the whole ensemble

HAT: Gretchen Fenston | DRESS: Vintage | SHOES: Miz Mooz via Zappos | HANDBAG: Borrowed | BROOCH: Vintage via Etsy | GLOVES: Vintage via Etsy | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee via Instagram

gretchen looks ravishing in a vintage ivory suit and hat of her own design

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

rear view of pleat & button detail

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

patricia (left), tatyana (right) and i (center) model fenston millinery

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

rear view of gretchen & her glamourous gals

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

checkmate: tatyana (left), gretchen (right), and roddy (Gretchen’s husband, center) come across a darling young dandy

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

i heart tatyana’s stockings & entire ensemble

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

friend amy winn said a big hello when we bumped into each other on fifth ave!

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

Modeling Gretchen’s hats in the New York City Easter Parade every year has been one of the greatest honors of my life, so much so that Easter is now by far my favorite holiday! Tourists and press photographers come from far and wide to capture the spectacle of stylish, inventive people promenading up and down Fifth Avenue in extraordinary headwear.

As I parade with Gretchen and her friends, people from all over the globe gather around me and tell me how beautiful I am. They ask to take their picture with me. The look in their eyes is all admiration and wonder, but the very next day I would be unlikely to turn their heads at all. That’s the power of a Gretchen Fenston hat.

It’s a real ego boost! As Easter Sunday comes to a close, the high begins to wear off, but one driving question remains…

Whatever will I wear next year!?

POLAROID CREDITS: David DeNee

I’ve been a big fan of vintage-inspired Bettie Page Clothing for years, even making a pilgrimage to their San Francisco shop a few summers ago. Now Bettie has finally come to me! 

I heard about the new Bettie Page Clothing boutique on the border of the East Village and Nolita by way of fellow blogger Jasmin Rodriguez of Vintage Vandalizm. Last weekend, I was lucky enough to attend “Bettie on the Bowery,” a New York Fashion Week event hosted at their new NYC location. The Saturday evening soirée showcased the upcoming spring fashion collection as well as the launch of something altogether new and exciting. Before I let the cat out of the bag, here are some of my favorite looks of the night from both on and off the runway:

i don’t wear pants, but if i did, i’d hope to look as sassy as jasmin does here.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Hartley

this clean, classic blue & white polka dotted ensemble makes me happy!

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Hartley

jasmin fleetly floats in this 50s-prom-esque princess dress

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Hartley

frannie stuns in emerald & gold

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Hartley

the sexy secretary gets me every time

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Hartley

pretty in pink & leopard! this coquettish outfit was my absolute favorite.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Hartley

mary’s dress looks so authentically vintage, but it’s not. it’s bettie page!

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

i covet elizabeth’s darling wind-swept beehive.

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

i loved these charming (& affordable!) bow belts on display at the event

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

true vintage makes an appearance in yelaine’s skirt (left) and hayley’s winter white coat (right)

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

dariell dazzles in this chic black & white bettie page number.

(p.s. get a load of that glamorous marilyn tattoo!)

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

As you can see, Bettie Page Clothing’s retro silhouettes are super flattering! Designed by Russian-import Tatyana Khomyakova, each piece is simple and classic, but also full of spunk and personality! And now all that chic fun comes in a very special new package…

what’s inside my extra special event gift bag that could soon be yours!?

SKIRT: Bettie Page Clothing | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

the exciting & luxe new bettie page fragrance! i love the bottle!

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

In the spirit of new beginnings (Bettie’s new store, new line, new fragrance and, of course, my new blog!), I’m delighted to announce MY VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY! Visit me on twitter for a chance to win a Bettie Page perfume bottle of your very own! Just retweet one of my daily shout outs about the giveaway. Easy as pie! Contest ends on Friday. Don’t miss out!

{ what i wore }

Thanks to Gretchen Fenston, Kate Spade, ModCloth, and the vintage gods, I looked presentable at the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference last week.  I’m tickled that some of my fellow bloggers shared my style with their followers!

day 1: i ain’t nothing but a houndstooth on my way to the conference

HAT: Gretchen Fenston | COAT: Vintage from jinglekell on eBay | BAG: Kate Spade | TIGHTS: Free People | SHOES: Mojo Moxy | EYEWEAR: SEE | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

day 1: mustard was the color of the day complete with gretchen fenston bonnet

HAT: Gretchen Fenston | DRESS: Kate Spade | BAG: Kate Spade | TIGHTS: Free People | SHOES: Mojo Moxy | CARDIGAN: Knit via Daffy’s | EYEWEAR: SEE | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

day 2: my first modcloth year of dresses pick was a winner on day two of the pro blogger event

HAT: Gretchen Fenston | DRESS: Stop Staring via ModCloth | SHOES: Pink Studio | EYEWEAR: Moscot Vildas | NECKLACE: Vintage, a gift from Courtney Loren Brown | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

day 2: dave’s vintage minolta autocord charmed many a fashionista & photog in attendance

HAT: Gretchen Fenston | DRESS: Stop Staring via ModCloth | BAG: Kate Spade | EYEWEAR: Moscot Vildas | NECKLACE: Vintage, a gift from Courtney Loren Brown | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

{ what I saw }

Check out some of my fellow attendees sporting styles after my own heart:

lilah ramzi of part nouveau in vintage

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

jasmin rodriguez of vintage vandalism in a trashy diva dress i really want!

