The Letter

Dear 1950s,

Oh, how we’ve missed you, you innocent era, and how happy we are to see you’ve returned for the season, with swirly skirts and flirty fashions that remind us of Doris Day (perky and pretty in a floral cocktail dress and sparkly sweater) or Princess Grace—feminine, ladylike and ever-so-alluring. They help us imagine a time when everyone liked Ike, families gathered around flickering TVs, and nothing was instant—not oatmeal, not messages and especially not falling in love. Those were the days when lovers sent letters, sealing the envelopes with tender kisses and savoring every long-awaited reply. And this is our love letter to you…

Letter Perfect Tracy Reese beaded pink frock, $458, L. Boutique; Charles Nolan black patent pump, $350, Addison Craig; 18K yellow gold Italian necklace, $11,160, 18K yellow gold Italian scalloped earrings, $1,475, fancy yellow diamond ring in platinum, yellow and pink gold, price on request, all from McCarver & Moser Jewelers; vintage wrap, Glass Slipper Costume Shoppe; stemware, The Woman’s Exchange.

For Your Eyes Only Reem Acra midnight gown, $4,475, Saks Fifth Avenue; Raqel Raso blue pump, $458, Addison Craig.

 

Lady of Letters Chloe and reese navy dress, $460, Saks Fifth Avenue; Corail gold heel, $432, Addison Craig; 18K rose gold and diamond Italian ring, $4,600, McCarver & Moser Jewelers; necklace with princess-cut diamonds in yellow gold, $99,500, Diamond Vault; vintage jacket, Glass Slipper Costume Shoppe.

 

Love Always Catherine Regehr gown, $1,860, Saks Fifth Avenue; vintage multi-cut white diamond earrings in white gold, $9,800, Diamond Vault; vintage gloves, Glass Slipper Costume Shoppe.

 

Wish You Were Here Monique Lhullier gown, $3,500, Saks Fifth Avenue; Charles Nolan black patent pump, $350, Addison Craig; mesh diamond bracelet with round white diamonds in white gold, $19,500, vintage 1920s diamond bracelet with white diamonds in platinum, $39,200, green tourmaline earrings with white diamonds in white gold, $11,500, all from Diamond Vault.

 

Dear John Catherine Regehr dress, $1,860, Saks Fifth Avenue; Charles Nolan black patent pump, $350, Addison Craig; South Seas cultured pearl necklace with round brilliant diamonds and white gold, $29,900, round black diamond ring with white diamonds in white gold, $19,900, round pavé white diamond earrings in white gold, $1,950, all from Diamond Vault.

 

From Sarasota with Love

Trina Turk lightweight Ponte dress in midnight, $288, L. Boutique; vintage earrings, supplied.

 

 

 

Photographer: Matt Dunn

 

Photo Assistant: John Ulmer

 

Make-up: Jonathan Rebolledo/Lancome Cosmetics

 

Hair stylist: Christopher Perez

 

Model: Elena K/Front Management

 

Fashion stylist: Lissa Murphy

 

Shot at the Rupp-Seibert House, courtesy of Samuel Holladay, Seibert Architects and Martie Lieberman, Modern Sarasota

 

Pictured on table of contents:

Monique Lhullier gown, $2,750, Saks Fifth Avenue; round white diamond earrings in white gold, $2,300, Diamond Vault; vintage hat, Jack Vinales 20th-Century Classics.