Day 77...

Something for you

Necklace purchased for my mom from Sedona Arizona

Necklace purchased for my mom from Sedona Arizona

There was a time when I was older that I was so delighted that I had saved enough money to return the generosity my mother had always shown me.  I delighted in buying her presents in the same way she enjoyed doing it for me.  I always joked that my mom was the easiest person in the world to shop for, mostly because we loved so many of the same things. I bought her this necklace on a trip I took to Sedona Arizona.  It was all I could afford, but I wanted to buy her something special.  It may have been a little more hippie dippy than her normal style, but I do believe she loved it.  I know she understood that this was a big purchase for me at the time, and I could feel the love in her eyes, when she thanked me.  Now that I have children,  I so deeply understand that it is truly the gesture and the thought that are the gift.  xo


Day 76…

Just Peachy

Peach St. John Cardigan

Peach St. John Cardigan

I know, it's two St. Johns in one week, but there is a lot in this cannon!  I really love these cardigans, they are so comfy, and I believe they are really timeless.  These are also pieces that I think work well paired with more updated silhouettes, to make them feel fresh.

I am including a link in todays blog to another blog post that a friend forwarded on to me today.  She sent it to me in light of the post about my mom's makeup from the other day.  It was so amazing to see this in my inbox, because it felt like I had put something out into the universe, and the universe responded.  I could not help but think that my mom had something to do with that.  It was such a direct line of communication to her.

If you have a minute to read this, you will see what I mean-

http://www.theminimalists.com/sentimental/

I am not quite ready to fully go down the road that these bloggers are on, but it feels like a very intersting path to explore.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in my life.  I love you.


Day 75...

Little Bow Pin

Vintage bow pin

Vintage bow pin

This is one of the sweetest things I have ever seen, it is a tiny little gold bow pin.  You can get an idea of it's scale by the fact that is is acting as a de-facto button on an old suit of my moms (the St. John from earlier this week).  This really feels like a gift that would have been given for a birthday, or a sweet sixteen.  Whatever it's history, I know that this is something I will pass on to one of the girls.  It is precious and sweet,  just like the both of them.  xoxo


Day 74…

Makeup

Laura Mercier 'Potpourri' lip liner

Laura Mercier 'Potpourri' lip liner

Today's post caught me by surprise.  It is not all what I intended to post.  Originally I was thinking about posting a belt from the 70's.  But something else happened instead.  As I have mentioned, this project has made me think a lot about possessions, what to keep, and what to let go of.  When my mom died, I immediately took on the project of cleaning out her bedrooms, one in NY and one in Florida.  The desire to do that right away was twofold; first, I felt like I had to do it while I was numb and driven by that supernatural strength that sometimes occurs after loss, and secondly, I did not want my stepfather to have to encounter her things at every turn, and I wanted to take care of him.  In addition to clothing and accessories, my mother had fabulous makeup.  Oh how we loved to go cosmetic shopping together, it may sound shallow, but what fun.  Because, of course that new blush is going to be ALL you'll need to look like a glowing 14 year old from here on out, and that face mask! Ooh and that eye cream!…you get the idea.  I remember our ladies trips, wandering around a department store cosmetic department, strolling, holding hands.  As spring arrived, I started feeling the need to pare down some things, and one of the things that I have accumulated over the years, are cosmetics, not only mine, but my moms that I could not bear to throw out.  They were all perfectly good, and I kept thinking, "Oh I will use these"  but the truth is, a lot of them are not for my coloring, and they have mostly been sitting unused, and will eventually expire.  So I decided to bring them all into my office and share them with the ladies here.  As I started to put a bag together, I realized that I had not really even looked at them in a year.  And as I took each bottle, compact, and lipstick to wipe them off, my heart started to break.  I realized that I will not ever take those jaunts with her, I will not call her and tell her what new color lipstick to try. And in that moment I missed her with such a deep ferocity, that I burst into tears.  I am crying as I write this now.   I know that I need to let some things go, that it is ok.  That I am not letting go of her if I let go of some of her possesions.  She is as much in my heart, as ever, and things are things.  Love is love, memories are forever.  Today I am wearing her lipliner, it is not really my shade, but this I will keep.  And thats OK.  Mom - I miss you, and I love you so much.  Wherever you are, I hope you can feel that. 


