Coque Millinery c/o “Raven” Fall/Winter 2015 Collection Mesh Pencil Dress c/o Bitter Root Vintage (similar here) Ann Taylor Fur Scarf Vintage Rhinestone Earrings (similar by Kate Spade, here) Macy’s Black Onyx & Diamond Ring Kate Spade ‘Licorice too‘ Patent Pumps
I must’ve been about ten years old, when I formed the resistance to wearing any form of headwear; throughout these years of adolescence, just the thought of wearing a hat had me distressed. Perhaps it was the image I perceived in the mirror, of a girl I couldn’t recognize. Nonetheless, with only failed attempts my dear mother would continue to garnish my crown with a decorative hat of one form or another. I may have been the only girl in the city who identified a hat as an unparalleled choice in accessory. With age I would privately embellish myself with my younger sister’s dance costume fascinators, and only then did I begin to find these performing pieces of art to be slightly enthralling. It wasn’t until many years later, at the age of thirty-three, that I would suddenly form a sincere appreciation for the art of hatmaking or what many know today as millinery.
Seven months ago, this unfavorable opinion would vanish; because of a bespoke millinery design that would hold such a profound enrichment, touching not only my sight but grasping an exquisiteness I never knew existed. From an impromptu partnership with Canada-based milliner and founder, Ericah Mitchell of Coque Millinery, I truly understand now what beauty and elegance a hat can bring to one’s overall ensemble. Ericah’s designs possess a bold form of confidence, bringing a unique manufacturing process to those who appreciate quality and excellence. In all her designs she encompasses three style elements: classic, elegant, and timeless. With our debut partnership Ericah took it upon herself to create an exclusive line, the Red Hat Collection. Later it was revealed, to my amazement, that this line was launched with inspiration from our connection and collaboration.
While Ericah’s designs all bestow character, originality, and authenticity, I find no better way to showcase her flourishing career than with an ad campaign in today’s leading fashion & beauty publication, Gladys Magazine. As a national publication dedicated to assisting the demand of society while inspiring change, their editorial philosophy is one that brings forth a sense of encouragement, while offering articles that enrich their readers. Modeling in Ericah’s ad campaign as part of their current icon issue has admittedly given me a new perspective on the beauty and presence a hat can have on one’s life.
One Shoulder ‘Dahlia Dress’ c/o Bitter Root Vintage Leather Gloves (similar here) Vintage Onyx Brooch & Earring Set, purchased at The Antique Co-op Gold Box Clutch, Banana Republic (similar here) BCBG ‘Opia‘ Lace Pump
The 1909 Metropolitan Life Insurance Building, located on the east slope of Nob Hill in San Francisco, gives a sense of history and brings about a desire to live through the elegance from an era of style. Masterfully rehabilitated by Whister Patri Architects in 1988, we now know this iconic destination as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. It’s the focal point for my lavish birthday celebration consisting of luxury wine-tasting at the legendary wine-makers’ lounge of JCB Wine.
San Francisco, a city that holds a unique place in history, brings about fond childhood memories that include a cable car ride with my father to the top of Nob Hill for an afternoon of exploration. With the passing of each year I’d always marvel at the eclectic mixture of architectural styles that define the characteristics of a city I’ve grown to admire. An historical landmark that remains as a marvel of beauty is the Ritz-Carlton with its neo-classical façade, rich filigree details that grace each column, its glazed terra cotta tiles, decorative winged hourglasses and loin heads; I noticed from research the torch-like lamps to still exist after eight decades. Arriving through the convivial club level, a slight smile began to form while I passed the concierge desk. Richard and I proceeded with an agog state of mind to what elegant crated edibles awaited us.
Standing in the multi-million dollar renovation that seamlessly combines the historic value of the Ritz-Carlton and Boisset JCB Wine lounges, a prestigious drive can be seen through its California labels which include Raymond Vineyards, De Loach Vineyards, and Buena Vista Winery. The JCB Tasting Lounge offers a lite fare of private dining, paired with a flight of their unparalleled wine offerings, surrounded in an intimate setting that exudes vibrancy and opulence. Exploring the divided tasting lounge and ritzy boutique, I found the luxe taste of wine to continue through their chic product partnership with Baccarat, Christofle, Lalique and Goyard.
For such a special celebration, it seemed only fitting to garnish myself with a dress design from Bitter Root Vintage. Their era-specific, constructed designs create a vivid presence, flattering ones silhouette. With such a high appreciation for vintage glamour, I found their Dahlia Dress to fit flawlessly for a mid-afternoon of sipping from Baccarat glasses, in luxurious surroundings, highlighted by smooth lounge music and laughter. It was a perfect way to spend the day, and celebrate with the ones I adore most.
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Visit JCB Wine
A ritzy space for high-end wine tasting
600 Stockton St.
San Francisco, CA
Instagram @JCB_Wines
Tatyana Boutique Double Breasted Sheath (similar here) Vintage Sheer Silk Scarf, Doris Alexander (similar here) Rose Rhinestone Brooch (similar here) Glass Paved Gold-Tone Earrings J.Colleen (similar here) Antique Co Vintage Ivory Button Gloves Vintage Leather Clutch, Doris Gibson (similar here) Ivanka Trump Suede Pumps
I’ve always had such an eager attraction with the historic implementation which surrounds the dated architecture of a bygone era. The greater San Francisco bay area in my opinion has swiftly provided an epitome of historic abundance to those that live within its perimeters, particularly the Lake Merritt district. These historic landmarks in many ways bring a feeling of home, each structure presents such an eternal treasure with its attention to detail bestowing a novel of love. In 1927 an art deco inspired six-story Mediterranean “apartment-style hotel” had taken residency lakeside at Madison. The Lake Merritt Hotel & Restaurant designed by prolific Architect William Weeks provides both guests and residence a sense of this prominence. A landmark best described as a hidden gem which continues its success with the luxurious addition of The Terrace Room Restaurant, known as the Cascade Terrace in 1934.
Originally the exterior design housed an elaborate dinning and entertainment patio for the days “well to be” clientele, orchestra’s and entertainers highlighted the evening with talent equaling the days distinctive postmodern twenty foot floor-to-ceiling windows enhancing the panoramic views for members and guest’s. With an aplomb interior mural which graciously depicts the Gold Coast by acclaimed painter, Andre Boratko of a scene of Lake Merritt in the year 1956, setting the focal point of the south wall still present today.
Standing at a distance from such history marking the corner of Lakeside Drive and Madison Street, I can’t help but glance out to the distance to its namesake’s tidal lagoon which centrally sits within the heart of Oakland. Having ventured through a number of downtown landmarks east of The Lake Merritt Hotel, it’s historical significance holds such refuge. Within the lakes grassy shoreline perimeter, artificial bucolic islands which house a number of bird refuges and a boating center which arms the San Francisco Bay. With the closing of each week I find myself gaining the chance to explore yet another building of a past era, intimately. Becoming fascinated with each glance into history I find each touch of my bare fingertips to bring a nostalgic remembrance coinciding with today’s modern developments.
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