Several months ago I received an email from Rick Salinger, Peabody award winning reporter who specializes in hard news and investigative reporting for CBS4DENVER.. He informed me that he wanted to do a piece for the news about a Denver social media influencer.   I responded immediately to his request for a phone call, and he told me that his wife Isabel follows me on Instagram. He wanted to meet me at my home if I was comfortable with that, and feature Style Crone and my hat room. I had not been filmed in my home before, and I needed

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been focusing on my home for the past year. It's another way to be creatively self expressive. I'm going for beauty in every area of my environment and I feel much pleasure in the process and the outcome. I've been yearning to have the front garden updated for years. With plants that are comfortable with the Colorado climate and soil.  With paths that lead to inspiring surprises.  With a mix of vegetation that blooms from spring to fall, in an unfolding panorama of exquisite beauty. I live in a Foursquare or Denver

July's Hat Attack features a vintage straw beauty by the milliner Frank Olive, who is dearly departed.  I found this chapeau at an estate sale years ago.  The natural straw brimmed hat is trimmed with lavender and blue silk flowers. I carried Frank Olive's hats in my hat shop in the 1980's.  Though he lived in New York City, I was thrilled when he visited my shop in Denver. He has always been an important milliner for me, and he was very encouraing and complimentary regarding my business. I miss his contributions to the millinery world and I dedicate this

My home and garden renovations are completed for now.  I had a list of goals to accomplish by last week, as I was interviewed and photographed in my home for a monthly online magazine covering style and beauty here in Denver.  It was helpful to have a date in mind to provide focus and motivation to finalize projects that I have wanted to do for a long time. At the age of 76, it was important to me to surround myself with beauty now. Why put off something that could enhance my life on a daily basis.  What was I

Following Nelson's death in 2011, I renovated the upstairs of my home, which was built in 1907.  I had the hardwood floors redone and the rooms repainted.  As this was happening, my hat room lived in the dining room.  From today's perspective, I'm aware that this was part of my process of grief. I just finished the renovation of the powder room on my first floor and the upstairs bathroom.  I began this project about six months after my mother's death on April 1st of 2018.  During the chaos of this remodel, my hat room remained intact. Everyone grieves differently,

The Hat Attack for June is a beautiful confection by Milliner Anna Mikhailova  of Saint-Petersburg, Russia. I had the pleasure of meeting Anna over a year ago when she was visiting Denver.  We met for dinner and she generously gifted me with this amazing headpiece. I discovered Anna on Instagram before I met her in person.  One of the major benefits of blogging and having a presence on Instagram is the people that I meet because of similar interests and passions. Today I'm wearing this treasured creation with a thrifted black dress and gifted jewelry. As my friend, the artist and

Do you ever come across a brand that perfectly aligns with and celebrates your values?  Do you ever discover an individual who inspires you to do more in an area that you feel passionate about?  Do you ever find a movement that resonates thoroughly with your beliefs and aesthetics simultaneously? All of this happened recently when I discovered the-Bias-Cut.com, “Where Ageism is Never in Style.” Welcome to shopping with attitude, the first online boutique that truly celebrates style at every age. Featuring pieces by some of the best contemporary labels today, their eclectic collections reflect founder Jacynth Bassett’s thorough and in-depth

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting jewelry designer extraordinarie Andrea Li, and my life will never be the same as to how I view personal ornamentation. I was instantly captivated by the quality, beauty, workmanship, and intricate designs of her jewelry. Simultaneously, I felt a connection with Andrea as a person. I was impressed with her talent, kindness, creative energy, work ethic, and accomplishments in all areas of her work. She was in 100% as soon as we decided to collaborate.  This clarity of vision was embraced by her talented team and myself, and the process magically flowed from

May's Hat Attack is this amazing black and white headpiece by Jasmin Zorlu,  I have admired Jasmin's sculptural work for years.  Last summer when I traveled to Santa Fe, I contacted Jasmin, as I had learned that she had moved there on Instagram.  Upon meeting her, I discovered that she was as captivating as her work. The Volendam Mask Hat is made with pleated crinoline (horsehair) over lace. Hand draped and hand stitched, it is Inspired by traditional Dutch Volendam headwear worn by women. I am thrilled to show her work, which is complex and intricate.  I am awed by her

Sometimes the anniversary of Nelson's death sneaks up on me. It will be eight years on Saturday, April 20th, which is two days from the date of this post.  Without thinking about the anniversary, several weeks ago I made arrangements to spend this coming weekend in Boulder, which is a city less than an hour away from my home in Denver. As I've mentioned before on Style Crone, I'm developing a workshop for widows on "Loss and Reinvention."  I've been unable to focus on moving forward on the workshop, completing only about a quarter of my presentation.  I've been so

It was thrilling to be featured in the March issue of Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine.  And it was very exciting for me to find Style Crone on the cover, as represented in the photo above.  To add to my surprise, the article was composed of a six page spread.  The following images were published in the magazine and were taken by Danielle Webster, also known as Electric Lady Shoots.  Electric is the accurate adjective to describe Danielle! The photos were shot in The Source Hotel, and the two above images were taken in the pristine floral and gift shop Beet and

April's Hat Attack features the silk turban by Heather Stoten Millinery.  I met Heather during the time that she lived in Boulder, Colorado, which is a short drive from Denver. She made the turban specifically to pair with this vintage red silk chiffon gown embellished with patterned sequins. Heather is very talented and skilled, but unfortunately for me, she moved back to London several years ago.  I still miss her, as Daniel and I would travel to her studio for an afternoon and play with her millinery couture. I've blogged about Heather in the past, and follow her on Instagram.