Day 73…

Holy Jumpsuit!

Vintage Albert Capraro chiffon palazzo pant jumpsuit.

Vintage Albert Capraro chiffon palazzo pant jumpsuit.

This is a vintage Albert Capraro chiffon palazzo pant jumpsuit.  Wowza.  And if you look closely, you will notice that I am wearing the cheetah head snake chain belt that I wore on day one of the blog.  (I never promised no repeats, just new combo's;)  Also making his shadow cameo debut is my gracious husband, who patiently endures these daily photo sessions.  Thanks love.  Albert Capraro is certainly not a household name so I did a little research just in case anyone wanted to know more about him.  I dug up an article from People Magazine February 3rd, 1975 - Here you go:

"When Betty Ford announced last November that, as her small contribution to the battle against inflation, she would no longer spend money on expensive designer clothes, it won her no WIN buttons in the fashion world, which then sat back to see just exactly what the First Lady would buy. Apparently Mrs. Ford, long a devotee of stylish clothing, was wondering too. 

The question was answered recently when she spotted several designs by a young American designer named Albert Capraro in a Washington newspaper. Impressed by his price range (a moderate $80 for day dresses, up to $200 for evening gowns), by his use of American fabrics only, and the attractiveness of the designs themselves, she summoned the 31-year-old, New York born unknown to the White House to sound him out on her spring wardrobe. Opening her closets to show him clothes she liked best, she singled out two Oscar de la Rentas. To their mutual surprise, both had been designed by Capraro himself back when he was a De la Renta assistant. He struck out on his own in July of last year. 

By the end of the visit, Mrs. Ford had ordered 12 styles from Capraro—all softer and more casual than she has worn before, and all with hemlines comfortably covering the knee. Her recent breast removal operation will limit her selection scarcely at all, says Capraro. "She can wear V necks, but not plunging too far. Sleeveless gowns are fine, but with a soft veiling. She'll wear backless gowns, but not strapless; I don't think she'd want to." 

With the exception of five evening gowns Capraro will make up especially for state dinners—using fabrics the President brought from the Far East—all her clothes will be off-the-rack selections, and will cost regular retail prices, which suits her economy-minded husband just fine. "I just hope you didn't buy too many," grumbled the President good naturally."

Albert Capraro studied at Parson’s School of Design in New York. After graduation, he worked for two years for milliner Lilly Dache, before moving on to work as a designer for Oscar de la Renta in 1966. In 1974, Capraro formed his own company. He is best known for his designs worn by first lady Betty Ford.

Day 72…

Large Marge!

Hand made vintage slip

Hand made vintage slip

Skirt detail

Skirt detail

Last week I mentioned that I had a great aunt Margret (Marge) and that my mom also inherited some of her clothing, this is a gem from that collection.  This is a handmade navy blue silk charmeuse slip.  Yep, you heard right, this was from the era when ladies would wear something like this underneath their clothing!  I received this from my mom early on, and I have loved wearing it as skirt for years, (sorry Aunt Marge) This is also in the keeper pile, it's just too special to give away. xo


Day71…

Lapis and silver ring

Lapis and silver ring

Lapis and silver ring

This is another 70's treasure and again, so small it can only be worn on the pinky.  I have to believe that it was not intended for any other finger, otherwise I will again, feel like a giant!  This is also interesting to me, because it is more earthy than a lot of my mom's jewelry, but it is right up my alley.  She liked to keep em' guessing.  

Day 70…

Flower power!

