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"Classic Style, Timeless Fashion" with Emma Grady
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At Christian Siriano, a passerby wears a vintage silk top from China, circa 1920.
Photo credit: Emma Grady. All rights reserved.
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How To Transition a Dress From Summer to Winter with Lady Melbourne. Read the accompanying article, “Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring fashion blogger Phoebe Montague of Lady Melbourne, HERE.
“Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring style blogger Rebecca Roe of The Clothes Horse.
Something Old, Something New: Rebecca Roe
Rebecca’s style, summed up in one word, is darling. She knows when to accessorize and when to let the the clothes take center stage.
At age of 24, she’s already made her mark in the fashion blogosphere. I’m thrilled to interview her here on Past Fashion Future. Rebecca talks about one of her favorite vintage fashion looks for summer and shares tips on how she’ll style it for fall. Here she is:
I’m wearing a little vintage dress with peplum detailing that I actually received from a blog sponsor, The Attic People.
I love wearing vintage dresses, though I usually pick shirt dresses from the 1950s.The dress has a fresh silhouette and once I had it on, I really fell in love with it; the fit is perfect for me and the details around the neck are so sweet. It was a nice reminder to step outside of my comfort zone every once in a while, something I’ve been trying to do a lot this summer.
I recently started sharing collages on my art blog, Dead Paper. Sharing my artwork is, for some reason, more frightening than sharing pictures of myself on the web!
I’m really excited to wear this dress in the fall layered with tights and boots, scarves and jackets, hats and gloves, and more.Right now, the temperatures in Virginia have been in the 90-degree range so styling has to be incredibly minimal.
I didn’t want to distract from the design of the dress so all it took to complete the outfit was an easy pair of brown wedges, a brown purse, and no jewelry.
I was tempted to wear this dress with my hair in Heidi-esque braids.
But on second thought, I didn’t want to look like I had fallen out of a vintage magazine, so a simple ponytail was the answer.
Visit Rebecca on The Clothes Horse and Dead Paper.
This post is part of an ongoing series, “Something Old, Something New,” that looks at how people with amazing personal style incorporate vintage and heirloom pieces into their everyday wardrobes. Through a series of personal anecdotes and images, I’ll show how when it comes to dressing there’s more than meets the eye and share the story — behind the outfit — with you here. Read them all, here.
More Vintage and Heirloom Style
Something Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki Crusader
Something Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi Yano
Something Old, Something New: Liam Alexander
Something Old, Something New: Molly Grady
Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.
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“Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring style blogger Ashley Baluyut of Milk Teeths.
Something Old, Something New: Ashley Baluyut
Style blogger Ashley Baluyut of Milk Teeths has a playful approach to style. Kristen, Past Fashion Future’s intern, introduced me to her blog and I instantly loved the way she put together her vintage ensembles with wearable separates and a pop of color that she often tops off with a stunning smile.
Ashley is also a vintage clothing seller over at Three Feathers Vintage on Etsy, so you can scoop up some of her carefully-curated vintage picks over there. Here’s Ashley, on her personal style:
This photo is from a month and a half ago when my boyfriend, some friends, and I were traveling through Europe. On this day, the weather forecast for Rome, Italy was generally nice weather with a small chance of rain.
Foolishly, I trusted the weather forecast.
I wore a cream button down silk blouse that I bought at a thrift store for $5; gray trouser shorts that were originally pants — my grandmother was nice enough to lop off the legs for me — and they probably belonged to someone’s grandpa in the 1970’s. If my memory serves me correctly, they were only $1 at another thrift store.
The scarf around my head is from a vintage store in Haight Ashbury.It’s a little memento that I bought on my first trip to the city when I was 18, visiting my best friend at Berkeley. I don’t normally wear scarves babushka-style but when this photo was taken it was pouring rain and we had to seek shelter in a church courtyard in Trastevere.
Naturally, I didn’t bring an umbrella or jacket with me while we were out.The $4 Keds that I’m wearing — thrifted and brand new — got beyond soaked on the trudge back to the metro, as did the blue striped socks that have somehow always been in my sock drawer ever since forever.
Luckily my leather cross body saddle bag, which I purchased at the Rosebowl flea market in Pasadena, California for $15, kept my camera (the most expensive thing I own) nice and dry.
