If you are going to set up your wardrobe as a collection, start with bold, statement pieces. Statement pieces have longevity. A statement piece that excites you will make you want to dress around it. It adds your personality into the mix. Although I adore the feel of a very lux cashmere sweater, I’d rather purchase a fabulous coat, bag or boot that might be a little off-the-wall but unique. Your splurge and luxury items should reflect who you are out in the world. A simple cashmere sweater will rarely do that. It’s the vintage Lanvin pendant you wear on top of the sweater that will elevate your style.
The most essential items a woman can have in her wardrobe are the ones that speak to her for decades. For me it’s platform boots, a pair of Army green paper bag waist-cropped pants, a simple tee shirt, and an oversized floral opera coat in a sensational pattern or color. I’m wearing those pieces together. I have been purchasing different iterations of that same look for 30 years. That is my personal style, therefore it’s essential to me. If you don’t listen to your inner voice and constantly chase trends, you’ll end up looking like an advertisement for somebody else’s ideas.
Look at the piece and think about how to wear it in a less obvious way. If it’s a form-fitted black cocktail dress that you have been wearing forever to cocktail parties, buy a fabulous trendy neon blouse to wear underneath it, add black opaque tights and a construction boot for day. If it’s last year’s slip dress that you always wear with sexy, strappy heels, pair it with flat Roman sandals and a big vintage hip belt. You need to do a little work to style your pieces so that you see them differently. Accessory hacks are the easiest way to do that. Check out this video if you’re a visual learner (Like me!)
I love shopping. In fact, if shopping were an Olympic sport, I’d be taking home gold. Before the “scroll,” there was the “stroll”: vintage shops, malls, little boutiques, flea markets. I want to see the colors, touch the fabrics, try everything on. Now so much is online but the thrill hasn’t gone anywhere, it’s just evolved. My recommendation? Follow the rabbit down the hole. If a beautiful, eccentric cocktail ring catches your eye, keep going...find the bracelet that completes the moment, build the accessory vignette, and then…build the look around it.
And here’s where it gets really good, the mix. The best wardrobes aren’t built in one place or at one price point. They are a layered mosaic of high and low and everything in between. Start with The RealReal for authenticated luxury (they’re the gold standard with millions of items and daily new arrivals). Don’t stop there. I love 1stDibs, Etsy, eBay, or Ruby Lane. Each one a different flavor of treasure hunt. Thrilling is another favorite—it pulls from independent vintage stores across the country, so you’re shopping tiny boutiques without leaving your sofa.
Even with the convenience of online, don’t forget to get out into the world. I will give you some of my favorites at home in Dallas, my home away from home in West Chester, Pennsylvania and my future (I hope!) home in New York City!
Dallas, think Dolly Python or Vintage Martini, a little chaotic, but full of gems.
West Chester, you have Malena’s Vintage Boutique, a true insider spot with everything from Victorian to designer vintage.
New York, well there’s not enough space on the page but I love Amarcord and Manhattan Vintage has a spring show in May.
High, low, old, new, it’s not about where it came from, it’s about how it makes you feel. That’s how you build a wardrobe with personality… and just a little bit of swagger.
I keep talking about spring but this week in Pennsylvania, it’s finally here. Pink cherry blossoms with blooms dripping off the branches, spectacularly huge magnolias with perfect waxy white and dusty pink blooms, and neon yellow forsythia bushes lighting up every corner. All of these things have me ready for pattern on pattern (on pattern), exuberant spring dressing. Fortunately spring and I are on the same wavelength and my April collection for QVC just launched and it encapsulates the mood.
The continued journey of my almost-60 year old body falling apart includes self-inflicted neck traction…yes, it’s true. I’m also now obsessed with the The Melt Method which relieves stress through myofascial release. Of course, I can’t give up on my fashion and now with my (neck, back, knees), I am still searching for the perfect flat shoes. I have been obsessed with kitten heels as you know, but don’t sleep on the ballet flat or the sneaker.
I’m currently considering watching Outlander. Yes, I know, I know…I’m way behind the times here. I can confess that I thought it was a remake of Highlander until I was having a discussion with a friend about the hotness of gingers…and she mentioned Jamie Fraser (and almost crashed the car). Life is hectic in all the (mostly) best ways, so I am stress eating which includes my aforementioned addiction to Trader Joe’s chocolate bars paired with canned wine by Woodbridge (yes, I’ll admit it…convenience over class.). My daughter has a very long reading list for me and I’m still only able to find time for news headlines (not good for my stress). Music is my solace and I’ve been soothing my nerves with The Smiths because what better way to fight angst with angsty British angst.
DEAR CARLA
From fashion SOS moments to everyday dilemmas, ask me anything right here.
XO
CARLA
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