Photography: Paige Wynn On Location: The Encore SouthPark
Dress worn as Top: Belonged to Grandmother, Skirt: Vintage purchased from It's Not That Deep, Bag: Vintage, Scarf: Vintage, Bracelet: C/O Chloe & Isabel Ashlyn Milosch, Shoes: J.Crew, Precious Peanut #2 Shirt: Crew Cuts
As you know, I've got home interiors on the brain. A recent article about vintage home decor on My Domaine's website jumped out at me. Anna Brockway, co-found of Chairish, an on line destination for design lovers to buy and sell vintage and furniture decor, said "Buying vintage is not just practical; it's smart, chic, and kinder to the earth," The editors at My Domaine followed up with "Just like we're tired of ultra-edited perfectly polished photos on Instagram, we're craving variety in our décor too.
I could not agree more with both statements. I'm a long fan of collecting one of a kind items across all time periods, at all price points, from all types of stores, for the sake of having a uniquely curated wardrobe. While I do love some of the shiny pretty (eh hem expensive things that so many of the 'it' girls seem to have), seeing the same 'it' bag or pair of expensive name brand 'it' shoes in more than three Instagram pictures in one week typically makes me want to croak. Gaaahhh, can we get some originality people?? This room, on the other hand, is my jam.
This curated approach to style applies to my personal style in both my dress and in my home design. How about you? Does vintage shopping excited you? Overwhelm you? Gross you out to purchase on things that once belonged to a complete stranger? Here a few vintage finds for both the home and wardrobe that have caught my eye.
The fashion editorial feature in the current issue of Southpark Magazine is so hot and bright the models even have to wear their shades! But seriously, I can't tell you how excited this spread gets me. Every project's outcome is a result of the sum of the parts, and let me tell you, we were definitely operating on all cylinders for this one. As my father said when I proudly handed him a copy, "GREAT job. You had a lot to work with here Whitley," followed by a boyish flirtatious smile. Let's just say he wasn't referring to the clothes. Models Taylor Sharpe and Hadley Hilton sizzle just like fiya (favorite Pink song!) in House of Landor vintage styles (and a few pieces from my personal collection), Addison Weeks jewels and sunglasses from Innovative Eye Care. Joseph Bradley's camera lens tell no lie. Charlotte artist Windy O'Connor's home played the perfect back drop for telling our story of high style, and Adrienne McCann flawlessly maintained the vintage glam vibe with hair and makeup. What can I say? I want it all. Visit HERE for all wardrobe and accessory credits.
First off, please pardon the nowhere near crisp beautiful images in this post. I tried to grab them from the vendor website, but I am just not able to do it in the best way. I can't let it stop me though from sharing with you something that gets me so excited. With the House of Landor + Kristin Hayes Jewelry Trunk Show coming up on Wednesday of this week, I've got all things fab vintage on the brain. William Vintage is tops when it comes to vintage couture clothing. In fact, according to their Instagram account, they sell "the finest vintage clothing in the world." See a few of my favorites in the images below, and I'm sure you'll likely agree? Want to get a better look (and I suggest you do)? Click HERE to peruse the William Vintage website.
Photography: Ellie Lacey and on Instagram, Shoes: Thanks to Julie Lopez, Sunglasses: Love Obsessed, Earrings: from ChezElle. Ring: Melinda Maria.
I actually have not seen the movie The Royal Tenenbaums, but for some reason when I saw these dark and moody images Cousin Ellie took, immediately I thought of Gwyneth Paltrow's character in the movie. Perhaps it is the fur and side barrette, or again, the dark patina of the images. It was a fun opportunity to wear this blush and metallic vintage dress I love so much from Charlotte's Hong Kong Vintage and my Julie Lopez python pumps.
Suit: Bergdorf Goodman, Purse: Vintage, Hat: Vintage, Sunglasses: Love Obsessed, Shoes: Cole Haan. Earrings: thanks to Geoflora Jewelry, Ring: Melinda Maria, Bracelet: Madewell
This adorable and refined casual suit set is another one I recently inherited from a very sweet woman I have yet to meet. I am doing everything I can to make that happen stat! (Read and see more here). This particular outfit came straight from Bergdorf Goodman's in NYC. I am not sure exactly how old it is, but judging from the fabric and style, my best guess would be at least 40-50 years. The purse was hers too, and the mink topper belonged to my Great Grandmother. And, oh Cousin Ellie, I just can't get enough of you.
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.
A big, huge thanks to Belk for including me in a private meet and greet with American fashion designer icon Betsey Johnson. I've loved and worn Betsey's designs for years. Known for her whimsical designs often considered over the top, I adore Betsey's ingenuity and joyful spirit. Three of my wedding party dresses were Betsey Johnson designs, all from Belk Southpark.. who knew?! The day of the event was a typically frigid November one. My satin plunging sweetheart neckline frock was the most temperature appropriate fabric, though still the furthest thing from warm. That did not stop me from finding a way to wear it, and I'm so glad I did, because Betsey got very excited. She spotted her "vintage" design immediately, and just as she did with everyone else she posed, she threw her arms around my neck in precious glee. If I had to narrow her (little) known attributes down to just two, aside from her effervescent splendor, it would be she still busts out a cartwheel like few 72 year olds can do, and I just read that she graduated from college Phi Beta Kappa. Cool as sh&t and smart as a whip. Betsey Forever!
