Cole Haan Pum

Yes Sir! That's My Baby!

Photography: Ellie Lacey, on Instagram. Dress & Purse: Vintage, Sunglasses: Love Obsessed, Shoes: Cole Haan, Earrings: c/o chloe + isabel by ashlyn, Bracelets: Blydesign, Madewell, Jook and Nona. Ring: Melinda Maria.

I recently came into possession of a number of amazing vintage frocks and accessories like this navy dress and purse.  A friend of mine was given piles upon piles of heirloom brand and quality pieces passed along to her by her mother-in-law who was the caretaker for a very stylish elderly woman moving into assisted living.  The woman lived in a beautiful home on one of Charlotte's prettiest streets.  She had no remaining living relatives close by, and so my friend's mother-in-law was given many of her possessions.  The mother-in-law wanted the clothes to be passed onto someone who would value and appreciate them.  Knowing my penchant for high quality vintage, my friend notified me.  I rushed right over for a look, and what I did not take was passed along to a local theater.  Bergdorf Goodman's, Dior and Bob Mackie name a few of the brands, many of the pieces purchased on her regular visits to New York City.  When I went to my friend's home to collect the items, I  had the pleasure of hearing a few sweet stories from the mother-in-law who cared for this dear woman.  I learned her favorite song was "Yes Sir! That's My Baby!" and how she would sing the lyrics strolling down the hall.  It reminds me of the stories I would hear of my Great Grandmother watching the Lawrence Welk Show.  The memories tied to the owner are what make the items so special.  I can't wait to share more of these beautiful clothes with you.

Dirty Rotten

In December's issue of Sasee Magazine, I share my tips for putting on the dog and pampering yourself rotten this holiday season.  If you're ever in the Grand Strand of South Carolina (Charleston to Myrtle Beach), be sure to pick up a copy of Sasee on news stands everywhere. For the outfit above, I mixed a casual plaid shirt from J.Crew Factory with a vintage satin ball skirt and threw in some colorful accessories with a vintage gold clutch, Cole Haan pattered pumps, my favorite Melinda Maria ring, gold cuff from Chloe + Isabel and a showpiece necklace from Charles Emerson Designs. It is unexpected and interesting, and easy peasy to create on your own.