Past Fashion Future

"Classic Style, Timeless Fashion" with Emma Grady

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— @PastFashFuture on Twitter.

Tagged vegan fashion:

This weekend I seized my last chance to skip around town sans jacket: I wore a white wool Anne Klein pencil skirt (a thrift store find from ages ago) paired with a second-hand Kimchi Blue peplum boustier from Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn to compliment Gunas’ classic vegan Melrose Tote in Mocha, a gift from the designer, which suits every season.

View more: Styled By Emma

Copyright © 2012 Past Fashion Future. All rights reserved.
Oct 15
This weekend I seized my last chance to skip around town sans jacket: I wore a white wool Anne Klein pencil skirt (a thrift store find from ages ago) paired with a second-hand Kimchi Blue peplum boustier from Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn to compliment Gunas’ classic vegan Melrose Tote in Mocha, a gift from the designer, which suits every season.View more: Styled By Emma Copyright © 2012 Past Fashion Future. All rights reserved.

“Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring Joshua Katcher, editor of TheDiscerningBrute.com and founder BraveGentleMan.com.

Something Old, Something New: Joshua Katcher

Joshua is another friend I met during fashion week in New York but I knew of his work on TheDiscerningBrute.com long before. His site has amazing graphics and branding (check it out, here) and, like his style, it stands out from the rest.

Joshua’s signature look includes a classic bow tie—often made with unlikely materials, like a recycled t-shirt bow tie by C PAS—and his tattoo sleeves, which complete his red carpet look here.

Joshua describes the story behind his style, below.

I attended the 25th Anniversary Gala for Farm Sanctuary on May 14th 2011 where a huge crowd celebrated a quarter-century of real progress for farm animals.

The dress code was black tie-optional – and I leaned toward the “optional”.

I wore a khaki blazer by Yoko Deveraux; cord waistcoat, no label; blue and gray contrast-collar shirt by Calvin Klein; striped poly bow-tie, no label; navy slacks by Trovata; and gray boots by Vegetarian Shoes UK.

Shoes aside, the entire look was from vintage and thrift stores, free of animal products, and cost me under $100.

The majority of my wardrobe is thrift, second-hand, and vintage.

Buying things that have been used gently is the most ethical way to shop – no new resources have to be extracted. Stores like Buffalo Exchange, Beacon’s Closet, and Doggy’s Clothing are some of my favorite fashion spots in New York and you can even shop online at Beacon’s!

Truth be told, it’s tricky to nail the combo of ethical- and affordable-chic, but it’s out there!

Often, ethical means expensive – where workers are paid a living wage, extra precautions are taken to minimize pollution and toxicity and quality alternatives to convenient animals skins or hairs are sourced. On the other hand, “affordable” often means that someone was screwed over in the production chain – whether it’s laborers, animals, or ecosystems. That’s why I love shopping thrift and vintage!

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: Greta Eagan

Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.
May 23
“Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring Joshua Katcher, editor of TheDiscerningBrute.com and founder BraveGentleMan.com.Something Old, Something New: Joshua KatcherJoshua is another friend I met during fashion week in New York but I knew of his work on TheDiscerningBrute.com long before. His site has amazing graphics and branding (check it out, here) and, like his style, it stands out from the rest. Joshua’s signature look includes a classic bow tie—often made with unlikely materials, like a recycled t-shirt bow tie by C PAS—and his tattoo sleeves, which complete his red carpet look here. Joshua describes the story behind his style, below. I attended the 25th Anniversary Gala for Farm Sanctuary on May 14th 2011 where a huge crowd celebrated a quarter-century of real progress for farm animals. The dress code was black tie-optional – and I leaned toward the “optional”. I wore a khaki blazer by Yoko Deveraux; cord waistcoat, no label; blue and gray contrast-collar shirt by Calvin Klein; striped poly bow-tie, no label; navy slacks by Trovata; and gray boots by Vegetarian Shoes UK. Shoes aside, the entire look was from vintage and thrift stores, free of animal products, and cost me under $100.The majority of my wardrobe is thrift, second-hand, and vintage. Buying things that have been used gently is the most ethical way to shop – no new resources have to be extracted. Stores like Buffalo Exchange, Beacon’s Closet, and Doggy’s Clothing are some of my favorite fashion spots in New York and you can even shop online at Beacon’s!Truth be told, it’s tricky to nail the combo of ethical- and affordable-chic, but it’s out there! Often, ethical means expensive – where workers are paid a living wage, extra precautions are taken to minimize pollution and toxicity and quality alternatives to convenient animals skins or hairs are sourced. On the other hand, “affordable” often means that someone was screwed over in the production chain – whether it’s laborers, animals, or ecosystems. That’s why I love shopping thrift and vintage! 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 StyleSomething Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki CrusaderSomething Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi YanoSomething Old, Something New: Liam AlexanderSomething Old, Something New: Molly Grady Something Old, Something New: Greta Eagan Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.

