The New York Times fashion critic, Vanessa Friedman, wrote an article about the, “best white shirt,” last week. This caught my attention since I am a huge fan of a simple white shirt. She was writing about a classic white button up shirt. As Vanessa said, one can spend anywhere from $13.60 (Amazon) to $568 (Charvet) on a basic white button up. I love a white 3/4 sleeve boatneck tee shirt, or a beautiful classic white tee shirt, too.

Vanessa also noted that Alexandra Shulman, the former editor of British Vogue, published a memoir that included an entire chapter devoted to the white shirt. So I seem to be in good company featuring a white shirt outfit this week!

And men, please note that a classic white shirt is a great look for you, too!

In Florence I invested in a custom made white, button up shirt from an old family run business, Casa dei Tessuti.

This was a new world of shopping for me, even though I had taken several of my men clients here previously. I picked out the collar, cuffs and buttons. There were so many choices! The tailoring price is about 120 euro, and the fabric is at least 100 euro.

I have had this shirt for years and still love it. It was an investment piece for me at over 300 euro. I recently purchased another white button up shirt from Spanx.com. The “Best Buttondown” price is $128. It fits pretty well, too, and has a “no gape” design. I was skeptical when I ordered it, but happy to report that it is gape free! BTW, I learned from Vanessa Friedman’s article that Button-ups are shirts you button down the front, while button-downs are shirts with collars held down by buttons on each point.

My outfit for this week includes the white shirt, leggings, boots and a top coat with some sparkly jewelry.

The leggings are nice and thick with a high waist. “Live in High Waist” by Zella, available at Nordstrom for $59.

The blue (looks more black in photo than it is) woven crossbody bag is from Bottega Giotti in Florence. It measures 7″ x 12″ x 3″ and is lined in leather. This is a real work of art! Online is is available in black, red or cream, but other colors are available in the store. Price euro is 460.

My tweed top coat is very old! I wish I could wear one of the new long overcoats, but cannot carry that style off. This is my best substitute.

My blue suede and leather boots from Goccia Shoes, are handmade and ever so comfortable. Careful measurements ensure a perfect fit. These are the short boots. I have the tall ones.

With an outfit this simple, I feel confident adding some bling. Both of the rings and the earrings are from my goldsmith in Florence. The earrings are a Pomellato design, which retail for a king’s ransom at Pomellato.com! The goldsmith price is a fraction. The stack ring is an original design that the goldsmith and I made together. The single ring is a Buccellati design which can be made for about 550 euro. There is a matching bracelet also.

With Chia’s 17th birthday coming up soon, I am considering a companion for her. I was at the Pomeranian dog show this weekend, and fell in love!