STYLd Spotlight: The King and Queen of Rittenhouse
Custom suits and shirts for the contemporary gentlemen, made by hand in the USA. Vintage military inspired YSL blazer, Chanel cashmere sweater, vintage Kenzo dress to die for, Oh and I can’t forget Christian Louboutins just for fun. Shall I go on or have you already escaped reality?
This is not only the reality but the careers of Craig Arthur von Schroeder of Commonwealth Proper and Brooke Dillion of The Katacomb:Vintage.
Photo Credit: Big Rube Street Gazing
Monday we had the privilege to enjoy an evening with Brooke in her Rittenhouse brownstone, which is also the home to her thriving business, The Katacomb: Vintage. We were greeted at the door by Brooke, dressed in all black (fashionable, of course) with her graceful Siamese cats perched on the chair behind her. As we walked downstairs to immerse ourselves in all the vintage we couldn’t help but ask Brooke what fragrance she used in her home. She pointed to the candles and said “my signature scent.” We would love to share, but we vowed not to tell. When we reached the bottom step we were taken into a place we didn’t want to return from, The Katacomb! The walls were grey, the lights were dim and to our left were rare vintage pieces from some of the worlds greatest designers. Accessories, such has pink Nina Ricci sunglasses and black leather top-handle bags were displayed on vintage furniture that took us back to an old Victorian home. As we started pulling pieces, Brooke shared stories about each piece which made us fall in love even the more. After an hour, our racks were full and we begun to try on our favorites. While trying on, Brooke explained that each piece could be tailored, whether for fit or to change the lining in a blazer, she could make it perfect. As the conversation continued we learned her business partner, Craig, is a men’s suit and shirt maker and his showroom was in walking distance, as if the night could get any better!
We quickly put on our coats grabbed our bags and made our way to Commonwealth Proper. As we approached the showroom the windows were cracked and we could get a peek of the sophisticated “men’s cave” we were allowed access to. The showroom was definitely a place for the contemporary gentlemen, leather couches, whiskey bar, floor standing mirror with a deer head mounted above and some of his suits displayed in the corner, tailored to perfection. Craig was in the middle of a fitting with an actor who is in Philly taping a movie, so we didn’t stay long. However, from what we did discuss it was evident that Craig’s number one priority is to help his clients make the proper choice for their lifestyle. He takes pride in men having confidence and always looking their best. This was definitely a night we didn’t want to end, but we said our goodbyes in hopes to see them again.
Learn more about The Katacomb:Vintage and Commonwealth Proper
Shopping for a Cause
We couldn’t let the month of October end without giving you our fashion, health and beauty finds that support breast cancer awareness. So, while your shopping be on the lookout for items that support the cause.
(Click photo to enlarge)
1. O.P.I. Pink of Hearts Breast Cancer Nail Polish $18
2. V8 100% Vegetable Juice- Campbell Soup Company has pledged to donate $325,000 to help support breast cancer research. Look for their pink packaging available in grocery stores nationwide.
3. Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne $110 – Jo Malone will donate $20,000 from sales of Red Roses to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
4. Donna Karan ‘Cashmere Mist’ Breast Cancer Awareness Candle $25
5. Bobbi Brown Breast Cancer Awareness Lipstick & Lipgloss Duo $44 at Macy’s
6. Swarovski Crystalline Ballpoint Pink Hope Pearl Pen $30
7. Cosabella launches “Prettie in Pink”- Donating 10% of all sales to Breast Cancer Awareness
If you want to just look pretty in pink to raise awareness here are some great options:
1. Jeffrey Campbell Foxy Wood Platform $119.95
2. Hunter ‘Original Tall’ High Gloss Rain Boot (Limited Edition Color) $125
Ask D&D: Affordable Fall & Winter Shoes
D&D,
I want some shoes for Fall and Winter that are affordable but on trend. Do you have any suggestions? - Anonymous via Ask D&D
I have put together some options for you ranging in price from budget-friendly to spoil-yourself. I hope you will find the answer to your question below. Some of these I have to get for myself!
LACE UP WEDGE
1. Hive & Honey – Giddeon $69.50
2. Black Poppy – Lace Up Oxford $39.50
3. Montreal – The Time Wedge $88
4. KORS Michael Kors – Cassidy $250
5. Betsey Johnson – Daynaa $130
6. Dolce Vita – Payton $105
COLOR, COLOR, COLOR!
