027: ALLIA ALLIATA DI MONTEREALE
lives in Venetian slippers and Jean Paul Gautier tops.
On Sunday I ventured via 6 train from Brooklyn to the Upper East Side. Unfortunately, my plan to see the Manet/Degas exhibition at the Met was immediately foiled by a 2-hour (!) line. I decided to revisit the painters at a later date and, not wanting to waste the journey, bought myself a soft pretzel to fuel an afternoon of uptown thrift shopping.
There were a few specific things I decided to shop for. One is some variation of a barn jacket, or maybe a coach jacket. I loved the riffs on these on the Spring 24 runways (like at Prada and Miu Miu), but I’m certain that they’re going to be one jillion (yes, jillion) dollars. My hunch is that many folks uptown have been wearing an original version of this style for 20 years. Maybe they’ll think about donating to Housing Works sometime soon? Here are some that I’ve found on the internet.
I’m also looking for an item that I can only call a Carrie-Bradshaw-going-out top. It’s different from a regular going-out top, you see, because it’s one that Carrie Bradshaw would wear. I think it should probably be (or look) vintage from the era of early SATC (late 90s/early 2000s). It should also be form-fitting and satin, shiny, or somehow slightly ostentatious. Some thoughts below.
Anyways, if you’re not going to buy any of this before I do (my wallet would thank you), you should read on to this week’s feature - the fabulous Allia Alliata di Montereale.
Allia is the Senior Style Editor at W Magazine. She is the stylist behind so many incredible photo shoots (this Dolly Parton cover and this Nadia Lee Cohen-lensed editorial are favorites of mine), plus she is my friend and former colleague. I know Allia’s wardrobe the way only a coworker can - when you see someone everyday, you begin to recognize their go-tos. Allia’s are effortless, chic, and personal. She’s the kind of girl who looks perfectly put-together after a 12-hour shoot day (trust me, I have witnessed this first hand) but what I really love about Allia’s style is that she doesn’t follow trends. She nods at fashion but mainly sticks with classic items that work for her. I asked Allia to tell me about the pieces she’s living in right now.
When I was asked to participate in this newsletter, I realized that couldn’t really articulate what my style is. Oddly enough, I had never really thought about it. I started taking daily photos of my outfits (I rarely take pictures of myself, so this was new) just to come to the conclusion that my style is pretty obvious. If I asked any of my friends for their opinion, I think they all would agree.
I feel my best when I am wearing clothes that are comfortable and look put together. My formula is simple - loose trousers and form fitting tops. Mostly basics and classic pieces. No matter how many clothes I accumulate, I wear the same pieces on repeat. Fit and tailoring are important to me. I tailor almost everything I buy. I don’t buy anything unless it works for my shape - jeans, trousers, dresses, etc. That sounds straightforward, but you’d be surprised how few people do it. It really makes a difference.
ALLIA’S MOST WORN:
Loose pants. I typically buy a size up to get the fit and length I like. Black leather pants, baggy jeans, or silk trousers.
AGolde ($220), Reformation ($198), Frame ($1223), Silk Laundry ($310) Form fitting tops. Love, love Jean Paul Gautier mesh shirts or just a simple white tank top.
Leset ($80), Flore Flore ($85), Jean Paul Gautier ($320), Jean Paul Gautier ( $425$340)Flats of all kinds. I live in Venetian slippers, my Celine loafers, and sneakers.
Clockwise from top left: Celine ($990), Vibi Venezia ($82), Aeyde ($295), Adidas ($135) 
Jewelry. My jewelry is sentimental. I wear the same pieces everyday. A lot of coins. I have a gold coin pendant of my great grandmother that I made into a necklace, and bracelet of Hawaiian coins (I grew up in Hawaii). If I’m wearing my pieces daily, it’s important that they have significant meaning in my life.
Foundrae ($2450), Bottega Veneta ($740), Sherman Field ($6800), Alighieri ($270) Hair clips. I have long, thick, curly hair. I typically wear it down, but like it out of my face so I always carry a hair clip. My favorite clips are from C.O. Bigelow Chemists.
France Luxe ($53), Machete ($35), C.O. Bigelow ($26) Column dresses. A lot of the dresses I buy are this silhouette. They are an easy transitional piece from day to night, and they work with a variety of shoes and outerwear. In the fall I typically style them with flat, black, knee-high boots.
Paloma Wool ($315), Eterne ($265), Louisa Ballou ($615), Baserange ($210), Missoni ($385)
Thanks for reading this week. I hope you find a reason to wear a going-out top this weekend… I’m going to try! Until next Thursday. xxx