My grandmother and namesake Cary Randolph Cooper at home in Virginia.
I never knew her. But sometimes I feel like she knows me.
Anonymous asked: looking for super-classy prom dresses, with unique detailing. any ideas?
J.Crew, girlfriend. Hit up that bridesmaid section.
Anonymous asked: I'm visiting NYC for the first time with a couple of girlfriends in May. What are a couple of places you'd recommend where we can go dancing? Can you share some pics or ideas for typical going-out outfits in NYC? ps: Love you, love your blog.
I’m late to the game on this one (sorry!), but if dancing is your jam, then you should go to Finale, Lavo, Bowery Electric, Joshua Tree, or XS. And when I go out here, it’s almost always in a short-short, a high heel, and a tank or tee that I don’t mind getting splattered with booze and then slept in. Have a great time!
PROMOTED!!!
It’s finally official: As of June 3, I am Senior Editor of RL Magazine.
This book is my baby. Two years after writing my first article, it is so thrilling to take the reins and recast RL Mag as a more dynamic and provocative publication with a worldwide scope and distinctly American point of view—one worthy of its namesake.
I love a rainy day, but we’ve had too many lately.
Anyone else feeling the bad-weather blues?
Anonymous asked: Hi Cary! As a fellow Missourian turned city-dweller, I love your blog. I'm going to a wedding Memorial Day weekend in Memphis that is black tie optional (my boyfriend will be in a tux) and in a beautiful old hotel. Any suggestions on a go-to black tie optional dress for someone who is thin but on the busty side? It's hard finding something not strapless or boob-y.
Ralph Lauren Blue Label has gorgeous wedding-appropriate dresses to complement your figure, like this one, this one, and this one. Have fun!
jenver asked: I love maxi dresses (patterned, plain, bare, covered), but I do not love cardigans with them. I am 5'8 / hourglassy with a little more sand in the bottom and like to emphasize my smaller waist. Besides my denim jacket, what can I throw over one to look casually chic? I've been looking for a non-blazery white blazer to start...
pureDKNY does these great vests and jackets that have a slightly sporty vibe, draped lapels, and silk textures. Denim & Supply has printed bombers, fatigue jackets, and vests to reinvent your dresses a hundred ways. But I’m a fan of slipping an open-knit sweater over my maxi for a laid-back, layered vibe that still lets the dress play starring role.
daniellesmyname asked: Bachelorette party this weekend and we have to wear black dresses. I procrastinated, couldn't find something 'more fun', so I've got a black sleeveless, church-acceptable length, chiffon-y wrap dress. It does have a pretty plunging neckline... Styling ideas? Trying not to look too ladylike.
Find a gorgeous belt, add a big earring and a bold red lip, and slip into the highest heels you can stand. Voila. From church to club in three easy steps.
Anonymous asked: Hey Cary! Love your blog, your fresh take and crisp writing is fantastic. I'm a university student living in Paris but moving to Washington next year (Go Hoyas!) - was wondering if you have any recommendations of things to do, places to eat, places to go out, etc. Also my Parisian wardrobe is essential LBDs and, well, other black accoutrements, and I've been told those won't fly on an American college campus. Any suggestions to adjust me wardrobe?
Hie thee to J.Crew, Milly, and Ralph Lauren because you’re going to want a lot of bright, casual basics that can get you from dorm to class to bar without making a change. Think cashmere cardigans, printed sundresses, cut-off jean shorts, espadrille wedges, oxford cloth shirts—preppy stuff. But don’t toss those LBDs, as they are always great for a night out, whether you’re in Paris, D.C., or Timbuktu.
You would think that since I have to spend the bulk of my summer in sports bras and training gear, I wouldn’t want a bikini that resembles said bra. But no. This suit by MICHAEL Michael Kors is my Sporty Spice dream. As Jane said, “It looks like the Everlast two-piece I had in fifth grade.” Ah yes, back in the day when we called it a two-piece.
"Going to bed with someone you don’t love is a lot lonelier than going to bed alone."
Mom
Books I have read recently and liked.
Anonymous asked: Hey Cary, I am graduating from college this May and will be moving to a brand new city all by myself just cause I've always wanted to. I've been applying for tons of jobs, but so far no bite. I'm not opposed to waitressing or barista-ing to make ends meet until something comes up. But as someone who will have a degree I feel sort of lame not getting a "big girl job" right away. Thoughts?
Girlfriend, between the time I graduated (with two diplomas) and now, here are some of the jobs I’ve had: waitress, retail sales associate, intern, baby-sitter, hotel receptionist, cocktail waitress, temporary office assistant, depressed, unemployed bump on a log.
Money is money however you get it, and there’s nothing shameful about folding sweaters or changing diapers or slinging lattes till you land on your feet. One day, you’ll get a “big girl job” and look back fondly on the days you could do whatever you wanted because you weren’t due at the restaurant for sidework till four o’clock. Trust me.
Anonymous asked: I'm 23. Met a guy a few years older (online), seemingly harmless, very smart, has a great job and great manners. He's interested and he's coming on strong and I'm feeling nervous (history of past skittishness). Classic case of you want what you can't have, or legitimately founded skepticism in online dating?
This sounds like a case of skittishness, but I would not blame you for being skeptical. There’s something (to me) very unnatural about meeting guys online. I believe in fate (God’s plan, etc.), and the notion that one can just go to Match and pick out a man like she’s picking out a cardigan does not sit well. I’ve done the Match thing, and that slimy feeling never washed away.
However. May this guy is just coming on too strong. Maybe you’re not ready for that kind of commitment. (If it feels like pressure, trust your gut. You’re not ready.) Cool things off for a few, tell him to slow his roll, and see how things evolve.
