Sometimes I feel like my life has been a never-ending runway show. Over the last 10 years I’ve been fortunate enough to experienced countless fashion productions, private designer showings and red-carpet events wearing a rare assortment of dress designs.
From all these dresses there has been one that has truly changed my life, a crepe dress by Koldin Original. It’s square neck line, front pockets and belted waist dates back to the early 1950s and from the unraveling hem line – it’s age is no secret. Everyone has their go-to-ensemble, and for me, an authentic vintage black dress is a must. The closest I’ve come across has been from a few reproduction retailers such as Bitter Root Vintage, Dee Foreman and Get Go Retro.
However, when you know, you know when a particular dress has a lasting effect on you.
Vandalised with Love Flower Hair Clip (similar here & here). 1950s Koldin Orginal Crepe Dress. Vintage Clutch. Kate Spade ‘Heart of Gold’ Bangle & Dorsay Pumps. Beauty c/o Cover FX (Sold at Sephora). MAC Cosmetics ‘Chili’ Lipstick. Photo Credit: rf_fisher_photography.
One accessory I cannot be without, is an assortment of vintage jewelry. If you have ever peeked inside your grandmother’s jewelry box or glanced at a black & white photo, you might have wondered how you could wear these bespoke pieces yourself. Vintage Jewelry also known as Costume Jewelry can easily be classified in a category of its own and can be garnished in several ways. Brooches and rhinestone earrings are all finding their way back into the jewelry boxes of style-conscious women of today and who doesn’t like a little bit of shimmer?
Owning these embellishments is definitely a privilege, and it simply should be flaunted every moment possible. If styled correctly, it can present a sense of glamour for an entire outfit. Vintage Jewelry has been the focal point of a number of current designers’ runway shows, all stemming from inspiration by Christian Dior’s New Look Collection of 1947. It brings a specific form of femininity, which has over the years disappeared. The style tips below will help bring that forgotten sparkle to your everyday style.
With a simple sheath, you will find many ways to wear a vintage brooch. I typically will pin mine over my heart below my right shoulder, which is the traditional way from the 1950s and is often said to be the best for placement. If you’re seeking an option other than this, you can certainly wear it on your waist, on a hat, at the collar of a blouse, or even as an accent on a plunging backless gown.
As for earrings, these are wearable with almost everything and can be made into a statement piece, with it becoming the focal point of any outfit. While many, if not, all earrings from the 1950s were made as clips there really is no “wrong way” to wear vintage earrings. Don’t be afraid to clip a set of earrings on your favorite pair of pumps to provide a custom look that can’t be found in department stores.
In my opinion, wearing vintage jewelry takes confidence which in return adds flair to one’s look and life. Don’t underestimate the power of your grandmother’s jewelry box; it holds many treasures you’d never imagine. Start today and watch your outfits come to life.
Pretty Pencil Dress in Lake c/o Bitter Root Vintage. Vintage 100% Dokio Silk Scarf (similar here & here). Rhinestone Earrings & Rose Brooch (similar here). Retro Sunnies ‘Daisy’ Cat eye frame (Sold Out, similar here). Cole Haan Nude Pumps (on sale at DSW). Beauty c/o Cover FX (Sold at Sephora). MAC Cosmetics ‘Chili’ Lipstick. OPI ‘Big Apple Red’ Nail Polish. Photo Credit: rf_fisher_photography.
I am very privileged to have the great fortune of working with some of the best sales, marketing, and business professionals in the world. Whether they are executives in large organizations, entrepreneurs, sales people struggling to achieve the goals, or other consultants, the majority of the people I partner with are extraordinary individuals. They have gotten to where they are in their careers by being outstanding performers. They have innovated and dealt with very complex issues, balancing lack of resources, lack of funding, bad timing, bad luck, and any number of obstacles.
Most of the people I have the privilege of working with are dealing with challenges to which there are no easy solutions. There is no “smart” person that can come in and give them the silver bullets to succeed. Within my media career I’ve travelled to potential client’s businesses and discuss with them the ins and outs of creating a profitable media campaign. In the end, the only way we could solve the problems is by working together–sharing our different experiences. We then spend more hours and days trying to make our “brilliant ideas” work—and they never do the way we thought. The “gotcha’s” always pop up and we quickly adapt, change things and move forward. It’s all part of the nitty gritty dirty work of making things happen in the real world.
It’s easy to talk to a group or write and make things seem so obvious and simple–we have the benefit of time and hindsight to do this. It’s great that people appreciate hearing these views. But the insights are really the result of my good fortune of being able to work with so many different people, with differing talents, different experiences, addressing very difficult problems. Each interaction and engagement makes a difference in my life.
I am, indeed, privileged and fortunate. In this season of reflection, I want to thank my clients, colleagues, and extended professional network for the privilege of working with you, sharing ideas, and learning from you.
Floral Sheath c/o White House Black Market. Dali Collection White Blazer (similar here & here). iPhone 7 & 8 Lizard Case, Tory Burch Robinson Tote. Cole Haan Nude Pumps (on sale at DSW, here). Photo Credit: rf_fisher_photography.
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