So I haven't gotten around to the daunting task of cataloging my wardrobe but I've done my laundry (Yay!) and I've picked up a few amazing pieces over the past month. Like this Marni bag that has retired my CHANEL wallet-on-a-chain. As a new mom toting snacks, tissues, and God knows what else I feel this was a much needed switch. It is spacious, durable, comfortable to carry and cost $30 at a second hand store.
I find that the obscure lines I love are often overlooked and under-priced when compared to their more popularly recognized contemporaries. At the same store, for instance, a Tory Burch bag was far more expensive though it retails for considerably less. Go figure. I hope they continue to not do their homework so I can keep scoring...
UAL is a treasure trough of liquidated designer garments and accessories for men and women. Last week a client and I met my close friend and fellow stylist, Sam Mercer, at the small yet well stocked space where we unearthed a strong collection of high quality and distinctly fashionable threads for a fraction of their original retail value.
Giambattista Valli Gown...$2780 retail on sale for $89.99.
That was a very dense day for me, full of appointments and standing obligations...not to mention, I still haven't done laundry. Ridiculous, I know. SO I threw on one of my comfortable statement skirts and got creative when deciding what to wear on top. This Dries Van Noten blouse was picked up at a thrift store for $4 and has been hanging in my closet ever since. The wide and high neckline, overall length and shape do not work with my current figure so I tied it up. I was happy with the look but those sandals were very uncomfortable! (One of my CHANEL Brand Ambassador clothing allowance pieces. Thanks Saks!) I had to take them off toward the end of the appointment and run around the store barefoot. Whatever it takes...
Work Attire: Dries Van Noten blouse, Vintage hand painted Mexican circle skirt & CHANEL sandals
So...it's laundry day (or week) and due to the extreme nature of this undertaking, I decided to get organized like never before. If I have to do all of this work, might as well right?
And this isn't half of it NOR does it include my daughter's clothes...*sigh*.
To bring about lasting order in my closet and peace in my heart and mind, I am documenting each item in my wardrobe. Everything. From the trunks in my living room to the bags in miscellaneous places, I am going through each piece taking photos and writing descriptions to upload and track. I am tired of asking myself "What did I do with ____?". I have had so many glorious garments that have just disappeared or bit the dust in one of my many purges. Without accounting for what I have, I will keep making poor decisions in this regard. Granted I have finite space and can't keep everything, but there are some things in my collection that should not be disposed of due to a knee-jerk decision.
Me this morning leaving for work. White button front cotton top by Van Heusen, 50s era Hand Painted Mexican Circle Skirt, Vintage Head Tie that went to the ensemble below I did God knows what with (see what I mean!), Eye Been Framed browline specs and Manolo Blahnik shoes
Photo taken at a Missia Saran concert in Conakry, Guinea in the missing outfit...
For every client I've had that has felt a tinge of embarrassment when I enter their space, this post is for you. My closet is a nightmare right now. I have mixed seasons, shoes and bags of random clothes everywhere (not photographed but you can take my word for it) and laundry piled higher than I care to admit. It has never been this bad. In light of this new low I've found, I am ascending to a state of organization I've only dreamed of. I need to be held accountable for seeing this through...hence this series of posts. The journey will be documented here and some items may become available for sale or rent. Stay tuned and thank you for not judging me. :-)
Though inconvenient at the airport and clamorous when handling a sleeping baby, I have worn bangles 365, 24/7 for the past 4 years. It began with a fateful find buried within a huge collection of vintage clothing housed in a New Orleans washateria. Twelve lovely, thin silver bangles begged to come home with me and be mine forever. I agreed. They were easy to love yet difficult to slide off which made them a permanent fixture. Soon after, I acquired my first of many pieces crafted by the legendary jeweler Dr. Footz. The bangle boasting a fleur de lis and African mask was the perfect item embodying the blend of cultures that makes me who I am and New Orleans what it is. Next to join the team was the Giles & Brother Rail Road Spike in silvertone which I coveted for some time. Though it isn't solid silver, I never take it off and like the finish as it wears and reveals a copper hue below. Finally, the piece that made me type this entry, the piece that was crafted from orbs I clutched to my bosom in the bead store like a madwoman, the piece that was strung by the goddess herself, Julie Mims of J.B. Mims Collection, an AMAZING clear quartz crystal bracelet has found its final resting place on my arm.
