Day 44…

I'm apologizing in advance…

Wool and Chinchilla Suit, Jill Sander boots

I am apologizing in advance for the fur, I know it's not PC, but what can I say?  It's in the cannon of clothes, and for better or worse, it is beautiful, in a very Gorky Park way…I love when I have images of my mom wearing the outfit as well, that does not happen very often, so it feels very special.  I would like to note that while wearing this, I was literally unable to breathe for fear of busting the buttons, which I think I did anyway. (bust buttons, not breathe)!  This is one of those items that I think, what am I going to do with this?  I can't wear it on a daily basis, or actually ever, it's so small.  This brings up something that I have been thinking about a lot lately, how do I care for all of this? Do I save them all for the girls?  Can I?  There is a fragility to a lot of these clothes, some feel like they might just fall apart in my hands sometimes.  The metaphor is not lost on me. There has to be a certain amount of holding on in life, and a certain amount of letting go.  It is a fine line, and a delicate balance.  Heres to finding the center.

---

Day 43...

Keep it simple

Gold and Turquoise

Sometimes less is more.  I really love the simplicity of this combination, how the earthiness of the turquoise contrasts with the black, and I am particularly fond of the combination of gold with turquoise instead of silver on the ring. These are 70's era pieces, and really treasure them, and on those days when you feel vintaged to the hilt, it's nice to have the option to just add jewelry to a simple outfit.  I jokingly told a friend over dinner this weekend, that I am nervous that by day 200, I will never want to see another piece of vintage clothing ever agin, and that when this is all over, I will want to wear nothing but black shift dresses!  Probably not, but you never know.  Each day is a new page, new emotions, new outlook.  Thank you for going on the journey with me.  x

---

Day 42...

Bit by a fox....

Vintage Carole Little for St. Tropez West Silk top, custom blended "French 75" cocktail from lady Prairie Rose

This was probably the best era for this brand.

I do not normally post on the weekends due to my desperate need of digital downtime, and the feeling that whatever I have to say can surely wait until normal business hours, but there is a bit of a time sensitive twist here, so I am coming to you on a Sunday evening.  In this post I am wearing one of my mom's old Carole Little for St. Tropez West satin safari shirts, it's pretty fantastic, and in suprisingly great condition (stay tuned, I have one in rust as well!). In my hand I am holding a cocktail called a 'French 75', poplularized at the famed Stork Club, and customized this past Friday evening by renowned mixologist, and all around fantastic person, Prairie Rose Free. (homemade hibisuc syrup anyone!?) The event was a wonderful cocktail party hosted by dear friends,  Prairie's blog (Bit By a Fox) has been nominated as one of the top cocktails blogs in the country by Savuer magazine, (one of my favortites!)  and I think she deserves the win.  If you feel thus inclined (and trust me you should!) please cast your vote at the link below: 

http://www.saveur.com/content/best-food-blog-awards-vote

The deadline is this Wednesday April 9th, they will ask you to sign in/up, but you don't need to opt in for anything, emails or othewise, but I am a subscriber to the mag, and I will tell you I love their recipe blasts...

And or, check out her blog here:    http://bitbyafox.com

See you on Monday. xoxo

---

Day 41...

Funky St. John Knit

Vintage Crochet St. John Knit top, Jerome Rousseau shoes, Eileen Fisher Harem pants

Sweater Detail

Ok people, it's Friday, and after yesterday's weeper, (sorry about that) I am officially saying; let's lighten things up a bit shall we!?  Let's get funky!  Yes, I used the word "Funky" in a post about a St. John knit top.  This top is one of my mom's 70's era St, Johns, when - believe it or not, I think they actually did some, dare I say, sexy pieces.  There are some pretty form fitting items in this cannon, even a full body sleeveless, bell bottom knit number.  My mom would wear that as a base piece for the coordinating jackets and tops.  If you ever see me wearing the knit one piece, trust me, it will need to be VERY artfully shot, it is not a terribly forgiving piece of clothing.  I am really a fan of mixing these tops with more modern silhouettes, so it doesn't get too dowdy.  Let's all get a little funky this weekend, wear something silly, or unexpected.  Let's have a little fun-we all deserve it.  x

---

Day 40...

