Roxy Road

Who says winter can’t be glamorous?

Winter is fast approaching, so if you’re in the market for a luxurious, ethical and oh-so-chic faux fur jacket, bomber, parka or stunning full-length coat to keep you warm while looking fabulous, look no further!

Faux Delicious

I’m sharing the website of my friend Victoria, whose collection of statement-making faux fur pieces is definitely worth a look.  Her website Roxy Road, is named after her beloved dog, Roxy, and she tells me the site is still a work in progress.

Even better?  The prices are reasonable and listed in Canadian dollars.  What’s not to love?

Victoria and Roxy – the inspiration behind Roxy Road. And that fabulous white coat? It’s a real conversation starter!
Foxy Lux

These are not wallflowers of winter coats.  They’re statement pieces!

Victoria tells me that whenever she wears her white faux fur coat, she gets loads of compliments, with women stopping to ask where they can find one of their own. Well, ladies, now you know!

Take a peek at the collection and see if something catches your eye. Winter is the perfect excuse to add a little glamour to your wardrobe.

Fur Hood Denim Jacket
Chill in Chinchilla

Dare to be fearless in faux fur!

And if you really want to make a statement there’s always….

Rock Star Leopard coat

To purchase and to view more styles click link  below:

You’re welcome!

Downtown Betty – Soft Goods

Natural fibres, Vancouver-made style and a whole lot of comfort.

What a pleasant surprise to discover this clothing studio the other day! Located on West 4th Avenue at the corner of Bayswater, Downtown Betty first caught my eye because of the cute bicycle in the window. But step inside and you’ll find an inviting space filled with natural light, an appealing selection of clothing and plenty of temptation to try something on.Think casual cool, ultra-comfortable styles and natural fabrics. Even better, this isn’t just a retail shop – it’s where the clothing is actually made. You can browse the finished pieces hanging in the studio and perhaps discover something you didn’t know you needed.

Downtown Betty is a Vancouver-based, woman-owned fashion company founded by designer Katie Quinn. Katie showed me around and told me about another passion of hers: helping animals in Bali by supporting the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. It’s a lovely reminder that there’s often much more to a small business owner than the products they create.

Katie wearing one of her creations. I tried on these pants – I love the loose wide-leg fit, pockets and cuffs.

Downtown Betty has been doing things naturally since 2009, designing and making clothing in Vancouver with a focus on comfort, natural fibres and sustainability.

The athleisure collection is designed to move effortlessly from the yoga mat to the street. Goddess dresses, Temple skirts, Dakini tops and more offer relaxed, versatile styles for women who don’t want to choose between comfort and looking good.

And the fabric is a big part of the story.

According to the company, its signature fabric is made from 95% cotton and 5% Lycra, combining breathability with a little stretch. The majority of its fabrics are tested to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, while selected colours and heathered fabrics are made from organic cotton.

As Downtown Betty explains on its website, cotton is breathable, softens with wear and feels wonderfully light against the skin. It’s a simple approach to clothing, and one the company says it has stayed true to for sixteen years.

In a world of fast fashion and ever-changing trends, there’s something appealing about a local studio committed to comfortable, thoughtfully made clothing – pieces you can wear to yoga, to the coffee shop, while running errands or wherever the day takes you.

She also makes sauna-wear.
Her dog Sherdil in the back room where the fitting rooms are.

Worth a look if you’re curious about locally made fashion that puts comfort and natural fibres first.

Nice plants too

Shop: https://downtownbetty.com/

Photos on this page: d. king

MAXimum Impact

Inside the Rise of Fashion’s Youngest Breakout Designer

Max Alexander told his parents he was a dressmaker at age four. At seven, he broke a Guinness World Record. At ten, he became the youngest designer ever to debut at Paris Fashion Week, showing at the iconic Palais Garnier.

Lindsay Jay wearing Max Alexander at Palais Garnier.

By now, many have heard of the boy barely tall enough to reach a cutting table yet bold enough to turn the fashion world on its heels.

