morning.


Here comes the Michelin Lady!

Michelin Lady It’s windy and dievca will be walking to work in temperatures below freezing  she is not worried about looks, she wants to stay warm for a long day and make it home, again, without a chilled body.

Gameplan:

Uniqlo: Marni Collaboration Down Coat, Brown Fleece, Brown Heattech Turtleneck, Brown Faux Fur Neck Warmer, Brown Cashmere Beanie, Black Heattech Leggings

Handmade Down Pants black

Smartwool Socks multi

Cougar Boots black

Outdoor Research Down Mittens black

Should be ok!

Stay warm…XO


Made me laugh – a description of readers magnification

Caddis Eyewear offered this description of magnifications for Reading Glasses (readers, cheaters, magnifiers, blue light glasess)

dievca just started to laugh…see below. XO

 0.00: No magnification.

1.00: If you’re new to corrective eyewear, 40 or older, or believe that you don’t need glasses and you’re at least 45 years old, start with a 1.00. In the last several years we wish we had a buck for every time one of our friends said , “Cool company…but I don’t need reading glasses..” then we handed them a pair of 1.00 and without fail, “Holy shit!….this is awesome”. This is the gateway drug, game changer magnification level most start with.

1.50: As you begin to recognize the need, and eventual addiction, to seeing things clear again, you’ll want to upgrade and have a pair of +1.50 around. There are times of the day where the extra boost is welcomed.

2.00: More than likely, you’re already a buyer and user of corrective eyewear, so from here on out, you have some idea of what you need. More times than not, your first rodeo is not with a set of +2.00. You’ve probably flirted with the tower of shame at CVS, Walgreens, Krogers, etc.…the one that sits between the Dr. Scholls display and the Sonicare refill kits. You probably didn’t feel all that awesome…our goal is to change all that.

2.50: Varsity league user. We don’t need to tell you anything that you don’t already know. We also want to thank you for being a model citizen for those who will come after you. You’re a pioneer.

3.00: We got one word for our people in this group…… Magoo. You know who you are, and you know what we mean. Who loves you….we do. Caddis has a Magoo user on their team at headquarters, known as the Secret Squirrel, he sends you all a fist bump.


A sweet start to the Chinese New Year~

bunny cup

The Pet Friends mugs can be found at Interismo – dievca prefers the Fox mug, but one should go with the season! XO


As a former…

Cat CalendarScreenshot 2023-01-22 093047parent/owner/servant to two cats who made it to 20 -years-old, dievca finds this Cat Calendar from the US Army Corp of Engineers Portland District – masterful.

Look, Print or Download a copy here!


Simple in the City

After a few years of taking care of aging parents, COVID and body changes – dievca lost interest in Fashion or even a closet revamp.  she’s been coming out of her shell and leaning towards a more practical closet.  Things seem to be coming together because she feels like she can reach in to the closet and find something to wear.  That’s the point, right?

(click on the item to see a larger image and the brand)


Origami Bags from Yee Si

  • Designer foldable leather crossbody bag / handbag
  • Crafted with double-layer cowhide leather
  • Customized silver-tone hardware
  • Handcrafted collapsible bag body
  • A magnetic snap top closure
  • Adopted the luxury stitching technique of watch band making
  • A removable & adjustable 19.7- 21.7 in / 50-55 cm shoulder strap
  • 7.5 x 4.7 x2.4 inch, 19 x 12 x 6 cm
  • $265

Originating in NYC, YEE SI is the first brand to create a line of strictly foldable handbags. We are minimalistic in our forms, and aim to serve consumers, regardless of gender, age, or occupation. Our bags are ubiquitous bags – the fashionable yet functional option to replace a bag for each occasion. YEE SI specializes in designing foldable handbags by considering geometry and linearity, converting from three dimensions to a flat surface in a second. Once folded, the space our bags take up decreases by 70%. Our bags are ideal for a life on the go and for frequent fliers.  They easily fit into your suitcase, drawers, or closets.