“No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again”

— Buddha

Jade Buddha necklace 70's

This little necklace is a mystery piece to me, I am not sure where or who it came from, but I remember my mom wearing it, and me loving it when I was a little girl.  It has all the earmarks that would make a child love it;  a) it's colorful, b) it's miniature!  I really love wearing this necklace now, it feels good, it feels nice around my neck, and I often times, feel my self reaching up to hold it.  My mom would have loved the spiritual, healing elements of this pendant, and I can see her wearing it with a gaggle of other chains.  When I posted this, it felt right to look up a quote from Buddha for it, but the first quote that came up and hit me smack in the face, was not the one above it was; "Holding onto anger is like drinking poison, and waiting for the other person to die."  Yep.  One of the deepest regrets I have is how angry I could get with my mom, especially at the end of her life.  I was so exhausted, it had been two years of sickness and treatments, and pain.  There had also been some times of remission and happiness, but towards the end, my mother was dealing with other types of pain, emotional pain that she tried desperately to shield me from.  I did not realize how deep until after she passed.  One day in Florida, on what would be the last trip I would see her alive, she wrote me a note, asking for me to send the girls into bed with her to snuggle and watch cartoons, and telling me to sleep in, and not to be too angry, that life was too short.  Oh mom, you were so right.  And I am so sorry.  I wish I could go back in time, and hold you, and apologize for being so angry.  If you are out there anywhere, please know that I love you, and I'm so sorry.  I am so sorry you got sick, I am so sorry you got hurt, I am so sorry you ever suffered.  You were right, life is short.  Anger is a poison.  Thank you for those words, I will try and carry them with me.  It was almost as if, you were telling me those words again today.  I love you so deeply, and I miss you so terribly, and I am trying, as buddha says, to begin again.

---

Day 39...

White Gucci Belt

Vintage White Gucci Belt

Ok, at the risk of sounding like a jerk, was there a time that Gucci went through a weird period? Maybe mid- late 70's or early 80's?  Like maybe their was a new creative director? Or perhaps they flooded the market with a multi price point items?  Jesus, I must sound like a snob, but there are some Gucci items that my mom owned that are of different qualities, or the "G's" are a funny shape, and I happen to know that all of those items are real.  There was an interseting time in the 70's that a Halston clothing line showed up at J.C. Penny's, (and say what you will, fashionishtas, that was beacause he loved cocaine, not accessable fashion for ladies across America,) but I digress.  This belt feels a little different than the other Gucci's, This actually looks more like the buckles they did for men...so maybe that's it.  Oddly, I want to know more about it, beacuse I cant say "Hey where and when did you buy this?"  I was never as in to this belt as some of the others, but now I think it's kind of cool.  It is different, but that's what makes it special. Just like my mother. xo

---

Day 38..

Chester Weinberg, who knew...?

Mom killing it in Chester Weinberg in the 60's -  Me wearing it in my mid 20's,  (so sorry….)

A detail and wearing the dress today.

It is a very rare occurrence that I have photos of my mom in a dress, photos of me in that dress from a long time ago (In my 20's)  AND a current photo.  Let's start with talking about my mom, in it.  Ok, wow.  This is for sure the 60's because it is in Pittsburgh, and the adorable jacket was lost somewhere along the line.  I just can't get over how great she looked in this picture, her hair, her smile, there is a timeless beauty there.  THEN there is me wearing it in my 20's.  Oh boy-wow, where do I start?  The helmet hair? the waaay too white concealer under my eyes?  That crazy tan!?)  Oy Vey.  So I am aware that I tend to suffer from "Euphoric Recall" You know that condition where you mostly choose to remember only the goods things about the dear departed or a crappy ex?  But, it is really hard to find a terribly embarrassing picture of my mom.  OR maybe she was good about disposing of them?….either way, one day I will post some childhood pics that will shed some light on my own insecurities.  Believe me, it's messy.  In todays picture, I am decidedly less tan, and tone, but oddly more comfortable in my own skin.  That being said, I really would have preferred to wear it with the jacket! 

