Jewelry, the Cheap Chic Update Way

As we've mentioned before, the Cheap Chic Update guide to "creating your own great look" is endlessly inspiring. One of the women interviewed about personal style who is especially cool is NY photojournalist Helene Gaillet. She definitely has a laid back attitude towards styling herself. While she obviously has impeccable taste, she isn't precious about her things when she wears them:

"I do sink money in accessories: I always wear the same ones, and I do spend on them...All my gold things have been stolen twice, so I don't have much left: five rings, a Cartier tank watch with a clasp that cost $600 in Paris eight years ago, a Van Cleef and Arpels bracelet, and some gold chains. They're like good luck charms. I even swim and sleep with them on."

(Secondhand) Leather Jacket Required

Vintage French leather perfecto jacket found at a flea market 

clockwise: Dior Mohotani cat eye sunglasses (eBay), Cartier Panthère watch, Repossi Berbère rhodium-plated silver ring, Chanel lipstick in Infidèle



In keeping with the Cheap Chic Update guide to vintage shopping, we found this French leather jacket at a local flea market. By MG PARIS - Mireille Granier, this perfect perfecto is so unique it even has a handwritten label! It's probably from the early 80s since the sleeves have a slight dolman effect, although it's not dated at all. It's broken in just right, timeless, French and recycled (we're both keen on that part).

Kenzo Forever

 

We both love vintage clothing and are always on the lookout for treasures. Kristin discovered this amazing kimono-style Kenzo dress (from the late '70s or early '80s) at a local consignment shop -- in the sale area! The print first caught her eye, then she spotted the really cool label, and she knew she found something special from an iconic designer.

Kenzo Takada is a Japanese designer who worked in Paris and gained recognition in the '70s with his exuberant designs, most notably with flowers and mixed patterns, which quickly made him a French fashion staple. He retired in 1999, but the line has been revived in 2012 by Opening Ceremony's Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, the new creative directors.

The Cheap Chic Update guide encourages, when shopping for "antique" clothes, to look for fabric quality, and details that catch the eye. We always scan the racks and go for that piece that stands out from the others, like this Kenzo dress did. The nice thing about consignment shops, though a little more expensive than goodwill stores, is that someone has selected the merchandise based on the designer, quality, and condition. And if you're lucky, sometimes these special pieces make it to sale! Also check out farfetch for vintage Kenzo finds.


Outfit details: vintage Kenzo dress, Navajo turquoise bracelet from New Mexico, 
Isabel Marant Dicker boots in Gris

Monday Mood Lifter: Cheap Chic Update

This is such a priceless book! It's a shame that it is so hard to find. We are lucky to have a copy thanks to a good friend and her expert flea-marketing ways. Put together by a French photo journalist and fashion editor in the '70s, the style tips are timeless. It reads like a zine and in a very fun way which is how it should be! Keep a look out for this one on eBay and second-hand book stores. Outfits inspired by the looks inside coming soon...