An essential for my daily glamour and style is provided by Bitter Root Vintage, a well curated vintage-inspired retailer that specializes in 1940s and 50s era styled dresses and accessories.
Vintage dresses possess such an elegant alluring image inspiring one to relive such an era of sophistication with the utmost grace. Finding a practical vintage-inspired dress for an upcoming social event or dinner for two, may present itself as a task until now with Bitter Root Vintage.
My official debut with the online boutique launched in January 2015 with their Blue Sapphire Lace Dress (here). In that post I shared my experience from unwrapping something so special that words couldn’t describe. Carole, the owner of Bitter Root Vintage prides her business with exceptional and personalized client care. Which comes in the form of handwritten letters and an occasional black & white photograph completed with a satin bow.
From this introduction I’ve worn dozens of her dresses for premium San Francisco Fashion Shows, Wine tasting experiences in Napa, UK millinery collaborations and several television interviews. However, the dress that holds dear to my heart came on June 6, 2016 shortly after I was diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic titled, “Embrace the Unbinding Courage within the Journey”
In this post I shared the journey of my diagnosis and how it forever changed my life in ways I couldn’t explain. Feeling oh so lovely and strong while I stood on an abandoned train deck I couldn’t be more blessed to be wearing such a dress from such a beautiful woman. I am thankful to Carole for her support through my diabetics journey. Owning pieces that are authentic vintage in combination to designs from Bitter Root Vintage truly bring life to an era gone by with glamour and grace.
Bitter Root Vintage, Tiny Steps Sheath. 1960s L.C. Maes Globetrotter Trench Coat (similar here, here & here). Sam Edelman ‘Hazel‘ Pumps. Vintage accessories (similar here, here & here). Beauty c/o Cover FX. The Perfect Red c/o Hickey Lipstick. Photo Credit: rf_fisher_photography.
November is such an inspiring calendar month, aside from it honoring diabetes awareness it showcases vibrant colors from one of my favorite months Fall. For a casual day downtown, I found myself enjoying lunch at Cap’s Oak Street Bar & Grill a historic restaurant. The elegant dinning room of 1963 resembles an era gone by, taking you instantly back in time.
This wool dress can be easily worn without the millinery hat and vintage glove, however don’t you agree they both create a look a lady should accessorize with? Perhaps for those that aren’t completely sold on mirroring this entire look try purchasing these similar styled dresses here, here & here. I would certainly accessorize with a glitzy rhinestone brooch or a comparable earring set. Style is what you create, it doesn’t come from a page in a magazine it stems from the individual’s vision for what they see as beauty.
Frederic Harvey Wool Dress (similar here & here). Amber Rhinestone Brooch (similar here). Velvet trim Millinery Hat and Leather Gloves found on Etsy. Beauty c/o Cover FX. MAC Cosmetics ‘Chili’ Lipstick. Photo Credit: rf_fisher_photography.
From Diabetes to Glamour, I have never lost sight on my spiritual journey.
It was a day that would forever alter the path of my entire life.
Laying with my arms against my sides in a cold, impersonal emergency room wearing little more than a tattered gown I felt exposed and vulnerable, while the Emergency physician delivered the diagnosis.
I am a Type 1 Diabetic.
My eyes closed with tears forming. I knew I didn’t want to wear it as a sympathy garment; instead I knew I’d rather refashion how others perceive such a life-altering disorder.
But little did I know that feeling of being exposed and vulnerable and receiving my diagnosis would end up being the fuel and the fire for wonderful things to come. Pouring myself into my passion for fashion I became globally known as “The Glamorous Diabetic” focusing on bridging the world of MEDIA and LUXURY to create memorable branding experiences.
I shared publicly on June 6th 2016 my unbinding courage within my journey as a Type 1 Diabetic. After it’s release, I was astonished of the positive comments and support that I was given. At that very moment I knew I could no longer approach life with a lack mindset I would need to play BIG and share this with the world.
Each year in honor of World Diabetes Day I partner with a non-profit organization, TV show or media publication to share education and awareness. This year I’ve chosen to collaborate with Delany Blue Wine. Launched in November 2015 during National Diabetes Awareness Month, Delaney Blue Sauvignon Blanc was created for the purpose of raising funds for Life-Changing Research. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to support the beautiful girl behind the bottle, Delaney Friend.
Today roughly 415 million individuals are diagnosed globally and is expected to reach 592 Million in 2035. Isn’t it time we retire the stigma of diabetes and adopt new levels of awareness? Please join me this year in partnership with Delaney Blue Wine to support diabetes research by purchasing a bottle of their 2017 Delaney Blue Sauvignon Blanc. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to diabetes research.
Remember together we can Inspire * Dream * Hope
Pretty Pencil Dress c/o Bitter Root Vintage. Vintage Rhinestone Brooch (similar here, here & here). Wine c/o Delaney Blue Sauvignon Blanc. Beauty c/o Cover FX. MAC Cosmetics ‘Chili’ Lipstick. RG Beauty ‘Hera Red‘ Nail Polish. Photographer Jason Lee
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