Vintage Diane Von Furstenburg floral dress with matching shawl/scarf

Vintage Diane Von Furstenburg floral dress with matching shawl/scarf

Tag Detail

Tag Detail

This is a sweet Vintage Diane Furstenberg dress with a matching scarf/shawl.  It really is a cute dress, and it was such a warm, sunny Sunday, so it felt nice to put on.  This is a 70's era dress for sure, and I am sure my mom looked beautiful in it.  What I find so interesting about vintage clothing is that this is what they called a six 6, OMG what did the size 2's look like?!


Day 69...

St. John and on

Vintage St. John dress, Marc Jacobs peep toes, Anthropolgie belt

Vintage St. John dress, Marc Jacobs peep toes, Anthropolgie belt

Tag Detail

Tag Detail

This is a 70's or 80's era St. John knit dress.  It is missing a few buttons, thus the strategically placed hand, and the little pin at the top that I will talk about in another post.  After the bangle post, I was determined to find a couple of outfits I thought would work well with it, and I believe this is one of them.  I love the 1940's flavor of this dress (thus the peep toe's) And here is something that I realized while wearing this...shoulder pads ROCK.  Instant posture adjustment, and makes the waist look smaller, Joan Collin's here's to you.  I say lets bring the shoulder pad back, not in a space age Balmain way that most normal women cant wear, but in a little slip of a way that is like a padded bra, for your torso.  To my gentleman readers, (and you know who you are) sorry to pull the curtain back on the wizard, but sometimes we all need a little boost.  Happy Friday to all. x


Day 68...

Shiftless

Vintage cream and pink linen shift dress

Vintage cream and pink linen shift dress

This dress fall into the cannon of items that was probably passed on to my mom from either my grandmother or my great aunt Margaret (Marge for short). Both of whom loved fashion, and passed many items on to my mom, and by default, to me.  Not to make any of my East Coast friends jealous,  but it was in the 90's in Los Angeles today, and this just felt right to wear.  There is no tag in this dress, which leads me to believe it was made for my Grandmother or Aunt.  I know I talk a lot about what to keep and what to eventually give away, This I believe,  is a keeper.  And I think it is the perfect dress to wear with that snakeskin bangle I was wondering about.  xo


Day 67...

Here I go again on my own, walking down the only road I've ever know.." 

Whitesnake

Vintage snakeskin bangle

Vintage snakeskin bangle

This is one of the items that I do not really remember my mom wearing, but there it was in her jewelry box.  It's pretty simple, just an off white snakeskin bangle.  I guess that would not be simple to most folks, but to my mom, this was a study in restraint.  I was not sure what I even wanted to say about it, but my husband asked "why did you save it?"  That's a great question.  I saved this because it is cool, and a good building block for other bangles, and because it is in good shape, and interesting.  Basically, all the reasons my mom saved it.  Would you all have saved it?  xo


Day 66…

Just a little bit

Vintage Etienne Aigner horse bit belt

Vintage Etienne Aigner horse bit belt

Remember Etienne Aigner?  I thought that they had their heyday in the late 70's, early eighties and was surprised to find, that they had recently opened a new flagship store in Soho.  I seem to remember that they made nice boots, and leather goods.  This belt is such a nice classic piece. In the new Aigner marketing spiel, they commented that their new target client was a young Isabella Rossellini.  Oh that I wish there were more young Isabella Rossellinis out there, more Grace Kelly's, more Audrey and Katherine Hepburns….more women of style, talent and substance.  I don't want my daughters to think that they need to 'keep up with the Kardashian's.'  My mom had a dear friend named Marion Bierwirth, she is an elegant, kind, and smart woman, full of grace.  My mom and I used to have a running comment whenever we were in a moral quandry - We used to say;  "What would Marion do?" And we meant it!  I hope that my daughters will find a good moral compass within themselves, and I hope that all the strong women in their lives help them find it.  So Here's to the Marion's, Sarah's, Hanne's, Frankie's, Michelle's, Margot's, Lucy's, Nora's, and Leah's, of the world.  Let's keep our kids classy!!  xoxo

 

 

Day 65!!!