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

egyptian-american beauty winnie détwa in asos & forever 21

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

emily kammeyer sporting a hat of her own design

 PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

{ who I met }

In the days leading up to the conference, I couldn’t help but worry I was about to enter the fashion lion’s den.  What I found was a room full of kindred spirits, like Victoria of Haute on the Spot with her zeal for designer bargains, Hester Feming with her love of old treasures, and Alexandra Frumberg with her talent for striking portraiture.  From sociology PhD candidate Jennifer Whitmer’s fascination with the social meaning behind what we wear to MAGNIFECO founder Kate Black’s commitment to lessening the impact of it and from Urban Fieldnotes photo-blogger Brent Luvaas’ appreciation of street style to Lipstick and Highwaters maven Tiffany Nakamura’s knack for embodying it, I was surrounded by engaging, curious, like-minded people, many of whom have become fast friends.

tiffany nakamura and i prove that opposites attract at ifbcon 2013

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

{ what I learned }

Inspiration was the real star of IFBcon.  While all the technical business advice was tremendously valuable, I quickly learned that the only way to really grow as a blogger (and perhaps, as a person) is to make creative, original content the number one priority.

“revel in the freedom of just getting started.”

 -Jake Gallagher of Wax Wane 

from the very first panel on the first year of blogging, the entire IFB conference seemed to be designed with my personal success in mind.

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

“step out of your comfort zone & don’t be afraid to fail.” 

-Geri Hirsch of LEAFtv

lulu frost designer lisa salzer spoke to the importance of surrounding yourself with positive energy and never letting doubt prevent you from doing what you’re meant to.

 PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

“if it doesn’t make you crazy like teenage love, you probably shouldn’t be blogging about it”

- Tina Craig of Bag Snob

And the conversations continued fluidly on other platforms.  For example, Tina Craig of Bag Snob took to twitter after her moment on the IFB stage to encourage us to aspire to be ourselves rather than our idols.

“you can be the poorest person on the planet, but fashion still matters, because it’s your identity.” 

-Neil Blumenthal of WarbyParker

While every speaker had a big impact, Warby Parker founder Neil Blumenthal was my particular favorite.  He reminded us that vulnerability is more engaging than strength, encouraging us to keep our work personal. Warby Parker certainly does! Their quirky, fun, retro chic brand’s recipe for success was inspired by the style of their grandparents’ generation mixed with the work ethic of their parents’ generation. It makes for some really imaginative productivity, like their delightful New York Public Library stunt in 2011. While they know it’s not the number one reason most people buy their specs, Warby’s “do good” work around the globe is a real turn on for me as a consumer. In fact, I was so enthused after IFB; I went home and bought three more pairs of whimsical Warby Parker glasses to keep my current pair company. (Gotta love flex spending!) Stay tuned for future four-eyed pictures and my earnest attempt at creative, original content made just for you.

My mother, Mary, grew up in an old-fashioned sort of way. Named after family friend Sister Mary Celine (before she resigned the habit and went back to being good ol’ Louise Brogioli), my mom was raised on a poultry farm in Franklin, Massachusetts, right next door to the farm on which her father was born and raised. It’s the same town in which I was raised, but both farms were gone by the time I came along.

my mom posing in her tap dancing costume as a young girl

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

The oldest girl of 6 kids, my mother is full of rich stories from her childhood. Stories about sneaking baby piglets out of their pen to show off to friends, only to have the mamma pig practically take the whole pen down in a rage.  Stories about baking dozens of cookies and not letting any of her siblings touch them until they were all done so she could enjoy the look of them piled high on a plate before they were devoured. Stories of water-skiing adventures and summer loves on Cape Cod. Stories of Bobby Sherman, David Cassidy, and Donnie Osmond.

When my mother was a girl, she asked for sewing lessons in lieu of taking the usual piano route. Sewing became more than a hobby for my mom, it was and continues to be her craft. In fact, my mother speaks of her passion for sewing as a calling (which luckily stuck a little better than good ol’ Louise Brogioli’s). When she found herself having to raise two children on her own in her mid-twenties, sewing was her secret weapon, a trade she fed a family on.