I have never hosted a giveaway in my blogging and instagramming  career, which began in July of 2010.  However, I was recently presented with the opportunity to partner with Balefire Goods, an artisan jewelry gallery that brings together some of the best in contemporary, handmade jewelry from artists, metalsmiths, and jewelers from around the globe in addition to creating custom work in-house and showcasing local art. The second participating partner, Acanthus Jewelry, is carried at Balefire Goods,.  Acanthus  jewelry  is  handmade  with  materials  such  as  sterling  silver, high karat  gold,  diamonds  and  semi-precious  gemstones.  A  self-taught  metalsmith,  the artist Nichole  uses  traditional

The hive look: tunic, pants and cardigan - here Last September during New York Fashion Week I met Yael Edelist  and Alin Wagner-Lahmy of Roni Rabl.  I visited their trade show, Studio Atelier NYC, which is a gathering of over 50 well-established brands from the fashion retail world. I discovered a community of designers and buyers who work together in an intimate space filled with an abundance of artful, unique clothing and accessories. During my most recent trip to NYC I reconnected before my travels, and visited them in their studio.  I was welcomed with open arms by Yael and Alin, and I participated

I recently attended the Dior Exhibition which has been showing at the Denver Art Museum since November, 2018.  In typical Style Crone mode, I waited until the last minute to attend the exhibit.  It is now coming to an end, and I took advantage of its splendor twice in one week.  I'm wearing my gifted vintage Dior hat for the occasion! I can't put into words how breathtaking the exhibit was.  I could have stayed for hours, but since that wasn't possible, photos will have to suffice.   I would have a description for every photo if I were a

Today's March Hat Attack is a black wool fabric hat with architectural features that I purchased at Mieko Mintz in NYC years ago, during the time that Mieko had a storefront in SoHo.  It is the piece of headwear that I appreciate during the coldest days of winter in Denver. This past February has been bitter cold, and my Mieko Mintz headwear has kept me warm.  Along with my first puffer jacket, that I discovered recently in NYC when strolling through the garment district.  It was deeply discounted and it has become my latest love, keeping me warm and toasty during

Last week I had the honor, privilege, and pleasure to walk the runway for the extraordinary Denver designer C. R. Lee at the Prince George Ballroom in NYC during New York Fashion Week.  It was a transcendent experience to work with such an incredible creator and her talented and innovative team.  Everyone that was involved with this dream-team was kind, accomplished, creative, and supportive.  I am continuing to integrate this experience and I have many exquisite memories.   Instaram links to: Clothing by designer @c.r.leee, Earrings by @shamioshum, Hair by @edgillespieg3, Makeup by @kbaker, Nails by @mainstream_nails, Photo by @kevinmockphoto. SOPHISTAPUNK

Recently I was contacted by Brian Doben, an accomplished photographer who has an ongoing personal photo series called ATWORK PROJECT.  This project is a series of portraits capturing people who are doing what they love and bringing their passion to their work. Last week Brian visited my home, which is my place of work.  It's where I launched Style Crone, where I blog and compose ensembles, and where my passion continues to thrive. Brian Doben’s ongoing “At Work” series documents everyone from tattoo artists and sumo wrestlers to Chemists and prosthetic Limb designers wherever they are. His process has brought him all

February's Hat Attack is this alluring veiled headpiece by Milli Star , a hat brand created by milliner Laura Del  Villaggio, which is located in Austin, Texas.  I have an affinity for veils, and I love how this piece creates instant glamour, and can be paired with so many pieces from my collection that allow its mystery to be enhanced. This ostrich feather vest, which was discovered at an estate sale, had been waiting for an outing.  The veiled headpiece was up to the challenge, and along with the estate sale rhinestone adorned long black gloves and vintage rhinestone jewelry, this

I have been conflicted as to whether or not to post about the topic of "online haters."  I hesitate to give energy to negativity.  I came to the decision that I wanted to write about this topic because it has been a measure of growth for me to observe my reaction to this form of disparagement. I have seldom experienced unwelcome comments, but after my post on Beauty Underground Magazine, I received two emails which used derogatory terms in response to my photos and self-expression.  It surprised me, but it didn't get below the surface of my self-worth. It's difficult