December 2014 archive
Italian Style Exhibit
Photograph by Gian Paolo Barbieri for Gianfranco Ferre advertisement, Fall / Winter 1991. Model: Aly Dunne.
Italian Style: Fashion Since 1945 Exhibit
This is the first retrospective exhibit on Italian fashion, a collection curated and debuted in London at the Victoria and Albert museum. It is now traveling in the U.S. and I was able to see it at its first stop, the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
I adored the show, start to finish. Here are my highlights, along with notes I took throughout the show. Shoutout to the kind docent who saw me scribbling notes on my Italian Style exhibit brochure and offered me sheets of paper from his own notebook to write on.
History of Italian Style Since 1945
The fashion industry helped Italy recover from post-WWII poverty. Italy was the largest recipient of the Marshall plan, with American aid of 1.4 billion dollars going into the country. This aid money enabled a much needed upgrade for Italy’s manufacturing industry. With cities known for expertly creating silk, wool, leather and knitwear, the country had everything it needed to become the world’s next style powerhouse. Italy’s fashion industry took off, providing a less expensive alternative to Paris and building a reputable name for itself amongst Europeans and Americans hungry for high end fashion.
By the 1970s, Milan emerged as Italy’s fashion capital. In this decade, manufactured fashion gained popularity and the government launched the iconic “Made in Italy” promotional campaign that is still known today.
Dolce & Gabbana
Leather Ankle Boots with Gold, White and Pink Embroidery, 2000
Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Italian Style Exhibit Review
The flow was easy to navigate and rarely created congestion. The placards were well-written, easy to read and informative. I loved the incorporation of film clips to illustrate the theme of the exhibit. At one point, a woman watching a clip next to me remarked about the height of the 1950s runway models’ pump shoes, which were extremely conservative compared to high fashion today. She had actually mistaken me for someone she knew, which is why she broke the Minnesotan code of not making small talk or eye contact with strangers in public settings, but I told her I didn’t mind and was happy she’d pointed that fun fact out. Also overheard while watching footage of Giorgini’s early 1950s runway shows: “Oh, look at her cape. I like a good cape!”
Simonetta evening gown of embroidered silk. Published in Harper’s Bazaar, October 1952. Photograph by Genevieve Naylor.
The show’s flawless incorporation of film includes the influence of Hollywood films from the 50s and 60s shot in Italy. During this time period, movie stars such as Audrey Hepburn helped ignite the worlds’ frenzy for Italian-made style.
Sfilata (fashion show) in Sala Bianca, 1955, Archvio Giorgini. Photo by: G.M. Fadigati. Copyright: Giorgini Archive, Florence
Make a reservation before you go-it’s bound to be quite popular as its January 4 closing nears. I made it through the actual exhibit in an hour, which seemed like the perfect amount of time to take it all in. I was happy I had more time before closing to peruse the Italian Style exhibit gift shop and try the interactive activities they had outside the show. Make sure to share your creation on Instagram (I did!) with hashtag #ItalianStyleMIA.
Shoe with flame detail, spring/summer 2012 Courtesy of Prada Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Italian Style Exhibit U.S. Tour Dates
Italian Style runs until January 4, 2015 at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Next up: Portland and Nashville. If you’re in these cities, I highly recommend you check out this show!
February 7-May 3, 2015, Portland, Oregon at the Portland Art Museum.
June 5–September 7, 2015, Nashville, Tennessee at the Frist Center.
Robert o Capucci, Silk Evening Dress, 1987 – 88 Courtesy Roberto Capucci Foundation Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Special thanks for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts for allowing use of the above photographs.
New Year Party Style Guide
Wishing You a Glittering New Year
New Year Party Style
The New Year is upon us, and you’re probably busy making plans for how you want to ring in 2015. These plans might be fancy with sparkly drinks and glittery heels, or totally low key with sparkly drinks and comfy pants. Either way is a totally valid excuse to glitter up. I teamed up with a glitter loving makeup artist and some local style brands to bring you this New Year Party Style Guide. Read on for style, makeup and accessorizing advice for the most casual and fancy affairs of New Year’s.
A little everyday sparkle
First, here are the casual looks! Naseem is in a comfy, oversized sweater and I am in thermal leggings with sweater cuffs and a simple, blousy dress.
Naseem, the makeup artist, did one beauty look for both the casual and the festive party look. “I don’t think glitter should just be reserved for fancy occasions. Just a hint of sparkle can really enliven even a basic look!”
For everyday, she favors neutral sparkle in silver, gold, white or champagne.
Dressing down on NYE doesn’t have to be drab! Leggings paired with cute boots and accessories mean warmth, comfort and style.
Don’t forget a little color-make neutrals like black and gray pop with teal, fuchsia or red.
A little party time glam
When it’s time to get a little fancier, don’t be afraid to stand out with sequins, metallic thread, or a graphic print that pops. Jewels that shine are the perfect icing for a classy, party-ready ensemble.
Naseem’s beauty tips for new year party style
1. Good makeup relies on good skin care. It’s dry and blustery in the Midwest, so drink a lot of water and make sure you moisturize night and day to keep your skin soft and nourished. Use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to help keep skin fresh.
2. Apply just a hint of glitter in the center of your lid on top of a sticky base. Staying within a color family and pairing a glitter that matches the hues of your eyeshadow for the day will help keep the look contained.
