The Vest

The vest has to be one of my favorite articles of clothing...besides the bolero and the drapey open jacket. Living in Texas where it's hot most of the year, the vest is one of the only things I can wear to practice the art of layering. Combining different layers of texture, shape and print make for an exciting outfit and is a nice departure from the ol' standard sun dress ladies love around here. 

I recently spent some time organizing my closet room where I have a mini exhibit on the walls of some of my favorite pieces. Right now the "show" features Victorian and 40s  jackets and capes. I thought I'd share some of my favorite vests with you.

Plese note: None of these are for sale...unless you have some Ossie or a Powerslave shirt for me. 

This is a piece Masha spotted for me at the Chelsea flea market several years ago. The entire piece is suede except for the mink collar. It comes down to my knees and is full and swingy. Pretty amazing. 

I love some deer skin and this buttery soft piece is wonderful for summer layering.

Another deer skin piece complete with arrow heads, feathers and fringe. I have several deer skin blouses, boleros and capes, but I'll save those for some other time. 

I saw this vest in the window at Foley and Corina in New York and immediately screamed, ran inside and bought it. It doesn't get super cold for long in 

Austin, but when it does this coyote vest comes out with me.

I love to call this velvet mirror number my Jimmy Hendrix vest because it reminds me of all the AMAZING clothes he used to perform in.

This 60s beaded vest seems like something one of King John's men should wear in a gay production of Robin Hood. I love the beaded cross design.

I recently bought this cage vest at Narnia in New York. It's the perfect icing on the cake to any ensemble.

This crochet fringe vest is another vest I frequently wear to add a little extra something to an outfit. It goes with just about anything.

I lived in this fall '09 Helmut Lang leather combo vest this spring. It has a giant leather cowl and instantly makes an outfit look amazing. I have the matching leather jacket and it's just as good. 

I bought this suede vest in Santa Fe but haven't had the chance to wear it yet. It's reversible and the other side is black leather with black buttons. This piece will get a lot of wear this fall. 

Lastly is my new maribou feather vest from Revolver in Albuquerque. We regularly get the white ones but I've been jonesin' for a black one and here it is! 

If you're bored getting dressed and need something a little more exciting to spice up your outfit, reach for a vest!

-Emily