At just ten, Max Alexander isn’t playing dress‑up – he’s drafting patterns, sculpting silhouettes, and constructing garments with the instinct and precision of someone decades deeper into the craft. His studio is a whirl of fabric, sketches, and ambition, where childhood imagination meets couture‑level discipline. What he’s creating isn’t just clothing; it’s a glimpse of a future designer whose vision arrived early and fully formed, leaving an imprint far larger than his years.

Max didn’t come from a family of fashion designers, but he grew up in a home where creativity was encouraged.  Surrounded by art supplies and room to explore, he gravitated toward making things long before he understood what fashion design was.  While other kids were stacking blocks, Max was shaping scraps and tape into early versions of garments.  What looked like play quickly revealed itself as something more intentional – a fascination with how clothing  is built and how ideas become real.

His parents recognized the spark and gave him the tools to follow it, but the drive was entirely his.

He showed 15 dresses at Paris Fashion Week on March 3, with 90% of the collection made from biodegradable, recyclable, or dead stock materials – leftover fabric companies would normally discard. His newest bag sold out in 24 hours. He has nearly six million Instagram followers.

The daughter of a friend here in Palm Springs happens to be Max’s muse. Gorgeous Lindsay Jay closed the show in Paris wearing a corset that took Max more than ten hours to construct, crafted from an upcycled French luxury-brand duster bag. The skirt was made from a vintage French military parachute he’d saved for just the right moment. Lindsay’s mother, Lynn, told me the two share an incredible bond. Sensing their similar spirits, she introduced them three years ago, when Max was only seven.

I asked Lynn how she first met Max. She had interviewed him on her radio show, The Coach Lynn Show – a program syndicated in more than 100 countries, with podcast versions on iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Deezer, and all major streaming platforms. “He reminded me so much of my own kids,” she said. “I mentioned that my daughter was a model in L.A., and they invited her to a photo shoot. As they say, the rest is history.”

Photos of Lindsay wearing this dress have been used in Vogue (in 3 countries) Cosmopolitan, Allure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and many more.

Max has designed for Sharon Stone, spoken at the United Nations about fashion waste, and shown collections in New York, Denver, and Aspen.

Fern Mallis, the creator of New York Fashion Week, sat front row in Paris. “He’s one of a kind. I think anything is possible.”

Max is a fourth grader from Los Angeles who plays pickleball and piano. He dabbles in Robotics. His dream: becoming a couturier in Paris. His dream became a reality earlier than most people can figure out what they want to dream about becoming.

So dream on – and dream bigger. Max Alexander is proof that sometimes the future arrives early.

The Ultimate Ballet Flat

Foldable, Flexible, and Fashionable

My mom used to have these amazing pairs of fold-up ballet slippers. I remember borrowing them on occasion because they fit into a purse – and because I never wore flats, they came in handy to be slipped on after taking off my heels at the end of a long night of dancing.

They were also really cute and came in a few colors including gold and silver. The only down side was that they were not very well made and you couldn’t count on walking in them for long.

I often wondered what became of them as I became more sensible with shoes. They probably fell apart.  But I do remember how convenient and comfortable they were and I’ve never come across anything like it again. 

Until recently when I discovered a website for a company that makes ballet flats called Tieks.

First off, I couldn’t believe how many styles and colors they have – over 70 Prints, Patents, Classics, and more. It made it hard to choose only one pair to find out if all the hype on their website was real.

What sold me is that Tieks are considered the most versatile flats in the world.  Made of the finest Italian leathers that are foldable and wearable all day, every day. Excellent for traveling. I’m definitely taking them on my next trip as they take up virtually no extra space in a suitcase or carry-on bag. They go with everything from jeans to dresses and even office wear.

The company was founded in 2008 by Kfir Gavrieli in Los Angeles, now based in Beverly Hills.  The manufacturing process of every single pair involves three days of a highly detailed process with over 150 steps, resulting in a flat with unparalleled comfort, flexibility, durability and style.  They feature a unique split‑sole and flexible midsole that molds to your foot and moves with you as you walk.

