One of the greatest attributes of dressing in vintage everyday, besides the exquisite garments and costume jewelry is by far the red lips – don’t you agree?

Some little girls, play with dolls and others paint their lips red, I was that girl. Today this girly pattern skirt brings back fond memories from my youth when I would apply my grandmother’s red Revlon lipstick in front of her vanity mirror. How is it in life we imagine or do one thing and it takes years, even decades for it to manifest? I suppose you would call it destiny. We never know as children where our lives will go, who we will meet or what lessons will play a part in our future. From my fascination of vintage beauty, perfume and powder puffs, who would have known I’d be thirty-seven exuding such glamour?

 “Even as a child I knew I wanted, red lips & rosy cheeks”

Every action to the thoughts we think have led us to our current reality. When I look in the mirror, I still see my younger self and it warms my heart as I know a piece of my grandmother is also with me. I dedicate my sense of European style, 50’s pin curls and ravishing red lips to her, Doris Alexander. Without her, I would have never manifested what you all see today.
EXPRESS Bow Blouse (similar here & here). Retro Lipstick & Compact Pattern Skirt (similar here). Cat Eyed Sunglasses, Retro Sunnies. Tan Suede Pumps, Coach. Revlon, Love that Red 725 Lustrous Lipstick. 

What does “less is more” mean exactly? Well, it simply means sometimes something simple is better than something overly complicated.

Today fashion is either under executed where no effort or thought goes into ones beauty, style and accessories or on the fair opposite side of the spectrum you’ll find an individual wearing a little of everything from their closet. I suppose the question is how does someone seeking a classic, yet simple appearance go about just that? Don’t over think it. Fashion is about creating a persona that if you where to walk into a room and not say a word, you’d leave being memorable based on your overall presence. Growing up I admired not only the style from the 1950s I also appreciated the simple vogue from European designers such as Dior, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.

“Remember classy doesn’t mean boring or without personality. Dressing classy means dressing elegant and sophisticated. It’s also timeless and elegant.”

While I was styling this stunning Maggy London midi dress with side slit, an urge to not over complicate the overall look with large pieces of jewelry came to mind. I decided to keep it as simple as I possible with just adding a gold victorian slide bracelet, matching earrings paired with a vintage leather clutch. I debated on two shoe options: a plain black leather pump by Vince Camuto or my cherished Kate Spade New York “Laurette” d’orsay pumps (seen above). In this case the black leather pump would have been too simple. When wearing a midi dress with a side slit it is important you provide some detail in the footwear to draw the eye upward.

If you are ever in need of a second opinion on styling an outfit, please feel free to reach out to me through my Instagram account by sending me a direct message. With a decade of retail merchandising and styling experience I am confident we’ll create an outfit that leaves others wanting more.
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Maggy London Midi Dress. Gold Victorian Slide Bracelet (similar here).
Gold Rope Earrings (similar here & here). Vintage Leather Clutch (similar here in patent). Kate Spade New York “Laurette” d’orsay Pumps. Maybelline Super Stay Lipstick, Ground Breaker. Cover FX Power Play Foundation. Photography c/o rf_fisher_photography.

The most essential experience created by architecture is in its structure. Architecture presents the drama of construction silenced into matter, space and light. Ultimately, architecture is the art of design and proportion.

Design is a part of everyone’s life, we live, construct and create life in the art of architecture. The aspects of all design effect our lives, however the similarities to architecture and fashion, as I believe are many. Both have a grace or in better terms “stance”.

When an architect is in the thought plane, they often will sketch their design on paper from a vision created; the same goes for a fashion designer. Having experienced the avant garde of the design world I find it true that design is functional and regarded far from plain or uninteresting. Regardless of its appeal to a certain audience, buildings and clothing are both designed by someone. Decisions have been made regarding the proportions, material selections, and use.During this year’s AIA San Francisco Design Awards held at the War Memorial Theater inside the historical Green Room, Bay Area individuals and organizations were recognized for their outstanding achievements in Architecture and design. The program serves to inform the public of the scope and value of architectural practice.

A few highlighted award honorees were Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP for the Monterey Conference Center, The Amador Apartments in Oakland by jones | haydu and the historic preservation of the Lodge at the Presidio with Architectural Resources Group. For the entire list of winners please click here.

Design of all mediums is something we all can appreciate. Whether it is fashion, architecture, art, graphic design, etc., we can cross-pollinate almost anything to create something that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Images c/o Dirk Wyse Photography