The Outfit: Summer Dress in Winter

This GAP shirtdress was an easy choice over the summer (except, of course, the ironing and making sure the underpinnings don't show through.) 

Inspired by some other bloggers, I wanted to see if I could make it wearable this winter. Tights and books, plus a sleeveless sweater and comfy cashmere-silk scarf warms it up a bit. 

I can't really get away with crop tops usually, but over a dress would work. This sweater easily folded under to create a mock crop. 

The simple black and white color scheme allows the accessories to stand out, so it still comes across as minimalist despite boots with multiple gold buckles, the printed Hermes Brandebourgs CSGM, and hinged bracelet in rose gold.

Messy hair updo.

 Not minimalist enough for this accessory (gift from a patient (get your mammograms!)) 

The Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs had a rough end to the year. He had two articles in the Post about his personal life (he apparently hosted an orgy at his home after inviting people through Grindr) and about his diffusion line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, which is being closed. Allegations of drug use after a history of being clean, a fall out with his old business partner... My impression of him has always been someone who seems to use bluster to cover up some fears or insecurities, which is a shame because I have always really enjoyed his designs. Specifically in his diffusion line, the fashion is a clever, quirky take on femininity and ladylike style. 

While in medical school and residency, I couldn't afford many higher end designers. I moved to New York City to attend my breast surgery fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, still on a very limited budget, reeling from an ugly and bitter separation and divorce. I would window shop at the stores I had always dreamed about. Barneys was my favorite, the most uniquely New York, but most of the time, I was too intimidated by the prices even to try things on. 

When my divorce was finalized, I felt like I needed something to honor that day. It was the end of a lot of things - a marriage that had been entered in hope, an awful 17 months of fighting and lawyers and fear, an identity as a wife and a name I would no longer use. It was also a beginning - a freedom to pursue happiness, a chance at love, a life. My clinic day let out early, so I went to Barneys. My first Barneys purchase would be on this day. There wasn't a lot that was affordable on my budget, but I found a very simple black quilted nylon pouch lined with a flash of hot pink. The Marc by Marc Jacobs label was recognizable but also inconspicuous. It worked perfectly as a simple clutch, a little funky but subtle enough that it could be used with lots of outfits. It was also only around $100, so my bank account didn't take too big a hit. I 'm pretty sure I used the Barneys shopping bag for weeks afterwards to carry my lunch as well.

In truth, my Marc by Marc Jacobs bag is cute but I have others that are better made, more unique, showing less wear and tear. It has been seven years. The bag has such significance, though, that I will never part with it. Even better, I'm now at the point in my life (happily remarried with a second child, a good career, a rewarding social life) that I can grab the bag out of the closet and just think of it as a cute bag for a date night or casual outing. 

I, unfortunately, have had other friends go through the pain of divorce, and I encourage them to find something to commemorate that event. They can look at it as a reward, a trophy, or a consolation prize. Regardless, that divorce day is a major event in their lives. 

I hope that Mr. Jacobs, if he is indeed struggling right now, also finds an end to this difficult period. And perhaps designs a new it bag in remembrance.