The shoes start at $210 for adults. While they’re an investment, buyers find them worth it because of their durability, versatility, and long‑term comfort.  The reviews I’ve read are excellent.

The packaging is amazing.

I noticed that the back is cushioned rather than elasticized to ensure they’re not too tight on the heel. The advanced foam cushioning makes it comfortable for long-term wear.  They have a thick non-skid rubber outsole to provide traction and shock absorption. 

Another thing that sets them apart is the hand-stitched turquoise‑blue stripe running up the heel and the matching blue rubber patches on the sole. It’s similar to the iconic Prada red line (especially on the America’s Cup sneakers and some accessories). These color accents act like a visual logo that you can spot from across a room. Gives them an extra oomph.

The box with the flower is so pretty.

Overall, ballet flats are a timeless wardrobe staple, rather than a fleeting fashion moment. I don’t expect that they’ll ever go out of style.

The last thing I want to mention about the company is that they have a foundation dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs around the world.

The women they support come from all kinds of backgrounds and industries, and the website even shows photos and stories of each one – where they’re from, what they do, and how their businesses are growing.

Tieks partners with a non-profit micro‑lending platform called Kiva to fund these entrepreneurs. Kiva allows everyday people to lend small amounts of money to women who don’t have access to traditional banking. Loans can be as little as $25, and when they’re repaid, the money can be lent again. It’s not charity – it’s zero‑interest lending that helps women build businesses, pay school fees, buy equipment, or stabilize their households.

Since its inception, The Gavrieli Foundation has become the single largest lender on Kiva worldwide, contributing over $10,000,000 to more than 55,000 women in over 70 countries, including the U.S.

Knowing that Tieks supports women entrepreneurs around the world made me love the brand even more. It’s rare to find a company that not only makes a great product but also invests in helping women build their futures.

I chose these which I’m wearing in Palm Springs and taking back to Vancouver.

Click here for the little flat that fits everywhere and goes with everything:

Couture & Conversation

Recently, I attended a chic luncheon at a private golf and country club in Rancho Mirage. Presented by Susan Stein – creative director and consultant for Fashion Week El Paseo, Fashion Director/Scene Editor for Palm Springs Life Magazine, and artist.

L-R: Candy, Kathy, Susan, Debbie, Tammy.

The event offered a fun and fabulous afternoon of fashion, conversation, gossip, humor, and red-carpet-style with award-winning L.A. designer Kevan Hall.

Photo of Kevan & Susan taken by Kathy Wright

Champagne greeted us on arrival, followed by a fashion show, a delicious lunch, and a pop‑up shop showcasing many of Hall’s couture designs. It was the perfect setting to mingle with fellow fashion lovers and meet the designer himself.

If every afternoon looked like this one, life would be a runway, and I’d be front row every time.

Kevan, originally from Detroit, is known for sleek glamour and precision tailoring. He became the first Black designer to lead a major American fashion house when he served as Design & Creative Director of Halston from 1997–2000, before launching his own label. He has dressed some of the most influential women in Hollywood. His creations have graced countless red carpets, worn by Celine Dion, Charlize Theron, Naomi Campbell, Michelle Obama, Viola Davis, Salma Hayek… the list goes on.  A few samples I took from the show:

It was a lovely and unique afternoon. Hopefully Susan will host more of these – if she does, I’m absolutely in.

Some designs from the pop-up:

Triple Trouble  (fyi – I’m not used to wearing such a head-to-toe bright color, but I thought this linen jumpsuit was perfect for an event like this – and it did garner some attention).  The room was a mish-mash of women wearing all kinds of fashion choices. Which proves that anything goes, as long as you’re comfortable wearing it.

Bootie Call

I’m obsessed with boots.  I love cowboy boots, knee-high boots, ones that go over-the-knee, biker boots, and a particular style that combines comfort and flexibility with a wide range of outfits.