Ten minutes after this photo was taken we made our way across the bridge over the Tiber river.I was thoroughly drenched and bummed on life. It took a fifteen minute walk to get to the metro station and back to our hostel and it rained even harder. Suffice to say, I now refuse to go anywhere without a small travel umbrella in my purse!
“Something Old, Something New”: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage and Heirlooms” looks at how people with amazing personal style incorporate vintage and heirloom pieces into their everyday wardrobes. Through a series of personal anecdotes and images, I show how when it comes to dressing, there’s more than meets the eye and, fortunately, I get to share the story — behind the outfit — with you here.
More Heirloom-Meets-Modern Style
Something Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki Crusader
Something Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi Yano
Something Old, Something New: Liam Alexander
Something Old, Something New: Molly Grady
Copyright © 2011 Past Fashion Future. All rights reserved.
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“Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring style commentator, consultant, and red-carpet host Colin T. McDonald.
Something Old, Something New: Colin T. McDonald
Colin is a new friend. We judged the 5th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards together and bonded over Vitamin Water while critiquing thousands of handbag design applications. We’ve been known to pose on the red carpet together, too.
Colin’s style is put-together and polished with a kick of color and, as I found out in this interview, his middle initial is a nod to the man who inspired his style. Here’s Colin:
Here I am in Chelsea, New York, I’m coming home from a long day of meetings with clients and viewing collections.
I’m wearing a Christian Dior tie that was originally my grandfather’s.
He passed away when I was only 10 and I remember him as a man with an impeccable sense of style. That’s why I use my middle initial, “T” for Thomas, which was his first name.
The sunglasses are Tom Ford. I pulled them for a photo shoot that I was working on a while back. I explained to the PR girl how much I adored them and she let me keep them — she’s literally my best friend now!
The watch is Kenneth Cole and was given to me by a friend.Blue is one of my favorite colors and, when it comes to accessories, I always love a pop of this color.
The sweater doesn’t have a tag and it actually belongs to another one of my friends.He left it at my house after spilling wine on it. I offered to have it dry cleaned for him and after I did I just had to throw it on to complete my look. He wears a lot of vintage so he likely picked up the sweater at some thrift store here in New York. I hope he doesn’t get mad after reading this — oops!
The white linen button-down dress shirt is Club Monaco, a great stop for all your basic and essential wardrobe needs. The pants and shoes are Calvin Klein, which I purchased at Rue La La, one of my favorite new websites.
Colin is on Twitter: Styleexpert00
This post is part of an ongoing series, “Something Old, Something New,” that looks at how people with amazing personal style incorporate vintage and heirloom pieces into their everyday wardrobes. Through a series of personal anecdotes and images, I’ll show how when it comes to dressing there’s more than meets the eye and share the story — behind the outfit — with you here.
More Heirloom-Meets-Modern Style
Something Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki Crusader
Something Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi Yano
Something Old, Something New: Liam Alexander
Something Old, Something New: Molly Grady
Something Old, Something New: Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart
Photo credit: Bo Zheng
Copyright © 2011 Past Fashion Future. All rights reserved.
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“Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring PR rockstar Laura Livingston Rubin, the founder and principal of LLR Consulting.
Something Old, Something New: Laura Livingston Rubin
Laura always looks beautiful, calm and composed while running around in heels at the number of events she hosts for clients. Whether she’s busy at work, meeting relaxing on the rooftop of SoHo House or jetting to The Hamptons, her look is polished with a dash of surfer-girl style.
Here’s Laura:
I am a public and media relations consultant, working in the nexus of design, philanthropy and sustainability. I’m an accidental entrepreneur, I started the business in 2001 and it’s grown to service a whole roster of clients exploring ways to do good, be well, and look beautiful.
Here I’m just about to head off to a party for surfing legend Shaun Tomson to celebrate the re-release of his book, The Surfer’s Code. It is on a meltingly-hot day (hence the iced coffee) in New York.
I’m wearing a cotton voile printed maxi skirt from my favorite vintage store, A Little Wicked, on the Lower East Side. It is owned by the lovely Robyn and Bianca Moreno, those girls have a killer edit.
The skirt makes me feel like a hostess at a bohemian pool party in the early 70’s—all chlorine, canapés and cocktails.
The Afghan lapis neck piece is from a quirky boutique in Kent, Connecticut, where my parents live. I was hunting around the local shops and happened upon it—amidst the African drums and bamboo salad bowls—at Foreign Cargo.