It was love at first sight. While perusing a local bead store, feeling my way from one crystalline energy source to another, I was led to a basket of miscellaneous stones that contained the strand of spheres. The marble-like quality, color and clarity of the beads made them irresistible. I had to have them and the rest is Julie...
Silvertone wire makes it appear as if they are floating in space.
As I mentioned yesterday, wow. It's amazing how the seeds that bring forth the future and answer all questions are always in our possession. Never has this sentiment been more real to me than now in this season as a mother...
Reflecting on posts from the past I am reminded of my passion, insecurities, intuitive foresight, evolving perspective, style and body (see this post regarding the passage of time and one's personal style). I am fuller now in more ways than one...I have to be. Food Source, Astrologer, Lover, Spiritual Advocator, Homemaker, Student, Stylist, Merchandiser, Legislative Aide, Friend, Teacher, Guide and Witness are but a few of the hats I wear on a regular basis.
When things first shifted and my internal world, with my heart at the helm, became a priority I trivialized the art of getting dressed. Sad because I could no longer fit many of my treasures, overwhelmed because I didn't know where to begin dressing my new and ever changing physique and unsure where the time and resources would come from to acquire new pieces, I settled within and focused on the matters of the "higher chakras", if you will.
That was a much needed and welcomed transfer of focus yet I quickly discovered my love of fashion transcended ego and is an integral part of my work in this lifetime. I am an artist and clothing is my medium. With this renewed insight and zeal for style, I found the answer to my problem in my own closet...CIRCLE SKIRTS! Particularly vintage hand-painted cotton circle skirts for several reasons...The wrap style closure accommodates the ebb and tide of my waistline as a new mother. They are one-of-a-kind art pieces that are worth the investment. Difficult to find in vintage specialty shops but easy to peruse online via Etsy and Ebay, these skirts come in a variety of subjects and themes. Here are a few I've purchased recently that have transformed my wardrobe and made it function better than I ever imagined during this summer season.
Wrap Skirt Made in Zimbabwe
I love this continuous print...There is no true leader in this procession. Everyone, including the dog, is engaged and an active participant in the journey. They each possess a component needed to complete the task at hand and are confident individuals in a functioning whole. Amazing.
Hand-Painted Mexican Circle Skirt with Girl & Burro Embellished with Sequins
I'm not the sequins wearing type but I always make an exception with this genre of skirt. The textured cotton and hand painting gives it a casual feel that begs to be worn with almost anything (cut-off Roscoe's Chicken and Waffle tee is one of my favorites pairings with this piece).
Hand-Painted Mexican Circle Skirts with Tribal Motif
It is hard to place the origins of this skirt at first sight. Some think it's new because the colors are so crisp. Others think it is from The Continent because of the palette and imagery. This makes it my absolute favorite because it embodies the interconnectivity of time, space and cultures.
It's a thin line between love and irresponsible consumption. As an avid follower of fashion, I often feel convicted when my blood rushes at first sight of a smart silhouette or pattern. Or when my head throws itself back in ecstasy when an ensemble comes together. Or when my breath goes staccato as I touch the shoulder of a vintage gem shoved between the $3.49 rack of a thrift store. Or how I coo lovingly at the garment in my lap as I repair it...You get the idea.
I feel like those things shouldn't matter so much to me...but that is passion, and this is what I do.
Recently, I have been exposed to the culture of luxury consumption on a scale which forced me to question my place in this industry. I have always referred to modern designer lines as a means of educating myself, not as a standard. The people who actually invested thousands in these labels and trends were foreign to me. I now interact with and understand the spirits that consume on this level and was freaked out the moment the price tags stopped shocking me. I have looked at $900 garments and considered them "good deals". Wow.
Outside of the impoverished and naked, no one "needs" clothes. We all indulge our desire to look good and peacock when we go shopping. In light of this, I no longer judge and encourage those who love fashion to proudly partake in new designer collections as your wallets allow. Just don't forget that vintage designer pieces are artisan made, iconic, less expensive and will love you for life.
