Learning Leonard

Having found it's inspiration in the 1970's, Leonard emerged as one of the leading fashion houses with a fixation on color and print.  Known as a contemporary to Pucci, Leonard reminds us of days gone by where bold prints reigned supreme.

Sturbridge & Brimfield

There is nothing more fulfilling they a day of bargain hunting and vintage shopping.  Don’t miss out next time.  Stay in the know… Check festival dates here. 

Remember, one girl's trash is another girl's treasure!

Run don’t walk to Bridgehampton’s vintage jewel Out of the Closet. This boutique has a fabulous selection of vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories.  With everything from classic 50s swimsuits, which can double as mini rompers, to gorgeous Bill Blass & Oscar de la Renta gowns, this spot has something for every vintage lover.  And GUESS WHAT?.... THEY ARE HAVING A MASSIVE MOVING SALE!

Soon to be residents of a new space in Watermill, these fabulous ladies are packing up and they NEED your help!

For more pictures of the store check out Natalie Joos Tales of Endearment story: “The Secret of Bridgehampton”.

2401 Montauk Hwy Bridgehampton NY 11932 (631) 537 2470

Stay tuned and we will let you know when this fabulous store has settled in its new location!

What excites you about vintage fashion?

When did you confirm you were a vintage lover? 

"Well, I've always had an appreciation for unusual and/or quirky fashion and can remember digging around often in my mom's and grandmother's closet. My mom's mom was a seamstress, so her sewing room was like a virtual treasure trove...lots of gorgeous buttons and trimmings. I'm very nostalgic, so I get a very powerful emotional response from vintage pieces I love....so much more than anything new."

What are the top three things you look for when vintage shopping? 

"Generally, it's either pattern or the hand of the fabric. For some reason, I can spot good fabric from a few feet away. I'm also a sucker for anything metallic."

Favorite vintage store or market?

Where do you find your goodies Onland vs. Online! 

"Definitely eBay online and the Salvation Army onland, which is like my church. A vintage store has to be very special for me to really love it. The only one I go to repeatedly is Mafalda in Brooklyn."

I often end up hesitating over a purchase (usually because I have already done enough damage) and walking away to "think about it" and 9/10 times I go back for it! What's you tactic for avoiding impulse purchases or over shopping?

"I really never go too nuts. I'm a very thoughtful shopper and tend to have pangs of desire for the same things: Great blazers and coats, maxi-dresses, gigantic necklaces, and printed "mom" trousers...my look will very likely be the same when I'm 70, 80, and hopefully, 90."

Any memories of an item you passed up and either regretted not buying or went back for and was crushed to find out someone else already bought it.

"Oh boy, there are many, but I feel very resolute in the fact that if I don't wake up thinking about it, it's not meant to be mine. I will say that I was very disappointed at myself for hesitating on a fantastic pair of Marni platforms. They ended up going for only $65 on eBay. Another one was a long vintage sweater coat by Missoni from the '70s. I still think about it."

How do you style your vintage pieces with the rest of your 

wardrobe for a more modern look. 

"Vintage is so much a part of my vibe, it's just me at this point. Generally, my shoes and bags are new and 3/4s of the rest of my outfit is vintage, which seems to be the ratio that works for me."

Who are your favorite designers of the past? 

"Jean Muir, Betty Jackson, Sonia Rykiel, Norma Kamali, Yves Saint Laurent, Geoffrey Beene, Hermès, Anne Klein, and all the Italians, Gucci, Missoni, Valentino...it's really endless."

Which designers or brands do you lust after today? 

"The same along with Derek Lam, Chris Benz, Band of Outsiders, Rachel Comey, Opening Ceremony, Suno, and anything designed by Phoebe Philo."

All-time favorite find? 

"A vintage black DKNY tuxedo jacket from the early '90s that fits me like it was made for me in some centuries-old atelier. It's THAT good."

Any trends or looks you are fixed on at the moment. 

"Graphic-printed pants, gold and copper lamé, pant-suits, old denim work-shirts, and anything in red silk." 

