Girl of the Month: Charlotte Kemp Muhl
While there are certainly loads of lovely ladies who subscribe to a singular style credo—like polished and pretty, luxe bohemian, or borrowed-from-the-boys insouciance—we always embrace those fashion-forward femmes who march to the beat of their own drums and constantly experiment with their ensembles. Today's Girl of the Month is a perfect example: the Georgia-born model-turned-musician Charlotte Kemp Muhl has a protean fashion persona that is constantly shapeshifting and unique. The face of Maybelline, bassist of GOASTT, and co-founder of Chimera Records (along with boyfriend and band mate, Sean Lennon) is known to rock super disparate styles, including everything from a Victorian-era costume to a '50s prom dress with ratty sneakers to a lingerie-inspired evening ensemble. Needless to say, Kemp Muhl's look is a bit hard to pin down, but we wanted to highlight some of her favorite outfit obsessions in today's GOTM feature. You'll notice that most of our subject du jour's selections are vintage, but that doesn't mean you can't achieve Kemp Muhl's look with some smart contemporary clothing, so be sure to read on for all the details!
Spotted at the Hermes S/S 10 show in Paris, Kemp Muhl got some mileage out of her favorite baby blue kimono (and lipstick!). These vintage robes are clearly an obsession of hers; she not only collects them, but also has enlisted the avant-garde designing trio threeASFOUR to rework some of her favorite antique pieces. Paired with a vintage slip dress, caramel flats, and a furry cross-body bag, Kemp Muhl keeps the look from veering into Violet from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory territory, and makes it befitting for a modern, slightly eccentric stylesetter. If you want to create your own global boudoir ensemble, make sure you check out The Opy Jacket ($215) from Winter Kate by Nicole Richie. It mimics the subtle print and springy color palette of Muhl's kimono, but its shorter hemline is more practical for everyday wear.
While Kemp Muhl obviously knows how to put together an offbeat bohemian outfit, it's worth noting that she's equally adept at creating a sophisticated ensemble with a hint of sauvage chic. Just look at the sheer blouse (a key piece for this season) and demure pencil skirt she selected to attend a threeASFOUR fashion show in New York. Of course, our GOTM made it her own by accessorizing with a headdress that was a gift from her boyfriend after a stay in the Wyoming mountains. Get a similarly sexy ensemble via Camilla and Marc's Simeon the Proud Dress ($490) or alternatively with a smart top and skirt combo like ASOS' Sheer Seam Shirt ($48) and D&G's Pencil Skirt ($335). If you like the statement-making headpiece, but don't have a trip to the reservation on your agenda, let us suggest Aqua's Quilted Rabbit Fur Aviator Hat ($70) instead.
Our next featured look is a bit more playful, but still completely in line with Kemp Muhl's love of all things lacy and sheer. Seen at the I Heart Ronson JC Penney party in August, she wore a sweet yet sexy vintage babydoll with black banding at the neck and hem. And while the dress is darling and daring, it's Kemp Muhl's footwear selection that really stands out! The brown and black spectator boots were custom ordered and handmade in Italy. (Our GOTM admits to a serious addiction to all things Victorian and often satisfies her obsession with treasures from New York City's Exquisite Costume boutique, which not only is always stocked with treasures from all eras, but is also a favorite of fellow celebrity clothing aficionado Chloe Sevigny.) If you're on the hunt for a like-minded look, we must direct you to ASOS' Contrast Lace Trim Dress ($77) or Topshop's Laura Petal Dress ($124)—two amazing apparel alternatives. If you like the look of Kemp Muhl's footwear, try Klub Nico's Beatrice Lace Up Ankle Booties ($200).
And finally, we have Kemp Muhl's most conservative outfit, wearing a double-breasted nautical dress, which contrasts nicely with her darling pigtails and out-of-this-world pout. We love her beauty look: pigtails are another must-try trend for spring (just look to Prada's S/S 10 show for inspiration) and bright red lips are a perpetual editorial favorite (try Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipcolor ($7.50) in Very Cherry or Dior's Crème de Gloss ($27) in Red Venetian Satin 851). Wear them both with Eva Franco's Riley Dress ($150) or ASOS' Dahlia Sailor Playsuit ($103), you'll get our GOTM-endorsed style stat!
Have to take a picture of it
