Wearing animal prints, such as leopard, evokes power and luxury; while a number of past style eras have showcased no woman’s ensemble complete – without a touch of leopard.
To start off 2017 I couldn’t resist playing on the wild side of elegance with a leopard fur felt cocktail hat accompanied with a black silk dupion rosette and veiling by Award winning London-Based couture milliner, Judy Bentinck. This millinery design pairs well with today’s color choice of red, coordinating with a number of subtle vintage accessories. For those of you who contemplate how you might recreate the same ensemble, the trick is to garnish yourself with one piece of leopard rather than a head-to-toe; I personally find an accessory such as a hat or handbag to be ideal. A fine example is in the 1963 film “Charade,” where Audrey Hepburn who exudes elegance in a pointed leopard hat, pearl earrings and red coat.
This bespoke design ‘Estella’ (as seen above) by Judy Bentinck is just one of the exceptional designs her online shop has to offer. Offering a number of distinctive collections which are all elegant and stylish, not to mention, delightfully playful. Each design retains subtle touches of dupioni silk rose curls, silk organza peonies, satin bows, sparkling buttons, wispy veiling, tulle, and ribbons which adorn each hat; accented with the right amount of vivacity. Available in all shapes and sizes, from cocktail hats to wider brimmed styles, Judy Bentinck transforms ordinary textiles into two-dimensional pieces of art offering a lovely array of designs for every imaginable occasion, family gatherings or a celebrated venue.
For many, the word “milliner” evokes a bygone era perhaps an antiquated artisan; however a milliner’s creation is solely the only accessory (in my opinion) that provokes more conversation among strangers than any other. With the right millinery precision your existing ensemble will escape boredom taking center stage once again.
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Fur Felt “Estella” Cocktail Hat c/o Judy Bentinck
Conversation Starter Dress c/o Bitter Root Vintage
Vintage Accessories (as seen on my Etsy)
Marble Gloss in ‘Eartha’ c/o Ultra-Vixen Cosmetics
Fiore Glam Satin Top Hosiery c/o Heels & Toes Inc.
Ivanka Trump Suede Pumps
Despite the chill in the air this afternoon, a stroll Downtown here in Pleasanton will greet you with unexpected finds and uncommon treasures. The pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets offer a vibrant blend of parks, historic buildings, specialty boutiques, service businesses, fine dining and coffee shops.
Although the historic Main Street entrance of 1894 may seem small from a distance, to walk through downtown Pleasanton a nostalgic feeling is felt with the passing of each historic building which all share a story. You’ll quickly find its esteemed recognition a symbol of the community’s history and unity.
Isn’t that what life is all about, sharing our stories, moments and memories? I find one of those ways is through dated garments with touches of modern wardrobe staples as seen here today in my grandmother’s wool wedding skirt. In a previous shared story (prior to my diagnosis as a diabetic) I provide a story of why she had chosen the rich hue of navy for such an occasion. Pairing it with a vintage J. Lerbret wool blazer and pleat silk blouse, accenting it with the daintiest gold roped bow brooch and timeless diamond earrings – you might find my garments may have a story or two to tell.
Similarly, we all have some form of a story to share which starts with our core beliefs, fond memories or even our undying purpose. Monday November 14th in recognition of World Diabetes Day, I had the honor and privilege of recording a special radio segment on 101.7 KKIQ in collaboration with Beyond Type 1. Having shared a brief synopsis of my journey as a diabetic with radio personality Mel McKay, it had me thinking of celebrity Mary Tyler Moore, and our similar challenges with the disease.
In this past television interview from 2010 she explains the beginning of her diagnosis and how she dealt with being a public figure. Each word she spoke and fear she felt was exactly in direct proportion to ones that I had as well. Stories are truly meant to be shared, and it is our responsibility to retell those moments in a way that it will benefit others. Mary Tyler Moore’s courage to share her story, among many others, has a way of changing people and refashioning communities beyond measure.
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J. Lerbert BIS Paris Wool Blazer
Vince Camuto Pleat Blouse (available at Macy’s)
Garbine Wool Skirt (Family Heirloom, Doris Alexander)
Authentic Vintage Accessories (discover these & more on Etsy)
Fiore Glam Satin Top Hosiery c/o Heels & Toes Inc.
Brian Atwood Patent Pumps (similar here & here)
Marble Gloss in ‘Eartha’ c/o Ultra Vixen-Cosmetics
While the calm winter air blows a symphony of crisp golden leafs on the cobblestone walkway of a man-made stone bridge, it’s a good thing I’ve found the luxury of Beau Gant to grace my winter wardrobe.
When it comes to garments and accessories, ‘Made in Italy’ is a rarity of craftsmanship which in return provides a accustom loyalty. It’s far harder, however, to find this amount of quality in a current era that is widely populated of mass production garment choices, until now with Beau Gant.
Through the donning touch that a luxury pair of gloves can provide anyone not only in cooler weather, but all year round has been established since the beginning of fashion. Better known as the “clothing of hands,” gloves have evolved to coincide with the changes in fashion. From this inspiration Beau Gant has created a full collection of handcrafted leather gloves that are best described as versatile and elegant reminiscing the style of 1950s icons, Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn.
Beau Gant gloves are not only available in a number of hues; they also offer a full range of lengths for all occasions. Often in the 1950s, women’s long gloves were made with a lightweight fabric such as cotton and nylon, while shorter gloves were constructed from leather. Founder, Katie Das & Head Designer, Claire Gros have fashioned a collection showcasing this fundamental by incorporating vintage touches which consists of Italian artisan. From hues to lengths there are bespoke lining options with each design ranging from unlined, silk, cashmere, or fur.
Today, I find no better way to accompany these captivating eight inch leather gloves than with an heirloom camel hair coat, leather snake embossed pumps and an array of Italian-made accessories which include an authentic pheasant feather hat, leather and suede combo unlabeled handbag and my grandmothers 24 karat gold dangle earrings.
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Long Leather Black Gloves c/o Beau Gant
Luxe Camel Hair Coat (Lucy Sandoval, similar here & here)
Three-Quarter Sleeve Dress (similar here)
Golden Filigree Medical ID c/o Lauren’s Hope
Leather & Suede Accented Handbag (Cynthia Miller, view additional styles on Etsy)
Fiore Glam Satin Hold Up Nylons c/o Heels and Toes Inc
Snake Embossed Pumps c/o Joan Oloff Shoes
richinlovefashion.com 