At A Glance, September

~ KG Harrow ~ 2 Comments

What I find new and notable for the month.

Mango. Below is a pic of me and my husband in our distressed leather jackets from 1991. I love this Moto version.
Banana Republic. I am not over my cuffed jeans obsession.
End of the Hour, by Meghan Riordan Jarvis. My friend Meghan’s memoir is coming out in November. I don’t have to have yet read it to know that it is phenomenal. Meghan is a grief therapist that has a gift for allowing and articulating the most human things about being human with humor and without judgment. Her podcast (on most platforms) is a must listen, Grief Is My Side Hustle.
& Other Stories. A simple well designed puffer.
Staud. A chic low heeled boot. Here is is in brown.
Banana Republic Factory jacket. I love the color of this jacket.
This new documentary series is featured on Apple Plus-yes subscription required. OMG, all I wanted out of life as a teenager was to be a super model, be near a super model, hear what a super model has to say. I loved models, fashion, clothing and magazines for as long as I can remember. I appreciate that in this documentary series their stories are being told from a wiser vantage point.
Brunello Cucinelli . I am crazy about this boot. It reminds me of a Frye boot but significantly more expensive.
Everlane Trench Coat. I think this trench checks all the boxes that a trench needs to check. It doesn’t have any funky embellishments, it’s water repellent, it has a storm flap and the belt looks properly long.

At a Glance: August

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What is new and notable for the month of August.

Recipe: Parsley Parmesan Chicken

Grocery List:

4 Boneless Chicken Breast Cutlets

Marinade or Vinaigrette

Bunch of Flat Leaf Parsley

One Clove Garlic (optional)

2 Cups Parmesan or Romano cheese

1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs

Pepper

Eggs

All purpose flour

Butter and Olive Oil  

Process:

Pound boneless skinless chicken breasts thinly. Marinate cutlets in a vinaigrette dressing for at least an hour or up to 24 hours.Beat 2 eggs in a shallow bowl or dish. Add 2 cups of all purpose flour in another shallow bowl or dish. Add to food processor, the minced garlic clove, parsley, 2 cups cheese and 2 teaspoons pepper. Add Panko breadcrumbs at the end just to incorporate. Move mixture to its own shallow bowl or dish.


Heat up olive oil and a pat of butter in frying pan. 
Dip marinated cutlets in flour first, then dip into the beaten eggs, then in parsley parmesan mixture and into hot skillet pan. Cook 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through. 
This recipe is forgiving. The amounts are not dire. If you are making a lot of chicken you will want plenty of the parsley parmesan mix. Put aside some of the mixture in a separate container and replenish the dipping dish as needed so that if there is any left over is not contaminated by the raw chicken and you can store it in your refrigerator for about a week. 

J. Crew sweater. This sequined polo sweater is perfect for end of summer evenings and anytime you want to elevate your outfit without going too dressy.
I am watching Jewish Matchmaking on Netflix. This show illuminates that when someone identifies as Jewish, it isn’t one homogenous version of a culture or a religion.
Marni Leather Short Blazer. This teal color is everywhere for Fall. It’s a bit refreshing to see a blazer less oversized.
I think there are people who need this Snickers Seasoning.

At A Glance, July

~ KG Harrow ~ 2 Comments

What I find new and notable for the month.

