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M.K. Quinlan

M.K. Quinlan
May 2016
Last fall, the former Garden & Gun style editor—who now writes about architecture, interiors, and design for the likes of The Wall Street Journal and House Beautiful—founded Seeline Vintage, selling at seelinevintage.com and trunk shows throughout the South. Here, she fills us in


Q What’s your most treasured accessory?
A
A really unique coral and diamond seashell-shaped ring that I inherited from my grandmother. It’s become a kind of signature for me—I used it as inspiration for the shell icon in Seeline’s branding.

Q  Why do you love vintage clothing?
A
For its exceptional quality and the window it offers into the past. When I find a fabulous piece with a label I don’t recognize, I spend hours on the Internet learning about the designer and the era when he or she was at work. I also think that—like painting or writing or designing—getting dressed is a method of self-expression. There’s a real creativity inherent in wearing vintage that I enjoy personally and respect when I see someone else who’s done it well.

Q Is there a cosmetic product you can’t do without?
A
I’ve been using Laura Mercier’s Kohl Eye Pencil in ”brown copper” for years. The color highlights blue eyes really well and can be worn heavy (think Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra) or light for a daytime look. For a fun night out, I use the same pencil in ”black violet.”

Q Does Seeline Vintage have any events planned for May?
A
We do! I’m excited to be teaming up with The Restoration Hotel for a shop-in-shop in their Port Mercantile boutique along with my friend Deirdre Zahl of Candy Shop Vintage. My collection will be for sale there from May 10 to 25.

Q What are you coveting for your summer wardrobe?
A
I’m pregnant and due in August, so anything that falls into the category of muumuu or kaftan pretty much has my name on it. This Seeline collection Lord & Taylor kaftan from the ’60s [above] is perfect for a summer cocktail party.

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