A designer for Tommy Hilfiger, Lilly Pulitzer, and Lands’ End for many years, Stuart Mesires decided to turn her longtime love of vintage jewelry into a business in 2009. “I love vintage because it’s always unique,” says Mesires, 45, who operates the website Ladybug Vintage from the Lakeview high-rise apartment she shares with her husband, George, a lawyer, and their son, Xander, 10.
When not on the hunt at estate sales, flea markets, and thrift stores, Mesires studies trends, adjusting her inventory to reflect what comes down the runway. This ability to reinterpret classics is on full display in her home, where antiques mix with midcentury modern pieces, creating a mood that is bright and not too precious. Here are 10 of her favorite items.
Vintage Emilio Pucci suit
“I love pattern and color. Emilio Pucci was the master at both.”
Vosges Chocolate truffles
(From $26, Vosges Haut-Chocolat, 951 W. Armitage Ave.)
“My favorite flavors include Chef Pascal, Absinthe, and Budapest.”
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
(From $15, Sephora, 845 N. Michigan Ave.)
“The only cleanser that doesn’t dry out my face.”
Vintage Jewelry
“I wear this 1960s necklace by Trifari all the time.”
Vogue Gioiello
($86 for 12-month subscription, amazon.com)
“Italian Vogue’s magazine dedicated solely to jewelry.”
L.L.Bean cotton canvas tote
(From $40, L.L. Bean, 4999 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie)
“I gave each member of my bridal party a monogrammed bag.”
Raynaud Limoges dishes
(From $98, Tabula Tua, 1015 W. Armitage Ave.)
“I can mix them with vintage Limoges pieces.”
Prismacolor markers
($38, Blick Art Materials, 42 S. State St.)
“Huge range of colors.”
Vintage Baccarat Aquarius paperweight
($120, L.H. Selman Ltd., 410 S. Michigan Ave.)
“I’m an Aquarius and love all things Aquarian.”
Personalized Michael Graves drawing
“Michael Graves was one of my father’s architecture professors in college.”