Eighteen-year-old Jane Aldridge has become something of a celebrity since launching her blog Sea of Shoes three years ago, wowing mouse-clicking style-o-philes with her sophisticated and unusual outfits (example: vintage YSL knickerbockers with a camel silk blouse, Dries Van Noten sandals and plenty of gold antique bling) and—of course—her palpitation-inducing collection of heels, boots and wedges. Not to be outdone by her glamorous daughter, Judy Aldridge, a former model and fashion designer, started Atlantis Home in 2008. On mom's blog, personal outfit posts (she mixes statement heels and second-hand accessories with battered Levi’s 501s and bold-shouldered 80s jackets like a lime green, bow-embellished Louis Feraud stunner) are interspersed with interior design inspirations, home recipes and precious finds from her travels in Texas and abroad. While both mother and daughter espouse an undeniably eccentric style, “we don’t ever wear our clothes ironically,” says Jane. Their collections are carefully considered—from the outré, couture-inspired pieces of Dallas-based Victor Costa to every pair of Jane's shoes and Judy’s trove of old-school jewelry (the duo also design an animal-themed collection of accessories with Judy's sister, Karen Babcock). The Aldridge ladies chat to NOWNESS about a few of their collectibles.
Judy:
Giant squid necklace, by Hanna Bernhard:
The designers [Nathalie Bernhard and husband Fernand] sell on eBay. When I first saw one of the necklaces I flipped out! I wrote to her and we immediately established a rapport. She started sending me pieces from Paris, and when I opened the first package I found it unbelievable—the jewelry is so gigantic.
Salvador Dalí elephant pin:
Another eBay purchase. It was sold in a batch, including several elephants. They were all terrible except this one, but I had to buy the whole batch of little elephant pins to get that one piece.
Beetle pendant (Jane and Judy’s own design):
We have done beetle belt buckles, pendants and are planning on adding a lot more. We are thinking about a dinosaur buckle, and I want to do a whole line of little forest animals—rabbits, squirrels, foxes.
Jane:
Marni peep-toe chrome wedges:
At the time that I got those I was really into the whole Steampunk movement. I love Japanese anime and I had just bought an amazing film called Steamboy. The shoe reminded me so much of an 1800s factory worker, with very futuristic elements.
Prada pink patent peep-toe heels:
These are from Spring 2006. I posted a picture of this particular shoe from the runway on my blog, and I got an email alert from one of my readers that said: “Jane, I know you love this shoe and it is on eBay right now for a great deal.” So, thanks to a reader, we were united at last.