My childhood was in many ways different from that of my mother. We had house cats rather than a plethora of farm animals. I never baked. I was a nerd; there were no summer loves (not to worry; I’ve caught up!). But my mother was full of these stories of another time and, in this modern age where tradesmen seem to be increasingly a thing of the past, she was living proof of another way of doing things.

my mom on her wedding day in a dress and hat she made herself

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

The realities of single motherhood are not always pretty and they take their toll on the things you once held dear. The mother I grew up with was a pillar of strength and, frankly, tough as nails. The antithesis of self-indulgent, the woman who once made her own wedding gown, as well as countless other hip handmade fashions for herself, slowly melted into one that did not often consider her own personal style.

But she sure as hell considered mine! My mother made the majority of my clothes from birth to age 10 (including an intense poodle skirt phase), then resurrected the practice in time to make my lavender organza prom dress complete with three-tiered bustle. She brushed my hair into side ponies when that was the thing, and often took me to get my nails done as a special treat. Mind you, she didn’t get her nails done. It was special just for me. I had the most authentic, ornate Halloween costumes (mostly Dorothy Gale from Kansas), often inspired by the old movies she encouraged me to watch. Once when I was looking to go as Scarlett O’Hara, she insisted I wear a parka underneath my costume to avoid catching my death. I looked so pleasantly plump and unexpectedly frumpy in the costume as a result; we decided I looked more like the homeless “Feed the Birds” lady from Mary Poppins and went with that instead. Not our finest collaboration, but truly the exception to the rule.

With the kids out of the nest, the energy put into decorating her children has gone full tilt into decorating her beautiful home. I call to try to convince her to make me a dress, and she gives me an earful on how the new mulch matches the shutters. My mom is now a professional seamstress and successful small business owner specializing in custom draperies and a host of interior design elements; both of our homes are filled with phenomenal window treatments and otherwise unattainable, luxurious finishing touches.

mom’s house

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

I was very bookish and ambitious growing up; I had no patience for sewing. And while my mom didn’t have much time to bestow some of the more traditional life skills, like baking (not that I would have stood for it), she ultimately taught me everything I needed to know to be my best self as an adult. Throughout my life, Mom emphasized the importance of hard work and lovely presentation, disciplines that seem to be part of my DNA they are so ingrained. She taught me to celebrate my femininity, especially when it became clear I was shaping up to be a girlie kind of girl.  She taught me to open my mind and be kind to people from all walks of life. She taught me the therapeutic power of nostalgia when blended with the art of great storytelling. Simply put, I was raised by the most creative, resilient, marvelous woman I’ve ever met, and sometimes I even think a little of that has rubbed off on me.

When you consider my passion for fashion, it’s no surprise that one of my biggest regrets is that I never really learned the art of sewing despite growing up entrenched in the business, helping in my mother’s shop everyday throughout my youth. Both my mom and milliner friend Gretchen insist the sewing bug skips a generation. For my future daughter’s sake, I hope that’s true.

Happy birthday, Mom.

mom & my stepdad, bob, paddling a swan boat in new england

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

I needed Annie!

So I hit the streets of Chelsea for a much needed hair rejuvenation session at Soon Beauty Lab West. Hailing from Ohio, senior stylist Annie has been doing hair for 6 years and I’ve been with her for most of it. In fact, I love Annie so much, I sent Gretchen to her as well and now we’re both regulars! What keeps us coming back for more? Annie clearly loves what she does and goes about her artistry in a really accessible manner. Her work is always simple, classic, and extremely wearable. Her cuts are meticulous and her color sessions are truly transformative. “I always want to work with the natural texture and undertones,” says Annie.  “No ‘funky;’ I can’t stand that look or word for that matter… ick.”

While she doesn’t do funky (not to be confused with sassy, sexy, flirty, or fun – all of which she rocks), she does keep an open mind and always accommodates Gretchen and my affinity for a retro look. Annie’s own personal style is informed by the 1940s-70s, but she always puts a modern twist on the vintage trends. Perhaps that’s what keeps me coming back for more, Annie keeps me current while embracing my love of the past. Together we’ve gone from darkest raven to platinum blonde, but this time we’re going for the trifecta: a romantic dark auburn!  Check it out:

heading to soon beauty lab west in the manhattan neighborhood of chelsea

EYEWEAR: Moscot Vilda | HANDBAG: Kate Spade via Gilt | COAT: Vintage from jinglekell on eBay | GLOVES: LaCrasia, Grand Central Station | TIGHTS: Free People | SKIRT: Bettie Page Clothing via ModCloth | SHOES: Born | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

after visiting my pinterest hair story mood board for inspiration, annie got straight to work!

(don’t you love the ombre color she’s sporting?)

