It’s no surprise that I’m obsessed with “Feud: Capote vs the Swans,” on FX & Peacock. I’ve watched episodes 1 & 2 plus the director’s version, which includes what the network cut—somehow my TV dvr’d that & I loved it. I anxiously await Wednesday night’s new installment, featuring Truman Capote’s famed black & white ball, plus more focus on Lee Radziwill, Jackie O’s sister (played by Calista Flockart). There is so much for fashionistas to feast on, it’s hard to know where to start!
THE MEANING OF “TIMELESS!” Naomi Watts as Babe Paley in “Feud: Capote vs The Swans” & the real Babe Paley–I’d wear all three dresses today
My mother, the beautiful Cis Golder, idolized Babe Paley, one of “the swans;” I think my mom had a version of everything Babe/Naomi Watts wears. Though I was a little girl in the 60’s, I clearly inherited the clotheshorse gene, as well as a love of that era & that look. I especially adore those “Bill Blass sheath dresses,” one of the swans’ favorite designers, (he’s been mentioned a few times) also one of my mom’s favorites & in later years, mine. There is nothing Babe/Naomi Watts wears that I wouldn’t wear today. Bergdorf Goodman in NYC has opened a whole “Swans” department—clearly I am not alone in my love of that look. If only Cis had kept all those clothes!
SO SIXTIES: My beautiful mother, Cis Golder, looking very “Babe Paley/Swan-ish” in the 60’s & me in Bill Blass in the 2000’s, a favorite designer of the Swans, my mom & me
Which brings to a new fashion buzzword: sustainability. Gone are the days of buying a new wardrobe every season. Women want clothes that last, that look good for years, that are investments—which is good for the environment, less waste. As a result, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Neiman Marcus & many European designers now have their own resale websites, in addition to local resale shops, where you can often find barely worn—or even brand new—pieces at greatly reduced prices.
CHIC SUSTAINABILITY: My pretty cousin, Cindy Golder Miller, in vintage Rag & Bone sweater & leather pants, at Revivals Consignment Shop in Ardmore
For the inside scoop I questioned Robin Eklund, owner of Revivals boutique in Ardmore—a successful consignment store in the Philadelphia area for 30 years. “Vintage clothing became acceptable when celebrities started to wear it,” Robin explained. “Now, my best clients are also my biggest consigners. Clothes, shoes & bags have gotten so crazy-expensive, customers come to my store before heading to Neiman’s or Saks. Who doesn’t like to save money?” Once they see the value in second-hand shopping, they never go back to retail!
GOOD AS NEW: Gently-used Chanel accessories at Revivals in Ardmore
The added value in sustainability? Not polluting the earth. Try taking a vintage Chanel jacket, then pair it with jeans & a cool pair of shoes—or sneakers. “Do good, spend less.” Smart shopping! Websites like The Real Real, Gilt, Linda’s Stuff, 1st Dibs & so many others add options galore, offering clothes, jewelry & more at amazing prices.
IN THE VAULT: Oscar de la Renta eveningwear from “The Vault” at renttherunway.com
Let’s go one step further. Rent the Runway just launched “The Vault,” a new category of luxury eveningwear, giving women access to the most aspirational brands in the world. A $7000 Oscar de la Renta gown rents for $350; a $3000 Etro one-shoulder cocktail dress rents for $250. Weddings, parties, galas, events. Pretty cool idea! What would Babe Paley say???!!!
EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN: My mom in a Bill Blass ballskirt in the 60’s, (so Babe Paley!) me in a Blass ballskirt ten years ago (I still love & wear it) & the beloved, super-charmimg Bill Blass & me at Saks in the early 2000’s
Which brings me back to the beginning. Love the look of the 60’s—or any vintage look? Love a bargain? Love the idea of saving the earth, doing good while you look good? Of course you do. Step into a consignment shop, try a resale or rental website, browse designers’ own resale sites.
EVEN BABE LOVES “HIGH-LOW!”Naomi Watts/”Babe Paley” explaining to the fabulous Tom Hollander/”Truman Capote” that she runs down to Koreatown to buy bells for her hems, creating a twinkling sound when she walks–I love that!
Remember the scene where Babe explains to Truman that she goes to Koreatown to buy little bells to put inside her hems? I bet she bought a pair of cheapo ballet flats when she was there! Try it! Mix & match high & low, creating your own style every time you get dressed—I cannot imagine anything more “Swan-like!!” Enjoy every gorgeous moment—Ellyn Golder Saft
Chic at 60ish! 
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