Want to see a series of high energy, low quality, voice delayed videos of me talking crazy about vintage clothing and accessories? I knew you did! That's why I'm sharing these throw-back YouTube clips from the Oak Street era.
M'oda 'Operandi, the site that allows you to pre-order designer collections before they hit stores, has exposed me to a number of labels that have managed to slip my radar.
Recently, Marios Schwab's Spring 2012 line took my breath away. His seams and layers of sheer and pierced fabrics optically tease the viewer creating gorgeous shapes.
Marios beautifully highlights the female form using classic silhouettes with a modern twist. His play on materials and the contrasting of light and dark are focal points of this collection.
Overall, this line is not for busty women. The intricate detailing would be lost if the fabric was distorted and the necklines are super high.
In general, to effectively wear pieces like those done by Schwab, I suggest finding a good tailor in advance. Go big and have the bodice contoured to your shape. Fit is paramount when honoring such a magnificently designed dress.
I adore Halloween and use it as an excuse to wear the inexcusable. To prepare, I purchase inexpensive and over-the-top pieces throughout the year stockpiling options for the holiday weekend. I even have some to spare...hence my phone ringing off the hook with friends needing a special accessory or garment to supplement their costumes.
I have been asked many times "What are you going to be?!" The quick answer is, I have no idea. I am simply going to put on something awesome and be that.
So enjoy, be safe and COMFORTABLE! I have a good feeling about this year's festivities.
I am concluding this post with my, now infamous, Halloween joke...
Cheesy or not, I love musicals. They are amazing performance art pieces combining acting, song, dance, set design and costuming in a particularly powerful way. The six highlighted here have AMAZING wardrobes and are scenes pulled from some of my favorite movies. Please enjoy. This post is very special to me...
Click the hyperlinks or view directly from this page where available.
Set in 1931 Berlin, Cabaret is a must see movie that documents the sexual undercurrent of Pre-WWII Germany. Outfitted in a bowler hat, high-waist shorts, thigh highs with garters, granny boots, vest and choker, Liza masterfully executes classic Bob Fosse choreography and a classic look.
Performed by Marilyn Monroe (Vicky), Donald O'Connor (Tim Donahue) and Mitzi Gaynor (Katy Donahue).
Marilyn's sash and shoes, Mitzi's midriff sweater and this scene as a whole make me swoon! What a great number! The colors are perfectly coordinated; Donald O'Connor's green hat, orange band, yellow sweater vest, gray pants, and black accessories work harmoniously with Mitzi Gaynor's cropped sweater and orange shoes...Sheer genius. I love the sleeves of Marilyn's jumper and the earrings worn by she and Mitzi are adorable.
Performed by Doris Day (Katherine 'Babe' Williams) and John Raitt (Sid Sorokin).
Doris Day is rocking a fabulous top, perfect cigarette pants and I adore Raitt's monochrome (and super tight) ensemble. Not to mention this song is awesome; it's very catchy and I love hard like that...
Performed by Diane Lane (Corinne Burns), Marin Kanter (Tracy Burns), and Laura Dern (Jessica McNeil) aka The Stains
If you love 80s fashion, please watch this movie. The wardrobe is an integral part of the plot and will leave you inspired. The Stains were stylish from the start donning fishnets, sheer tops, vintage sweaters, briefs, ankle socks and heels to the mainstream outfits featured in the closing credits. Cult classic...
As I approach 30 at the speed of life my style is steadily evolving. The more I embrace these changes I find myself disheartened by the suggestions of "fashionistas" and the "30 is the new 20" propagandists in the business of making women feel the secret to youth is in their wardrobe. This is tragic. I don't want to be 20 again. Neither should you. Our bodies are changing; our responsibilities to family, work, side interests and communities are increasing...Shouldn't the clothes we wear also shift?
On the other side of the spectrum, boutiques and lines geared toward a more mature woman are sprouting up everywhere in response to the demand for fashion forward options. This is a fantastic trend yet it disregards my generation. There are few accessibleandintelligent modern clothing lines to which the confident woman approaching the prime of her life can default.
