An American Design

Published On August 2, 2012 | By Shannon Kulik | Featured, Style and Strength

There are three American designers whom I think capture the essence of the American woman: there was, is – and for me – will ever always be, Ralph Lauren. His clothes are tailored, unpretentious and allow a woman to craft a wardrobe that will take her from boardroom to Mommy and Me ballet class to cocktail party in simple chic. One cannot go wrong.

There is Michael Kors: I recently met a designer for his menswear line and I couldn’t stop speaking of the ability of the brand to create pieces that allow a woman to be feminine, strong, American, classy, relaxed…He was kind; I was probably too enthusiastic.

And then there is Tory Burch. I have a few pieces from Tory Burch’s prior collections, but these were pieces that I used to update my own wardrobe: a ballet flat here; a purse there; or maybe a summer shirt that I could throw on for a weekend out of town.

But now she has gone and created a line, which I discovered on Tory Burch’s Pinterest Board. (See Fall 2012 collection on Pinterest). I have fallen in love. There isn’t one piece – one shoe, one earring, one coat – that I couldn’t see myself wearing. And, it’s not as if I would want to change any piece that her brand has styled. I like that shoe with that dress. I love that she paired that dark hose with those shoes. The line is elegant. It speaks to women. The line marries femininity (please, please look at the shoes) and with an edge of an urban lady. It is perfection.

And what I love about Tory Burch – the brand – is that comparatively speaking, a woman can purchase chic pieces at prices which are within reach. Let me clarify for my Southern kin. It is crazy, crazy, to spend $400 on a pair of shoes, but I live in a land where $1,000 for a pair of heels is the going fair. And the idea that she has created this line – with pieces that I can and will pass to my daughter – with pieces that I consider an investment; I think she is aware of the balance between price and fashion. Truly, the line is a gem.