I find the Niles train station to bring such fond memories, an image that never fades. Standing at the train depots boarding gate, as a little girl, with such anticipation, not only for the thought that in less than an hour’s time I’d be in the presence of a gallery of grand art belonging to my grandfather’s artistic family members. On these bi-monthly excursions, I found them all to contain influential conversation on topics which clearly have been the building blocks to my conscious approach in life.
I find myself today intrigued to contemplate a sense of retro glamour centering my ensemble with these historic Scotland patterned houndstooth pumps in combination with my grandmother’s weathered sheer chiffon scarf. Both pieces present a nostalgic reflection to what was once seen as the romance of train travel.
The 1950’s had gifted women a chic approach to travel from vintage train cases, chiffon scarfs, a cinch waist and lady-like gloves. Accenting with the right accessories is a key element for daytime travel and I’ve found recurring success with an elegant vintage-inspired double-breasted sheath by Tatyana. In such a dress Hollywood actress, Sophia Loren comes to mind with her impeccable style for travel as seen throughout her ongoing film career. Train travel is remembered with fashion consisting of a burlap deco covered suitcase paired with the delicate touch of a pair of vintage pearl earrings, cotton day-wear gloves, and a white gold framed handbag.
Trains go where cars cannot: into canyons, along rivers, through mountains, and into town centers. So much about train travel is visionary. Imagine the early 20th century engineers who saw no obstacle to laying 153 miles of track out to the ocean. While I step onto the wooden deck today my eyes meet the vanishing point, where the glistening iron rails seemed to merge. The thought of my grandfather’s memory approaches with a sentimental sense of travel that will never be lost.
In loving memory of Robert “Red” Alexander (1916 -2007) a man who truly was my strength and anchor in learning the fundamentals of immeasurable success & character – Happy Birthday Grandpa, there isn’t a day that passes where I don’t practice your teachings.
~
Tatyana Boutique Double-Breasted Sheath
Vintage Sheer Silk Scarf, Doris Alexander (similar here)
Pearl Earrings with Gold Plating (similar here)
White Leather Box Clutch (similar here)
Michael Kors MK Flex Mid Pump (similar in Black here & Houndstooth here)
Alongside a large tidal lagoon in the center of Oakland, just east of Downtown lies the historic Madison-Lake Apartments of 1927 – better known today as Hotel Merritt. A historian at heart for grand architecture I find the San Francisco bay area bestows a nostalgic era when detail was as intricate as the garments worn. Embracing centuries of history that towers before me, I reflect on its true essence of hotel luxury living and Art Deco craftsmanship.
Standing at the main entrance that consists of a pastel terra-cotta facade, a sense of autumn is felt with the addition of a vintage Hermes Wool Houndstooth Pencil Skirt. This classic 1950s design hits below the knee with pockets at the hips and a pleated waist which is complimented with a crew-neck button-up cardigan. Accessorizing these essential fall staples with the beauty of a Brown Aurora Borealis rhinestone brooch and matching earrings both convey a beauty of their own. To complete such luxury I paired a City of Paris millinery design originally purchased by Lucy Sandoval at the Montgomery and Sutter location in San Francisco during 1930s. Today’s style is the epitome of versatility for the transition into the autumn season.
Vintage Hermes Green Purple Wool Houndstooth Long Pencil Skirt (similar here & here) // Halogen Three Quarter Sleeve Cardigan // Brown Aurora Borealis Rhinestone Brooch & Earrings (similar here) // Millinery, City of Paris Department Store // Patent Accessories & Kate Spade Pumps (similar here, here & here)
Many times in my career as a Writer, Model and Consultant I find myself interviewing the brightest minds within the industry. What I perceive significant with these partnerships (beside their personal stories) perhaps is the possibility to one day meet them in person. Many of you might’ve noticed a harmonious union I’ve formed with Davis Brimberg of Davis Fashion, a Los Angeles based label which exudes dress designs that are all classic, yet timeless for the confident women.
From our initial introduction on Instagram in April, a collection of lucrative opportunities had arisen with a momentum that was beyond our foreseen expectations. Aiming to achieve vastness as I always do, in little over three months’ time I’ve curated for DAVIS Fashion, two magazine covers, a highly exposed guest blog-post feature, publication videos, in addition to a sought-after three-page Stalletto Magazine Editorial (releasing September 19th), and the social media outreach in support to these opportunities. Perhaps all of these occurrences could be seen as a compound effect of connecting Davis with the best media exposure possible through of a number of personal marketing principles I practice.
Coming in the month of September, I am honored to meet Davis in person as she tours the San Francisco Bay Area for a number of various fashion events. For those interested, please feel free to join us for an evening of Design, Wine, and Fine Art at Jennifer Perlmutter Art Gallery in Lafayette, additional details can be found below. While I count down the days until we meet I have no doubt Davis’s authentic-self will shine through with strength and confidence mirroring her design motifs. 
‘Ava’ Dress c/o DAVIS Fashion, Use Promo Code: ‘Doris’ // Rhinestone Jewelry (similar here ) // 1950s Crystal Veil, Annie Sandoval // Black Genuine Leather Gloves (similar here ) // Kate Spade Patent ‘Licorice’ // Custom Make-Up c/o Belleci Cosmetics
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