Only 300 more to go...gulp.

Chico's Blouse, levis, Manolo Blahnik heels

Chico's Blouse, levis, Manolo Blahnik heels

Day 65.  I have been waiting for this day, waiting to turn my head to the heaven's and say "Oh My God, what have I done?!  What have I attempted to take on?  Why would I do this to myself? Because, to be totally honest, this takes a lot out of me, it takes time, and energy and emotion, and telling my Husband to please not make my butt look weird in photo's and remembering not to swear when I write in case my daughters want to read it someday, and all of that.  And then I will have a friend tell me that they love to read it, that they feel closer to me, and to my mom, and honestly, the fact that I have to think about her everyday, (not that I wouldn't normally,) but I mean really think, connect. I jokingly call it court mandated therapy, but honestly, it sort of is.  The first six months after my mom died, I was so good at compartmentalizing, I cleaned houses, closets, garages, any way to instill order to an otherwise orderless world.  And then I hit the wall, there were no more messes to clean up, at least not the physical kind.  And then it hit me.  You can't clean grief, not matter how hard you scrub.  You have to feel it to release it.  I once heard this analogy, of someone imagining that each time they cried they released pain from their hearts  in the shape of butterflies, and that the more tears you released the more the sadness would float away like butterflies, until the heart was lighter.  I'm still releasing butterflies.  

I wore this shirt for my friend and neighbor Leslie who gave me grief about dissing Chico's.  Leslie, I am rocking this Chico's blouse for you and my mom who is somewhere is the ethos giving me the thumbs up, and sporting chunky jewelry.  xoxox


Day 64...

These are the days....

These are the days. Vintage Chanel

These are the days. Vintage Chanel

Bag Detail

Bag Detail

I got to wear this bag to a very stylish friends house for a birthday celebration this Saturday.  I don't have many occasions to break out these bags, so when I do, it's always fun.  I feel very lucky to have girlfriends that like to play dress up as much as I do.  While this outfit was not my mom's style, I believe she would have dug it.  She was a pretty cool lady underneath all that St. John knit.  I do believe that my mom had a little rock and roll in her.  Hmmm maybe that's where I got it from?  


Day 63...

Going Native

Vintage Turquiose belt buckle

Vintage Turquiose belt buckle

Needs a polish!

Needs a polish!

I have always loved this belt buckle.  For those of you who may not know, (but I am sure many of you do), I was a raging hippie (that seems like an oxymoron no?) I travelled all over the country to any Grateful Dead show I could get tickets to or not. The tickets part didn't really matter, it was all about the "family", the travel, the tribe.  As a mother of two young girls now, I think about the fact that my mother let me go.  Although I am not sure she really had a choice.  I will never forget, coming home from a string of Dead shows on the east coast one summer, and announcing to her that I was not going to college, that instead I was going to go out to California to go to Mount Shasta to experience the Harmonic convergence.  WTF?!  And you know what?  She did not go crazy (although I am sure she was losing her mind on the inside).  She helped me do my laundry, pack my backpack, and let me go.  Before I left she handed me an envelope, inside she had handwritten all the lyrics to Cat Steven's "Wild World". Can you imagine, what that took for her?  In pre cell phone, pre internet,  almost pre calling card days, to let your child go out into the world like that?  I can't.  I am amazed at how she handled that, and you know what?  I called her on the Harmonic Convergence, after a vision quest on Mt. Shasta, and when I called, she said " I know exactly where you are" And she was right!  She loved me enough to let me go and try and find my own way.  In retrospect, I would like to believe that she had faith in me.  Mamma, thanks for giving me roots and wings.  


