Pinstripes and Pearls

Leopard, Tiger and Flats Oh My!

Double Leopard

Wearing leopard print scarf with vintage 70's leopard belt with Gap favorite tee and Escada bright yellow jacket and camel hair trousers.

Vindication

I became bored with the current fashion magazines and their boring offerings for Fall 2010. Flash forward to September 2010 and the October issue of American Vogue. I had planned on letting my subscription lapse in 2 months because I simply did not like what I saw. As if in a last minute bid to win me back, here came the editorial piece "The Society Slouch". In this spread, Vogue magazine found its 1930's edge and also decided the short skirt was out, long was in. Not only did the piece point out the new glamorous look, but gave a nod to the influence of 1970's vibe on this mixed era look. The fur throws, tons of black, wide legged trousers and the perfect shade of powder blue to set off the vintage yet modern look...I am in heaven...and vindicated as I wrote in my last several posts about the exact 1930's influence. Even more joy came several days ago when I saw the Spring 2011 Dries Van Noten collection, further influenced by the mixed era idea down to the same blue fur throw. Happy days are certainly here again, at least as far as fashion.

The Perfect Fall Handbag(s)

My husband and me love to garage sale together. He is always looking for "good" signs that will lead to a great sale. We laugh as we look for signs neatly written or with funny sayings. Such a sign lead us to a nice older couples' moving sale. I browsed through the items and found a lot of nice clothes, but alas too big. Then I spotted a rack of purses. The first one I touched felt like amazing leather, so I looked inside and discovered a vintage Coach handbag from the 70s. It had a beautiful dark green leather with a patina that only comes from age. Next I noticed a nice red patent leather clutch. I quickly grabbed up both and asked how much. I paid a $1.00 for each! Love them both and they fit perfectly with my Fall vintage inspired story...

The Found Generation

My Fall 1920/30 inspired story could not be complete without discussing the two people who have inspired me creatively more than anyone else in my life. Several years ago I found a small article in a fashion magazine about a college exhibition on the art and style of Gerald and Sara Murphy. The article made reference to them being the inspiration for Tender is the Night my favorite F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. This caught my attention: how had the art and style of this couple influenced Fitzgerald enough to write this beautiful story? I had never heard of them yet there was an entire exhibit about their art and style? I wanted to know more so I began researching their lives. I discovered they moved to Paris in 1921 and later had a home in the South of France called Villa America. They were friends with Cole Porter and did a musical with him. The top photo is of the Murphys with Cole and Linda Porter in Venice. Besides inspiring Fitzgerald, they served as muse to Picasso, Leger, Dos Passos and Hemingway. The Murphys were both gifted artists in their own right. The painting with the cigar box is by Gerald Murphy. The ink drawing is a self portrait by Sara Murphy.

Sara was famous for wearing a long string of pearls and liked to "sun" them on their beach. The photo of her sunning her pearls is included along with several paintings of Sara by Picassco, the most famous of them, The Woman in White. The Murphys were known for their gracious entertaining, distinct style in interior design and in their clothing. Gerald's father created the Mark Cross company, an earlier version of Coach type handbags and leathergoods, which Gerald ran for many years after their return to the U.S. These wonderful people led the most amazing life together; they are the ideal I have for living the fullest, most creative life imaginable. Not only have the Murphys inspired my own aesthetic but the novel I am working on is also inspired by them. We named our own beach cottage "True Love" after the Cole Porter song and sailboat from the movie "High Society" as an homage to the Murphys. Another Murphy friend Philip Barry wrote the play "The Philadelphia Story" which "High Society" was based. Here is to the Murphys and their amazing style...may they inspire your highest creative ideals.

A Little Vintage Goes Along Way

Once upon a time young flappers and their beaus were all decked out in full raccoon coats...well I love vintage fur but opt for collars instead of full length period pieces. My fall flapper tale begins with accessories. The first place I started was with raccoon collars, both real and faux. Attached to tweed and camel hair jackets, the collars work as more modern versions of a classic look.

Moving on to handbags, I found this unusual Longchamps bag several years ago. The bag is very different- it has a regular zipper opening but each end opens to use as an old fashioned muff to keep your hands warm! Works also as a clutch and shoulder bag. I love the red color with the camel and brown tweed jackets.

For a bit of a vintage look, I love to wear black gloves. This long pair goes so well with 3/4 length jackets. I try to carry a pair of black gloves at all times in my handbag for warmth and polish.

Now for the shoes. I am loving any kind of bootie but these red suede Charles David pair are a perfect wink to my vintage 1930s homage while staying modern when worn with a pair of black skinny pants. I also recently found this pair of Nordstrom brand spectator Mary Janes that again lend a vintage feel without turning into a costume. I have a great pair of grey wide leg trousers (ala Katherine Hepburn) I plan to wear with these.

For a topper, I plan to wear this cloche-style black hat. Another nod to another time but when worn with denim or a casual outfit, just a little bit of vintage.