Summer days are meant to bask in the sun, lost in conversation over an award-winning glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, I’ve found myself on-location at Silver Oak Cellars strolling through acres of vineyards, with AllVino in mind. As you may know United States is currently the largest wine market in the world, with women producing a greater deal of the country’s wine. For decades women have been creating exceptional wines; so there is no wonder when Allvino’s COO, Haley Hoppe, approached me to write on the topic of “Women of Wine” for their Grand Opening, I couldn’t resist.
Its only right to model an ensemble that pays tribute to one of the funniest and well-known wine-making moments in classic television history, “Lucy’s Italian Movie,” filmed in 1956 during I Love Lucy’s European tour. Fans of the sitcom are familiar with Lucy’s desperate attempts to be in show business, and in this episode she is vying for a role in the Italian film, “Bitter Grapes.” Lucy decides to soak up the local color and accidentally lands a job as a grape stomper. A necessity for such an inspired vintage style is a lightweight, off the shoulder peasant corset design by Corset Story. Laces made of soft, satin ribbons which assist in a natural body contour up two inches, provides a flirty and jovial appearance. Paired with vintage accessories that Lucy herself would approve of from a full circle A-Line skirt, patent belt and matching pumps to just the right amount of sparkle with rhinestone earrings completes such an ensemble.
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Enjoy a premier wine selection by visiting Allvino and receive 10% off your first bottle using promo code: New10
Instant Shape Off-the-Shoulder Corset Top c/o Corset Story // Ming Wang A-Line Skirt // Unlabeled Patent Belt // Vintage Patent Clutch, Embossed Gloves & Moon Rhinestone Earrings // Patent Pumps Kate Spade // “Really Red” Lipstick c/o MaryKay // Skincare Nucerity // Wine c/o Silver Oak Cellar
Built in 1921, the Claremont Upland historic district of Berkeley, adjacent to the Claremont Hotel, gives such a nostalgic feeling of an era gone by. Standing before such quaint, picture-perfect Craftsman-style homes of the neighborhood, I often wonder if some are still owned by their original tenants. Many of us know that home is where the heart is – in my case, it’s my closet – nevertheless I find a rare appreciation for such history. Just half a mile off of College and Claremont Avenue, my Great Aunt was a prized home owner; it was a place where as a family we all would all gather after Sunday mass. I still to this day remember the glass door knobs and the solid oak wood build in cabinets throughout the main level, not to mention her armoire filled with antique beauty. The house was sold shortly after her passing, when I was a young girl, but I still today will pass by and admire its beauty during my random visits through the neighborhood.
Passing through the entry Stone Markers for an afternoon stroll, I wore a dress – that could have been a remnant of the era – from a beloved online boutique, Bitter Root Vintage, owned by Carol. This newly released, 1950s-inspired, cotton dress, “Portrait of a Lady,” features an iconic “wiggle” silhouette and equally charming details. I’ve built an entire wardrobe that consist of a combination of authentic timely pieces and newer vintage-inspired pieces, which include many from Bitter Root Vintage and highly recommend you frequently visit Carol’s online boutique.
For today’s spring ensemble, I added a new floral brooch that I found while antiquing in Reno, a pair of lady-like lace gloves by Cornelias James, and aura rhinestone earrings. I have quite a weakness for vintage brooches and rhinestone earrings; there is something about the sparkle that it brings to any outfit that enchants my attention. You can only imagine how I felt when Rich noticed it through the glass display case at the register. I kept staring, expressing in a minimum amount of words how stunning it was, until Rich purchased it for me. In many ways, a clear rhinestone, also known as Diamante, is how I feel for Rich, as he shines so bright and brings such sparkle to my eye. I find it to go perfectly with everything because of its contrast, an enhancement of glamour by far.
Portrait of a Lady Dress c/o Bitter Root Vintage // Vintage Clear Aurora Borealis Rhinestone Earrings // Vintage Peach Floral Brooch (similar here) // “Nancy” Lace gloves c/o Cornelia James // 1940s Bespoke Satin Flower Clutch (Doris Alexander, photo above) // Brian Atwood Pumps // “Really Red” Lipstick c/o Marykay // Skincare c/o Nucerity
There is nothing more sophisticated than a luxurious fur stole to complement a woman’s ensemble, as it can be defined as elegance. Fur coats, shrugs, and stoles were essential to a woman’s wardrobe in the 1940s, as elegant ladies would garnish them over tailored suits and evening wear. I find women are keen to attempt such a trend, but hesitate for a number of reasons, ranging from animal safety to the controversy of wearing real fur. Trying synthetic man-made materials today is a way of bringing back a luxe material from an era gone by.
Styling your wardrobe with the accent of fur is alluring, which in return brings originality to your appearance. I’ve discovered draping a fur stole over one shoulder to the simple placement in hand, presents such a classic physique, all the while staying within a modern aesthetic. A 1957 magazine ad from Hollywood designer, Dorothy O’ Hara, with the slogan, “Makes women look nice and men look twice,” stands as a lasting impression of how a woman could potentially sculpt their figure with fabrics and fur accents.
With a satin side sash, accented with a larger than life bow, complemented by a slim waist, and the beauty of a pair of Rich’s mother’s delicate pearl earrings, a fur shrug completes a 1950s inspired dress by Lady V London. From their newest bridal collection, which displays an array of both bridal and bridesmaid designs, the ‘Loretta’ features a design that sits below the knee providing an extremely classic and elegant style for all occasions.
“Loretta” Bridal Dress c/o Lady V London // Vintage Mink Fur Shrug // White Satin Gloves, Pearl Earrings & Bracelet (Theresa Fisher), Peridot Rhinestone Brooch // 1930s Crochet Bag (Doris Alexander) // Donna Karen Hosiery // Brian atwood Patent Pumps // Red Lipstick “Really Red” c/o Marykay
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