How Old Becomes New

How Old Becomes New

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I recently completed work with a new client who, over the last six decades, has amassed some truly spectacular pieces that, hanging in the back of her closet, were just waiting to come back to life. Still sporting the same tall and trim physique, a testament to healthy living and amazing genes, she slipped into one piece after another and I sat there amazed at the opportunity (my first) to work with such a special vintage collection.

Vintage pieces must be presented against a modern backdrop of simple, classic items: the more ‘period’ an item, the more basic the rest of the outfit. Pair a blazer from the 80s with a white tshirt and straight leg jeans*, a long kilt from the 70s with a cashmere crewneck sweater and a sophisticated boot, a dress from the 60s with a ballet flat. Remember the rule: the more stylized your vintage, the more simple its accompanying pieces.

*Leave it to the best ever, Gwyneth Paltrow, to properly rock this look.** Believe it or not, I found this photo after I wrote the post. 😀

**It’s entirely possible that this blazer is not, in fact, from the 80s, as GP isn’t known as a vintage-girl (like Kate Moss or Sienna Miller) and it seems a bit short to be a proper relic (double breasted 80s blazers were quite long). However, the influence is obvious.

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Philip Lim For Target

Philip Lim For Target

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Well color me surprised! If you read this blog and are familiar with The Big Girl Bag, you know I endorse spending a paycheck on a handbag that will pair with everything, never go out of style, and last forever. And the math supports it: 3-4 moderately priced handbags (Coach, Marc by Marc Jacobs, etc.) equal 1 killer bag, so if you’re spending the money anyway, spend it fashionably.

My almost exception-less position on this ultimately boils down to the fact that inexpensive bags look inexpensive, and inexpensive is not a good look. So it should come as no surprise that upon learning that Philip Lim (a darling of the contemporary fashion world) was producing a line for Target, I didn’t bother to look. And this is my mea culpa.

Styling a client the other day, I saw her bag (pictured) and could have sworn it was the real thing. The typical indicators of inexpensive (floppy handles, horrible hardware, crap-looking leather) were nowhere to be seen. Somehow, a $900 bag translates beautifully into $45, and I am endorsing this bag for anyone who is looking for versatile and chic. There is, however, a catch…

Owing (I imagine) to its popularity, this bag is not available for purchase online, and I imagine the stores won’t be any different. It’s not all bad news though, because if you can stomach paying double, Ebay has the answer. Many of them, in fact. You can bid or Buy It Now in either taupe or black. Remember that even at double the price, this bag is a style steal.

 

 

[yuzo_related]

Designer Spotlight: The Woods Fine Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: The Woods Fine Jewelry

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883145_586416801394809_1110326853_oWorking in the world of style and surveying an almost constant stream of beautiful things, it’s unusual to develop obsessions. Simply, I see a lot and while I speak passionately about the things I love (Balenciaga Giant Work bags, antique chandeliers, J.Crew), I am rarely really impressed.

Enter The Woods Fine JewelryWith a sensibility that reflects the organic glamour of its birthplace (Aspen, Colorado) each collection combines an earthiness (wood, metal, fossilized ivory) with the dazzle of diamonds and other precious stones. For me, this juxtaposition is its essence, its identity, its thing that makes it truly special.

Already amassing a celebrity following and collaborations with fabulous designers and artists from other mediums (Chris Benz, Regan Rosburg, Cosmic Thread), The Woods is the real deal (with prices that reflect it). Luckily, our local purveyor of all things Woods, Goldyn carries many bracelets sans diamonds that retail for under $50 and beg to be stacked amongst a chunky watch, a friendship bracelet, or more of the same. If you’re able to splurge, co-owner/founder Shawn Hecox has generously offered 20% off all custom orders (through Goldyn) for Mile High Style readers (ask for Vanessa or Courtney).

If the piggies in your bank were waiting for something special, this is it.

woods-mix

 

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Dining Room Dramatic

Dining Room Dramatic

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chandelier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While doing some pro bono work for an old friend, I happened across this incredible fixture. Ignoring the awful choice of that mirror in the background*, this chandelier embodies a 70s sexiness while still maintaining a modern sensibility. It will add the perfect amount of attitude to a traditional dining room.

*Merchandising 101: don’t match foreground and background.

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Boots Baby!

Boots Baby!

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They’re in, they’re out. They’re back in, they’re back out. Trends are quite fickle regarding knee-high boots, so how about this: buy them if you like them and forget whether they’re ‘in’ or ‘out’ this particular season.*

If you need convincing, knee-highs are great over skinny jeans and a sweater and with a skirt or dress. For those of you who love the dress + boots pairing, this particular pair from Stuart Weitzman are available in every rich Fall color.

 

*For the record, they are back ‘in’ for Fall/Winter 2013.

[yuzo_related]