Modern Vintage

Vintage Modern

Sometimes all it takes is one special garment to feel completely transformed. Taking inspiration from spy movies of old, don a pair of big sunglasses and in an instant you are a secret agent, observing your surroundings with a keen eye – a confidence in anonymity. Tie up a tailored trench and note yourself walking taller, your strides longer; on a mission that only you are privy to. Slip on a pair of fab flats and explore a different path home, taking in new sounds, new sights. Breathe in intrigue, breathe out adventure – you never know what's around the corner.

– Nina Bays Cournoyer  

Capulet alix dark forest BODYSUIT ($65), Dolce Vita halo black HEELS ($98), Clare V. simple camel suede TOTE ($495), and Junkie Jewelry tiger eye drop EARRINGS ($38), available at Elle Boutique; ’60s gold PANTS ($78), available at Jess James + Co.

 ’60s silk SCARF ($68), available at Jess James + Co.; pale pink with lace and appliqué NIGHTGOWN ($58), mint green chiffon peignoir ROBE ($36), blue and green cluster stud EARRINGS ($24), and pearl tassel NECKLACE ($35), available at Second Skin Vintage

Left: Jungle DRESS ($120), ESCADA green BELT ($95), gold chain BELT ($38),’70s black and gold carved BANGLE ($38), ’70s mop black BANGLE ($48), peach and ivory ’80s NECKLACE ($40), and gold knot EARRINGS $15), all available at Jess James + Co.

Right: Safari green SHIRT ($135) and JOA Roll Up Paper Bag khaki PANT ($70), available at Elle Boutique; cheetah MULES ($38), available at Jess James + Co.; Anne Klein amber floral SCARF ($12), available at Second Skin Vintage

About the House The setting for this month’s shoot was the stylish, mid-century south Oleander home of the equally stylish Roberta Zimmer. Zimmer, a longtime member of the Wilmington business and civic community, started Wilmington-based Reeds Jewelers with her husband in 1946. What started as a small store in downtown Wilmington grew into a major jewelry retailer with stores in multiple states and online. When Roberta and Bill Zimmer bought the land for their home, near the Cape Fear Country Club, it was on a dirt road, and it would be the first house built on the block. Roberta Zimmer was very hands on with the home’s design, cutting apart rooms from the architect’s plans and rearranging them to align with her vision. The Zimmers even managed the construction as the general contractors. The home had a number of unique and modern details for its time. From terrazzo floors to Georgia marble to a chandelier they had shipped over from Venice after a trip to Italy, the house flowed with personal touches. The Zimmers’ children grew up in the house, and Roberta Zimmer continued to play a role in Reeds, which remains a family-owned business, into her nineties. She died last year at the age of ninety-two, leaving behind her imprint on the area.   ’70s Etienne Aigner TRENCH ($115), cream leather GLOVES ($55), green veil HAT ($48), gold disco HOOPS ($30), and red studded HEELS ($40), available at Jess James + Co.; Clare V. foldover CLUTCH ($275), available at Elle Boutique

Photographer: Melissa Hebert www.melissahebert.com

Models: Jasmine Vines

Hair: Brandy Alexander, Groove Jet Salon Co.

Makeup: Tara Sall

Styling Assistant: Tyler Moore

Location: Home available with The Carolina's Finest Jessica Edwards & Associates

Car: 1961 Ford Thunderbird available with Fleet Lease Remarketing

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