In a vast universe of boots, there’s a bootie out there that is a must-have in any modern woman’s wardrobe.  You probably have a pair and might not even know its name. It’s called the Chelsea and it’s been around for quite some time. I’m a Chelsea girl at heart. 

Guess you can say it’s a timeless staple, very versatile as the style is both casual and polished. How many boots can you go from daytime to evening with, that look as good with a pair of jeans as it does with a long skirt or dress pants?

The name applies universally to both men’s and women’s versions. Men’s Chelsea boots often feature slightly chunkier soles or broader silhouettes, but the core design remains the same. They’re popular in both casual and formal menswear – think sleek leather pairs for suits or rugged suede versions for jeans.

The thing is finding the perfect pair.  Many of them look the same or very similar. They’re plain enough to not draw too much attention to your foot, but polished enough without all the fuss, and can add just the right amount of edge. They come in all price points too but not all are created equal. 

Where did the name come from?

Originally crafted in the Victorian era for Queen Victoria herself, the Chelsea boot was designed to be practical yet elegant. Thanks to its elastic side panels and ankle-high cut, it offered a modern alternative to lace-up boots. Fast forward to the 1960s, and the boot was reborn on the feet of London’s fashion-forward crowd – especially in the Chelsea district, which gave the boot its name. Think Beatles, mod style, and a whole lot of swagger. From royal gardens to rock concerts, they’ve earned a reputation.

I was looking for my perfect pair. No messing around this time. I had a pair that looked great but they wore out over time, and were not all that comfortable. Still, I kept them way past their expiration date.

High heels be gone!  These days I prefer a heel that’s not too high but gives some lift, and maybe something small like a buckle that you can see but doesn’t stand out. Makes it a little less plain looking. A slightly rounded toe is best and comfort is key (this is what happens when you get older and come to your senses – although you still want some style).

This is a go-to boot for almost every outfit.  It’s a no-brainer. The boots I bought recently are made for walking but I don’t plan to walk over anyone with them. Not yet anyway.

How about you? Do you have a favorite style?

When Barneys Ruled Madison Avenue

Barneys was the embodiment of “when shopping meant something.” The flagship store was on Madison Avenue and anyone visiting New York with style in her DNA would never skip a stop at Barneys.  It was considered a rite of passage.

During the greatest, most exciting years in the world’s greatest, most exciting city, Barneys New York was a place where fashion made culture and made history. Barneys New York was more than a store – it was a cultural institution that redefined luxury, creativity, and cool in retail. Even the window displays were considered avant-garde and curated collections felt like gallery exhibits.

Barneys wasn’t about necessity – it was about possibility. It introduced Americans to designers they’d never heard of, gave downtown edge to uptown elegance, and made fashion feel like culture. It was where you went to find the unexpected, to be surprised, to feel seen.

The clothes…oh, the clothes, were artfully arranged like museum pieces waiting to be discovered. You didn’t just shop at Barneys. You wandered, you lingered, you fell in love with the perfect ensemble. If you were lucky enough, you could buy it.

Founded in 1923 by Barney Pressman, Barneys began as a men’s discount clothing store in Manhattan. Pressman famously pawned his wife’s engagement ring to fund the lease.

The store’s early motto “No Bunk, No Junk, No Limitations” reflected its commitment to quality at bargain prices. Bargain prices you say? That was way before I stepped inside.

By the late 1970s, Gene Pressman, Fred’s son, infused Barneys with high fashion and avant-garde flair, bringing in designers like Versace, Alaïa, and Yamamoto. Madonna and Iman’s “diva-off” at a charity fashion show in 1986 exemplified the store’s blend of glamour and spectacle.

Celebrities like Andy Warhol, Diane Keaton, David Bowie (he was married to Iman), and Sarah Jessica Parker were regulars. Parker once said, “If you’re a nice person and you work hard, you get to go to Barneys. It’s the decadent reward.”