“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.
Apr 25
“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 HilgartI 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 ChicagoThis 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 StyleSomething Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki CrusaderSomething Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi YanoSomething Old, Something New: Liam AlexanderSomething Old, Something New: Molly Grady Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.

Past Fashion Future

Posted on Monday October 15th 2012 at 09:37pm. Its tags are listed below.

This weekend I seized my last chance to skip around town sans jacket: I wore a white wool Anne Klein pencil skirt (a thrift store find from ages ago) paired with a second-hand Kimchi Blue peplum boustier from Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn to compliment Gunas’ classic vegan Melrose Tote in Mocha, a gift from the designer, which suits every season.View more: Styled By Emma Copyright © 2012 Past Fashion Future. All rights reserved.
This weekend I seized my last chance to skip around town sans jacket: I wore a white wool Anne Klein pencil skirt (a thrift store find from ages ago) paired with a second-hand Kimchi Blue peplum boustier from Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn to compliment Gunas’ classic vegan Melrose Tote in Mocha, a gift from the designer, which suits every season.View more: Styled By Emma Copyright © 2012 Past Fashion Future. All rights reserved.

This weekend I seized my last chance to skip around town sans jacket: I wore a white wool Anne Klein pencil skirt (a thrift store find from ages ago) paired with a second-hand Kimchi Blue peplum boustier from Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn to compliment Gunas’ classic vegan Melrose Tote in Mocha, a gift from the designer, which suits every season.

View more: Styled By Emma

Copyright © 2012 Past Fashion Future. All rights reserved.


Past Fashion Future

Posted on Monday May 23rd 2011 at 08:00am. Its tags are listed below.

“Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring Joshua Katcher, editor of TheDiscerningBrute.com and founder BraveGentleMan.com.Something Old, Something New: Joshua KatcherJoshua is another friend I met during fashion week in New York but I knew of his work on TheDiscerningBrute.com long before. His site has amazing graphics and branding (check it out, here) and, like his style, it stands out from the rest. Joshua’s signature look includes a classic bow tie—often made with unlikely materials, like a recycled t-shirt bow tie by C PAS—and his tattoo sleeves, which complete his red carpet look here. Joshua describes the story behind his style, below. I attended the 25th Anniversary Gala for Farm Sanctuary on May 14th 2011 where a huge crowd celebrated a quarter-century of real progress for farm animals. The dress code was black tie-optional – and I leaned toward the “optional”. I wore a khaki blazer by Yoko Deveraux; cord waistcoat, no label; blue and gray contrast-collar shirt by Calvin Klein; striped poly bow-tie, no label; navy slacks by Trovata; and gray boots by Vegetarian Shoes UK. Shoes aside, the entire look was from vintage and thrift stores, free of animal products, and cost me under $100.The majority of my wardrobe is thrift, second-hand, and vintage. Buying things that have been used gently is the most ethical way to shop – no new resources have to be extracted. Stores like Buffalo Exchange, Beacon’s Closet, and Doggy’s Clothing are some of my favorite fashion spots in New York and you can even shop online at Beacon’s!Truth be told, it’s tricky to nail the combo of ethical- and affordable-chic, but it’s out there! Often, ethical means expensive – where workers are paid a living wage, extra precautions are taken to minimize pollution and toxicity and quality alternatives to convenient animals skins or hairs are sourced. On the other hand, “affordable” often means that someone was screwed over in the production chain – whether it’s laborers, animals, or ecosystems. That’s why I love shopping thrift and vintage! 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 StyleSomething Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki CrusaderSomething Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi YanoSomething Old, Something New: Liam AlexanderSomething Old, Something New: Molly Grady Something Old, Something New: Greta Eagan Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.
“Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring Joshua Katcher, editor of TheDiscerningBrute.com and founder BraveGentleMan.com.Something Old, Something New: Joshua KatcherJoshua is another friend I met during fashion week in New York but I knew of his work on TheDiscerningBrute.com long before. His site has amazing graphics and branding (check it out, here) and, like his style, it stands out from the rest. Joshua’s signature look includes a classic bow tie—often made with unlikely materials, like a recycled t-shirt bow tie by C PAS—and his tattoo sleeves, which complete his red carpet look here. Joshua describes the story behind his style, below. I attended the 25th Anniversary Gala for Farm Sanctuary on May 14th 2011 where a huge crowd celebrated a quarter-century of real progress for farm animals. The dress code was black tie-optional – and I leaned toward the “optional”. I wore a khaki blazer by Yoko Deveraux; cord waistcoat, no label; blue and gray contrast-collar shirt by Calvin Klein; striped poly bow-tie, no label; navy slacks by Trovata; and gray boots by Vegetarian Shoes UK. Shoes aside, the entire look was from vintage and thrift stores, free of animal products, and cost me under $100.The majority of my wardrobe is thrift, second-hand, and vintage. Buying things that have been used gently is the most ethical way to shop – no new resources have to be extracted. Stores like Buffalo Exchange, Beacon’s Closet, and Doggy’s Clothing are some of my favorite fashion spots in New York and you can even shop online at Beacon’s!Truth be told, it’s tricky to nail the combo of ethical- and affordable-chic, but it’s out there! Often, ethical means expensive – where workers are paid a living wage, extra precautions are taken to minimize pollution and toxicity and quality alternatives to convenient animals skins or hairs are sourced. On the other hand, “affordable” often means that someone was screwed over in the production chain – whether it’s laborers, animals, or ecosystems. That’s why I love shopping thrift and vintage! 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 StyleSomething Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki CrusaderSomething Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi YanoSomething Old, Something New: Liam AlexanderSomething Old, Something New: Molly Grady Something Old, Something New: Greta Eagan Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.