Day 62…

Snakes, why did it have to be snakes?
— Indiana Jones
VIntage Ronay snakeskin clutch

VIntage Ronay snakeskin clutch

Ronay Bag Details

Ronay Bag Details

One of the hard parts of this blog is not being able to talk to my mom about where she got all of her things.  Sometimes I know the story, but mostly not.  I must admit however, that I do derive some real pleasure in digging to find the story about a manufacturer that I would otherwise never heard of.  If It's got a tag, I've got a search engine!  I have major internet sleuth fever!!!  How else would I ever know that the Ronay bag company has been around since the 40's and that they were a NY based operation?  I find it fun and interesting, little tidbits of history.   My mom was a world class thrift shopper, this may have been one of her finds.  She had such an eye for quality.  This snakeskin clutch/handbag is in PERFECT condition, not dry or fragile, which leads me to believe it was may be from the 70's or even 80's.  There are a bunch of these on ebay and etsy, if you are in the market for a cute bag.  Found them in eggplant, red, and even this beige.  How fun with jeans, a tee, and heels!  It can even be worn cross body, as my dear friend and guest photographer, Sandy pointed out, (ya' know just in case you want to wear it while boogieing the night away!)  It is Friday after all.  Have a great weekend.  xoxox


Day 61

Put a ring on it…

Sweet vintage pearl and gold ring

Sweet vintage pearl and gold ring

My Apologies for missing yesterday's post, I was on Jury Duty all day, and solo in the evening with my girls, then asleep next to my 8 year old in her bed by 8:45…which I secretly love doing) This is a perfect, sweet little gold and pearl ring.  It is so impossibly small that it only fits on my pinkie, and I don't consider myself to have real meathooks (unless I am typing on an iPhone, then I am a ham handed luddite!)  Maybe this was a sweet sixteen gift for my mom?  I'll never know. It has a decidedly 40's or 50's flair.  Pearls have not really been in vogue as of late, but why not?  Don't we all need more things that are soft, luminous and gentle in our lives?  I know I do.  I am even ok with it being on my pinkie, it's a little flashier on that finger, a little "hey, how you doin?" But it gives it some edge.  Let's all wear more pearls!  xoxo


Day 60…

Tie one on

Hermes Scarf as a belt

Hermes Scarf as a belt

When is an Hermes scarf not a scarf?  When it's a belt!  Why not?  Hermes scarf, I love you, but I need to wear you in a non-traditional way.  I have tried wrapping you around my neck, but you are big, and it's a lot of look.  I cannot wear you as a top, that's for bra-less twenty somethings - I am loving you as a belt! If I do wear you as a scarf, it will be with flats and broken in jeans.  Interesting to be in between fashion realms. I am no longer a kid, but I am not matronly.  Yes, Eileen Fisher clothing looks more interesting to me these days, but stand down Chico's, I am not ready for you!!  And frankly, while my mom loved you, I'm not a fan.  Will I be?!  Will it be like my husbands's bit (My husband is a very funny comedian, who performs with his equally hysterical brother as the Sklar Brothers - they do a Chico's bit that is one of my favorites…It may be on You Tube, I Tunes? Ran?) But I digress. It's all about the balance, wearing these items without looking like I am in costume.  Making them my own.  I may have good experiments with that and not, but hey, I'm giving it a shot.  See you tomorrow.


Day 59…

Dior Deux

Vintage Dior Handbag

Vintage Dior Handbag

Such a cute little bag, fun with jeans, it really feels timeless.  It's so interesting going through all  these pieces, and seeing which ones stand the test of time.  My mother certainly did have an eye for what to keep. I find that I am really developing a different relationship to clothing and accessories, than I ever had before.  I look at all the stuff out there, and now find myself really knowing what is pure trend, and what has legs.  I see a lot of repeated profiles from some of these old pieces, everything old is new again.  

Day 58…

Just Ducky

Vintage Duck Belt buckle

Vintage Duck Belt buckle

Duck Belt Detail

Again, this belt is just pure fun.  It's a smooching duck belt buckle for Heaven's sake!  But honestly, you have to have some balance to pull this off or it could veer very quickly into treacly territory.  So I think this kind of belt pairs well with a pretty simple backdrop.  This buckle is dated 1973, I was four years old when my mom wore this.  I loved it then, and I love it now. xo