Avant Garb: Winning Combinations

“My style is eclectic yet comfortable – fashion aware, but individually focused. As I travel far and wide and often – both nationally and internationally – I have the opportunity to shop in many unique establishments and thus acquire many unusual one-of-kind outfits. I have also had the delightful opportunity to collaborate with various designers around the world to co-create outfits and accessories,” he said.
Steven said, “At The Elephant – which I co-own with Mallory Staley and Linda Brown Rivelis – I usually wear a sport coat – acquired from a local men’s boutique or one of my trips – along with classic blue jeans and my signature Chucks [Chuck Taylors] in a variety of colors that coordinate with the color palette at the restaurant – black, white, gray or pink.”
Steven’s outfit is an accurate reflection of The Elephant. While the area near the pool table upstairs feels casual and cool, the front dining room feels luxurious and expensive, and I think he’s managed to strike the same balance with this look. It’s both cool, yet classy. Steven got his stylish and sleek sports coat locally at Gian Marco Menswear on N Charles Street in Mount Vernon. His jeans are classic Levi’s.

While his look is professional, Steven has managed to work in some fun elements with a lot of personality. In this one, I particularly like the flares of pink on his lapel…

…and his Chucks. I loved hearing that he has multiple pairs. I’m a big believer in finding something you love and then buying it in every color possible. And the fact that Steven puts real thought into his color choice for the day makes it that much more interesting. This look really works for Steven. It allows him to look casual and inviting, while maintaining his style and uniqueness. Much like the atmosphere at The Elephant.

I recently ran into Jordan Nocar in the office in Mt Vernon. One of the things I love about Jordan’s style is how simple yet chic and modern she manages to look. Her outfit is current, on trend, and her style feels authentic and age appropriate.
“My style definitely changes with the seasons. In the cold months, I love being cozy and comfortable which usually means chunky scarves and sweaters, leggings and boots or sneakers. You will also always see me in neutral colors – especially black – during the fall/winter. Once it starts warming up, I love wearing all colors and have a lot more fun with my outfits. During the spring/summer, I gravitate towards brighter colors and love rompers, jumpsuits and off-the-shoulder tops and dresses. My outfits are usually always a mixture of TopShop, Revolve and Zara!” she told me.

My favorite part of her outfit is her leather jacket from Blank NYC. It’s sleek, clean, and edgy. The ridged accents give it that biker bad girl edge, and the cropped fit of it keeps it looking current. Her black and gold bracelet from Hermes also feels modern and sleek and goes great with the jacket. Personally, I love mixing gold accents with leather, and I think the gold accents in this bracelet really compliment her jacket.

Jordan did a great job is tying in some additional leather to her look with her slip-on Steve Madden shoes. And the fringed bottom of her Zara jeans adds to the edginess of her look. Fringed ankles on jeans are totally in right now, and Jordan got the memo.

While her outfit includes leather and ripped denim, it also has some softer aspects to it, like her delicate rings, and her over-sized scarf from Olive and Tweed Boutique from Park City, Utah. This scarf looks cozy, and the light color of it is a nice contrast against the harsher leather pieces in her look.
Jordan said she acquired her rings from several different places, including Etsy and Anna Beck. The Claddagh ring was from Ireland, and one is even her grandmother’s wedding band. So special.

FOUND – As usual, I couldn’t help but make another pit-stop into one of my favorite local vintage boutiques, Bottle of Bread. I can’t say enough good things about this place. If you’re a lover of vintage then you need to stop in here. Check out these one-of-a-kind pieces I snagged – and both at reasonable prices. Both have a very charming Southwest feel to them and are great for someone who loves to wear a lot of denim. The bandana pairs great with a jean jacket and would look incredible with a pair of cowgirl boots. The vest is versatile and could be dressed down or up. It’s a great accent piece to help bring some color and personality to your look.

I love the white leather bandana with fringe and silver buckle accents! It feels so southern and wild. It’s perfect to pair with a white bathing suit or sun dress and some huge shades for the summertime. My personal style is sometimes equestrian, and so when I saw this I had to have it. When I put it on I immediately felt like a badass cowgirl.

I love the cropped fit of the vest, perfect for something light and airy to put over a tank top or white sundress for the summer time. I snatched these pieces up….What can I say, you snooze you lose! But it just goes to show that Bottle of Bread has incredible finds. And they’re constantly getting in new, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Vintage lovers, listen up! I want to share a bit of news about an upcoming event that is not to be missed – Baltimore’s premier Vintage & Antiques Expo, Saturday, May 19th – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Ideal Arts Space, a renovated historic theatre located directly on The Avenue in Hampden. It’ll feature a high-end selection of vintage clothing, accessories, furniture and decor from the best retailers and private dealers in the Baltimore/DC metro area. To learn more about the event and to find out how to get your ticket, visit their Instagram at @baltimorevintageexpo. It’s a must-attend for all vintage lovers, and I hope to see you there!