I Know that Chester Weinberg may not be a household fashion name, so I did a little research for you. Enjoy:)  

"A native New Yorker who attended the High School of Music and Art and went on to Parsons School of Design, Weinberg designed anonymously as an assistant at a number of clothing manufacturers on Seventh Avenue, among them Harvey Berin, Teal Traina, Leonard Arkin, and Herbert Sondheim. His first collection in 1966 was a great success and launched him into the fashion limelight. Preferring soft lines, ruffles, and an unstructured form, Weinberg designed a wide variety of evening dresses and daywear, including caftans, one-shouldered dresses with slash hems, elegant ball gowns, culotte suits, mod A-line dresses, exquisite dyed silk Japanese dresses, sweaters, jumpsuits, and soft, uniquely detailed suits with distinctive silhouettes. He was especially fond of good fabrics, using textiles from all over the world in bold, nontraditional colors. Urbane and timeless, his designs were never baroque or overwhelming."

Read more: http://www.fashionencyclopedia.com/Vi-Z/Weinberg-Chester.html#b#ixzz2xewCHaNT

---

Day 37...

Totes Ma Gotes

Navy Chanel Tote

Simple navy quilted Chanel tote.  This is one of my mom's bags that may or not be the genuine article, and guess what?  Who cares?!  It's pretty, it's soft, it holds a lot, It makes me feel good, My mom never gave a hoot if it was the real deal or not  (though often times it was) Because she knew how to rock it, had the panache to carry it off.  And come hell or high-water, she was going to have a Chanel bag to match each outfit under the rainbow! She wore them with such style, and usually with an outfit that was put together with such care and attention to detail.  Here's to you classy lady. xoxox

---

Day 36...

Ginger Rogers….

Vintage silk Chiffon and beaded evening gown.

Detail

Ginger Rogers would have loved this dress!  And hands down, when I floated down the stairs in this my youngest daughter said "OOOOH mommy, that's so beautiful"  I have no idea who made this dress, but it is so incredible, just layers, and layers, and layers of chiffon.  It "floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee"…And it has made me realize, that I really need to invest in better foundation garments!  I remember dresses similar to this from when I was around 6, and mom - I'm so sorry to admit this but, I LOVED the beading so much that I used to pick off some of my favorites in secret, I just could not resist! So naughty, I know, but what can I say, I'm a Magpie,  I've always liked bright shiny things- Just like my youngest daughter, I would not be surprised if she did the same thing one day. I remember seeing my mom dressed up when I was a little girl, and thinking there was no more beautiful woman in the world.  And then she would float out the door in a cloud of smoke and Shalimar. xo

---

Day 35...

Spring has sprung

Vintage yellow beaded cashmere sweater, Gucci Belt, A.P.C Jeans, Repetto flats

Another from the cannon of beaded sweaters.  I love this sweater.  Beads! Sequins! Cashmere! Silk chiffon lining! And I love this color for spring.  The silk chiffon lining is a little worse for the wear, but otherwise, this beauty is in great shape.  Sadly, the same cannot be said for many of my mom's pieces. I am truly trying to take the best care of them possible, but I must admit, it's not easy.  Many of them are still sitting in a un-airconditoned attic in NY.  That's some classy moth food.  It makes me sad really, because while I may be able to compile a visual archive, I don't' think I will be able to physically maintain all of these items.  And I'm not really ready to let them go yet.  Will my girls even want them?  I will just have to wait and see.  xo

Details

---

Day 34...

