More than 65 years ago women carried a sense of poise that is hardly seen within today’s main stream. From a golden era which possessed an epitome of glamour, there were two sought-after accouterments which women ideally complemented each ensemble with: Gloves and Millinery.
The question for many may solely be, is there an accessory that provokes more conversation among strangers than one on top of the head or held in hand? From an inherited velvet pillbox hat to designs embossed in the finest fabrics, headwear is a conversation starter and justifies a respected appreciation. While the development of millinery has existed in Britain since the 1700’s, today we perceive such an art form as dated. Is the notion outdated in contemporary style circles, or will it take center stage once again? “Fashion changes, style remains,” said Yves Saint Laurent. With this in mind, fashion today is influenced by style icons from yesterday.
To wear millinery (such as a Pillbox design) I’ve found they can be a bit of a paradox in the sense of correctly positioning on one’s head. When you hear the style term Pillbox, Doris Day, Audrey Hepburn, or Jackie Kennedy may come to mind. With its debut in the 1930’s many were designed small and were worn tilted while others fashioned it rather traditionally on the back of the head. Both positions are often seen as a rather discreet approach of showcasing prominent sophistication and class.
Millinery wouldn’t be complete without a pair of lady-like gloves, preferably a pair that seamlessly matched your ensemble. With the addition of a belted plaid wool suit by Summit of Boston, crushed velvet Charles of California Pillbox; adding the subtle touch of a warm honey amber rhinestone brooch and matching earrings, completes such a presence and mission to sustainability bring the lost art of wearing Gloves and Millinery back into today’s fashion.
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Authentic Summit of Boston Wool Suit (similar here)
Vintage Accessories (as seen on my Etsy)
Charles of California Millinery (Doris Alexander)
Marble Gloss in ‘Eartha’ c/o Ultra-Vixen Cosmetics
Fiore Glam Satin Top Hosiery c/o Heels & Toes Inc.
Heels by Ivanka Trump
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
richinlovefashion.com 