Birkenstock. I know these shearling lined Birks look odd in the middle of the summer, but I need new slippers and these would be a great indoor shoe to support my feet and be a bit cozy as well.
Empire of Pain, The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty. This isn’t a new book and there have been a number of articles about the Sackler family and the opioid crisis. This is my first deep dive. I am fascinated the nefarious and philanthropic behavior of a dynasty that started out with a familiar immigrant story.
Baked Zucchini Sticks. Pre-heat oven to 375°. I don’t use set measurements of the ingredients because I find it always comes out well not matter how much of each ingredient I use. Combine in a food processor a bunch of washed parsley, a cup of grated parmesan cheese, a clove of garlic, black pepper, and panko bread crumbs. Grind until parsley is chopped into the rest of the ingredients. Slice zucchini into spears. Using a shallow dish, dip spears into scrambled egg wash, then coat using parsley/parmesan mixture. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes or until browned. Serve with mayonnaise mixed with sriracha or any aioli sauce.
The Sound of Metal, This affecting film is about a heavy metal drummer who must face his life after suffering hearing loss. It’s a lovely film and the acting is excellent.
Veronica Beard. This red jacket could serve me now and well into the colder weather months. I could use a pop of red to use with my neutrals.
Theatre Camp opens this month. I haven’t yet seen it but I can’t wait. The trailer had me howling. I went to a theater camp called Stagedoor Manor in 1979. It was the craziest 8 weeks of my 15 year old life. I barely slept, memorized lines of entire plays in mere hours and almost had a nervous breakdown. To be honest, I think I did have a breakdown. I was around some of the most creative, talented people-some of whom went on to win major entertainment acclaim. I, on the other hand, spent 3 more years committed to acting-classes, showcases, performances at nursing homes, only to give it up when I went to college. I thought I was too insecure for acting. That thought makes me laugh now.
Veronica Beard. I am considering this dress for my son’s upcoming August, brunch time wedding in Miami.
Denim Crossbody. Since I think denim goes with everything, this bag would be wonderful to wear every day. I think trading out the strap to something less casual would make it even more versatile.

FEELING BLUE DE TRAVAIL

~ KG Harrow ~ 2 Comments

Bleu de travail means “working blues.” French farm, factory and train workers wore the heavy canvas chore coats or work coveralls beginning in the late 1800’s. It’s a smash up of cobalt or lapis blue, but I like the romanticism of calling it Blue De Travail.

Alex Mill
Margaux
Mara Hoffman

Faraone Mennella by R.F.M.A.S.
J. Crew
Dalix
Loft
Loft
Old Navy
Alex Mill
Everlane
J. Crew
Vans
Banana Republic Factory

At A Glance, May

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What I find new and notable for the month.

Nili Lotan, Silk Duchess Tuxedo Blazer is the quintessential white blazer. I see it draped over one’s shoulders all year long.
Kingdom of Prep, Maggie Bullock
Alaia Sneaker, I don’t think this Superga x Alaia collaboration is new but since it’s summer it is notable. The Alaia version of the classic Superego platform canvas has just a few differences. The eyelets are silver, the stitch markings on the canvas are a signature double A, and the satin tag says Alaia. The price difference is significant. $510 for the Alaia and $75 for the original Superga.
Superga, This is the original Superga canvas platform.
Queen Charlotte, Netflix
TWP
Ted Lasso, Apple TV

Furniture: Semainier

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One of my favorite pieces of furniture is the semainier. An 18th century invention of a tall, seven drawer piece for the bedroom. Its name comes from the French word semaine; for week. One drawer for each day = 7 drawers. I prefer the vintage ones, but I included a couple of modern ones as well.

1st Dibs
1st Dibs
Chairish
1stDibs
Pottery Barn
1stDibs
Kathy Kuo Home

Chic Drinks with A chic Friend: Lobby Bar, The Hotel Chelsea

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If you are in NYC and want to do drinks in a quintessential, elegant old European/New York way, head to the recently renovated Lobby Bar at The Hotel Chelsea. We were first seated in the lovely candle lit solarium room, but the Maîte d’ need that spot and gently moved us to an even more comfortable plush sofa banquet. The crowd was elegant and cool in an understated way. I am not a drinker so I ordered a Virgin Mary and some crudités. She ordered a Margarita and our drinks were served with mixed nuts. I love a beautiful rest room and the downstairs lobby one didn’t disappoint (I don’t have pics of that.) My chic friend said she had previously enjoyed breakfast in the Lobby bar and the morning sun streaming in added to its beauty. The photographs of the hotel rooms look inviting. The storied history of this hotel is worth a deep dive. (Photographs aren’t mine.)

Iconic Hotel Chelsea sign
The Hotel Chelsea lobby entrance
The Hotel Chelsea, Lobby Bar
The Hotel Chelsea, Lobby Bar (I sat at that banquet on the right.)
The Hotel Chelsea, Lobby Bar, solarium room
The Hotel Chelsea, Lobby Bar solarium room
The Hotel Chelsea Lobby Bar solarium room at night.
The Hotel Chelsea, The Superb Balcony Accommodation
The Hotel Chelsea, Deluxe 2 bedroom Pied  Terre Bathroom

At A Glance, April

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What I find new and notable for the month.

