Chic at 60ish!

So excited, I’ve recently made plans to go to Paris in May with one of my oldest, (or should I say “long-time?”) dearest friends. Actually, my roommate before Steve! Like many of you who are 60ish+, I had a birthday in January & decided that while I can drink the wine, eat the food & climb the stairs, I better revisit all my favorite spots while I can. Who knows what tomorrow brings?

AIRPLANE ATTIRE: My airplane uniform—a blazer & jeans—I like pockets + the warmth of a jacket, blazer from ralphlauren.com; Farah jeans from agjeans.com

Of course, I’m starting to think about what I’ll pack. As much as I love to get dressed up, no one really dresses anymore—you now see T-shirts at the Hemingway Bar at The Ritz. That said, I like to look “polished,” often adding that extra layer to give a “pop.” Though I love a blazer & will wear one on the plane—I like pockets—for Paris, maybe an array of leather jackets will work best. A bit more edge-y. A bit more chic.

ALSO LOVE A LEATHER JACKET—”THE NEW BLAZER!” Saint Laurent caramel belted moto jacket from net-a-porter.com; Hollis butterscotch lambskin jacket from ralphlauren.com

Are leather jackets the new blazers? There is no worrying about wrinkling or stuffing the shoulders carefully with tissue paper, as I do with everything else. Packing a leather jacket is as easy as packing a stack of sweaters. And here’s the other thing: They look great!

I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT: My favorite Ralph Lauren worn-in cognac faux-croc jacket—it has literally traveled the world with me; my Joie black moto jacket from neimanmarcus.com

One of the jackets I never leave home without is my favorite Ralph Lauren Collection cognac faux-croc, which I bought years ago from my beloved Richard Shinto, who was the Collection manager on Madison Avenue. Besides his exquisite taste, I loved shopping with Richard because he would always break down the cost of an item per wear, making me feel better about an expensive purchase. I have worn this leather jacket in all four seasons for at least 10 years and plan to wear it for 10 more. Jeans, black pants, it matches everything I have. Best of all—like a long-time friend—leather jackets get better with age. Softer, more worn-in, more comfortable. Just easy. Here are some gorgeous options, all looks are available at all price points:

OPTIONS GALORE: Saint Laurent chocolate brown moto jacket at net-a-porter.com; Collection black belted moto jacket at michaelkors.com; Imogen gold leather cropped jacket & Tamara black leather vest at veronicaberad.com

Motorcycle. Blazer. Belted. Cropped. So many styles to choose from—each gets more luscious with age. I cannot imagine a better fashion investment! Enjoy every cool, chic moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft

ps. Speaking of vacations, do you need a great vacation book? Don’t miss “THE RULE BOOK,” written by my son, Jon Saft, while he was looking for a new job last year. It’s about not always taking the prescribed path–a fun, page-turner you’ll read in a week! Available on amazon, The Rule Book. Don’t miss it!

pps. My apologies for promoting my kids! Another terrific vacation binge—“JEFFERSON,” co-executive produced by my daughter Lauren. If you missed it in real time, all six episodes (the sixth is the best!) are now streaming on “The History Channel,” history.com. An in-depth look at Thomas Jefferson—both the good & bad—a brilliant, but complex man. Great reviews!