Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Chinoiserie Chic Fashion

Frances Valentine Peacock Caftan


I was the hugest Kate Spade fan. Her personal style and brand really captured my own fashion sensibilities -  happy, preppy, colorful, feminine, retro, and fun.

My closet is filled with her handbags, shoes, clothes, and jewelry. I even have in my collection handbags from her very first collections.


What you may not know is that Kate and her husband Andy sold Kate Spade to the Neiman Marcus Group many years back. Kate then took time off to raise their daughter Frances Beatrix. When their daughter was of school age, in 2016 she founded Frances Valentine with husband Andy and longtime friend and co-founder of Kate Spade - Elyse Arons. Frances is their daughter's name and a family name and Valentine is a family name as well, both on Kate's side. After the death of Kate Spade, Elyse Arons took the helm of Frances Valentine. Before her death, Kate had created several years' worth of designs for Frances Valentine.

The brand started with shoes and accessories but has now expanded into apparel and jewelry and even a bit of homewares. It is a great favorite of mine and I wanted to share it with you. I could very happily dress entirely from Frances Valentine. A bit of KS trivia - actress Rachel Brosnahan of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is the niece of Kate Spade and was the face of Frances Valentine for their launch - she looks so much like Kate!


Rachel Brosnahan wearing Frances Valentine


Frances Valentine is known for its brightly colored caftans, straw handbags, and sandals. (My wardrobe). Although the look to me is absolutely quintessentially perfect for Florida, the entire line flies out the doors of their flagship store in Manhattan. 

Their caftans are staples of my wardrobe. Many of you have asked about caftans. With these, you do not have to worry about their being sheer or what you wear under them at all. And you can dress them up with statement jewelry for going out to dinner or a party or for entertaining. A word to the wise - the caftans have a generous fit and I size down one for a regular fit.

Here are some favorite looks, but frankly, I love it all. Click on the link above and then browse!




















































Elyse said in an interview she wants Frances Valentine to be like walking into a candy store and you want it all. I'm there.






18 comments:

  1. Right there with you, Beth. Have been a devoted FV fan since their start. The colors, styles, fabrics, are sensational. Reminds me of old-time Hollywood-glamour-meets-today. Beautiful.

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  2. Yup. Me, too. Was devastated when she died.

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  3. I did not know about the Kate Spade connection.
    I always find it so sad that her style is so happy and whimsical yet she was so unhappy.

    Bella Bliss ( children's clothing brand) did a fun collaboration with Frances Valentine this summer.

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    1. I know she had periods of depression - not sure she was unhappy. The Bella Bliss was so cute.

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  4. I have two Frances Valentine dresses and love them. In fact, I will be wearing one of them to a dinner party tonight!

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  5. Love those bangles in the 3rd picture!!

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  6. Thanks for alerting me. Love the vibrant colors and patterns.

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  7. I still have Kate's original black nylon handle bag that came out in the 80's, I believe. It's still in excellent shape. I wanted to buy it in red also, but was young and poor at the time, so I had to choose between the two and black is such a classic. Since then I've added quite a few more of her bags. Have not yet purchased a Frances Valentine, but at some point, I'm sure I will. There was a pink one on sale at Nordstrom after last Christmas, but someone snagged it first.

    I love all of Frances's fun jewelry, and that combination of navy and white belted caftan with the green straw bag is smashing.

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    1. Those nylon bags of hers are indestructible. I also collect her wicker animal handbags.

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  8. Recently discovered FV and I love the style! So cheerful and fun!

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