Favorite piece from PinkClouds? How would you style it? 

"This silk printed Bill Blass trench, for sure. I'd wear it with simple white cropped jeans and and bright red platform sandals. I'm also WAY into this Claude Montana suit...there are so many ways I would wear this, I can't even count. But a little piece of me thinks it could be amazing to wear it at City Hall to get married!"

Any other special vintage moments you want to share? 

"It's funny, I would never imagine that hunting for great vintage would become my favorite hobby, but it has. Whether I'm at a huge flea-market or a tiny yard sale, the whole process of looking and touching and digging is just incredibly meditative to me. I just hope I have a daughter one day whom I can pass all my finds down to!"

                    Check out Christene’s FIX SALE NOW! For more of Christene follow REFINERY29!!!

My problem has always been a lack of self control. This is especially true when it comes to clothing. Once I have tried something on I instantly think of 3 outfits I could wear with it and 3 events it would be perfect for! I often even end up planning an evening or vacation around these looks. By the time I leave the dressing room I am convinced I need to own it...

Whenever I stop by FROCK these urges become heightened. The idea of walking away from a piece I may never see again always gets me. On this recent visit I was on a mission for some Mugler... and look how well I did! At least now I have someone to share my finds with and in the interest of sharing I have learned to say no.

Megan and I took the afternoon to browse through Frock and pull all our favorites pieces and trends for summer into fall. Go bright! Have fun! And BRING BACK MUGLER in a bold way :)

SHOP OUR PICKS NOW

I met Leo Mavroviti at the Bridgehampton Antique Show this past August. I was walking by a number of booths, but when I saw his, I had to stop.  I immediately spotted two incredibly beautiful Cartier Rings from the 70s & 80s.  There was no looking away.
 
I was reminded of a love once lost, a vintage Cartier Ring I tried on at Maxfields in LA.  It had a thick gold band with a swinging barbell and one of the end balls was covered in pave diamonds.  It still hurts my heart to think about it.  Trust me, don’t let the one you love slip away!
After heading back to the city and geared up for the launch of PINKCLOUDS and the start to SW11 NY Fashion Week, I made a visit to see my favorite collection of rings in NYC. Leo Mavroviti has a charming store in the heart of Lincoln Center. The Emporium Antique Shop houses a world full of antiques and vintage jewelry, including some of the most amazing vintage Cartier rings I have ever seen.  When in the neighborhood you should grab a coffee and pay him a visit for some fun browsing!
 
I knew these rings would one day be a Fix item on PINKCLOUDS and I have waited for this day to come!  I will be eternally jealous of the lucky lady who one day owns the Ziggurat Art Deco Ring. Please do not be surprised if I eventually track you down to buy it back in the near future! Before I die?

It does not get better than a day of sorting through Marlene Wetherell's store.  She has the most amazing collection of vintage pieces and some of the best Geoffrey Beene I have ever seen! Visiting her NYC store in the Antique Market, 40 W. 25th St, is one of my favorite Sunday activities.  I never leave without buying something.  Actually, I believe I blew my entire first pay check at Marlene's booth at the Chelsea Pier Show my first September living and working in NY!  Some things never change...

We always love hanging, shopping and working with Marlene :) Here is a little more about our favorite lady!

Q&A questions:

Who is your all time favorite designer?

Favorite designer without a doubt...YSL!

How did you get started as a vintage dealer?

I started as a collector of textiles and clothing.

I did photography and styling before and used my pieces in shoots...

I turned my passion into a business...

What do you love about vintage?

I love vintage because of its quality + craftsmanship. There are pieces that never go out of style...

It always looks unique... It mixes beautifully with new pieces.. It makes for an individual style.

I also love pieces that reflect an era or decade... It says so much!

Who are your style icons?

I love some of the french actresses from the 60's like Romy Schneider, (she was German actually but acted in french films), Jeanne Moreau, and Delphine Serig.

What is your favorite item from our site?!

Love the YSl leopard print chenille coat.. Because it's YSL , it's super chic, timeless, and can be worn with anything!

xoxo Marlene