Digs: Kat's Closet

We're exploring the notion of identity beyond just Motherhood over here at PS.  Most of us cling to old photographs of our own Mothers, romanticizing her cool youth and perfectly-now style, and what made her.. HER. We wonder what our sons and daughters will remember in us- (hopefully not the chaos), and more of a little something like the beauty and innate elegance in our dear friend, Kat  (if we're lucky!) These kiddos landed a good one. She demonstrates a kind of grace in everyday dressing that we all aspire. She has one of the most articulated sense of personal style we've seen, with a virtuosity in Vintage like no other. What better place to kick it off other than Kat's Closet?! Click through East-Coast Photo Contributor Christy Kurtz Harmon's gorgeous pics for some wardrobe-envy.

"I was always very purposeful about what I wore. When I was little, that was basically Madonna: fingerless gloves, jelly bracelets, tutus. I discovered vintage at boarding school in Switzerland. I couldn't really afford to shop there even though I was obsessed with fashion. Then a friend told me about a charity store where everything was crazy cheap. It was this dingy place and I instantly fell in love with it. It was the grunge era and I would find things like corduroy dusters, faded bell bottoms and grandpa cardigans for a couple of francs each. It was heaven."

"Now, my daughter is similarly deliberate and excited about getting dressed -- she loves anything sparkly, pink, flowery or princessy. Even when it's not what I would pick, I always let her decide because I think you feel best when you look the way you want."

Heavenly frocks. 

"Ebay scores with ruffles and crochet."

"Holding a vintage Italian dress; hanging is a dress I bought at Brimfield the year I had a clothing booth there."

Egyptian vibes.

"I'm a sucker for anything pink, Lurex or both."

"Vintage Italian dress and a pile of thrifted purses."

"Old (maybe not quite vintage yet) gown from Mayle."

"Pins from Brimfield and eBay."

"Vintage Nicole Miller dress, brass earrings by Annie Costello Brown from MILLE."

"Most of my jewelry is flea market junk! I'm slowly collecting things that I hope are more meaningful."

"Veda motorcycle jacket from the amazing MILLE."

"The two dresses on the left are from Beacon's Closet, my favorite resale shop on earth. The third one is vintage Moschino and the last is a studded caftan."

"Opening Ceremony skirt from Tokio 7; the shoes are MNZ from MILLE and the ankle socks are a gift from Hollie."

"The shoes I'm wearing and the ones at left are Maryam Nassir Zadeh from MILLE. The fur slides are Puma by Rihanna and the rest are vintage. I have a love of '80s and '90s department store brands like Jones New York and Via Spiga. The quality is so much better then than now."

Boburbs thrifted bag.

Only Kat can do this. 

"Maybelline Electric Pink, Lipstick Queen Black Tie, Nars Geraldine, Chanel Pirate."

Sitting pretty with Arlo, 6 and Ivy, 3. 

Thrifting Tips from a Pro:

My advice when thrifting, especially if you are staring at a sea of hangers, is to look for good fabric. That is the first sign of something that is well made and more interesting. I have a no-polyester, no-nylon, no-acrylic rule -- though obviously rules are made to be broken. I typically don't like things that are costumey (tiny hats, musty furs, clip-on earrings) and read wacky instead of whimsical. And I think thrifting when traveling is a great way to feel the character of a place and find interesting souvenirs.

Last, go with an open mind. You're probably not going to find that super specific '70s suede pinafore or '90s ribbed-knit bodysuit just because you want one (that's what eBay is for) but there might be a perfect vintage flight suit or floor-length silk robe just waiting for YOU to find it ... if you're lucky.

Make sure to follow Kat's stand-out eye on Instagram @st_frances  !