The fall of Barneys came In 2019, when Authentic Brands Group acquired Barney’s intellectual property, and has licensed the brand to Saks Fifth Avenue for specialty departments within their flagship stores. But it’s obviously not the same vibe.

FYI: the name Barneys New York does not have an apostrophe; the company dropped it in 1981. The original store, which opened in 1923, was once called Barney’s, but the apostrophe was removed in a rebranding effort.  

WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOOD DEPARTMENT STORES GONE? 

Sadly in Canada, they’ve all but disappeared.  Luckily we still have Holt Renfrew.  Hopefully it’s not a matter of time before that goes too.

They’ve either closed or drastically downsized due to shifting consumer habits, rising costs, and the dominance of e-commerce. The most recent and symbolic closure was Hudson’s Bay Company in June 2025, marking the end of a 355-year legacy. Very sad but if truth be told, I tend not to frequent department stores either. I prefer unique boutiques or vintage shopping (or of late, no shopping at all – I’m shopping my own closet). I was also responsible for the closures of these once convenient one-stop conglomerates. I hated to see The Bay go though, because that was a sure sign of the times they are a changing.

Even Ogilvy (my favourite), originally founded in 1866 in Montreal, was one of Canada’s most iconic luxury department stores. In 2011, Holt Renfrew’s parent company, Selfridges Group, acquired Ogilvy. Now it’s known as Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, combining Ogilvy’s heritage with Holt Renfrew’s upscale brand portfolio.

On another note: After viewing a bunch of films I’m now turning to books. Here’s one on my radar:

A new fashion book that became an instant New York Times Bestseller is “THEY ALL CAME TO BARNEYS.”

The Man Who Turned Barneys Into the Coolest Store in the World. Gene Pressman, the New York institution’s former co-CEO, reminisces about introducing America to Armani and Comme des Garçons, working with the great Glenn O’Brien, and designing that iconic black Barneys bag.

In “They All Came to Barneys,” Gene Pressman tells his story for the first time, capturing the unprecedented rise and unimaginable fall of his family’s multimillion-dollar fashion retail empire as only he can: from the inside.

How about you? What was the greatest department store for you?

Pierre Cardin – fashion forward

FROM PARIS to PALM SPRINGS, fashion week welcomed the long awaited comeback of Pierre Cardin. The man famous for pioneering Space Age Designs.

BIENVENUE PIERRE CARDIN

Attending the opening night of Fashion Week on El Paseo was as usual, a blast. This one was literally a blast from the past.   

The namesake Pierre Cardin passed away in 2020 at the age of 98. His great-nephew, Rodrigo Basilicati-Cardin, now runs the Pierre Cardin fashion house as its CEO and artistic director. He was in attendance and they brought him on stage at the very end.

Cardin style is iconic for its futuristic, avant-garde approach. The sculptured forms blur the line between fashion and art. I was curious to find out if the fashion week shows in Paris & Palm Springs were the same.  As it turns out, the shows between here and there are not the same.

PARIS vs PALM SPRINGS:

While Paris highlighted futuristic innovative fashion, Palm Springs offered a tribute to Cardin’s history and a more intimate, celebratory experience. Both shows reflected the brand’s enduring influence but tailored their presentations to their respective audiences.

The prestigious Paris fashion week focused on the Fall-Winter 2025-2026 Ready-to-Wear collection.It embraced Pierre Cardin’s signature futuristic and space-age aesthetic, featuring geometric shapes, metallic finishes, and innovative materials like sea wool (crafted from recycled oyster shells and plastic bottles). The event was held at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, with a backdrop of the mirrored Geode, reinforcing the space-age theme.

Fashionable Attendees

Fashion Week El Paseo, Palm Springs: In contrast, the Palm Springs show celebrated Cardin’s legacy with a mix of archival Héritage pieces and the Spring 2025 collection. The event had a more nostalgic and community-focused vibe, benefiting local non profits like Shay’s Warriors. It included a special collection, Caftanes Galore of Mérida, crafted from vintage Pierre Cardin scarves, blending retro and modern styles. The desert setting added a unique charm, with models showcasing vibrant, flowy designs under the white tent. Jewelry by Stephanie Lake.  Benefiting Shay’s Warriors – Life After Cancer.