Coach I am not sure this little bag hold much but I love that it speaks to the heritage of the Coach brand while looking decidedly modern.
Next In Fashion, Season 2. Netflix. An intelligent fashion designer competition. No cut throat competition where ridiculous challenges are thrown in for senseless drama. The drama comes with each designer competing with their next, more accomplished version of themselves. Watching the designers’ process reveals their own deficiencies and talents. Next In Fashion introduces you to each designer so you are watching their human stories. I love hosts Tan France and Gigi Hadid. They are both keen fashion insiders and their warmth is palpable.
COS. I enjoy a sweater that can act both a shirt, sweater and jacket. This one can do that.
Group by Christie Tate I am featuring two of Christie Tate’s books because I have spent countless hours with her in my ear hearing her read straight into my brain through the audio book versions. I love her voice, her honesty, her intelligence. This book is about her experience in group therapy but that’s an undersell. It’s so much more about self awareness and relationships. As soon as I finished it, I queued up BFF. I wasn’t done hanging with Christie.
BFF by Christie Tate This book is Tate’s journey of her own self awareness through her friendships. We all have those friends that haunt our past and live in our heart’s future. What can we learn from our friendships both during and after we share them? Tate’s book is though provoking and dear.
A Emery. I love a black leather strap and sole sandal that can stay in your wardrobe for a good long time. These are well priced and good quality.
COS. I enjoy my blue and black denim skirts so I know I would wear a white one often too.

At A Glance, March

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What I find new and notable for the month.

House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson. I always know how much I like a book by how disappointed I am when it’s finished. House of Eve is the story of two accomplished black women in the late 1940’s with respect to the times in which they lived-including poverty, privilege, racism, colorism, sexism. There are additional themes of motherhood, family, trust and love woven throughout this very enjoyable book.
Tory Burch I love this little cross body tote in an incredible green (aptly named Patina.) It does come in other colors. It has a little magnetic security strap inside and separated sections.
Vince. I saw these sneakers in person and thought at first they were just regular gum soled sneakers until I got close up and saw they are clear, rubber dipped. They also come in pink and blue. So fun.
Vince
Vince
Tory Burch top and Tory Burch skirt. This set is lovely. Of course, the pieces can work separately with other things in your closet. Check out a similar set below at a gentler price point.
Kate Spade top, Kate Spade skirt. While there is a bit of a price difference of the two, I think they both achieve a fresh ethereal look.
J. Crew. I have been looking to replace of long jeans that were too tight in the thigh. This one is perfect.
Chloé. This shoe would add a pop to a more understated outfit or work well mixing textures in a more complex one.
Succession is back on HBO Max. This is the final season and I am enthusiastically here for it. I was in NYC last summer when they filming all over Manhattan, so it’s fun to see the locations so many months later.

At A Glance, February

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What is new and notable for the month.

Bouchon Bakery Chocolate Chunk and Chip Cookies.
The House of Gucci by Sara Gay Forden. I had seen the movie but this book is much more fun. I haven’t even gotten half way through but it’s very detailed and juicy about the epic lifestyle and fighting of the Gucci family. A fun read.
3.1 Phillip Lim This is a denim slip dress. Brilliant.
Visit the 2023 Kips Bay Decorator Show House, Palm Beach. February 24th to March 19, 2023. The Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach is actually in West Palm Beach. It benefits the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club. Each room is decorated by an established or upcoming talented designer. There is so much to look at. Don’t miss it if you are in the area. Tickets can be found here. I volunteer as a docent every year. Some of the designers hang in their rooms and will answer questions about their designs and process. Fascinating.

Elevated Deck Shoe

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There are certain shoes that are the epitome of their category. The Loro Piana’s Summer Charms Walk Loafer carries that title in the elevated deck shoe group. It can also be known as a yacht shoe. That sounds a bit elitist. I have neither a yacht nor a boat, but I do like these deck shoes. They are more polished than their casual cousins like Sperry or L.L. Bean.

I would style them for warmer weather with cropped trousers, drawstring linen pants, a midi skirt and or a Bermuda short.

Recently, I saw that a couple of other brands were making their version. I had to investigate.

