WENDY'S STYLEFILE

My parents are avid readers and encouraged me to delve into books for as long as my memory stands. I consider it a tremendous gift and thank them often. During hideous adolescent moments, commiserating with characters and escaping into another world was my saving grace. Here are a few fiction beauties, I’ll save real life for later.

• Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
• Horse by Geraldine Brooks
• Night Circus by Erin Morganstern

Happy August.

*Please consider supporting your local bookstore

When it comes to trends, there are one season wonders and investment pieces. As I’ve gotten older, I tend to spend more and buy less. It’s both a sustainable practice and suitable for my lifestyle. I tend to nod toward a trend, not embrace it full stop.

When I look in my closet, there are pieces that have stood the test of time; Chloe blazers, Prada anything, Manolo Blahniks and Belgian loafers. The latter are making a strong comeback and hopefully, gaining new fans that will treasure them like all of us did in the 80’s and 90’s.

For those not familiar, you wear them 20 ish times (never in the rain) and then request a cobbler line the soles with rubber. They mold to your feet and are as comfy as slippers.

PHOTO CREDIT: Belgian Shoes

Belgian Shoes
110 East 55th Street
212.755.7372 (ask for Sunny)

For those of you who don’t know, I love to cook. It’s my form of meditation and truly takes my mind off all, I find it incredibly grounding. Cooking for family and friends is a passion.

My absolute favorite pans to cook with are cast iron, and not just any but from The Field Company. They’re lighter than most, which is key, and their sleek designs marry form and function perfectly. Like with any cast iron, the more you use it the better they get, but due to the smooth finish the seasoning that builds up is shiny and makes me smile.

PHOTO CREDIT: Field Company

We were recently in Madrid for a dear friend's birthday celebration and made it our priority to see the Lucien Freud exhibit at the Theyssen. It was extraordinary. If you happen to be taking a jaunt to this fabulous city, definitely get tickets.

PHOTO CREDIT: Wendy King Philips

We had a dinner party the other night and I wanted to do something a little different. My dear friend asked for an assignment, so I gave her one. Instead of just bringing baguettes or a loaf of sourdough, I asked her to create a breadbasket so guests could choose their grain. It just seemed a step up. Of course, she did a beautiful job, and this will be on my buffet for years to come.

PHOTO CREDIT: Carla Sacks

If you're looking for a pair of sneakers that are both super stylish, versatile and won't break the bank, the New Balance 327's are for you. Available in a variety of color palettes, they hit the mark with both jeans and dresses. The only catch is how fast each drop sells out. Happy hunting.

PHOTO CREDIT: newbalance.com