Hats Off to the Fashion Arts Society

Spring may be struggling to bloom in central Indiana this year, but you'd never know it from my Hats Off ensemble, designed around this one of a kind chapeau from milliner Loreta Corsetti; The fabric flowers on my champagne satin Nina sandals are actually hair clips - a simple, inexpensive, and temporary way to add panache and coordinate a look from head to toe.

"Friends are flowers in the garden of life." I'm not sure who first coined the phrase, but I certainly agree with it, and the friendships I've cultivated through the Indianapolis Museum of Art's Fashion Arts Society are some of the brightest blooms in my garden. 

Though I've owned it for more than a year, you can still find my floral Julian Taylor dress on Amazon; The fabulous and stylish women flanking me (as well as in the last photo, below) are definitely flowers in my garden of life, and I'm fortunate to count these fellow Fashion Arts Society members among my dear friends.

The Fashion Arts Society is the art museum's fastest growing affiliate group, and its members all share an appreciation for clothing design as art, as well as a commitment to helping the museum grow its significant textile collection.  

I'm all about details - always - and those on this Loreta Corsetti hat are exquisite.

The organization hosts several social and educational opportunities throughout the year, giving its eclectic membership a chance to forge meaningful connections with roots much deeper than a shared passion for fashion. Indeed, though I knew only one other member of the group when I joined, in the past three years I've developed several personal friendships with individuals I'd never have met otherwise.

The fabric floral accents I added to my shoes carry the Spring floral look from head to toe; the handbag is from Charming Charlie

My first introduction to the Fashion Arts Society was through its "Hats Off" luncheon, an event held annually in early May. This year's event, as in past years, did not disappoint. Far more than yet another opportunity to sport a favorite Spring dress and chapeau (though always enjoyed), the well-attended soiree was the perfect opportunity to see old friends and introduce new ones to the organization, all while raising funds to support the museum's acquisition of historic fashions. If you're in Central Indiana and the Fashion Arts Society sounds like an organization you'd like to join, I'd love to introduce you, too!

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

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I'm also linked up with Hat Attack this month!

Same Chapeaux, Different City

Hat (Loreta Corsetti Couture Millinery); Dress (Byron Lars Beauty Mark; Enza's Boutique); Shoes (Chelsea Crew; Zulilly)

Why, yes, I did just wear this hat to the Kentucky Oaks last weekend in Louisville. But no, I don't feel a bit bad about wearing it again yesterday for the Service Club of Chicago's annual Hat Luncheon. In fact, I was thrilled for the opportunity to style it differently and enjoy the magic of it for the second time in less than a week. Who knew a chapeau so striking could be so versatile?!

The luncheon had a French theme, and the bubbly was chilled and flowing.

I switched out my fit and flare, pale pink jacquard Oaks day dress for a Byron Lars Beauty Mark number in heavily embroidered black and ivory lace. It's a favorite dress from one of my favorite designers (and found at my favorite local boutique, no less). I've worn it many times. Still, it felt brand new paired with the show stopping hat, whose ivory lace inlay echoes the lace that trims the hem of the dress.

My Oaks day ensemble (left, photo by Faith Blackwell Photography), played up the hat's pink flowers, while the ensemble on the right highlights its vintage lace inset.

Interestingly enough, the hat's Chicago-based designer found that striking piece of antique lace at the Midland Art and Antiques Market near downtown Indianapolis. I wish I knew more about its history, but I love that it's found its way back to Indianapolis. Truly, this hat was meant for me.

This was my first attempt at an updo like this, and I was pleased with the result. The inset photo is the low pony I wore on Oaks day with a different brooch that played up the pink.

I also swapped out my Oaks day pink satin shoe laces for ivory organza ribbons, and surprised myself when I managed to secure my hair in an updo accented with a vintage crystal brooch that looked almost professional (on Oaks day I went with a "topsy-tailed" low pony).

Milliner Loreta Corsetti looks divine in a creation of her own design featuring vintage 1960s fabrics, and I was mooning over her Brian Atwood heels.

The luncheon itself was a grand affair for 300 held in the Gold Coast ballroom of Chicago's historic Drake Hotel. It's hard to imagine a more beautiful setting, and I was thrilled that rock star milliner Loreta Corsetti invited me to attend. The ensembles and headwear on display created a visual feast that rivaled the sumptuous meal and crisp bubbly we enjoyed while raising critical funds to further the nearly 130 year old Service Club's philanthropic mission.

Four little (and not so little) Loreta chapeaux all in a row! Her designs are all one of kind.

Loreta's hats were, of course, among my favorites, and there were several of her designs gracing the room, along with those of other contemporary milliners both local and abroad; vintage designs from the likes of Elsa Schiaparelli and Christian Dior; and a few homemade creations.

