Closet Case: Anthea Gray

My friend Anthea is that rare combination of stunning, stylin', and completely sweet. Her smile's got serious wattage and if I had a dollar for ever time I saw her and said, "Oh my god! That is amazing! Where did you get that?" I'd be bailing out some large financial institutions right now. I'm so honored that she agreed to be my very first Closet Case.

The thing I've always admired about Anthea's style is its mix. She has a knack for combining an eclectic array of items in one outfit and still looking stunningly pulled together. And, she always looks very "Anthea." Her unique style is a result of not following fashion too closely. She rarely reads fashion magazines, avoiding the self consciousness that comes with staring at idealized images of beauty. Instead she trusts her instincts and gathers pieces that she loves, like collecting objects of art.

A collection of necklaces from (l to r) a vintage market in Japan, a Brooklyn thrift, and the Soho Flea Market, and an Hermes Cuff.

Her collection of accessories is impressive in it's international pedigree. Her family is full of former service men and her mother was a captain in the navy who collected bangles, bags, and belts from far away locales like Okinawa and Amsterdam that she's since handed down to her daughter.

A charming vintage golden snake ring and a pair of slick green flats from Sigerson Morrison.

A golden bird-clasped belt from Brooklyn's Epaulet and an obi style belt from Amsterdam.

Anthea's clothes are mostly scored a bit closer to home. A happy resident of Broolyn's Carroll Gardens neighborhood, Anthea makes full use of her local resources. She frequents the cool, indie stores on Smith Street and whatever she doesn't find near home she scoops up at flea markets, on travels, or in classic discount stores like Loehmann's. Her favorite splurge spot is Bloomingdales in Soho, but mostly she keeps her shopping trips cheap and infrequent.

It's all in the details: a ruffled collar on a purple shirt from Epaulet, a lace-up closure on a skirt from Philly.

A gorgeous embroidered coat by Tracey Reese Plenty.

Her biggest fashion tips? Number one: Hold on to what you've got. She's had many of the fresh looking pieces she sports for years, just tweaking how she wears them to make them look new. Number two: Be yourself. For Anthea, fashion is self-expression. She loves seeing kids who've obviously dressed themselves, with a crazy mix of patterns, textures, and colors. To her they look free, and aren't yet afraid to show the world who they are and what they like. Well, in that case Anthea's still a kid at heart. She's definitely not afraid to be her beautiful, unique self.

Even Anthea's super cute dog Dolce is well-dressed, check out her blingy collar.

Thanks Anthea (and Dolce!) for showing me your goods!

Commune With Nature

Before my recent experience at salon-cum-gift shop Commune International in Williamsburg, I would have flatly turned down any invitation to shop in the same place I get my hair cut. Most affordable salons in the City are hectic hair dryer wind tunnels scented with the distinct odor of burning hair; not the most browse-inducing atmosphere. But, thanks to Commune's focus on all natural ingredients the subtle smell of aromatherapy shampoo greets you at the door and leads you happily by the nose into the minimal yet homey space where store displays are decorated seasonally and overseen by art director Yoshiaki Takao.

While waiting for your stylist you can inspect the shop's gorgeously curated display of delicate, nature-inspired jewelry and homemade beauty products. Or, you can flip through a politely supplied current selection of fashion magazines (I think this was the first time a salon stocked magazines I actually wanted to read; Nylon and W, not Hair Trends) . When it's your turn to head to the whisper quiet salon in the back of the store, you sit for a brief consultation with your stylist followed by the most moan-inducing aromatherapy shampoo and head massage you have likely ever experienced. Just choose your scent and let the expert hair washer's hands make your eyes roll back in your head.

The cuts here are layered and flattering. The mostly Japanese staff who carefully snip your tresses with sharp shears are precise and thorough but quick. When you are finished, the $55 haircut will leave you with enough cash in your wallet to consider investing in one of their special jewelry pieces with natural touches: charms shaped like birds, stars, and twigs accompanied by semi-precious stones. They aren't cheap, but they certainly don't look it either.

I've endured my share of costly cuts in this big city, and I've mostly come away irritated and unimpressed. Commune left me delighted, relaxed, and needing to practice how to take a compliment. What more could a girl want?

Commune International


All images: CommuneSalon.com