Ready for her close-up

Fashion keeps coming around, right? Sort of like movie remakes. Alex and Emma was just Paris When It Sizzles — only a little less sizzling without Audrey Hepburn’s signature style. So, when co-opting vintage vogue, it’s best to go back to the source: those unforgettable characters who turned quirk into trend. Annie Hall made neckties and fedoras look femme, Jenny Cavilleri converted ’70s collegiate into casual cool, and Penny Lane gave hippie chic a run for the money. This fall, Xpress raids Hollywood’s closet.

(A) Mixology magic

Take a cue from mysterious, minxy pub owner Madam Rosmerta of the Harry Potter films. Mystical layers leave much to the imagination, while vintage-look accessories take summer’s hippie-witch style into autumn’s full-on sorceress swank.

Gary Graham silk armoire coat, $1195; Rozae Nichols layered skirt with riveted sash, $389; Moi white cowl neck top, $139; Cydwoq black button shoes, $259; at Worthwhile.

(B) Love means never having nothing to wear

Ali MacGraw’s character, Jenny Cavilleri, might not have survived Love Story — but her ’70s-classic, artfully wilted Ivy League style did. Sport the striped scarf and you’ll never have to say you’re sorry.

Brown hooded sweater, $18; brown corduroy pants, $22; black crocheted newsboy cap, $15; Banana Republic black-and-white retro scarf, $22; at Rags Reborn.

(C) Her story

She may not have done the menswear thing first, but Diane Keaton certainly perfected the look. In Annie Hall, she effortlessly wore the pants in the relationship. Update the look with feminine details — but don’t forget the fedora.

Pinstriped pants, $19; Ann Taylor Oxford shirt, $17; fitted corduroy blazer with applique, $28; vintage fedora, $22; one-of-a-kind tie bag by local artist Leslie Dickerson, $38; at Rags Reborn.

(D) Ganking gamine

There’s a reason why half of Audrey Hepburn’s films have been remade — and why the remakes are never half as good as the originals. And there’s a reason why the late star doesn’t seem to fade away. No candle in the wind here.

Gray wool jacket ($366) and mock turtleneck dress ($297) by Diane Von Furstenberg; Kale purple suede bag, $370; retro black-and-white headband, $35; at Constance Boutique.

(E) Penny Lane is in her eyes (as well as her ears)

Because bands don’t stop touring when the temps dip below 70 degrees, groupie chic has to make the transition into cooler weather. Add layers, autumnal colors, cozy boots, and keep on dancing.

Geeta embroidered top, $21.99; wrap skirt by Funky People, $24.99; burgundy scarf from India, $9.99; at Indo.


Constance Boutique, 2 Hendersonville Road, 252-4002.

Worthwhile, 33 Patton Ave., 225-3883.

Rags Reborn Eco Chic Boutique, 1 Walnut St., 253-4488.

Indo Apparel & Gifts, 38 Broadway, 281-8140.

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About Alli Marshall
Alli Marshall has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. She is the winner of the 2016 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize and the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall

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