“Something Old, Something New: How Modern Day Style Mavens Wear Vintage” featuring Joshua Katcher, editor of TheDiscerningBrute.com and founder BraveGentleMan.com.

Something Old, Something New: Joshua Katcher

Joshua is another friend I met during fashion week in New York but I knew of his work on TheDiscerningBrute.com long before. His site has amazing graphics and branding (check it out, here) and, like his style, it stands out from the rest.

Joshua’s signature look includes a classic bow tie—often made with unlikely materials, like a recycled t-shirt bow tie by C PAS—and his tattoo sleeves, which complete his red carpet look here.

Joshua describes the story behind his style, below.

I attended the 25th Anniversary Gala for Farm Sanctuary on May 14th 2011 where a huge crowd celebrated a quarter-century of real progress for farm animals.

The dress code was black tie-optional – and I leaned toward the “optional”.

I wore a khaki blazer by Yoko Deveraux; cord waistcoat, no label; blue and gray contrast-collar shirt by Calvin Klein; striped poly bow-tie, no label; navy slacks by Trovata; and gray boots by Vegetarian Shoes UK.

Shoes aside, the entire look was from vintage and thrift stores, free of animal products, and cost me under $100.

The majority of my wardrobe is thrift, second-hand, and vintage.

Buying things that have been used gently is the most ethical way to shop – no new resources have to be extracted. Stores like Buffalo Exchange, Beacon’s Closet, and Doggy’s Clothing are some of my favorite fashion spots in New York and you can even shop online at Beacon’s!

Truth be told, it’s tricky to nail the combo of ethical- and affordable-chic, but it’s out there!

Often, ethical means expensive – where workers are paid a living wage, extra precautions are taken to minimize pollution and toxicity and quality alternatives to convenient animals skins or hairs are sourced. On the other hand, “affordable” often means that someone was screwed over in the production chain – whether it’s laborers, animals, or ecosystems. That’s why I love shopping thrift and vintage!

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: Greta Eagan

Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.

Past Fashion Future

Posted on Monday April 25th 2011 at 08:00am. Its tags are listed below.

“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 HilgartI 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 ChicagoThis 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 StyleSomething Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki CrusaderSomething Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi YanoSomething Old, Something New: Liam AlexanderSomething Old, Something New: Molly Grady Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.
“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 HilgartI 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 ChicagoThis 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 StyleSomething Old, Something New: Sean Hotchkiss of Khaki CrusaderSomething Old, Something New: Eliza Starbuck and Toshi YanoSomething Old, Something New: Liam AlexanderSomething Old, Something New: Molly Grady Copyright © 2011 Emma Grady. All rights reserved.

“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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