Thirty For Thirty

"Good Luck June 57'"

This charm bracelet is among one of my most cherished possessions.  My mother gave it to me on my 30th Birthday.  She loved to share her jewelry on special occasions,  it was always so nice to wear something she had given me and I know she loved it.  But there is another element to this bracelet.  If you notice, the charm disk say's "Good Luck June 57'"  It was the year my mother graduated from high-school.  I graduated exactly 30 years later in 1987.  My mother also gave birth to me when she was 30, so those intervals have always felt interesting to me.  Now my mother would have KILLED me if she knew I was talking about her age, but darn it I think she looked good for her age, so I will out us both right now.  Both my mother and I are/were hitting big birthdays this spring.  She would have been turing 75, and I am turning 45 in a week.  Now here is what I think the differnce my mom and I may have had regarding age; I am incredibly proud to be turning 45, I work hard, and I sure as hell know of a lot more than I did at 35, or 25 (oy vey!) I am very proud of being more of a woman than a girl.  I don't care about wearing short skirts anymore, (but I will admit I HATE you cellulite!!!) But what really hit me today when I told my oldest daughter about the age I was turning, was that I did not care so much about the vanity of the age, it was more the fact that I would not be able to be there forever for my own daughters, that time marches on. Woah- that was a wopper.  I was more concerenced about taking care of them, about wanting to make sure they were protected from hurt and loss, and all the terrible things you want to sheild your kids from. So I am going to continue to try and eat right and exercise, and get botox....LOL. Beacause I want to be around for them as long as I can. (and look good doing it!)   And if I cant, I will teach them to be strong and smart and kind, so they will be able to make their way through this crazy life.  Here's to all the women, mothers and daughters I know: I love you All.  Keep taking care of each other. xoxo

---

Day 33

Off to the races!

Horse Head Belt circa 1975

Horse Head detail

This is the belt I wore with the Halston ensemble the other night, because....why would you not? Just a hint of gold with a nice oxblood strip, to tone with the coral cashmere....Who am I kidding?   I wore it because it made the outfit fun, gave it a little wink.  I've had some pretty serious posts recently, but I also want to keep site of the enjoyable part of this.  The part where I wear a 4" diameter gold and lime green jaguar head belt buckle cause' it's a HOOT!!!!!  (yes, that's coming...)  Most days, I have zero idea of what I am going to say until my fingers hit the keys.  And today, I am feeling happy, and lucky to be the steward of this project.  I want to remember to feel the joy of this as well.  It's almost the weekend, the time when I get to be with my family and relax, my happiest time.  As my friend Brian says when he signs off his emails.  "Looking Forward."  How great is that?  xo 

Day 32...

Big in Japan

Kimono Robe

My mother was a woman that loved a good robe. I have a lot of memories of her in various robes.  The red puffy Christmas one, the elaborately embroidered Chinese one, another embroidered one from Japan.  There were many years when I was a little girl that my mother was in bed during the majority of my waking hours.  Those were not particularly good years for either of us.  As a result - I am not a good napper, it does not feel as good as I know it should.  My mother on the other hand, was a champion napper.  She was very good at knowing when to say when, and to look after herself.  I spent a lot of years carrying anger when she would nap, still feeling like an ignored little girl.  But maybe my mom was on to something.  You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of other people.  I once had someone ask me "If the oxygen mask drops on an airplane do you put it on yourself, or your child first?"  As quickly as I could spit the words out, I said "Your Child!"  "Uh, no- you need to put the oxygen mask on yourself, so you can help your child."  Ah-ha. I am trying to learn to take a page out of my mothers book.  I can't say that it will be via napping, but I do need to make more time to take care of myself,  to go to yoga, to go to museums, to read a book.  Ways to recharge so that I can be the best of me, not only for my family but for my own heart.  One time, after my mom was newly sober, she and I sat by the edge of a creek in our back yard in Maryland, and she said "What I want most for you to find one day is peace." I was a mess of a 13 year old, but I will never forget that moment.  What an incredible thing to wish for your child.  You are right, peace is what I am still looking for, believe it or not, I think I am getting there.  I feel it when I am in my husbands embrace, when I am holding my daughters, when I sit across the table from a dear friend, when I am breathing in yoga.  Thank you for planting the seed of 'peace' as a goal. How very wonderful.  Love you so.