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

highlights from our afternoon delights…

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

annie’s all business as she gives me a twirl

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

dave photo-bombs captures the magic

CARDIGAN: Knitted Dove via ModCloth | EYEWEAR: Moscot Vilda | BLOUSE: ModCloth |  PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

meet batman! (every salon needs a dog to boost morale)

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

we tried voguing for the camera. it was a bust.

CARDIGAN: Knitted Dove via ModCloth | EYEWEAR: Moscot Vilda| BLOUSE: ModCloth | NECKLACE: Vintage, a gift from Courtney Loren Brown | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

Beyond her styling skills, Annie is an accomplished educator for Soon.  “I never imagined I would get the opportunity to share this craft that I love with up-and-coming stylists,” Annie confessed.  “It’s a great way to keep my own techniques in check, so I’m still always learning myself, staying fresh and on top of my game.”

With that in mind, I asked Annie to give us a simple lesson on the retro-inspired hair bump she finished me off with during our latest session:

1. you need to find the highest point of the head. do this by placing a comb on the top of the head usually right in front of the crown.

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

2. starting at that highest point, make a triangle section that is the width of how big you want your bump to be, getting smaller towards the back over the crown of the head.

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

3. start backcombing or teasing at the smallest point of that triangle and add more hair as you work towards the front.

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

4. leave enough hair to make a veil over the teased up section. this should hide all the backcombing. (and remember: hairspray, hairspray, hairspray!)

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

5. top it off with a headband, bow, or fabulous hair accessory of your choosing!

HEADBAND: J.Crew | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

thanks for the tips and TLC, annie!  see you again soon.

SKIRT: Bettie Page Clothing via ModCloth | CARDIGAN: Knitted Dove via ModCloth | EYEWEAR: Moscot Vilda | BLOUSE: ModCloth | NECKLACE: Vintage, a gift from Courtney Loren Brown | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

Seven years ago, I landed a burgeoning young style maven’s dream job at the Condé Nast Archive. Every day I would go to work amongst remarkable vintage photographs and illustrations from Vogue, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, and more. Beyond Steichen, Horst, Rawlings, Matter, and Yanes, my colleagues were the greatest treasures of all. From the worldly and wise film producer, Pam, to the southern belle socialite any girl would aspire to be, Martha Ann, to the ambitious young digital archivist moonlighting as a letter press artist, Dawn, the Archive was an incredible patchwork quilt ensemble of creative women.

Then, of course, there was Gretchen.

Gretchen Fenston is the Registrar (like a curator) of the Condé Nast Archive. In addition to her unparalleled knowledge of fashion history, which she puts into practice dressing herself daily, Gretchen is also a brilliant milliner. Her expert vintage styling paired with her extraordinary hat designs turn heads wherever she goes. In fact, Gretchen and her hats have been featured in the press many times, often by famed New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham, as well as these favorites of mine from The Sartorialist.

You get it. She’s amazing.

Last weekend, Dave and I visited Gretchen and her husband, Roddy, in their Brooklyn home for an impromptu tea party and a bit of good old-fashioned dress-up fun!

delivering cookies to the brooklyn party from parisi bakery in astoria

DRESS: Diane von Furstenberg via Second Time Around | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

gretchen had the coffee table set ever so sweetly and even made a cherry pie!

PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

it wasn’t long before we ran upstairs to play in gretchen’s dressing room

HATS: Gretchen Fenston | MY GLASSES: SEE Eyewear | GRETCHEN’S SWEATER: 70s vintage, no label | GRETCHEN’S ROSETTE BROOCH: Forever 21 | GRETCHEN’S BRACELET: Vintage | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

loving one of the hundreds of hats in gretchen’s collection

HATS: Gretchen Fenston | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

a glimpse at gretchen’s bounty

HATS: Gretchen Fenston | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

this bonnet did not help my wedding fever!

HATS: Gretchen Fenston | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

glowing after such a wonderful afternoon of millinery marvels

HATS: Gretchen Fenston | PHOTO CREDIT: David DeNee

This is only a small sample of the delightful array of hats Gretchen’s personal archives hold. She’s constantly at work creating new whimsical masterpieces for clients and personal use. I’ve been lucky enough to wear some of them. You may be understandably intimidated by wearing eye-catching hats such as these, but donning them has taught me that hats have the power to enrich your life.

A hat is a celebration of style. It’s the cherry on top of your day. It’s wearing your heart audaciously on your sleeve (well, head really). It’s courage in a solid form and a recipe for higher self-esteem.

A great hat is charming. It makes people smile. Like all of them! It’s an enchanting surprise in a sea of monotony.

Hats are simply magic, and none more so than the ones my dear friend, Gretchen Fenston, creates.

Check back for more adventures with Gretchen and her hats in the coming months!