So what do we do about this? We have to start by being honest with ourselves. We must dress for today and not the life and figure we once knew and fondly remember. Once that is done, we can't solely look to the standards set by the media and major retailers. Experiment and let your life, body and personality be your guide by investing not only money but time and thought into your wardrobe. Don't constantly dress for one facet of your life when so many things define you; think of yourself as a functioning whole.
I like to feel sexy. I'm sort of old-fashioned. I like a polished and well tailored look but I'm edgy. I work in high-end fashion. I love to experiment with silhouettes, texture and color. I'm cold natured. I salsa dance and use public transportation so movement and comfort are important. I'm 4'11", petite and curvy. On any given day, I need a single outfit and a few modifications that will fit in a bag to accommodate all these things.
Navigating the various, and often conflicting, aspects of our lives is the challenge we all face and meeting them with grace and style yields our unique look. The benefits of accomplishing this are limitless and invaluable. Make it a priority.
Comfort and confidence were the two things that came to mind when watching the Fendi show. The prints were simple, the fit was relaxed yet extremely polished, and the silhouettes were minimal yet voluminous and rich in structural detailing. I'm diggin' the color blocking and that phenomenal deep white trim at the hem. Oh, that collective consciousness in fashion...
I love old-timey fallen women stories. This one is fantastic. It has soldiers, Polynesian natives, evangelical reformists, and a raunchy Gloria Swanson who gets "saved" only to get pounced on by her "savior" who then kills himself. Don't sleep on silent films...If that sounds entertaining, watch "Diary of a Lost Girl" (1929) starring Louise Brooks.
I adore this French label established in 1945 by the amazing and "vertically challenged" Carmen de Tommaso (Madame Carven) who entered the Parisian haute couture realm as a novice and quickly made a name for herself. The Fall 2011 line is young and modern featuring great separates, practical designs for real women and rich textiles.
The love of my life, Karl Lagerfeld, never ceases to amaze me. He is the king of the "new sexy" where both relaxed and firm fabrics reside away from the body merely kissing the figure that lies beneath. He beautifully juxtaposed this move toward the more modest feminine silhouette by adorning his models with faux nose and eyebrow rings. Who does that? Karl does. Skewed and minimal geometric lines on traditional boucle jackets, girly epaulettes, ribbons, underwater flora inspired embellishments and so much more. *sigh*
They pulled Cary Grant's character in this film straight out of...I have no idea where. It is sort of ridiculous but life showed me a long time ago that anything is possible. Picture this...a doctor has a student he finds out is pregnant and unwed, she shoots herself after receiving the news and survives, recovers, runs away, he finds her, falls in love with her, marries her and they live happily ever after. Oh yeah, years earlier as a medical student, he receives a cadaver that he finds is still alive, the cadaver becomes his manservant/friend and they live happily ever after. Go figure.
Jeanne Crain's wardrobe is subtle and beautiful. That lace shawl in the top photo is belted and I love the lapel on her masculine jacket in the bottom pic.
Have you ever felt the weight of an artisan sewn hem? Have you walked in a garment that moved as if it were living? Have you ever been enveloped in softness beyond explanation?
I felt like I crawled into the primordial womb when I first put on a Chanel jacket. It is my happy place. I now understand why they are so damn expensive...
It gives me great pleasure to formally announce my position with Saks Fifth Avenue. After months of interviewing and a week of training, I am the newest member of the Women's Designer RTW team. With labels like Marni, Etro, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Yigal Azrouёl and Burberry to love on all day, I am further sharpening my eye for detail and design in addition to having a fantastic time.
So stop by, spoil yourself, stroke on a few pretty garments with me and try something on. Saks Fifth Avenue; 301 Canal Street, second floor...
Cushnie et Ochs...(pronounced kush-nee et oaks) Décolletage, geometric detailing, full skirts and structure meeting delicate folds. Powerful and feminine.
Zac Posen...My absolute favorite thus far. 1940s style super slim suits, fish tails everywhere, sculpted bodices, exaggerated hips and amazing varying sleeves. So glamorous!