Day 31….

J'adore Dior

Vintage Dior barrel bag

This is the vintage (1970's) Christian Dior Barrel bag I wore with the Halston outfit this past Saturday night.  I very clearly remember this bag on my mom, and the odd part of it is even though she had not worn it in years, I can still smell smoke in it.  There are few items like that, mostly the handbags that she carried her cigarettes in.  As they were inevitably crushed at the bottom, covering a wet breath mint.  Or she would put a half smoked cigarette back in the pack for later.  Gross, I know, but you all know what I'm talking about. 

I smoked from 15 to almost 34.  I had to go to hypnosis to quite.  And I am ashamed to admit, there are still times that I will take a drag on a cigarette, just to see where I stand with them.  I am happy to say I never want to go back.  Mom- I hated your cigarettes, that's why I am so stumped I ever started in the first place.  Really it was to look cool in front of my older friends.  Man, It's not cool.  It's the uncoolest thing in the universe.  To my friends that still smoke, please know that I don't judge you, I love you, and trust me, my glass house is three stories high. (Sauvignon blanc anyone?)  But if you can find the strength to quit, please do.  My mom gave up so many vices in her life that I believe she felt cigarettes would have been too much to lose.  Ironically, it was that poison that hit her the hardest.  They literally took her breath away.  

Let's all remember to be thankful for each breath we take.  It is a gift to be cherished. 

Day 30!!!

What the?!

Ummm- Mom? Ankle bracelet?

Ok, so I just had to post this.  This is exactly what it looks like, an ankle bracelet.  In my entire life I never saw my mother wear an ankle bracelet, and yet, there it was, in her jewelry box.  (And yes, I am sure it's not a regular bracelet!)   Mom, did you buy this?  Was this a gift?  If so, from who!?  So many questions. But it brings up something interesting, did you have a secret ankle bracelet life?  Do I even want to know about that?  Probably not.  It's A-ok that I may not know every detail of your life, actually it's probably healthier that way.  It will remain a mystery. 

I've never been over fond of gold ankle bracelets, (don't get me wrong, back in my hippie days, I ankle braceleted like crazy, but mostly the woven string kind.)  I have always felt that ankle 'jewelry' veered dangerously into sketchy toe ring territory, not good…and then I put it on, and I thought "hey kind of cute."  I mean you can not pair it with cut offs and a tank top (unless you are going to a ZZ top concert)  but maybe with the right outfit?  What do you all think?  xoxo

Day 29...

Evening gown Sundays!

Vintage pale pink silk dress

The details...

Ok, so it's more of a dress than a gown, but it sure is fancy.  The tag only say's Saks Fifth Avenue, so sadly, I have no idea who the designer is. I know that it is from the 60's for sure. If any one wants to take a guess please feel free, I'd love to know who made it!  It's hard to tell from the pictures, but the dress is more pale pink than cream, and it is made from the most delicious, thick silk.  I never got to see my mom wear this, but I can bet she looked fabulous in it!

---

---

Day 28...