I learned that Afghanistan has the highest concentration of lapis stone in the world. This particular necklace felt unusual to me because it’s mounted on fabric and I’m fond of the closure which is a humble button. I made it my own by removing some of the hanging pieces, which better suits my small frame.
If I’m missing, look for me in Montauk, or find me on Twitter: @HippieInHiHeels
This post is part of an ongoing series, “Something Old, Something New,” that looks at how people with amazing personal style incorporate vintage and heirloom pieces into their everyday wardrobes. Through a series of personal anecdotes and images, I’ll show how when it comes to dressing there’s more than meets the eye and share the story — behind the outfit — with you here.
More Vintage- and Heirloom-Meets-Modern Style
Something Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki Crusader
Something Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi Yano
Something Old, Something New: Liam Alexander
Something Old, Something New: Molly Grady
Something Old, Something New: Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart
Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.
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I attended the Audubon Society’s 2011 Women in Conservation Luncheon yesterday at The Plaza Hotel. Architect Maya Lin and actress Sigourney Weaver were both honored, with the Rachel Carson Award, as well as a number of women who contributed to relief efforts after the Gulf oil spill.
It was such an inspirational event, the food was amazing, and I was humbled to be invited as a guest of the Audubon Society. It was also my first visit to the historic Plaza Hotel and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
I wore Afia’s pink “Goddess” one-shoulder dress made with Ghanian textiles; $220 at Afia. I played up the already vibrant look with a vintage yellow belt, my grandmother’s Neiman Marcus white beaded clutch, an orange pashmina, and orange, hot pink, and red fabric shoes from Zara, $99.
More: Afia Spring Summer 2011 Collection
Photo credit: Starre Vartan
Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.
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I’m on the preliminary judging panel for the fifth annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards and on Sunday we met at the Paramount Hotel in midtown Manhattan to choose the finalists. It took us more than five hours to sift through 1,000 handbag design applicants (yes, you read that right) but it wasn’t all work, we got manicures courtesy of 3 Girls Beauty and Incoco, too. In fact, you can see their handiwork, here. I’m wearing Incoco’s Neon Rocket Red.
We had plenty of laughs at some of the wacky and weird submissions. Of course, there were some stand outs, too, and you’ll hear about those when Handbag Designer 101 announces the finalists.
As promised, I tweeted throughout the event, @EMMAGRADY, where you may have already seen my outfit.
I wore a playful no-waste skirt in Ikat fabric (you can find it at Bird or International Playground) made by my friend Tara St. James, winner of the 2011 Ecco Domani for her fashion label Study NY.
I paired it with one of my favorite pieces, a pink silk Kenneth Cole jacket that I’ve had since high school (I’ll let you guess how long ago that was); it matches my pink Chloé sunglasses, which I got on sale for $80 two years ago at a Marshall’s in Rhode Island.
I’m also wearing a sporty navy blue Ferragamo bag that I got for $free.99 from my cousin’s yard sale; I was drawn to it because it looks old-ladyish.
Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.
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“Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring artist and designer Gordon Holden.
Something Old, Something New: Gordon Holden
Gordon and I went to college together at the University of Vermont in Burlington. I’m the class secretary so I recently recruited him to share his news with me for my “Class Notes” column in the Vermont Quarterly Magazine; I couldn’t help but notice how his style has developed over the past few years.
In college, Gordon was on the lacrosse team and off the field he had the whole surfer look going on. Would you call that surf-and-turf style? (Bad pun.) I vaguely recall some 80s inspiration, too, but that could have easily been for some theme party.
Also, I wish he was more on my radar in college because I totally would have tapped his style for my show on UVM TV called, “Fashion Over Function: Style at UVM,” which I co-host with Theodora Christakis.
Anyways, here’s Gordon:
I have been on the road for the past few weeks showcasing my art work across the country.
Most recently, I did an installation for the show Science of Peace in Brooklyn, New York. When traveling, my wardrobe is small. I like to pack a few of my favorite pieces and figure out different ways to wear them together. My style, interests, and ideas change often.
This outfit reflects what I’m inspired by now, which is a mix of music, pop culture from the past, and contemporary fashion.
I like unique clothing finds from thrift and vintage stores because it’s exciting and somewhat of a treasure hunt to find one-of-a-kind items. Even if someone asks where you got the item you’re wearing, you know they can’t go out the next day and buy that exact same thing.