Trailer for “HOUSE OF CARDIN” documentary – made by the Ebersole Hughes company. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTEhKHPN-v8

For history about Pierre Cardin please visit:

Videos: d. king

Vintage Vibes & Fashion Finds

A very vintage weekend it was.  Part of Modernism Week, The Curated Vintage Event on Saturday, is a twice-yearly pop-up show highlighting exceptional vintage fashion, jewelry, textiles and accessories.  On Sunday, there was the once-a-year Mod Yard Sale which moved from outside h3k home design, to Market Market (which has repurposed & one of a kind goods.)

If you’re looking for a quick fashion fix, fast fashion can be found in many stores and on countless websites.  You might find what you’re looking for, but will it stand the test of time?

At the monthly Palm Springs Vintage Market with Dylan, Kathy + Trudy (with her dog).

Many women are mixing it up with their wardrobes by buying vintage garments that are 20 to 30 years old and in good condition. These pieces have timeless appeal and are typically characterized by their quality craftsmanship, unique styles, and designer labels which have stood the test of time.  These vintage finds often evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflect the fashion trends and cultural influences of their time. Some never go out of style. Plus, each piece often has its own story and history, adding a special charm to one’s wardrobe. So, when you wear vintage, it’s like stepping into a little piece of history!

Jen from Muse the Shop holding up a lovely Pucci silk dress I had my eyes on.
Last year I bought this silk Pucci dress from Jen. I love the neckline.
Lady at the vintage market wearing what appears to be a nightie as a slip dress under a leopard-print jacket.
Lingerie inspired slip-dress or maybe it’s a nightie from Rachel @ Macalistaire Vintage – a favorite vendor.

Another good thing is that vintage fashion supports a more sustainable approach to dressing. It encourages consumers to buy fewer, higher-quality pieces that last longer, reducing the overall environmental impact of fast fashion.

Kathy outside Villa Royale

If you’re fairly new to vintage shopping but have a good eye, look for basic outstanding classics such as tailored blazers, linen shirts, cashmere sweaters, little black dresses, leather handbags (Chanel 2.55 is a perfect example), worn-in denim, sunglasses (Iconic styles like aviators and cat-eye sunglasses add a touch of retro flair to any look) and trench coats (Burberry for instance has a timeless appeal.  The reliable craftsmanship ensures that each coat is built to last).  These are investment pieces.

Fashionable friends Joselle + Joan

And above all, have fun perusing through the racks and pick out something special.  Be careful of knockoffs though (unless you know and don’t mind).  Some of those can be fun too, but make sure it’s not passed off as the real thing.  It should come with a card or something that shows authentication.  I love some of the costume jewelery too.

Enjoy the search and even though you own what you wear; wear it your own way. Enjoy the thrill of the find.

PS: On my last visit to the monthly vintage market I picked up a promo card advertising the next curated vintage event during Modernism Week (I’ve since been). Got home and the card fell on the floor. When I picked it up, imagine my surprise when I noticed that on the other there was my photo with style icon Tziporah Salamon “THE ART OF DRESSING.”  I’m wearing A Pucci blouse I bought from Mitchells Palm Springs (Mitchell organizes the yearly curated event at Temple Isaiah).  His shop has tons of Pucci.

A toast to the Ladies who Lunch.  After the Curated Event we went to Trio’s restaurant.

Loved what Kiki was wearing against the restaurant art piece.

When was the last time you went vintage shopping?  It’s a bit different from consignment (which can encompass everything from all types of gently used clothing styles to high quality fairly new styles including some vintage, depending on the store).

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caftans for a Cause…

….or just because.   The Trend that began in the 60’s has transcended time.

With Maja at an Exhibition Dedication and Reception at Melissa Morgan Fine Art Sculpture Garden for Karen + Tony Barone’s new “Gilded Godiva” Sculpture on El Paseo  Our silk caftans are from California Caftans. Website below.

