What Are You Wearing?

A Hudson Valley Fashion Tour

by Jennifer May and photographs by Jennifer May, July 30, 2009

In July, our intrepid photojournalist Jen May hit the streets of the Hudson Valley to document what we’re wearing now. It seems that not much has changed since the last time Jen went out on a similar assignment, back in 2006. We still love to look good, but practicality—and price!—is also a concern. The cities and villages of our region are made for walking, and when we go out on the town, we can’t be worried about costume changes (our token rock star, Alana Orr, excepted). Accessories and signature items—certain pieces of jewelry and footwear—need to show versatility. Vintage is often the way to go, as high-end designer fashions can be trop cher.  And once again, we’re reminded that it’s not only what you wear, but how you wear it.

HUDSON
Location: Warren Street
Name: Henry Thompson
Occupation: I represent private jet charters with Halcyon Jets. We live in New Jersey.
Define your sense of style: I’m a jeans with button-down shirt and blazer kind of guy; you wear it for work or play—you can go shopping or to the beaches of Miami. There’s nothing like a blazer and flip-flops. (“He is refined, classic, preppy, and laid back,” says Aimée.)
What are you wearing today? A Banana Republic linen jacket, classic Levi’s, a graphic T, flip-flops, and Hugo Boss sunglasses.
Tell me about these pictures on your phone: There I am at P. Diddy’s party. Me with Kelsey Grammer; also with Ben Stiller’s dad.
I bet you have some wild stories: You could say that.

Name: Aimée Spiers
Occupation: I hate that question! Do I have to answer? I’m starting over.
Define your sense of style: Versatile. He likes elegantly classic. (“Fit for a nightclub or for a polo field,” adds Henry.) You want to dress appropriately. I’ve always been a trendsetter. My mother and grandmother were both models; my mother was one of Bloomingdale’s first models. I was in a fashion show of Pol’ Atteu in Beverly Hills. He is a friend of ours. He designed for Anna Nicole Smith. I own the wedding dress she was going to wear.
What are you wearing today? A perfect summer dress by Lilly Pulitzer. Shoes, Stuart Weitzman. A Coco Chanel bag. And my ring: 18 carats with a canary in the center.


KINGSTON
Location: Broadway at the Strand
Name: Reed Karasik
Occupation: Jewelry designer. I studied fashion design in Syracuse.
Define your sense of style: I’m not into wearing what is in fashion. I wear what I feel like wearing, it is an interpretation of who I am.
Where did the pieces come from you are wearing today? The top is from a boutique in New Paltz, and I got the skirt in Spain.
Tell me about your hair: It’s usually pretty different. I’ve had every color, but I always revert back to blue.
What is your signature item? My rings. They all have special meanings.