Catching the big one with Vogue China, October 2009. Photographer: Tom Munro

Thank you to all my readers and editors at the Westport News!

StreetCHIC is on haitus, but please come visit me at Speed Chic!

www.speedchicblog.com

All work and no play...

Okay, girls–I am no longer in the dating scene, but feel it is my duty as a fellow female to let you in on a little secret…Starbucks on Sunday afternoon? Filled to the gills with young fellas. I just come here to write and get hyped on the coffee bean, but was shocked to see the place packed with gentlemen (see small sample, above). When I was out there searching for Mr. Right (now known as Mr. Penny) I was told by a woman I greatly admire to “go where the boys are.” Here ya go–now getting them to look up from their computers? Well, you’re on your own with that one…

Tall and dark, like my latte. Elvis at Jefferson Hotel Coffee shop, Richmond June 30, 1956

These shoes are made for shopping.

Some days, I want to re-vamp my look–whether with lashings of hot pink lipstick, freshly cut bangs or a new summer frock. It’s so delightful to have the freedom to bop around downtown (on borrowed babysitter time), looking at pretty things for a few moments.

I found Anita Parry on her way to do just that, while trekking through the Library’s parking lot in her denim espadrilles. “It’s great how Westport has re-done itself,” Anita commented, as she prepped for some speed shopping in some of our newer boutiques. Anita described her style as “preppy with an Italian twist–I like to mix cashmere and leather with a classic American look.”

Enjoy your free time (and downtown’s face-lift) Anita!

Wonder what Rita Hayworth just got on sale...

Everything's ship-shape, at Shoe-Inn.

Birthday cards, RSVP’s, credit card bills, library books, my end of the play date shuffle–just a few of the things I’d like to hire a personal assistant to help me out with. However, as a stay-at-home mom, being the family planner is just part of the resume.

Multi-tasking is the only way to survive if a gal wants to make it to her coffee break. That’s why I was thrilled to spy Jonny Couto while running to pick up my toddler from school last week. He was behind Shoe-Inn’s plate glass window, but Jonny’s graphic anchor tee gave me a quick double-take.

I love the clean, bold lines of this portrait artist’s shirt. And the notion of pulling up anchor and tacking into the wind? From bow to stern, that fits right in with my daily routine.

Betsey Johnson's "Yacht Club" rhinestone necklace gets you in touch with your inner mermaid.

Necklace: Zappos.com

Autism affects 1 in 88 children, 1 in 54 boys.

Join us at the Westport Weston Family Y for Autism OutLoud, this Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Bresslin Room. The Y’s Early Learning Program will host an evening of hope and information regarding autism indicators and strategies, led by Dr. John Burke, Director at Branches of Hope, and Clinical Director Janie Burke, M.A., M.S.

Free babysitting and refreshments will be provided, as well as a Stella & Dot  jewelry booth (with a percentage donated to both Branches of Hope and Autism Speaks) and a raffle with items from area retailers.

Branches of Hope is Wesport’s local non-profit center which aids children and families affected by autism and related disorders. As seating for the event is limited, RSVP’s would be appreciated; visit www.autism-outloud.org for more info.

Mikaela Dedona's "laid back" look is complimented by her straw fedora and super smile.

I saw so many style savvy Westporters wearing hats this week, I just had to go out and buy a few of my own!

Check out Shoe-Inn for the San Diego hats, J.Crew’s back room for a slew of floppy sun hats, Gap’s crushable fedoras and Kate Spade’s colorful accents for more fun in the sun on Main Street…

Merrily Cole picked up her rakishly tilted topper in Block Island--I snapped her on the way to lunch at Wesptort's new eatery, The Spotted Horse.

Westporter Tom Waller wore his REI cowboy hat while grabbing a coffee at Starbuck's: "It's for when I'm being a bum--it's my recreation hat."

Sukie Gallagher, Collection Manager at the Westport Library, chose the library's courtyard (which she dubbed "the best site in town") to relax with a good read while being stylishly protected from the sun.

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Caribbean cool.

I recently went on a family trip to help my aunt orchestrate Todd’s Trot– a 5K race she hosts every year. We had an amazing time of togetherness punctuated by some outlet shopping and lobster rolls. Although I came home only slightly less exhausted than when I left, I’ve managed to hang on to that happy feeling that comes with getting away from the daily grind.

While hitting Starbucks for a recent java boost, I couldn’t help but wake right up at the sight of Westporter and news blogger Sheryl Lawrence’s bold and breezy take on spring fashion. She, too, had taken some time to travel–her tangerine-hued pants were a recent purchase for a trip to Havana. Upon her return home, Sheryl decided to “Just keep ‘em out,” since they reminded her of  ”the flowers and colors of the Caribbean.” A blooming good idea, Ms. Lawrence…

I think I’ll take my latte iced!

Tropical delights at www.surfsong.net

She's got the look.

When I was in college, I finally had the opportunity to take the ballet classes I never sought out as a kid. While I thought I looked really cute in my dance outfits, my enthusiasm only lasted until I tripped over my ballet slippers and realized I would have to chasse in front of the entire class. Needless to say, I moved on to Aikido the next quarter.

Unlike me, Scoutt Jones actually is a former dancer. I  liked her ballet-inspired look–sleek bun, black tights, and bright pink tote bag. Now she works in fashion and cites “geometric prints” as a big spring trend. I asked Scoutt to describe her own style in two words: “Feminine, but cool.” StreetCHIC gives this girl a standing ovation.

Gracefully edgy: Warhol's "Ballet Slippers"

Marvelous mom on the move.

I have run into caped crusader and mother of two Kate Levieff several times–dropping off kids, picking up kids and then glugging a few lattes in between. This morning at drop off, while the rest of us shuffled around in our workout clothes and ponytails, Kate wowed us with her fun Burberry fashion moment. What’s Kate’s go-to item in her closet? Her sleek, flat suede boots: Comfy enough to wear while chasing her children, cute enough to keep mom happy. The best of both worlds, as far as StreetCHIC is concerned.

Spring 1962 chiffon dress and matching cape by Russian designer Irene Galitzine. Why the heck not?

photo: www.fashionencyclopedia.com

Bright lights, big city--April 2, 2012-- Photo by R. Heuchling

Today is World Autism Day! Make sure you check out the Empire State Building tonight, if you’re in NYC…