Joy

I am not the world's most photogenic person. Just ask my mother. (Caveat: My husband seems to bring out the best in me, so I'm excepting his pics...) Having said that, the photo below - taken by Peter at the Chelsea Flea Market (which, btw, I've heard about in media 15 times since going, though I'd never known of it before) - really captures my joy of browsing:

Yes, I may be cuter in person (or at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it), but my natural enthusiasm is all over this photo, and it's a quality that's pretty hard to capture in a still shot.

PS: Though I'm still looking for the perfect vintage Hermes scarf, every time I unfold one, I get a jolt of thrill.

Uplifting Design

La Perla is the go to European sexy-lady brand - if the sexy lady in question happens to be reasonably small-chested, that is. I've always admired its delicacy of composition. Everything looks wispy in the chicest way.

Alas, the brand's design-aesthetic does not lend itself to large breasts. I believe its sweet-spot size is a 32C. Note for future post: I have a long-held theory that 32C is, in fact, the ultimate breast size. You can wear practically every brand of lingerie or go without, should the outfit necessitate it. Not to mention you're unlikely to sag all to hell in middle age. (Keep in mind, I'm talking about an actual 32C - a compact, but still pneumatic, size. Far too many wear this size though their breasts are a good 2 cup sizes up...) 32C is a diffusion size - brands that cater to small breasts stock it but it's often the intro size for larger cup brands.

Needless to say, I'm not maligning the tinier or more voluminous chests. Y'all know I'm the champion of breasts everywhere. Every shape has the potential to be entirely lovely, especially when well-sheathed, and there are many brands to suit small and large alike.

Really this is all a preamble to my fine visit to the La Perla boutique in NYC. It's like church for your boobs! I managed to snap this quick pic of the Gaultier Createur bra:


You really can't see it in this shot (I took it surreptitiously on the iPhone of questionable pics, though there's a good photo if you follow the link at the top of the post) but the handiwork is fantastic. The apex of the conical cup is so beautifully executed. It's like the fabric braids are sutured to an underlying layer of tulle.

Another feature of La Perla is its stratospheric pricing. This bra is $523.00USD. Just as well you can't really wear it under a t-shirt.

So what do you think of this piece? Is it elegance itself, in your opinion, or stupidly unwearable? And while we're at it - do you believe in an "optimal breast size"? If yes, is it the size you wear? Let's discuss!

Empire State of Mind

I have a very exciting weekend planned in NYC (which I'm trying not to exploit too hideously by telling y'all about it every 3 seconds. I've left that joy for the people I work with. Really, they love me right now.) I'm very hopeful that everything will conspire to produce a fabulous travel experience full of fun, fashion and friends. Oooh, I'm down with those F's, people!

To commemorate the experience make things that much clearer, I bought an iPhone today. Yes, I've been considering it aimlessly for 2 years, but now it is done and I'm really quite enamored (like the other 2 billion of you). I also shelled for the hideously expensive roaming plan, so that I can communicate with everyone - far and wide - over the course of my travels. And download maps. Oh, and so I can blog, presumably.

Thing is, I don't know if I would be better to have one of those analogue holidays - the kind that you don't upload photos of on the spot, the kind where you sit at the bar and have fascinating conversations with strangers rather than typing between bites. Who can say?

What I do know is that I will regale you with stories on the flip-side - if not sooner. So check on by when you think about it. One thing you can bet on: I will be having a martini at the Jade Bar just for you. xo