Vintage Whiting and Davis -- Timeless Luxury On Sale this Black Friday

In just a couple of days Apple's Haberdashery will be having its first online holiday shop where you can purchase from an expanded line of high-end vintage accessories.  The "Her Favorite Things" collection makes Christmas shopping simple, memorable and elegant.

Free Gift Wrap with every purchase! 

Be sure to visit http://www.appleshaberdashery.com/ on Black Friday.  Checkout opens at 1:00PM.

Above are Whiting and Davis accessories that are available at the online shop.  If you've ever held a Whiting and Davis product then you know how delicious the mesh material feels as it ripples across your hands and lays gently on what ever it touches.  For more than a century they've made the production of  interlocking fabric an art form...no wonder designers like Catharine Malandrino and Michael Kors have used it in their collections.

Parisian Style Employs Vintage Flare



Photo Credit: Tamu McPherson 

  

Photo Credit: Tamu McPherson


 

Personal style and Paris go hand-in-hand and the photographs, taken by Street Style blogger Tamu McPherson, were the energizing catalyst for this fashion analysis.  

Although very different, these two ladies employed a method that I would encourage others to consider when selecting an ensemble to shine in.  Aside from the frequently touted "be confident," "work with your body type," and the oh-so famous "wear colors that suit you" try updating a favorite era.  Julia (on the left) is not afraid of color and has amalgamated bold pieces from 60's into a free spirited look that gets her noticed (in a good way).  Meanwhile Athena's, Audrey Hepburn meets Betty Boop, puts the flirt in what would otherwise be common replica of 1950's attire.  The uber-short skirt and heeled booties make a contemporary statement for chic street style. 

Parisian style is just a click away when you do your holiday shopping at:  www.appleshaberdashery.com

Julie Lewitzky's Friends and Other Beings at the Burchfield Penny

I am certainly glad that my nieces enjoy life's more traditional luxuries, surprises and imagination centered entertainment.  We spent the early afternoon on this Veteran's Day Holiday at the Burchfield Penny Art Center--a magnificent museum, if ever you get a chance, visit it.  The "Useum" Interactive exhibit greeted us with teams of smiling faces made from old sweaters, buttons and  repurposed textiles.  Artist Julie Lewitzky created a land reminiscent of the archived world of H.R. Puffinstuff.  My sister and I couldn't believe the degree to which every nook and surface was embellished with odds and ends easily found around the house or in a garage.

It is indeed a good sign when museums embrace the luxurious aspects of reuse.

Get a Few of Her Favorite Things From Apple's Haberdashery This Black Friday

Apple's Haberdashery is here to stuff your stockings with Christmas bliss.  Starting November 26, 2010 (black Friday) we'll have posted a few of my favorite things that I know every woman loves too.  Visit: http://www.appleshaberdashery.com/

What a Wonderful World...Historic Architecture Buffalo New York

Explore Buffalo a little more with this book on the Pan American Expo. held in 1900.
I make no apologies for the fact that I love this city watch the video and see why.  Historic reuse all around.  While you are at it, sing the words to What a Wonderful World.

I see trees of green, red roses too

I see them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces of people going by

I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do

They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow

They'll learn much more than I'll never know

And I think to myself what a wonderful world

Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.

Take the Short Cut

Hilfiger Fall 2010
photo credit: style.com



ORGANIC Fall 2010
photo credit: Allita Lee

 

It's getting pretty chilly outside and I, just like many of you, need to freshin' up my autumn look on a budget. Luckily Fall 2010 collections include closet stapels made chic with a good pair of scissors. This season's must have takes a cue from summer by transforming shorts into street style that is simple yet solid. Check out these wardrobe essentials from ORGANIC, Hilfiger and ADAM. 

ADAM Fall 2010
photo credit: style.com

Although I encourage my clients to purchase at least two designer pieces each season, a modified version of a close fit mini short, baggie knee-length trousers, and a smartly nipped collegiate jersey two piece provide a respite for the financially strapped IF you have the time to re-create the looks at home. This post is not a license to "slash" perfectly good garments, but rather, a nod to reuse by modifying what would otherwise be landfill fodder. 

So go ahead and send those slim fit slacks (with the hole in the knee) to your tailor for shortening and create a classic preppy look. While you are at it, grab the 1940's trouser that your dad no longer fits and then cut 'em and cuff 'em. Finally, breathe new life into your study hall sweats by customizing the neckline and adding dark tights for a sleek new look.