As if an afternoon sipping champagne for a good cause and forging new friendships wasn't enough, I was surprised and honored to be awarded the best-dressed award! My prize was a private wine-tasting party for twenty friends, so I'm looking forward to a return visit to the Windy City in the near future for a toast with friends both new and old.

Luncheon guests gathered in the iconic Palm Court at The Drake for champagne and conversation before moving into the Gold Coast Ballroom.

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

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Majestic Millinery

I was so excited about this year's Kentucky Oaks hat I had to ask Faith Blackwell to capture a few images that would better show the details than I could manage on my phone's camera. If you're in central Indiana and looking for a great photographer, check out her site! Hat (Loreta Corsetti Couture Millinery); Dress (Adrianna Papell; Nordstrom); Beaded bag (vintage); Shoes (Chelsea Crew; Zulilly)

Last year, when I won the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest at Churchill Downs, I didn't think I'd ever find a hat I loved more than the one I wore that day... I was wrong.

Photo by Faith Blackwell Photography

This hat. This hat is enormous. This hat is unconventional. This hat was not what I had in mind for this year's Kentucky Oaks. It wasn't even a shade of pink I typically gravitate toward.

Photo by Faith Blackwell Photography

...and then, I tried it on. It's not everyone's cup of tea, and not everyone could wear it. It was perfect. It was everything I never knew I was looking for in a Derby hat. It was meant for only me. After donning it, I'd have never been satisfied with another choice.

Photo by Faith Blackwell Photography

I expect there are people who may find it a bit over the top (or even a lot over the top). Indeed, for most events, it would be too much. But for Churchill Downs on Derby weekend, it was everything. 

Photo by Faith Blackwell Photography

Not surprisingly, it was designed by Loreta Corsetti, the same milliner who created my pink champagne-themed topper last year. Trained in couture, Loreta creates all of her hats by hand, and all are one of kind works of art. 

Photo by Faith Blackwell Photography

This one features hundreds of hand sewn crystals that glitter from every angle - it's as interesting to look at from the back and sides as it is from the front. This is important at the racetrack, where so much time is spent looking at the back of people's heads from the grandstands. 

Left and right images by Faith Blackwell Photography

The silhouette, though displaying a gravity-defying modernity and elaborate details, reminded me of the wide brimmed toppers Christian Dior sent down the runway to accompany his New Look in 1947. 

Loreta Corsetti's design (right, image by Faith Blackwell Photography), though more elaborate and angled differently,  reminded me of Christian Dior's iconic "New Look" first introduced in 1947 (images on left).

As such, Dior's iconic designs were the inspiration for the rest of my ensemble, as well. The pale pink jacquard dress is new this season from Nordstrom, but with classic pearls, a vintage handbag, and crochet lace gloves, it definitely recalled my favorite fashion era.

Left and right images depict two of Christian Dior's "New Look" silhouettes; center image by Faith Blackwell Photography

KDef was a gamer for the fashion parade, too, donning grey seersucker; spectators; a newsboy cap; and horseshoe cufflinks to complete his Oaks day "Pink Out" look. 

Oaks day was 73 degrees and sunny all day. Perfect weather for a day at the races!

Perfect hat and "New Look" aside, Oaks day was a winner in every respect, even if I didn't pick the first place filly. Great weather; gorgeous horses; fun fashion; new friends; and a mint julep (or two) make for one fabulous Friday at the races!

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

Photo by Faith Blackwell Photography

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I'm also linked up with Hat Attack this month!

Cinderella Story

The grandeur of this year's Decorator Show House inspired me to pull out some of my favorite Spring skirts for my shifts as a volunteer docent. I'd share pictures of the fairy tale Meridian Street home, too, but I'd rather you see it in person!

I'm no princess. Not in any way, shape, or form. But last Sunday, for the briefest moment, I felt like one. I spent the day serving as a volunteer docent at the St. Margaret's Hospital Guild Decorator Show House. My post at the top of the stairway just off the entrance required me to periodically descend a few steps to maintain a smooth traffic flow for guests. At one point, as I came down the stairs wearing a full floral skirt and whimsical ice cream shoes (above middle), the five year old girl at the foot of the stairs exclaimed, "Mommy, a princess!"  Considering the fact that I'd been vacuuming those same stairs just an hour earlier, maybe she mistook me for Cinderella.... In any event, it gave me a chuckle. 

Skirt (Chicwish); Cardigan (Modcloth); Necklace (vintage); Shoes (ShoeDazzle)

And speaking of Cinderella stories, this year's show house is a classic one. The 1920 French provincial Meridian Street home has been restored and transformed by the designers into a beautiful, detail-filled space full of unique rooms worth lingering over. The home also has loads of historical character, with a grand central staircase and a Juliet balcony off the master bedroom that are most surely fit for a princess. If you haven't yet taken a tour, you haven't missed your chance. The home is open every day through Mother's Day, and all proceeds benefit Eskenazi Health Systems and its many programs for those in need of critical healthcare services. Find out more at www.showhouseindy.org. 

