Looking Back, Looking Forward

You may notice that I’ve acquired a few things in my wardrobe “via family member.” 95% of the time that family member is my late aunt Clio. She worked at the United Nations, but was also a full-time NYC fashionista. Her style was classic and super sophisticated. When I say that every detail in her look was deliberate, I mean every single detail.

My aunt was certainly one of my greatest style icons. From the summers I spent shadowing her in NYC to the barrels packed with clothing that she sent to St. Kitts when I was living there, her taste had profound influence on my own.

Even as an adult living in the US, my aunt Clio continued to send me packages filled with chic clothing and accessories. In fact, at the end of our last conversation, she reminded me of some fierce shoes that she was going to mail to me.

I found myself thinking about my aunt a lot this week because she would’ve celebrated a birthday yesterday.

Today’s Looking Back, Looking Forward, then, takes a look at some of my favorite vintage items that were all gifted by my aunt Clio.

Marina Rinaldi bag, Maraolo pumps, and Ann Taylor scarves gifted by my Aunt Clio

1. Vintage Marina Rinaldi bag. This top handle hard leather bag has a rich, cinnamon brown color, and a structured shape reminiscent of the Hermes Kelly bag. The bag also features a concealable chain interwoven with leather, which adds an elegant finishing touch, and gives the option to carry it over the shoulder.

2. Maraolo pumps. These vintage, Italian-made Maraolo two-tone pumps feature a square cap-toe and a stacked heel, which provide a fashion-forward look.

Check out the posts below to see how I’ve been wearing these vintage items:

Wearing Leopard to Work
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Sunny Look For a Gloomy Day
Back to Work
Supersize’em
Loft Spring Style Event