Dear Cherie. . .

 

Cherie is happy to report she has completely recovered from her minor malaise since we last met. There's something about the holidays and the lights and Paris and our village and the decorations which just pick her right up and make her feel glad to be alive and well-dressed.

Since the clock is tick-tick-ticking let us not waste a moment. We have questions to be asked, answered; ignored and invented, so let's get to it. . .

Q: Mme. M: Cherest Cherie, you told us last spring and summer to run out and buy creoles and then you suggested we wear them every day. Of course that's exactly what I did because I do everything you tell me to do. Now, here's my dilemma: What is the accessory equivalent right this moment that will tell everyone I know I'm on message?

A: Cherie thought you would never ask. It's bib necklaces of course. They are everywhere and best of all they continue into spring and summer. Cherie loves them. Enough said. 

(Oh, except scale them to your scale. Luckily Cherie tops out at more than 5'10" so she can hit this trend big time.)

The first two are from Roberta Freymann, the third, Chanel.

Q: Were you as taken aback as I was when you turned to page 38 of your Galeries Lafayette catalog, or was it just me?

A: Only momentarily, but then again Cherie was perusing at 3 a.m. and was not necessarily functioning on all cylinders. For an instant she thought the legendary department store was selling clots of earth (or worse) until she read the caption which said: Pebyre, truffe fraîche melanosporum, origine France.  Cherie has of course eaten truffles on many occasions in her varied, sophisticated life, but she has never handled them (although she was offered one as a gift years ago.) Don't ask.

Q: Mme: A: For someone as stylish and elegant as you, Cherie, you seem to spend an inordinate amount of time hanging out in Monoprix. Would you like to share with us what you buy there? Or would you rather not talk about it? Or maybe you just like to hang out at Monoprix?

A: Thank you for what seems to be a compliment. Yes, it's true, Cherie does spend many happy moments in Monoprix. She does not buy clothes, with the occasional exception of a cashmere T-shirt. She does however buy scarves in everything from cashmere and filmy wool to silk and cotton. Monoprix has great scarves. 

She never buys shoes, bags, shirts, pants, jackets, etc. Oh yes, the cosmetic counters: They're worth a quick "you never know" look as is the big, colorful plastic bangle display. Mix these with designer duds and who would know? Now thanks to you, everyone.

(No, Cherie didn't buy the cotton scarf above, but it does come from Monoprix. Cherie doesn't particularly like it.)

Q: Cherie, there is something I've been wanting to ask you for the longest time: What is the golden rule for always dressing appropriately in France, particularly for a dinner party in Paris for example?

A: So why did you wait so long? 

The Golden Rule: Less is always, always more.

It's simple and complicated at the same time: Never over dress and never under dress. Think: simple, elegant. That's where the little black dress comes in or beautifully cut trousers with a satin shirt and masses of pearls.  If one knows one's hostess well, the dress code has been long established. When one is not familiar with the "house rules" of a new acquaintance, go for the above. Your black cashmere turtleneck with a brooch or a collection on one shoulder with either a black skirt or pants is another option. 

You see how Chanel's LBD can go anywhere, any time? Surprise (!) It's all about the accessories.