In this photo, I’m wearing a jacket by Wendel Johnston. Actually, I just picked up the jacket the day before from Weldon himself. Literally. He was wearing the jacket when I met him and I was admiring it for its fine detailing and zippers on the end of the lapels. I bought it on the spot.The shirt is vintage Christian Dior and it’s one of my favorites; I acquired it from a friend in California.
The jeans are by Ksubi, I bought them a couple of years ago; the brown belt is vintage and from my brother’s closet in Providence, Rhode Island; the black and blue penny loafers are by Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony, and the sunnies are vintage Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban Clubmasters.
These item are all dark, which is often better when you know you won’t be washing them for a while, and the penny loafers keep the look classic, simple and easy for on-the-go.
Follow his work at GordonHolden.com.
Photo credit: Andrew Goldfarb
This post is part of an ongoing series, “Something Old, Something New,” that looks at how people with amazing personal style incorporate vintage and heirloom pieces into their everyday wardrobes. Through a series of personal anecdotes and images, I’ll show how when it comes to dressing there’s more than meets the eye and share the story — behind the outfit — with you here.
More Heirloom-Meets-Modern Style
Something Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki Crusader
Something Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi Yano
Something Old, Something New: Liam Alexander
Something Old, Something New: Molly Grady
Something Old, Something New: Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart
Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.
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On Wednesday, I went to the 2011 Pratt Fashion Show and Cocktail Benefit. Coincidentally, I had a new school teacher-esque dress to wear, which was fitting for the event.
I got it on Saturday at a clothing swap hosted by my friends Bahar Shahpar and Tara St. James at Guilded State. I’d never been to one before and it was fruitful; I got a handful of items for free (minus the donation I made to the Red Cross for entry).
Since the dress stands alone, I wore no extra jewelry, besides my Brazilian Wish Bracelet and Dennis bracelet that never come off, and paired it with my go-to black suede pumps and black suede Gucci clutch (pictured in the PMc photo, below), which actually has an over-the-shoulder strap that I tucked into the purse.
The look was a hit and I got comments ranging from nice to naughty—as in, borderline inappropriate but all in good fun—as the night progressed.
Oh, and another thing, I’m going to try to smile more in photos; a lot of people have pointed out that I get very serious in front of the camera and anyone who knows me knows that I smile a lot in person.
Of course, when Patrick McMullan snapped this photo of me, here, I forgot my new resolution!
Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.
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“Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart of Vaute Couture
Something Old, Something New: Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart
I covered Leanne’s fashion label, Vaute Couture, before I met her in real life. She is as cute in person as the adorable vegan coats she designs. We met at the Humane Society’s annual Cool Vs. Cruel Awards, held at The Bowery Hotel in New York City. I recognized her dress—go figure—before a mutual friend introduced us and we’ve been friends ever since.
She recently moved to New York City, actually she’s probably been here for a whole year but it’s hard to keep track since New York time is so whack. Sometimes I see my fashion friends every New York Fashion Week, which is twice a year, or sometimes it’s once a month, but every time it always feels like it was yesterday when we last saw each other. Anyways, enough about New York time. Here’s Leanne, a Brooklynite by way of Chicago, Illinois.
I originally restructured this piece for the public launch of my label, Vaute Couture, at Chicago’s only brick-and-mortar ethical fashion boutique Pivot, which is now closed, but I also wore it for a Time Out Chicago photo shoot in my Chicago office.
I love mini dresses and adding a little extra sultriness and skin to an otherwise elegant piece.
I love to shorten vintage dresses; I know this might be considered sacrilege, but I can’t help it! I shortened this 1960’s maxi to above the knee, tightened the velvet belt, and cut open the back into a deep “V” so it can be worn reversed as well. It’s made with velvet and satin and is curiously insulated, which I assume means it was originally intended to be worn for winter holiday parties. I found it on Etsy for $25.
It’s so important to make something your own and to make sure it works with your body type; it brings out the best in you.
This dress was the perfect choice for the Pivot launch: I wore it with a crimson lip and sky-high camel heels. The look was one of a kind, sophisticated, and sweet all at once.I didn’t design dresses for my label at the time so my outfit of choice when doing a publicized event for Vaute Couture, was restructured 1950-60s dresses.
I also love over-sized sequined sweaters, anything with animal iconography, and 1920’s hats, which are shockingly cheap at Michigan flea markets.