1. Dolce Vita – Briar $88
2. Steve Madden – Taangoo $80
3. Modcloth – Green of the Crop $58
4. River Island – Dark Green Platform $158
5. Qupid – Strip 27 $26
6. Zara – Velvet Moccasin $70
8. Dolce Vita – Dahlia $109
LOAFER PUMP
1. Pour La Victoire – Larkin $220
2. Aldo – Urquiza $45
3. Red Herring – Tasselled Wedge $50
4. Bebe – Rune $120
5. Jeffrey Campbell – Zealous $170
6. Levity – Naomi $75
7. Nine West – Abalene $89
EXOTIC PRINTS
1. Sam Edelman – Uma $190
2. Pieces – Humble Must Ballerina $28
3. Joan & David – Flipp $119
4. Ego & Greed – Oxford $85
5. B. Makowsky – Neve $90
6. River Island – Animal Print Slipper $52
CLASSIC BLACK BOOTIE
1. Elizabeth & James – Lace Up Ankle Boot $375
2. Via Spiga – Cayden $250
3. Select – Chelsea $40
4. Zara – Zip Ankle Boot $99
5. Rosegold – Genie $111
6. Michael Antonio – Musa $59
FABULOUS FLATS
1. XC-XACARET – Ballet Flat $49
2. Zara – Flat Furry Court Shoe $70
3. Belle by Sigerson Morrison – Suede Flats $195
4. Black Poppy – Serena $24.50
5. Sam Edelman – Adena $150
6. Cooperative – Suede Cap Toe Skimmer $34
7. H by Halston – Hope 2 $40
CAN’T FORGET THE BOOTS
1. Dorothy Perkins – Grey Lace-Up $40
2. Zara – Flat Ankle Boot $90
3. Aldo – Barberis $75
4. Call It Spring – Aeling $70
5. Report – Nichola $100
6. Boutique 9 – Jarn $203
7. Joie – Refugee $248
8. Dolce Vita – Zela $169
9. Zara – Flat Boot Fringe $189
Live A STYLd LIFE!
STYLd Spotlight: Moda Italiana
I must start off by saying I had an amazing weekend celebrating major business moves with some friends. Whenever I am out I have a habit of people watching (don’t judge me), I love seeing people’s different styles…this excites my life.
While dining at Valanni we met some cool Italian guys that were vacationing (excuse me…on holiday) in Philly to visit their family owned restaurant. I told them I wanted to share with our followers their Italian fashion. STYLd!
I love to see people embrace their style and wear it with confidence. It’s not just about what you wear, but more importantly HOW you wear it.
My etsy.com Jewelry Finds
Etsy.com (the hand-crafted community marketplace) can be hit or miss in my opinion. There are amazing things listed and some not so cute creations… I happened to come across a few cute jewelry pieces on my latest browse session, so I wanted to share.
1. Bird Skull Necklace $28
2. Turquoise Bullet Necklace $17
3. Hyphae Spiral Earrings $30
4. Navy Leather Bangles $23
Accessories add that extra touch of style to any outfit. Find your signature pieces and you can throw them on with anything. Dress up a white tee and denim with an over the top necklace or add a subtle hint of personality to your work ensemble.
Step out and try some new accessories this Fall and wear them with any and everything!
Live A STYLd LIFE!
Ask D&D: Transitioning
D&D,
It’s getting cold outside. How can I make a smooth transition from a Summer to Fall wardrobe without spending too much money? – Antoinette via Ask D&D
Antoinette,
This is a great question that we are asked often when seasons change. You will be happy to know Fall is the best transitioning season that wont break your pockets. Fall is all about LAYERING, using what you have to mix textures, colors and prints…have fun! I have pulled some photos to inspire you on those chilly days.
~ Wear your favorite shorts and skirts during Fall by throwing on a pair of thick tights.
~ You can still enjoy those stylish summer tanks and lightweight shirts by adding a cape or wrap to keep warm.
~Remember layering is key for the best Fall wardrobe
Don’t be afraid to think out of the box to show your style and personality this Fall. Fashion is fun…there are endless possibilities.
Morning Thoughts: Become
As I’m sitting on the train headed to make a major move in my life, I am deep in thought about my passion.
The statement I live by is that all females understand that at the core of who they truly are is something more beautiful than they can ever pretend to be. I often think if we really understood our worth as women and just how powerful we are, then some of these standards we try to live up to in our daily lives wouldn’t exist.
Anyone who knows me is aware of how much I enjoy spending time with girls and for a long time I never understood why. As I am typing, I finally realized that I find joy in a girl being at the state in which God created her, before being affected by what society makes her feel like she should be. This almost brought tears to my eyes because we should all yearn to be at that place, pulling back all the masks that continue to hide the perfect creation God designed. We may not feel that we are perfect because of flaws and mistakes; however, God doesn’t make mistakes. When He created us He had an image that embodied all our flaws and still decided to call us fearfully and wonderfully made.
I’m going to leave you with this- Take time in your daliy lives to reflect on who you want to be at heart and BECOME that! Be a role model for a girl so the cycle stops of becoming what our enviroment says we should be!
“Escape, Indulge and Renew…”
Last week I had the privilege to preview an Elite Pedicure at 3rd Element Spa & Salon. I must admit, I usually go to the nail salon for my pedicures. However, after my service at 3rd Element I’m not sure if I can go anywhere else. I am on the move non-stop so this was the perfect opportunity to sit back and relax for an hour. The Elite Pedicure is nothing like the “express” pedicure at my local nail salon. I received a rejuvenating hand and foot massage while paraffin dip was molding to my feet.
”Escape, Indulge, Renew…an absolute you.” The words that not only invite you in but define the atmosphere of 3rd Element. The staff provided me with the highest level of service while still being personable, which will keep me coming back time and time again.
If you are in the Philadelphia area checkout 3rd Element Spa & Salon during Spa Week (October 10-October 16) and receive 1 hour services for $50. Go to www.3rdelementinc.com for more information.