Skirt (Chicwish); Shoes (Irregular Choice); Purse (Bodhi); Cardigan (Modcloth); Necklace (vintage). Photos by Faith Blackwell Photography.

This is my second year working at the Decorator Show House as a member of St. Margaret's Guild. The Guild has been in continuous operation since 1907 and has donated more than 12 million dollars to Eskenazi over that time. It has been my honor to be part of this team of dedicated, design-loving women, and it's a delight to witness and play a part in the transformation of each year's chosen house. If you live in the Indianapolis area and would like to learn more about the Guild, feel free to send me an email. I'd love to tell you more, and we're always looking for new members!

Skirt (Chicwish); Cardigan (Nordstrom); Shoes (Poetic License); Necklace (vintage); Ring (David Yurman); Bracelet (Erwin Pearl); Purse (Bodhi)

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

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Boots & Ballet

Skirt (Eva Franco; Anthropologie); Jacket (Material Girl; Macy's); Boots (Sonora); T-shirt (Indian Motorcycles; vintage). Photo courtesy of Jones Photo.

I know people who are so busy "adulting" and striving to meet others' expectations in every facet of their lives that they've forgotten who they are...or at least, who they might be if they weren't so damned concerned with other people's opinions. Sometimes, that person is me.

I snapped this photo of a young girl I met last Summer at Silver in the City. I was inspired by her boots and ballet attire - an ensemble that spoke to my own inner child.

With my personal style, at least, I've pretty much gotten over other people's opinions (and excepting critical first impression situations like a job interview, but that's a topic for another day). I wear what makes me smile: like this fluffy, embroidered tulle skirt from Anthropologie...with cowboy boots and a vintage Indian Motorcycle t-shirt. Admittedly, it's a combination my 9 year old, horse-crazy self might have put together while pretend ice skating and twirling around my bedroom until my Mom came upstairs to see why the dining room chandelier was shaking. But you know what? My 40 something self still likes it. 

Photo courtesy of Jones Photo.

When you're looking for your own personal style, don't forget to ask yourself whether you like something because YOU like it and because it makes you feel like yourself, or whether you like it because someone else says you should!

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

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A Black & White Affair

Cocktail Dress (Chi Chi London; Modcloth); velvet bolero (Alex Evenings; Nordstrom)

April showers bring May flowers and a riot of Spring color: lavendar lilacs; pink peonies; tulips in every color of the rainbow. Even the weeds sprout sunny yellow hues, not that the color makes the dandelions dotting my front lawn any less irritating...    

Shoes (Lauren Lorraine; Zappos)

Along with the change of Seasons comes a change of wardrobe. In most cities, local boutiques are chock full of colors and prints that echo the brightness of the Season. But May in Indianapolis is all about black and white, even for a color-lover like me. 

The cocktail hat looks vintage, but it's actually an eBay find. I added a crystal butterfly brooch from a vintage shop for a bit of extra sparkle.

Yes, May in the Circle City means fast cars, Donald Davidson, and wardrobe options from tank tops and t-shirts to tuxedos and evening gowns that evoke the iconic checkered flag that signals victory at the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, aka the Indianapolis 500. 

The embroidery of the Chi Chi London dress is white, but the underlying fabric is the palest silver grey, which pairs well with the crystal encrusted silver heels.

In the past two decades, I've rarely missed the Indy 500, and you'll usually find me at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Carb or Pole day, too. And yes, it's more likely than not I'll be sporting black and white.

This year, the Circle City celebrates the 100th running of the largest one-day sporting event in the world, and the pomp and circumstance surrounding the race is in overdrive. As one site accurately describes, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing "is actually the culmination of a month long event. It begins the first week in May with the Mayor's breakfast and parade around the Speedway" followed by qualifications, practice days, and lots and lots of black and white. 

A 1930s white gold and diamond watch by Wyler from an estate; a vintage art deco brooch; and $2 crystal earrings (that's not a typo - two bucks!) from Gordman's complete this black and white ensemble.

The highlight of the Saturday night before the race is the Snakepit Ball - a black and white themed, televised red carpet affair at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. This year's sold out Ball, hosted by Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, promises to be a spectacle in its own right. Hmmmm...what to wear, what to wear? I really love this heavily embroidered white and silver cocktail dress from Chi Chi London, especially accented with black details.  But, I just wore it last month to a fundraiser. Without question I'll wear it again (and again), but I've got something else in mind for May 28... stay tuned!

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