Time for my bi-annual pilgrimage to the art-filled Manhattan apartment of Nells Nelson designer Sisi Li, to try on the pieces I pre-ordered for the season and more. If you’ve been following me, you know why I love her work. Her designs are the kind of impeccably tailored, luxurious feeling, forever pieces I wear often; if you’re new you can read up on her here. Sisi makes her clothing in Italy; the tailoring is impeccable, the fabrics are sublime, and her attention to the small details make each piece feel special. Whether it’s the wardrobe on Succession or what Gwyneth wore to court, quiet luxury is a term getting a lot of play right now, it’s something Nells Nelson has always been about.
Spring has some stand out pieces (and wait until fall….you can see the collection on her site, it’s so spot on.) Also note, I wear a size 40 in her designs. Please check The Flair Index at checkout on her site so we can keep tabs on how much inventory she should create for these trunks. Thank you.
My first pick is a classic Nells suit in gorgeous icy blue that is a perennial. (Odette blazer, Nicolette pants.)
Julia Roberts wore it last week when she debuted her new 70s shag cut (you can find the images on Nells IG), so if it’s good enough for Julia…. This suit is cut from soft lightweight knit which is great for traveling. Sometimes you need a little color.
Sisi added some easy and elegant evening pieces this season that are standouts such as this Lya tuxedo jacket. It has her signature knit panel at the back of the arm that creates a more flattering fit. I paired it with the Elio Cupro Silk Pants, which have a pull-on elastic waist and are Sisi’s cleaned-up interpretation of a safari pant. (I would wear a silk camisole with this outfit, but forgot one…so doing plungey sexy here.) For day or a casual night out, I’d swap the blazer for her Babette Silk Cotton tee, below.
I have a weakness for Sisi’s gilets, it’s a tailored approach to being sexy. This Hugo Satin wool gilet below, is a dressier tuxedo version, and it’s in a deep navy that Sisi calls Twilight…..I LOVE navy.
If you want more coverage, her collarless Joelle satin wool jacket, below, is a good option. (The pants I’m wearing in these photos aren’t available, but a slightly easier shape, the Nicolette come in black; I have them, have written about them before, and wear them at least once a week.)
Last up in evening/dressier attire is this super flattering silk charmeuse gown, also in twilight. It is bias cut, which is my favorite style of dress, with a low-but-not-too-low back. (There is an organza duster if you want a layer.) Now I need an event to wear it to. This dress is not currently on her site, but she is taking orders (4 to 5 week delivery time), email info@nellsnelson.com for inquiries.
Back to day wear. The Aveline trench coat that I am wearing in the holding image and below, is a nice green–lighter than your typical army green, which feels more polished. It’s such an easy throw-on coat that should work for years to come. You can also go cool matchy-matchy with her safari pants in lightweight gauze merino. (The knit is this cashmere cardigan which you can cross-button for a draped affect.) Or….
There is the Camille lightweight gauze merino wool trench that comes in the same green, or black like I am wearing. And I know what you’re thinking…what is that shirt…well….
The Florent cotton cupro shirt has a white collar and placket details and is just chic, chic, chic. Sisi suggested I try wearing it like a jacket instead of a shirt; of course she’s right. Sold! (Wearing it with my black Nicolette pants.)
One design of Sisi’s that sells out every season is her cashmere shirt. For Spring, it has a classic collar and comes in black and this stone color, below. You can also cross-button it for a draped affect. Truly, this is the dreamiest shirt ever, great all year long (ok not in the middle of summer unless you’re in Maine), and a good layering piece. These fly out. Worn here, with the safari pant in white.
And last but not least, this off-shoulder Rosalie cashmere sweater. I’d probably wear it with off-white jeans for a tonal look. (Glasses worn throughout: Caddis Hooper readers.) Happy Spring!
Carleen B says
It all looks beautiful, but that dress is just dreamy.
Robyn says
Your hair looks great! Especially loved the gilet on you.
KSL says
The clothes are all so beautiful. Especially love that green trench.