Blog: Off the Cuff

Welcome to my blog, taking you behind the curtain of fashion.
-- Michele

WORKING 9 TO 9: Story Behind the Stories, Chapter 5

THE LESSON: If you're going to do a job, why not do it well? The daughter of a successful retailer, my...

THE INVISIBLE PEOPLE: Story Behind the Stories, Chapter 4

Housekeeping Confidential THE LESSON: “I’m not really a waitress” is one of OPI’s all-time bestselling nail enamels—and it’s a good...

BOMBS AWAY, BELFAST: Story Behind the Stories, Chapter 3

Sightseeing in Belfast (My photo.) THE LESSON: Never stand next to a man with a gunshot wound in his face.   You could...

OF COWS AND MEN: Story Behind the Stories, Chapter 2

You talking about us?   THE LESSON: You need to aspire, take action—and ask the right questions—to succeed.    When I...

IS THAT A BOMB? Stories Behind The Stories, Chapter 1

  THE LESSON: The chisel that cracks a glass ceiling is made of passion, bravery and excelling in your craft....

JOLLY HOLIDAYS: Our Seventh Annual Beauty Gift Guide Lets You Glide Through

We expect the end of this year to wrap up nicely--thanks to the presentable and delectable presents we've discovered. Here...

IT’S A MYSTERY: A Royal Find and My Other Favorite Mysteries of 2022

Reading is the secret to great writing – that’s my belief and my approach as a journalist. So I read...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: The Grinch Cannot Steal What Matters

By MICHELE MEYER I'm sorry to report that the Grinch--aka supply chain shortages due to the global pandemic--stole most of...

Insta-Truth

As a fearlessly frank fashion writer, I tell it like it is on Instagram at @Michele_Meyer77
XMAS 2020 Orveda Candles-xmass-dark

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: In the Nick of Time Pampering Treats to Give and Receive

  By MICHELE MEYER We all have aromas that evoke joyous holiday memories—for me, cookies cooling on the baking rack,...
Diptyque Advent Calendar

GREAT ESCAPE: Advent Calendars Take You to New Places for the Holidays

  Molton Brown Advent Calendar By MICHELE MEYER   Advent calendars are hard to resist: Who...
Adam Lippes Pre-Fall

A HINT OF THINGS TO COME: Easy Living in Hothouse Hues

Courtesy of designer Adam Lippes   By MICHELE MEYER Tired of sweatpants? Get used to them....
Natura Bisse Bye Bye Maskne image001 (1)

MASKNE: A Sign of Troubled Times

  The things I miss: smiles, mani-pedis, brunch with besties—and most of all,  being blissfully unaware of a terms we’d...

AND THE BRIDE FORGOT THE GROOM: Fashion Crimes

    OVERDRESSED The Bride Wore White Again and Again   By MICHELE MEYER Instagram has ruined love.   In...
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THANKSGIVING: THREE IMMENSELY TALENTED DESIGNERS WE LOST THIS YEAR

GIVING THANKS: Two Greats Should've Been on More Fashion Radars I wish you’d known them and their work and understood...
XMAS 2019 WORKING MAC Stars For Days Advent Calendar

ADVENT CALENDARS: BEST OF BEAUTY

TINY TREASURES By MICHELE MEYER Why should Christmas last a mere 24 hours —or even 12 days? Thanks to beauty-themed...
XMAS 2019 Blood Orange + Sake Urban Garden 59151

HEAVENLY HOLIDAY: BEAUTIFUL BEAUTY GIFTS

GIFTS THAT ARE BEAUTIES IN THEMSELVES By MICHELE MEYER I love lingering in beauty and home gift stores. (A shout...
Bocca

SORDID, BUT NEVER UNSIGHTLY: ALLABOUTVISION.COM

Eyeglasses addict tells all: Fashionista Fesses Up   By Michele Meyer   Before we plummet down the spiral of my addiction,...