YEE SI records all of our design elements and investigates new potential sustainable materials trending every season to incorporate into our designs. We are stringent on quality control that enhances foldability and versatility.  Each handbag is constructed to be durable enough to maintain its original structure. Every style is the result of continuous experiments, long hours of calculations, research, and numerous improvements to optimize portability and its ability to fold. YEE SI handpicks only quality materials, utilizes advanced machinery, and embellishes with detailed hardware from artisans well versed in luxury goods. Our handbags have a classic appearance and durability to last years.

Our products are gaining popularity among bloggers and celebrities in New York and around the world since its launch in 2017. YEE SI was invited to show in designers’ collaborations during NYFW and officially promoted by NYFW’s media platforms. Additionally, we received notable press exposure.  We had an exhibit at Paris Design Week and have been featured in a Japan NHK TV interview.  We’ve also been nominated as the “Most Popular Designer Brand” at Beijing Design Week and also featured in Vogue Business, ELLE, Popsugar, Refinery 29, Wallpaper, Designboom, and other well-known publications.

In its fifth year in the fashion industry, YEE SI has come a long way to achieve what we promised to consumers. Our journey encompassed many days and nights of brainstorming and discussions, countless communications with factories for quality assurance, and serious consideration of every customer’s feedback. YEE SI is always looking to transmute and evolve. We always appreciate feedback from our loyal customers. YEE SI handbags embody all of our passion, love, and effort in an optimal package.

See the bags at YEE SI


The Brown Wren reappears!

In 2014, dievca posted about a practical outfit for a practical dievca coded in the color brown. 6 years later (almost 7), she has upgraded the “Brown Wren” look for cold weather with Banana Republic’s help (and a 40% off one day sale…)


Lunch with Friends Holiday Party

Watching the World Cup and Chatting outfit for Harlem, NYC:

Hostess Gift on sale at Anthropologie:

Holiday Gift Anthropologie


What you would really like — then reality returns

Master asked His dievca what she would like for Christmas.  A loaded question…

dievca would love these earrings as a gift for anything:

dievca 302 Fine Jewelery $3000+

They are the 302 Fine Jewelry “Stay Flirty” Natural Diamond & Rainbow Gemstone Graduated Dangle Earrings 14K Yellow White Rose Gold at a whopping $3714.99

Which brings us to the Reality part of dievca’s Christmas Wishlist (click on the photos for descriptions):

 Other options dievca offered to Master:

  • Wine
  • A Facial – the average price of a facial in NYC is $150
  • Mani/Pedi 
  • Cafe Grumpy or Dunkin’ Donuts/Starbucks gift card for traveling
  • Dinner/Lunch out after seeing the FIT Shoes: Anatomy, Identity, Magic exhibit
  • Nike Air Max 97 or 98 (either model works) size Women’s 7.5 – open to any color. Works for the knee. On sale is good.

Knowing Master – it will be something completely different and just as awesome.


Prada Pearls

Prada Pearls

BDSM dressing for the Holidays!


Dinner problems…

dievca had a lovely evening – but she is learning that her body changes include how much her stomach can hold.  she though she was being mindful with the amount of rich food she was eating.  she didn’t eat before she arrived. she had done a good amount movement throughout the day, but the amount of food and drink she consumed killed her.  It might have been the full glass of water and two generous pours of wine.  Perhaps one has to be even more mindful, next time.

The good news was that the rain stopped, plus dievca’s Host and Hostess had no idea of her distress.

Again, a lovely evening – not quite as formal as dievca thought, and dievca got to trim a full Christmas Tree!
Remember, dievca has a Charlie Brown Tree in her apartment…

What dievca wore:


Something for the Christmas Stocking

Planet Bike Strap Light
Something for Holiday Giving

dievca’s had these velcro/elastic band lights for a couple of years. They are rechargeable, easy to add and remove when needed. she puts them on her arm, her backpack, her bike, her ankle – whatever needs to be seen. Runners, Cyclists, Strollers, Kids, Adults can use them.

Something inexpensive,
$12.95 for two on Amazon

Something of Use