Fall Tips & Tricks: No. 1

Create a Bit of Neck Candy

When a mother and daughter came into Hooti Couture recently, they were carrying an expensive new steel-gray double-breasted, three-quarter wool coat from Marni that the daughter would be taking to Paris when she starts a new job later this fall. They had loved Marni’s fur collar accessories, but not the steep prices, so they took a do-it-yourself approach to give this coat added pizzazz.

Fur collars and cuffs often outlast the wool coats they originally trimmed in the 1940s and 1950s, and many vintage stores offer a selection of fur “remnants,” especially in the fall and winter. Hooti always starts the fall season with a basket full of old mink and fox pieces, in all shapes and sizes, but they never last long.

For the Marni coat, the mother-daughter team finally settled on two medium-size mink collars, in brown and black, that can sit either under the wool collar or on top of it. These collars can be held in place with a vintage brooch, or, for a more "permanent" installation,  a couple of hooks and eyes stitched to the collar and coat will do the trick.

So, whether you are headed for Paris, or staying put this fall and winter, it's incredibly easy to give your favorite coat new energy—and up-to-the minute style. 

This fall, we'll add new vintage style and shopping tips and tricks every week. And we'll answer questions, too. Just drop us a note at hooticouture@aol.com.

Comments

[Sandra]

How I wish I could visit Flatbush!

[Leslie Houston]

Hi Allison & Melissa -

Just finishing your book....hate to see it end! It's inspiring me to pull out all my Mom's costume jewelry. She was such a clothes hound, and her mom could sew up a storm. Alas, due to a stormy marriage, my sister and I don't have any of her clothes, but we had her with us till she was 95!!

Today took me to a rummage sale in Bucks County, Pa, and I picked-up a great mink coat for $30. It has a tear that must be fixed, but good lines - 3/4 sleeves with buttons on folded cuffs, knee length and swing style in the back. My question - the label reads Reminger Co. - New York, Chicago...ever heard of that manufacturer?

Thanks -

Leslie Houston

[Sofia Inguanzo-Perez]

Hi Allison. I came upon your book because you met my mom at Doctors Hospital in Miami, along with my sister, while my mom was getting her appendix removed and your mom was a patient there as well. You gave my mom a copy of your book and when it was my turn to recuperate from a surgery that became my must-read. You truly have a gift when it comes to passion for vintage and your love of the market exudes through your constant work and adoration for it.
Thank you for entertaining me and bringing me into your family through your book and you better believe I will visit Flatbush one day.
Thanks :) Sofia from Miami, FL