Sometimes, a person's style is so visually arresting, it literally takes my breath away. This entry's subject portrays such a strong sense of character and uniqueness, you may find yourself googling her to keep up with what she'll decide to wear next...not that I do that...much.
I discovered Catherine Baba when I was searching for pictures for my Facebook cover photo of women riding bikes while wearing vintage furs (as I often do in the Old West End and Downtown neighborhoods of Toledo). There were lots of images available, but one stuck out to me: a woman in giant sunglasses wearing a fur and a turban in 6" emerald green stilettos riding in and around Paris. Her bicycle (clearly as vintage as her fur) had some very masculine leather saddle bags. In short...it was genius. I then fell into a deep chasm of photo research and was totally hooked.
Personal information about Catherine Baba is scarcely available, but we do know that she is a stylist who has lived in Paris for 15 years and has worked with the likes of Givenchy, Balmain, Chanel, Ungaro and many others.
Let's take a look at Catherine Baba's closet must-haves...and of course how we can get our hands on them for ourselves! This week's entry was a bit of a challenge. In particular, I was was disappointed and sad that I could not find a similar lace dress overlay that was completely see-through to purchase online! I feel like I see these at vintage stores ALL. THE. TIME. so it was quite baffling that they were completely unavailable for purchase in the here and now.
Rule #1: Leggings are the sweatpants of the fabulous. Catherine is often seen donning black spandex leggings (I have some and they are incredibly flattering and versatile) underneath large, heaping layers of coats, shirts and dresses. Another plus of wearing leggings as opposed to tights while riding a bike (I have made this mistake before): you don't have to worry about anyone scoping out your undies! I found some black and white leggings (below) that look a lot like the print of her black and blue body suit.
Rule #2: Get some sunglasses that cover your entire face because you are WORTH all that mystery! Catherine is often photographed for street style publications from afar and the glasses serve as a veritable barrier between the characters she creates and the photographer's lens!
Rule #3: Having a bad hair day? Throw that mess in a turban! (We've ALL been there!)
Rule #4: Puffy sleeves on a cheerful printed vintage dress make your waist look miniscule! Catherine loves bright, bold colors in off-kilter patterns like these pop-art cherries. Cinch it all in with a decorative belt.
Rule #5: The 20's and the 80's go hand-in-hand! Catherine, from the neck up, is all 1920's. Her eyebrows are pencil-thin, as if she is channeling Anais Nin. Gwen Lee or Lillian Gish. However, the rest of her is totally 80's with a bit of bag lady thrown in for good measure.
Rule #6: Ditch the black town car during Paris Fashion Week and hoof it on your bicycle instead. Your ass will thank you kindly :)
Here's how you can get Catherine's look!
- Short Floral Robe www.pearlriver.com $32.50
- Vintage Style Sunglasses www.ebay.com $9.95
- Black & White Zebra Leggings www.ebay.com $6.59
- Retro Bangle www.etsy.com $5.00
- Gold Cuff www.trudyshiddentreasures.com
$10.00 - Pink Shirt Dress www.etsy.com $33.00
- Roxy Autumn Felt Hat www.6pm.com $21.99
- Sequined Prairie Skirt www.moddeals.com $12.50
- Women’s Vintage Wiggle Dress www.etsy.com $34.00
- Handmade Flower Belt www.etsy.com $52.00
- Just Cavalli Coat www.ebay.com $280.00
- Turban www.ebay.com $9.99
- Vintage ox Fur Coat www.etsy.com $90.00
- Silk Casual Pants www.yoox.com $113.00
- Bicycle Saddle Bags www.etsy.com $100.00
- Vintage Olivier Strelli Cape www.bonanza.com $85.00
xoxo, Jordan
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