Hello!

Welcome to The Epic! I am launching this blog as a manifesto for and a guide to living well. The title and motto of the blog are taken from the Epicureans, at least some of whom believed in the notion that not one minute of the future was guaranteed to them and that as a result they had the duty to live life to its fullest every moment.

I believe in discovering fun and pleasurable things wherever I find myself each day and I am told I have a knack for unearthing them. My hope is that by sharing in my pleasures and some of my ways of finding them you will begin to collect all the riches that lie in the moments of your life. They are there. Take them! All our lives should be.....Epic.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Epic Ads: The Elegance of a Woman's Jacket

I was in Manhattan last week. My favorite time of year to be in New York. In addition to the window displays, the Holiday lights and the general hustle and bustle, I had the occasion to observe many very well dressed people from around the world as I walked about the town. En route from one Epic watering hole to another.

The loveliness of this season in New York always enchants me. It also brings to the front of my mind that there is no time of year in which the elegance of the Manhattan woman is so well displayed as the winter. This is due to the need for, and wearing of, any number of amazingly elegant top coats. Long and short. Fur and wool and cashmere. Weird techno fabrics and vintage finds. Large hounds tooth prints and plain colors. The ladies of Manhattan really hit their sartorial stride in December and January. Take for example two ads from today's New York Times. The first for a magnificent coat by Tommy Hilfiger...


Honestly, I did not think Mr. Hilfiger had the chops to create something this pretty. Lining the placket of a man's shirt with contrasting fabric is one thing. Making something that turns the head of everyone who sees it is completely another. This is design of Coco-esque stature.

The second ad displayed a fur jacket and did not state the designer. It appears to be in sable or black, has a stand up collar, a very wide textured [studded?] belt and bell sleeves!

I imagine that both jackets are incredibly expensive. But, for a garment with timeless design that makes you look like a movie star, how much is too much to pay? Actually, I am glad I did not see anyone wearing either of these jackets in person. They would have certainly derailed me and put me off a rather tight schedule. Standing immobilized in the midst of one of the greatest cites in the world goggling like [an admitted] provincial tourist will do that for you.

8 comments:

Petunia said...

I'll be in NY for 3 weeks over the holiday season. Let me know if you end up coming back!

I'll be sure to sport a most luxurious coat :)

M.Lane said...

Petunia, what fun that would be! And I'm certain your selection of coats would be perfect.

Alas, my traveling for 2009 has concluded and it is time for a bit of holiday rest.

ML

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Have you heard about the water scandal at the Epic hotel? I guess there will be no epic convention there after all!

Great post- love great jackets, blazers and coats.

Keith said...

I would love to visit the Big Apple during the holiday season. I bet it's so amazing during Christmas. I always love all the different coats that women wear. My late paternal grandmother had a closet full of beautiful fur coats.

heavy tweed jacket said...

Magnificent and enchanting post for seasonal dressing.

M.Lane said...

DC, I just don't want to know.

Keith, you have to go. There is nothing like Manhattan at Christmas.

HTJ, hi there! Good to hear from you. And, thanks.

ML

Easy and Elegant Life said...

Fine fur!

The City is magical at Christmas. It used to be an annual pilgrimage for Mrs. E. and me. Pre-children. We'll wait a few years before we drag them along and bore them to tears at Bemelmans.

M.Lane said...

Easy, you never know. The Future Rock Star would LOVE Bemelmans if his response to Peacock Alley at the Waldorf is any indication.

ML