You can find Vaute Couture, which offers high ethics-function-design outerwear, on Facebook, Twitter, or on our blog, On Our Sleeve.
Photo credit: Liz Sisson for Time Out Chicago
This post is part of an ongoing series, “Something Old, Something New,” that looks at how people with amazing personal style incorporate vintage and heirloom pieces into their everyday wardrobes. Through a series of personal anecdotes and images, I’ll show how when it comes to dressing there’s more than meets the eye and share the story — behind the outfit — with you here.
More Modern-Meets-Heirloom Style
Something Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki Crusader
Something Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi Yano
Something Old, Something New: Liam Alexander
Something Old, Something New: Molly Grady
Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.
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“Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring Jaymz Nylon, aka “Eco Hustler.”
Something Old, Something New: Jaymz Nylon
I’ve known Jaymz since New York Fashion Week, September 2009. My editor introduced us because, at the time, he had just launched a new fashion label, called Everlasting Hope—I covered the line for Discovery, here.
We’ve stayed in touch since and he’s been a great supporter of my work. Here’s Jaymz:
My name is Jaymz Nylon, aka “Eco Hustler.” I am a DJ, producer, owner of Nylon Recordings and the founder of EcoHookups, an international social hybrid community that brings together social networking with purpose and helping sustainability become second nature, multicultural, fun, sexy and cool.
My inspiration has always been and will continue to be my father; he has such amazing style.At 75-years of age, he still spends a couple days at the gym and refuses to hand down anything, making it perfectly clear that he’s not going anywhere.
My best style advice is to shop less.But when you do shop, be very aware of how your money is spent and realize that you can be eco-friendly, stylish, tasteful and modern all at the same time. Stay away from trend-based shopping and buy quality products that will transcend trends and stay out of landfills.
As spring slowly creeps in on us Brooklynites I thought a lil’ spring-inspired look was fitting for a day of neighborhood errands with my girls.
Every gentleman needs a good chambray shirt for spring/summer; I am wearing a vintage Brooks Brothers shirt ($62) made of Irish linen, from my go-to vintage spot, Olaf, here in Brooklyn, New York. The Italian khaki blazer ($95) is vintage and also from Olaf.My jeans ($100) and bandana, which were free with the jeans, are both Good Society and made of organic cotton. The hat is made of recycled jute coffee bean bags and the shoes are Common Project and worth the money as I can re-sole them for life.
The glasses are Tom Ford and will eventually become a family heirloom. The hemp belt is by Truth and the vegan satchel is made with cotton canvas and faux leather, and finally, the watch is Citizen Eco-Drive.
Photo credit: Ria Giuliano-Thomas
This post is part of an ongoing series, “Something Old, Something New,” that looks at how people with amazing personal style incorporate vintage and heirloom pieces into their everyday wardrobes. Through a series of personal anecdotes and images, I’ll show how when it comes to dressing there’s more than meets the eye and share the story — behind the outfit — with you here.
More Modern-Meets-Heirloom Style
Something Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki Crusader
Something Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi Yano
Something Old, Something New: Liam Alexander
Something Old, Something New: Molly Grady
Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.
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Thursday night, I joined fellow beauty writers and editors for an intimate cocktail party and dinner hosted by Weleda at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, New York. I’ve given their biodynamic and organic skincare line positive reviews, including them as a nominee for Hearst’s Heart of Green Awards and also their most recent pro-aging line for women over forty on Discovery, so I was delighted to help celebrate their 90th anniversary.
The car ride out there was a total trip down memory lane:
It reminded me of the time when I was growing up my family would drive from Maine to visit my mom’s family in Pennsylvania. The biggest highlight of the drive for me was the Tappan Zee Bridge because of the view of the castle, which I now know is named the Castle on the Hudson, and New York City. It’s fun to look back on memories like those, especially since I live in New York now.
Now on to my outfit:
I found the belt at Housing Works for $7 and bought it mainly because John Patrick Organic’s Fall 2011 collection was styled with the same type of Indian beaded leather belt. Plus, it’s just one of those accessories that never goes out style.
I paired it with my must-have spring 2011 accessories: Ray Ban sunglasses, vintage gold watch, and my grandmother’s beaded white clutch from Neiman Marcus back in the day. The dress, Club Monaco; the shoes, Zara; the jacket.
Photo credit: Gloria Dawson
More Personal Style: What I Wore to My Friend’s 25th Birthday Party
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