Loro Piana The iconic Summer Charms Walk Suede Moccasin. Warm beige sole. Cross band with dangling silver toned charms.
I visited the Loro Piana store in NYC last summer to find out my size. I should have written it down because now I don’t remember!
M. Gemi This shoe looks less elongated than the iconic Loro Piana. Tassles replace the charms on a thicker cross band. The white sole is more spare.
Johnston & Murphy This shoe maintains some of the elongated lines of the LP. Again, the tassels replace the charms, this time no cross band.) I ordered this one and will do a review when they arrive. It may be a while as they are back ordered.
Scarosso The lines of this shoe resemble the Loro Piana ones more closely minus the cross band and the charms.
The Iconic Loro Piana Summer Charms Walk Loafer

Trend: Cargo

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The cargo trend is coming on strong. Full disclosure that I don’t usually gravitate toward cargo. Maybe it’s because the pockets can add bulk both physically and visually. I chose pieces here that speak to the trend while not weighing down the outfit.

Fabiana Fillipi
Isabel Marant
Joe’s Jeans
Banana Republic
Triarchy
Target
Michael Kors
Staud
Frame
Sunday In Brooklyn
Veronica Beard
Faherty
Triarchy
Derek Lam
Derek Lam

Ralph Lauren

At A Glance, January

~ KG Harrow ~ 2 Comments

What I find new and notable for the month.

Cucumber Salad (Serves 6)

3 Large English Cucumbers (any cucumbers will do)
Pinch of Kosher Salt

Sauce
3 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 Cloves minced garlic
3 Tablespoons of rice vinegar
1 Tablespoon of white or brown sugar or honey
2 Teaspoons of sesame oil
1 Teaspoon of chili paste or red pepper flakes
1 Teaspoons of sesame seeds (optional)
Bunch of scallions

Cut cucumbers in slices, sprinkle salt them over paper towels for 5 minutes. Rinse with water and pat dry.
Mix sauce then add cucumbers and let sit for a few minutes. They will continue to marinate when you keep them in the refrigerator. Adjust sauce ingredients for your preferences.
Ulla Johnson. These lean more feminine than the usual combat boot. I like the color blocking.
Nili Lotan. I am not sure gaucho pants or culottes will be universally accepted but I like they have the look of a skirt while maintaining what is easy about wearing pants.
Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris is a light and fluffy movie streaming on Peacock. Was it realistic? No. Was it sweet? Yes. It’s not high brow but if you need something to watch that is non threatening, or scary before you go to sleep-this is the ticket.
Faherty velvet overalls. I just finished a collaboration with Faherty. If you use my link with the code, Harrow20 you will get 20% off your purchase.
Tiffany & Co. The silver modernizes the pearls in this necklace. I will be using the combination for inspiration with my silver and pearl pieces.
Gap. I am loving these wide leg jeans that are wide through the leg but contour the waist and butt. My eye is even more accustomed to the wider leg style and I think I am heading even wider.

At A Glance, December

~ KG Harrow ~ 4 Comments

What I find notable for the month.

December is always a notable month for me not because of the major holidays but because it’s my birthday and my wedding anniversary. I am not a birthday cake person. My favorite cakes always lean toward coffee cake types. Plain rather than rich. Sour cream, apple, milk, chocolate loaf, chocolate chip crunch (recipe below.) I don’t need them to be fancy–in fact, I prefer a cake that looks imperfect. Far better to slice a piece off as I walk by it as it sits on the counter.

Chocolate Chip Crunch Cake
The Fabelmans. This is Steven Spielberg’s newest film. While it’s a semi autobiographical take on his childhood- it also is a story of marriage, family, loyalty and passion. It was long- but I saw the length as a necessary device to make sure that I slowed down enough to take in all the details to note-of which there are many. I enjoyed this film.
Christian Dior I really love a spectator shoe. This one has such a square toe. I wonder if it will be become timeless or dated.
I am listening to this biography of Mike Nichols b.1931, d.2014. I love biographies-they remind me that icons and legends are just humans. Mike Nichols had an epic life story as a theatre and film director, actor, producer and comedian. Some of the details of his life go deeply where I have no interest but since I am listening to this book as I fall asleep at night I will say that is actually a good thing.