CONSIDER YOURSELF A SHOPPER: THE REVOLUTIONARY COSTUME
BOAT SHOES, THE PHILHARMONIC, AND THE PRINCESS DIANA BEANIE BABY
Over the past few weeks, I've found solace in the rhythmic embrace of "Revolutionary Costume for Today" from the Grey Gardens Broadway production—an ode inspired by the 1972 documentary. This song, intertwined with the documentary and its cinematic offspring, has woven a captivating soundtrack in the fabric of my apartment. Despite revisiting the documentary multiple times, each viewing leaves me increasingly inspired, bringing me to today.
As we step into this new year, I've resolved to infuse a revolutionary spirit into my "Consider Yourself a Shopper" supplements. Taking cues from the creative journey of laura reilly , I sensed the imperative to elevate these send-outs. A subtle gloom had settled over them, hinting at a missing essence, perhaps a part of me left unexpressed. Dear reader, I am committed to revealing my complete self to you. Over the next few months, anticipate a venture into unexplored realms—digging deeper for cherished gems, showcasing my styling finesse, and even venturing into the realm of interiors!
(Before we embark on this week's supplement, a quick note: amidst the whirlwind of moving, I ask for leniency in judging my "fit pics." Haha!)
EILEEN WEST FLORENTINE LACE BALLET GOWN
Nightgowns have lingered in my thoughts since I read Leandra's summer letter. It might seem odd to purchase a light cotton nightgown in the dead of winter, but to get through these chilly days, I've been thinking about my spring moodboard, particularly images of Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby. Winterizing the dress was the challenge, but here's how I did it!
Eileen West nightgown (worn throughout),Junya Watanabe coat, Uniqlo merino wool ribbed turtleneck (worn throughout), Calzedonia ribbed cashmere socks (worn throughout), Andrea Gomez gold woven leather flats, Hermes bracelet, Bottega Veneta pouch (here is a more affordable option from Marie Turnor).
To make these looks more winter-friendly, the base layers for all the looks will feature the same turtleneck and socks. For this particular look, I just threw on a coat with a great side profile and shoes that remind me of the Prada SS20 sailor shoes!
Giorgio Armani trench coat, Kule cashmere cable sweater (worn as scarf), Prada Mary-Janes (here is similar pair from Prada), Maria Frering necklace, Presley Oldham necklace, Louis Vuitton Epi leather speedy.
The first time I met Jenny Walton in the flesh left an indelible impression. She adorned herself in the SS23 Prada nightgown in pristine white, effortlessly pairing it with a vintage trench coat and a charmed-out Epi leather Speedy—a style choice that, in turn, sparked my adoration for the Speedy. Her ensemble was a living homage to La Dolce Vita, emanating an invigorating coolness. Since that fateful day, the memory of that outfit has lingered, and this is my tribute to its lasting impact.
I find a peculiar delight in using sweaters as unconventional scarves. While not an entirely groundbreaking concept, I appreciate the extended coverage they provide compared to traditional scarves. Moreover, the textural harmony between the sweater and socks adds an extra layer of sartorial sophistication!
VTG Cardigan (Alex Mill always has great novelty cardigans, and then there is this Ralph by Ralph Lauren number!), GH Bass boat shoes, 20s tiara, VTG crystal bracelet, Prada knit gloves (these Prada gloves come with their own accessories), Givenchy clutch.
I decided to play with the idea of day/night, but instead of wearing a heel for a nighttime look, what about a flat?! To keep the look relatively evening-ish, I paired it with my favorite dazzling accessories (my crown and a bracelet that I probably wear every other week).
GH BASS BOAT SHOES
Like most things for me, it starts with The Row. A brand that managed to erase the traumatic associations I had with boat shoes. Memories of awkward middle school days were swiftly replaced by the transformative touch of those Olsen twins. Yet, just as The Row cleansed the lingering scent of adolescence, Miuccia Prada emerged, carrying that essence and weaving it into something irresistibly desirable. (These Miu Miu boat shoes appear as if you just had a beach time rendezvous.) Despite these tempting choices, fate led me to the GH Bass version during one of my shopping adventures. What captivated me was the color and the price!