Vintage Halston Deux

Vintage Cashmere Halston sweater set, 1975 horse head belt buckle, Manolo Blahnik heels, 

I truly love this dress.  It is a vintage Halston made from Scottish cashmere. O.M.G.  what is not to love?!  This is one of the pieces that my mom gave to me years ago.  I have treasured it, often times wearing the cardigan on it's own with jeans.  For the first time in months (so sorry East Coast and Mid-West friends!) it was chilly enough to wear this ensemble.  My husband and I received a wonderful invitation to an intimate birthday celebration this past Saturday evening. The invite came from our neighbor, who has over the years become a dear and special friend, the celebration was for her amazing boyfriend, also in attendance were her fabulous Goddaughter and her amazing husband. We were so touched to be invited to such an intimate gathering.  One of the things that was so beautiful to see was the relationship between our friend and her Goddaughter, it felt so much like my relationship with my own dear godmother Frances, and to my own mother, it was so special, and I loved being in that circle of friends for the night, it was so comforting and healing.  Her goddaughter mentioned that she had been reading the blog and that she was now writing to her mom daily notes. I was so moved, I could not believe it!  At the risk of sounding corny, mom, I believe you are out there looking out for me, somehow orchestrating this circle of love and friendship that I feel so blessed to have.  Thank you. xoxo

---

Day 27...

80's Ungaro!!

A silk and jersey daisy print dress by Ungaro, with vintage black snakeskin clutch.

Cue the Dynasty theme…This is one of those dresses from my mom that I would have made fun of.  I can still hear her saying "Oh, but this dress would look incredible on you"  And I would have given her lip about how it was outdated and silly and cheesy.  Kids are jerks.  I'm kidding when I say that, (but not totally) what I mean is that kid's can act jerky, say thoughtless, snarky stuff.  Laugh at their mothers taste.  Well guess what Ma?  The joke is on me, because you were right!  The dress is now cool.  It was probably cool when you first showed it to me.  But kid's think they know EVERYTHING about what is cool, and it is generally not what there mothers think is cool.  Again, I have egg on my face, because most of what I learned about fashion I learned from you.   There comes a time when kid's realize that maybe their parent's actually do know a thing or two about life.  Well, I sure see that now.  And I feel I was lucky enough to feel that for many years of our life together.  PS one of my daughters is named Daisy, I love the flower, the name, the girl, the dress. Mom-here's to your fashion foresight, and for being patient with me when I was a moody daughter.  

As this week comes to a close, I would also like to say thank you so much to all the folks that have taken the time to read these posts, to comment, to look at the pictures, whatever.  It really means a lot to me.  See you again on Monday.  Have a great weekend!  Dress up and share a meal with some friends!  xoxox- Amy

Day 26...

This old bag?

Vintage 'La Mode en Soie-Creations by Liza' bag

Oh  this bag, this silly bag. I did a full internet search on it to see if I could find anything about it's provenance, but apparently there is not an internet hot bed for 'La Mode en Soie - creations by Liza'  vintage bags, but I have a feeling that this is a sort of a one off, when I examine it closely, it looks handmade.  Even better. One of a kind, just like my mom  xoxo

---

Day 25…

Birds of a feather...

Vintage Trifari enamel bird pin.

Worn with Martiniano flats, J. Crew Denim, Madewell top, vintage belt, Warby Parker Glasses

This post is all about the little enamel bird pin. (which is earilly similar to the pin Katniss Everdeen wears in the Hunger Games, but I digress…)  No one wears pins anymore, and I say, let's bring it back!  My mom had a myriad pins, not to be confused with brooches BTW, which are what my Grandmother had a ton of, and I am sure I will be wearing at some point.  I remember this pin on the shoulder of either a navy blue or kelly green St. John jacket (she had both) .  It is just a sweet little detail, like a silk flower tucked under the bow on a well wrapped package (Mildred Hoit in Palm beach anyone?!)  My mother loved these little details, she really cared.  She put herself together.  Even when she was so sick, she tried.  When my mom had to get fitted for a wig, and finally shave her head, her friend Ellen and I went with her.  I will never forget the flamboyent hairdresser that was fitting her telling my mom she had a gorgeous head, (she did BTW!) and then saying this "Powder and paint make ya' what ya' aint!"  Jesus that was the only thing that made us crack a smile that day.  She held onto that, she paid attention the the details, she always put in an effort.  Wearing this pin, today, I felt like she was sitting on my shoulder.  Such a nice feeling.  xoxo