3. For loose glitter cosmetics to stick, you need something to make it adhere to the skin. A couple of my favorite glitter bases are Sephora Gltterguard Primer and the Clearly Liquid Base by Lit Cosmetics. You can support small businesses by shopping for cosmetics at places like Midwest Makeup Supply in Uptown Minneapolis. You can also find glitter products at Sephora and at MAC counters.
Many thanks to the highly talented local boutiques and artists who collaborated on this shoot. Venue: The Hotel Minneapolis // Jewelry: Realia By Jen // Apparel: Karma Boutique // Photography: Emily Gable // Makeup Artistry: Makeup by Naseem // Styling by me, Abbie of The Pink Paperdoll
Gifts for Guys: 2014 Guide
Classy Gifts for Guys 2014
I wanted to offer something a little more up the alley of my male readers (yes, men love The Pink Paperdoll too!). This gift guide is all about gifting to the guys this holiday season, as told by the experts-men! If you’re shopping for the gentlemen in your life — beaus, brothers, dads — we’ve got you covered. Three guest experts in mens lifestyle and fashion weighed in on what they think makes a great gift this season (and what they’re wishing for themselves!).
The For Men, by Men Gift Guide
1. Cufflinks
Looking for a super classy gift with staying potential? Dan-Michael of Dapper Dan Michael, a unique image consulting and clothing company, specializes in that. “A unique one-of-a-kind tie bar/clip or set of cufflinks communicates something personal to the important man in your life. For example, if he loves vintage cars then find a pair of cufflinks with vintage cars on them and then have them engraved. These are the kinds of gifts that a man will most likely cherish long-term.”
Like me, Dan-Michael is a proponent of helping people save a buck (he authored the e-book Why Buy New? A Thrifter’s Trade Secrets Revealed and runs an Uptown Minneapolis resale boutique) and he advises clients to seek good quality treasures second hand.
2. Sleek, soft scarf
Robert Sheie of Menswear Market is all about style. “Accessories make the best gifts, and tis the season for scarves. I’d personally love to get a high end scarf from a maker like Zegna, Canali, or Loro Piana.” Wouldn’t we all, Robert! The luxury of cashmere can be found in these top end designer names and also in less expensive brands, so look for the highest quality that also fits your budget.
3. Custom Dress Shirt
Robert is a big fan of custom dress shirts. “Buy a made-to-measure gift card from Brooks Brothers or Top Shelf, and you’ll be giving him a fantastic shirt as well as the fun experience of creating a custom made garment. With the help of a pro, he can choose features like the collar, cuffs, fabric, pattern and more.” Robert says this would run at least $300, so if you can afford that, go for it! If that’s not possible right now, it’s still a great idea to hold onto for the future. Read on for some gift ideas at other price points.
4. Boots
5. Handmade leather accessory
Justin advises gifting a leather card wallet or simple lanyard; he is a fan of zero waste cycle crowdsourcing company Gustin and Ewing Dry Goods.
Justin says his wish list is based on quality and durability. “These are items that will last ages and when he looks at it, he’ll see you and remember how thoughtful the giving was.”
After all, isn’t that what’s really important?
What’s on your gift or wish list?
Vintage Style Ornaments
Last year I posted about my after-holiday shopping score of vintage style ornaments that looked exactly like the glass baubles from the 1950s that my grandmother used to have. These delicate, hand-painted gems have an air of sophistication and elegance that modern resin ornaments can’t match. With their recent return to style, you can start your own collection of mid-century inspired tree decorations.
These are all glass and decorated to vintage accurate perfection. Seriously, how can you not love the hand-painted glitter detail on these?
This year, I’m even more on top of my game and I’ve scouted around to see where you can find these vintage style glass beauties before the holidays. And, happily, there is a great selection again this year at a variety of stores.
Where to Shop for Glass Vintage Style Ornaments
An assortment of choices can be found for great prices at Crate & Barrel, including this pretty tree decoration:
Or, take a bit of a departure with these adorable macaroon ornaments from Nordstrom that look almost dangerously edible. The modern pastry twist on retro glass is really way too cute. Macaroons are everywhere right now, so it’s the perfect compromise between old and new holiday style.
If you’re out shopping and you find any vintage style glass ornaments in stores, let me know and I’ll add it to this post.
Here’s a full gallery of vintage style ornaments that are available online. Happy shopping!
Leather and Floral Outfit Post
Mixing textures is key for fashion this winter. The shiny black leather with the petite floral pattern make me happy. I first wore this outfit with black boots, but the amount of leather felt overwhelming. So I switched it up and paired it with brown suede boots and liked it better.
The moto jacket is still very much in style since it made its first appearance on my blog last year, which is great because it is such a fun style to wear! Zip it up and make it the focal point of your ensemble or leave it open and show off your outfit underneath-you can’t lose. There are moto jackets in multiple price points and materials. For a lower price point, shop second hand or check big retailers (Target had a bunch of cute and inexpensive ones recently). Mixed fiber jackets like this one, that combine leather with fabric instead of full leather, can bring the price down too.
Leather and floral make a great combination for wintery months, whether you’re seeing friends or putting up an evergreen wreath. 
I thought the wreath needed a few pine cones.
What are your favorite patterns or textures to pair up this season?
Leather and floral outfit details
Jacket: Anthropologie. Similar: French Connection
Skirt: Target. Similar: Express
Boots: I got these Franco Sartos on clearance for $20, so they don’t have them anymore…but here’s a cute pair from Prada Sport that’s just as cute.
Henley: Target