(Top) The Ben Shoppe Pave Seafarer chain (worn as an anklet), Santangelo Blue pronto anklet.
As I mentioned above, I absolutely love the idea of a chunkier sock with the boat shoe ( I would have preferred to have worn a pair of Angora socks with these, but I sadly cannot find mine.) Now, let's talk about anklets. The Ben Shoppe necklace, adorned with pave diamonds on a nylon cord, is a masterpiece of JUXTAPOSITION. While the chain tends to sit more like a choker, my creative pondering led me to discover an alternative—enter the anklet! Opting for simplicity, I adorned my ankle with just two, foregoing the temptation to stack them up
KULE THE MODERN LONG FLOWER
I am going to the New York Philharmonic to see Vertigo in Concert! I lucked out in securing a ticket that didn't break the bank—thank you, serendipity! While I'm not one to meticulously plan my outfits, the vision of Grace Turner's reception ensemble lingered in my mind, compelling me to craft a similar look for the event. Grace, is an exceptional dresser with access to enviable vintage pieces at Desert Vintage (her husband, an equally stylish partner, forms a stylistic powerhouse!).
Grace's reception attire featured a creation by the iconic Bill Blass, a maestro of American sportswear (I believe it was a dress rather than separate pieces). What set this piece aglow was the masterful fusion of a jersey top and a dazzling white sequin bottom—a perfect harmony of casual and formal. Inspired by this, my mission is to encapsulate that same juxtaposition in my chosen outfit.
Kule floral tee , Junya Watanabe neoprene coat (this VTG opera coat would work as well!), vintage sequin Donna Karan skirt (this Khaite option is very similar, and if you want to cosplay as Josephine Baker I would direct you to this Rick Owens skirt.), Saint Laurent slingbacks, Amy Downs hat, Art Deco clip-ons, Givenchy invitation which doubled as an evening clutch, and Trash and Vaudeville gloves.
I also like the idea of this Kule Classic tee, which has a 3/4th sleeve what I think is a perfect sleeve length to accompany elbow length gloves.
HERMES KELLY PILL BOX
For those who've been long-time subscribers, you're familiar with my penchant for whimsical pill boxes. Why settle for the ordinary clinical containers when our pill organizers can reside in the lap of luxury—specifically, Hermes? Recently on set, the makeup artist sported this very pill box around their head (they wore it on a silver chain, but imagine if it were on a leather cord?!). When they casually mentioned it was a pill box, I was on the verge of a frenzy. An HERMES PILL BOX— HOW UNEXPECTEDLY GENIUS! HOW FANTASTICALLY DELIGHTFUL! HOW GRACEFULLY UNDERSTATED! A touch of luxury in the most wonderfully unserious manner.
BOTTEGA VENETA INTRECCIO NAPPA SNAKE
Continuing our dive into the realm of whimsical finds, I unexpectedly stumbled upon a treasure while on the hunt for a woven leather belt (regarding the belt quest, well, I got a bit distracted by the allure of Bottega Veneta animals—there might even be a T-Rex?). Delving into the purpose of these charming doodads became a fascinating journey in itself. Are they extravagant knickknacks, I pondered? Their presence evoked memories of the Loro Piana plushies Rachel featured in an issue of Opulent Tips, not to mention the compelling options from Hermes.
It appears the moral of the story is that our wardrobes are brimming; it's high time to invest in what truly sparks joy—expensive stuffed animals. Or, could this be the perfect moment to unearth that Beanie Baby collection? On a delightful note, dear reader, anticipate the joyous day when I tie the knot with Nick (2035 seems like an auspicious year for such festivities, but that's a story for another day!). Upon that blissful union, we'll inherit the crowning jewel—a pristine, unopened Princess Diana Beanie Baby. Until that awaited day, perhaps I'll commence a collection of designer Beanie Babies to infuse a touch of playfulness into our lives
Until next time!
JJ
Beautiful, just beautiful!
Wearing necklaces as anklets with my socks now