Modes of Transportation and Style

When I was a little girl I remember being really taken with the Cartier clock in my father's 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V. Many years later I realized how common it was for fashion and luxury brands to brush elbows with the car culture. At the turn of the century Alfred Dunhill catapulted his father's saddlery business into the twentieth century by designing for the growing demand for automobiles. "Dunhill's Motorities" were a line of accessories for the car and driver. Picnic sets, gloves, leather overcoats, goggles - all were considered de rigeur for motorists of the era. The cars themselves could be adorned with horns, lamps and "everything but the motor" designed by Dunhill. In the time since, cars have had their status elevated by collaborations with brands such as Guicci, Paul Smith and Eddie Bower to artists like Damien Hirst and Jeff Coons. I myself had some success in the early aughts with a line of vintage handbags emblazoned with hand painted vintage cars. Life in Los Angeles can hardly exist without a car. It is a sprawling city with limited access to public transportation. In this town, your car can not only become your mode of transportation but your accessory, or statement about your aesthetic and status. Considering how much time you spend in your car, and how much it is relied upon, this pursuit is more significant than you'd imagine! The common term "nice car, sh*t house" might give you an idea of what I'm talking about... The idea for this post came to me during a walk in my neighborhood, camera in hand. The three cars I spotted inspired three different looks. You never know when inspiration will take hold, or why, or how - all you can do is hope you will always feel it!

This 1960 Metropolitan was originally created as an economical transportation alternative in the "bigger-is-better" era of the car. It was deemed "sub compact" before the term existed. I was so thrilled to discover it outside my door! Brian, the owner, came to retrieve it just as I was approaching with my camera. He said the gas gauge no longer worked and he ran out of gas! Apparently the hood ornament was not original to the car but was true to the style of the era. (Brian really knows how to accessorize a car, wouldn't you agree?) She's obviously lounging pool-side at the Beverly Hills Hotel!

 Vintage dress from Melrose Trading Post; JCrew socks; shoes sourced on Hollywood Blvd. in a shop where exotic dancers and ladies of the night no doubt shop!

Vintage brooch and buttons

This Westfalia (converted VW camper van) is so perfectly suited for the West Coast! This one didn't conjure images of hippies... I imagined one of those family road trips to Disneyland circa 1971!

 Here's my take: vintage tunic and JBrand coated jeans.

Vintage daisy brooch amidst Murakami Daisies! 

 Kate Spade "Thai Oil" Mary Jane; vintage rattan and celluloid bag.

Not sure of the year of this Benzo but I love the 70's vibe - and this emerald color is such a hot hue this season!

Catherine Malandrino silk blouse; JBrand high rise "Hazel" wide leg jeans

Miu Miu shoes.

Curious to know where you find outfit inspirations - outside of the obvious!