I still need an excuse to wear a caftan out in public.  Before coming to Palm Springs I viewed them only as chic bathing suit cover-ups.  And some of them are. But they’re so much more… not exactly a dress, or a shirt, or a nightgown…just a longer piece of fabric more resembling a tunic or robe that I always thought looked elegant – on the right person.  Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren looked so regal wearing one…especially while lounging on a yacht on the Italian Riviera with a cocktail in hand.  They’re perfect for poolside in Palm Springs  while sipping champagne.

A nice prop.

History:
The caftan (or Kaftan) originated in ancient Mesopotamia, an area that encompasses parts of modern day Iraq, Syria, Iran and Turkey.   For many centuries, caftans were the traditional mode of dress in Turkey, where men and women (kings and beggars alike) considered it an appropriate clothing choice. I bought one in Cairo. Fabrics range from lightweight textiles for the summer months to richer velvets and brocades. Traditionally made with silk or cotton, caftans are frequently adorned with colorful patterns, and many individuals wear them with a coordinating belt or sash. 

During Modernism Week I attended an event to benefit Animals in need at The Caliente Tropics hotel.  We were asked to show up wearing a caftan and to donate an unopened bag of dog food for “Animal Samaritans.”  Caftan/Jewelry/Accessory vendors were set up in the lobby of the hotel.  I brought Layla & Adele.

Some of the “Mrs. Ropers” it’s a thing showed up wearing wigs and caftans. Most people ended up congregating to “Sancho’s” Mexican restaurant in the hotel with two DJ’s playing loud music, but we ended up at the much quieter little “Reef” Tiki Bar with a view of the beautiful pool area.  I ordered the Palm Springs Punch which was deliciously refreshing and as pretty as any caftan.

A bit about Caftans…

Caftans were never my thing.  That’s probably because I grew up in cold-wintered Montreal and later moved to Vancouver where no one (I repeat; no one) wears one.  Even in Palm Springs where they’re the norm for many, I resisted wearing one for years. But I could resist no longer after a friend opened up her home for a caftan sale and I could finally see what the fuss was all about.  They’re comfortable, silky luxurious and the perfect cover-up for the pool, the spa or to meet a friend for lunch.  Plus they’re not all floor length which tend to swallow up those of us who are not very tall.  They come in various lengths.  I prefer the knee-length variety but I also like the long flowy silk tops – to be worn with straight leg pants or a skirt.  They’re so easy to throw on after a shower!

More about Caftans:

Legend has it that Diana Vreeland once pegged the caftan as “fashionable for the beautiful people.”  Bazaar magazine wrote that the voluminous shape and heavily printed nature might render it unappealing, but it’s often plunging neckline and side slit detail lend just the right wink.

Done right, a loose-fitting cotton tunic can look enviously chic.

No one loves a caftan more than celebrity stylist/designer/editor  Rachel Zoe. This silhouette is one of her all-time favorite things to wear as soon as the temperature goes above 60 degrees.  She said “To me, caftans are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing, meaning you can wear it from the beach to a barbeque to a cocktail party to a black tie event. Caftans are timeless and I never leave home without a few when I’m traveling because you never know where you’re going to end up and need a caftan!”

How do you accessorize?

California Caftans; https://sherijohnson.com

Jewelry should not compete with any other embellishment on your outfit  especially if you’ve got tassels or beading going on. Keep it simple.  And if you’re at the beach, your swimsuit should be accessory enough.  No belt required.

Shoes?  If it’s long or floor-length you can wear an open-toe heel and shorter styles can go with flats or sandals.  I suggest going barefoot for either.

KELLY WEARS A CAFTAN:

Check out this PROMO of PALM SPRINGS with Kelly Ripa from the ABC morning talk show Live! with Kelly and Mark.  They were filming in Rancho Mirage and opened the show with this clip about the place I now call my winter home. 

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Photos: d. king