Hi there,
Last year, a Conner Ives demi-couture coats and dresses appeared on my Instagram feed, and I stopped scrolling with an instant flashback. Silk, Asian embroidery, fringe, the whole thing cut from what looked like an antique piano shawl.
I was back in the 90s, in my embroidered skirt: dragons curling around the hem, flowers climbing up the side, fringe that moved with my 24 year old body. Those were the years I smoked cigarettes and went out dancing, but you wouldn’t know it now because nobody documented any of it. No cell phones, no selfies, no one checking how we all looked at the end of the night.
So, inspired by my fun memories and the beautiful embroidered silk pieces I’ve been seeing this season, I’ve pulled together my favorites for the holidays. I hope you like them!
My holiday picks
Conner Ives Demi Couture Reconstituted Vintage Fur and Silk Robe. The coats are sourced exclusively from vintage fur sellers, ensuring that no living animals are harmed in the production of these coats.
For a more affordable and no less beautiful version, check Oriori Maison (they don’t have a website, just Instagram page, DM her there, her name is Xiaoxi Zhang). I discovered her at the Hamptons Vintage this summer, and bought 2 pairs of Chinese brocade pants (one butter yellow, and another dark green). I wore the yellow for the Bold Beautiful Brain luncheon hosted by Meredith Burns paired with Rachel Comey gold kitten heels, see below, and definitely will be wearing the dark green (not pictured) in winter.
Meredith and I at her luncheon this summer.
Anna Sui English Rose Brocade Mandarin Collar Jacket and Skirt. I would wear this jacket with jeans and a t-shirt, and the skirt with a tee and a simple camel sweater for more casual days. So cute!
La DoubleJ just launched a special collection with Carolyn Murphy, and this dress is stunning. They have several variations on this type of dress, but this color is my favorite. Easy to wear and to repeat - black tie galas, white parties, Brazilian New Year’s Eve, a wedding gown… so many option.
I love this skirt from Ulla Johnson. I can see this all year round, with its matching embroidered top and heels, with suede boots and a leather jacket, and with leather flip flops and a tank.
If you are heading to Palm Beach or other warmer weather destinations, this is the perfect linen dress to wear during the day or to dress up for a cocktail party. Prada’s periwinkle blue dress is a splurge but a timeless piece you’ll wear year after year. Their red kitten heel pump is fun, or you can opt for a cute gold flat sandal to keep it polished but more casual.
If you love vintage, run to The Real Real - this may be sold out by the time our newsletter goes out. A Vintage Kimono from the 1900’s, a great find! Throw it over anything to add a little mystery and a lot of glamour.
A gorgeous find in Etsy, this is a Japanese Knot Bag with Beaded Fringe inspired by vintage textiles. It’s actually on sale now, a great price for a beautiful piece.
I hope this was fun! Sending love,
Patricia