Adriane Quinlan must have channeled the fashion guru Katherine Hepburn for her fabulous 1940s movie star style. Or rolled right out of a David Lean movie with all those harsh trim blazers, voluminous skirts and ubiquitous one-eye-covering hats. It's no wonder as soon as I saw her in this vintage, tennis-star-turned-Hollywood-starlet piece I had to ask about her fashion influences and see her collection of soft leather gloves and faux-alligator clutches. “I tend to buy accessories as conversation pieces. That’s what they’re there for,” Adriane tells me. She lets me in on a little secret as to where to find these one-of-a-kind frills. The teenage hipster boutiques on Dongsi Ertiao and Dongsi Beidajie have items such as charm necklaces with ridiculous attachments and Nikon cameras made out of brass, as well as what Adriane refers to as ‘cheezy purses.’ Also check out the booth Twice at Ginza Mall. But Adriane’s number one favorite place to shop is a place on Dongsi Sitiao called Africa Shop, where a woman handsews skirts in loud geometric-print cottons for ￥100. Combine the skirt with solid-colored ankle socks, sling-back pumps and a tailored structured top, and you are on your way to emulating Ms. Quinlan’s distinctive style. She is a strong modern woman with ‘no-frill, broad shouldered, hard-lined vintage.’ Her fashion idol Dita Von Teese would be oh so proud. I look forward to seeing Adriane out at the next art opening or literary event, clutch in hand, hat jauntily worn to the side, and absolute style oozing from her every pore.

MeiLi Autumn

Fashionista: MeiLi Autumn
For more style analysis or fashion insight, visit MeiLi's website,

www.dajustudio.com

Photographer: Tao Zi
Hair and Makeup: MeiLi Autumn

Name: Adriane Quinlan

Occupation: Freelance Writer

Nationality: American