Stephanie's Choices

Dear Fashion Friends:

I am an avid collector of fashion photography from the 1950s to the present day. Some of my favorite fashion models from the 1950s and 1960s include Susan Abraham, Lisa Fonssagrives, Georgia Hamilton, and Suzy Parker. Some of my favorite photographers include Morton H. Greene, Louise Dahl-Wolfe, and John Rawlings. Horst P. Horst said this about Louise’s photography:

“I always admired her: her work was so inventive and new. The things she did with her models and with color were so fresh. In fact, I was quite jealous of her” (Quote from the back of the book jacket of Louise Dahl-Wolfe, A Photographer’s Scrapbook (London: Quartet Books, 1984)).

When I was growing up, I enjoyed reading fashion catalogs like Spiegel and Victoria’s Secrets and fashion magazines like Elle and Vogue. Some of my favorite models from the 1990s include Angie Everhart, Kathy Ireland, Vendela Kirsebom, Stephanie Seymour, and Rosie Vela. I tweeted a photo of Kathy Ireland posing in a Lay’s Potato Chips advertisement. I was thrilled when Kathy wrote back: “Thanks, Gabe! Adorable...shot by legendary Francesco Scavullo---so much fun... starring Vendela and Miss Piggy! We filmed commercials together. #FunFashion” (Tweet from Kathy Ireland to author, November 17, 2017). Thanks, Kathy. On Pinterest, I created a board dedicated to the lovely Vendela Kirsebom. Vendela has modeled for a variety of fashion outlets, including Bik Bok and Elizabeth Arden. In my board, I include photos of Vendela taken by Agnete Brun, Rennie Ellis, and Robert Huntzinger (see link: https://www.pinterest.com/gabrielkikas/vendela-kirsebom/).

I met Stephanie Bernstein Shulman on Twitter several years ago. Stephanie, who is a devoted seller of vintage fashion ads and fashion magazines, has been a wonderful friend and mentor on fashion and fashion photography. It has been a joy to receive her fashion tweets because I always learn something new from her. I had the honor of interviewing Stephanie about her collection for my www.google.com fashion blog. You can find my interview with Stephanie by going to this link: https://gabeaflie1234.blogspot.com/2018/11/stephanies-treasure-trove.html. I hope that you will enjoy it.

Once again, I have the privilege of interviewing Stephanie for my www.aleyacollections.com fashion blog. “In fashion,” Stephanie emailed me, “I believe your clothing should always bring you pleasure!” Her “usual method” of finding clothes is to consult the pages of fashion publications like Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue “and then look for a version that best suits my needs.” Stephanie also has a knack of being able to correlate her chosen attire with the right accouterments and makeup. “I am always thrilled,” Stephanie concludes, “to find clothing and accessories that are stylish yet comfortable, and that take me from office to evening and even weekends.”

I asked Stephanie her thoughts about the www.aleayacollections.com assortment of clothing. “I love the Aleya Collections’ section,” Stephanie comments. “Their clothing encompasses many different body types and age ranges at a very reasonable price point. They also have clothing for a variety of occasions and an excellent selection of accessories.” Finally, I asked Stephanie to choose her favorite pieces of clothing from www.aleyacollections.com. She chose five. They are all exquisite.

Stephanie’s first choice is this Printed Padded Bathing Suit (as listed on the AC website. See photo below). “With summer rapidly approaching,” Stephanie comments, “it is indeed time to update our summer wardrobe.” I could not agree more, Stephanie. And the AC website is a great place to start. They have a diverse selection of swimwear to choose from in terms of hue and size. Stephani notes: “I love the cute swim trunks that this one comes with as well as the detailed tie top. The suit comes in a great range of colors and patterns, but I am partial to the black and white.”

Her second choice is this Stylish Belted Button Dress (as listed on the AC website. See photos below). “This dress,” writes Stephanie, “is very suitable for the office but also pretty for a dinner date.” I agree, Stephanie. The back’s V-Neckline is – if anything – quite enchanting. “Update your accessories,” Stephanie notes, “and you are all set for the evening.”

How about this Winter Cashmere Knitted Sweater? (See photo below.)“This is the kind of item,” Stephanie writes, “that I reach for in the cooler months.” Her choice of adjectives --- “practical,” “cozy,” and “flattering” reveal well what she looks for in fashion. Stephanie’s sense of romance also comes through and through when she notes how “I love being wrapped in soft knits.” I can see Stephanie wearing this piece as she and her husband Morley enjoy donuts and apple cider at the Franklin Cider Mill in Franklin, Michigan (see www.franklincidermill.com/).

Stephanie’s fourth choice is this Stylish Long Sleeve Vintage Patterned Pullover (as listed on the AC website. See photos below). There are so many adjectives to describe this piece: Chic, Exquisite, Graceful, Stylish – need I say more? Moreover, it has a “Free Spirit” look that I most admire. Finally, it brings up happy memories. I know it is silly, but I can see Meg Ryan wearing this in Rob Reiner’s When Harry Met Sally. I can see her wearing this outfit in scenes either at the New York Metropolitan Museum or at a local New York deli. (If you saw When Harry Met Sally, you know the scenes I am referring.) I agree with Stephanie when she writes: “This cute comfy and stylish batwing sweater would look great with leggings or skinny jeans and either high or ankle boots. It has a casual vibe and would be great for running errands on the weekend then an outing with friends.”

Stephanie’s final choice is this Mesh Flower Sleeve Jumpsuit (as listed on the AC website. See photos below). She describes this piece of clothing perfectly: “I adore this item for a more formal party or event - it is an excellent alternative to a dress. I really like the way Aleya has accessorized it with the earrings and a clutch - it is perfect.”

I want to thank Stephanie for taking the time to answer my questions and choosing these captivating pieces of clothing. Thank you, Stephanie, for your fashion insights and, most of all, for being a wonderful friend. Thanks, Stephanie xoxo. Dear Fashion Friends: You can find Stephanie’s collection of fashion ads and fashion magazines on www.ebay.com and www.etsy.com. Her handle is @gr8magz. I hope you will check it out! You will not be disappointed.

I hope your visit to www.aleyacolletions.com was an enchanting one.

Sincerely,

Gabe xoxo