Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Just Don't Call Me a Carpetbagger...

Jacket (Ginger 'n Spice); Cropped Palazzo Pants (XCVI, Zappos.com); Bag (Renate Herrmann, Takinu); Boots (JustFab.com); Watch (AquaMaster - my gift to myself when I won my first jury trial years ago!)
This might be one of the most unusual leather jackets I've ever seen, and it's certainly the most unusual one I've ever owned.  Constructed of fine, black mesh featuring individually cut and sewn leaves of rich, red leather, it's not a warm jacket, but that's really beside the point for this particular piece.  Perhaps more surprising is that I stumbled across it at a small boutique on the the far west side of Avon, Indiana - Ginger 'n Spice.  This boutique has been continuously operated by the same local owner for the past 37 years.  I suspect it is owner Cleda Janke's focus on customer service that has kept the doors open all these years.  Case in point:  Cleda had put one of these jackets aside for herself, but when she discovered "her" jacket was the only one in my size, she graciously and unselfishly insisted I take it, instead.  This kind of customer service is precisely why I try to shop local when possible.  Thank you, Cleda - I love, love, love this jacket!

It was only fitting to pair such a unique jacket with a one of a kind wool handbag designed by my dear friend Renate Herrmann.  Renate is a designer and jewelry maker who runs galleries in Stuttgart, Germany and on the French Isle of Bendor on the Cote D'Azur.  Her designs are contemporary with a uniquely European flair.  In addition to handbags fabricated from high end wool carpet fabric, she also designs jewelry for people and pets!  You can check out her designs here!  Renate and her family visited us in Indianapolis in 2009, and again last year, but I haven't had a chance to check out her galleries in person, yet.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a trip this summer that will take us to both Germany and France, where I'm certain Renate will show me the best places to "shop local" in her parts of the world!


Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

2 comments:

  1. I just discovered your blog. Just love your style! I look forward to future posts.

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