Kelly Rutherford made my elevator famous

xoxo

I love fashion and what I love even more is styling the few pieces I own. I am more of a minimalist, at least in the way of stuff, but I wouldn’t say I’m a minimalist dresser. Which is a contradiction. But truly, my closet is not full by a long shot, yet it has never hindered my fashion game. Thanks to styling.

I promise you, all you need is a few really good pieces. But it takes research.

Don’t worry, dear friend, if finding genuine high quality brands and artisanal pieces were a sport, I’d win gold. And if gatekeeping were a crime, which it is, I plead not guilty. I’m here to share it all with you.

I believe people with exceptional style and taste are people who go out to hunt for it in lesser known places - in the understated ateliers only those who know, know. These people turn heads because they don’t look like everybody else. They’re original and fresh and a breathe of fresh air in a sea of samey-ness.

A queen in this department is Kelly Rutherford (Lily Van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl). She lives in the same building as my husband’s office here in Monaco, and I can attest, she’s always dressed to perfection. Like always. We may know her as the mother of Serena, but she’s really the mother of fashion. Whether she’s dressed for an event or a day of errands, her clothes are of exceptional quality and always unique. I can’t help but oogle over her just for what she’s wearing, never mind that she’s Lily fucking Van der Woodsen!!!

So typical inspector clueso that is me, started following her on Instagram to see if she posted anything about her outfits. I needed to know where the pieces of literal art she often wears, are from. Thank God for our building’s mirrored elevator, who knows if I would’ve gotten the deets, if not for it.

Source: Pinterest/Instagram

I was in my element to find some lesser known brands, many of which are sustainable and forward thinking in their designs and manufacturing. And also not extortionately priced. So I’ve added some of them here, as well as other brands I’ve found and love.

Also for the record, my own pics in the world’s most fashionable elevator.

Here is a list of the high quality quieter brands worn and loved by the high society

Clothes

Agolde - For the absolute best jeans on the market

Esthé - For unique tran-seasonal staples

Still Here New York - premium classic denim in 100% cotton

Favourite Daughter - For elevated wardrobe staples

Soeur - For accessible luxury

Aaiayu - for responsible, high quality, minimalist staples

Varley - Modern, high quality outerwear, knitwear and loungewear

The Row - Ready to wear for the ultra modern, minimalist woman at a higher price point

Courreges - outerwear for the refined woman at a higher price point

Misha Collection - for the most beautiful dresses, think Cult Gaia but better

Bags/Shoes

Gianni Chiarini - Italian bags and accessories atelier. For quality leather bags in a variety of styles and colours

Manu Atelier - The it bag right now. For modern styles and a variety of fabrics

Demellier - Another very popular choice at the moment, high street at a more reasonable price point

Staud - For fresh and eclectic bags and clothing

Soeur - For accessible luxury

Flattered - For the perfect shoe

Augusta - For unique styles you won’t find elsewhere

Dear Frances - For modern styles at a higher price point

Vibi Venezia - For quintessential Venetian slippers, for daywear

Flabelus - For Venetian daytime slippers in a wider range of colours, fabrics and styles

You’re welcome xx