Clossette’s Yuka Yoneda revamps vintage treasures for a living, but her favorite closet pieces are two family heirlooms that are perfect just as they are.

As Senior Editor of Inhabitat and Founder of style blog and revamped vintage fashion shop Clossette, Yuka Yoneda is a whirlwind of creativity. In the DIY section of Clossette she will teach you, among other things, how to turn your boyfriend’s T-shirt into a cute tank top, how to turn a sad-looking pillow into a summery top and, my personal favorite, how to make a Chanel scarf into a silk tank. Some things take some serious guts to put the scissors too, but luckily courage is not something that Yuka lacks in the fashion department. While, for work, she finds vintage treasures and remakes them, her favorite wardrobe pieces are two family heirlooms that are perfect just as they are.

“The first is a gold zodiac Tiffany medallion from the 70s that belonged to my dad,” says Yoneda. “It has a Libra sign on it (both of us are October babies) and the fact that he owned such a pimp piece makes me imagine that he was some kind of ladies’ man before he became a dad. I actually have a stack of photos of him surrounded by pretty girls with feathered hair and bell bottoms, which further leads me to believe that this hypothesis is true.”

She continues: “My dad isn’t around anymore but when I wear this medallion, it reminds me of my favorite memories of him, which ironically, aren’t very stylish at all. In fact, one of them is how we used to mix together SlimFast shakes (I was a more-than-just-chubby child and he had a middle age belly), chug them and then go get fast food, which, as you know, totally defeats the purpose of a meal replacement drink. A friend of a friend recently saw the medallion and it turns out her dad has the same one, though it’s a different sign. I wonder how many of our dads rocked a necklace like this one way back when!”

Yuka Yoneda wearing her dad’s medallion in one of her daily look posts for Clossette.

Inheriting something from our parents or grandparents not only makes us of think of them every time we wear it, but it also reminds us of the lives they had before we even knew them. Carrying on a legacy through style is a great way to honor our heritage as well as our ancestors, no matter how near or far they may be.

“The second piece is a gold ring that my grandmother gave me from her own collection last summer when I visited her in Japan, says Yoneda. “It’s definitely not a ring for the faint of heart — it’s big, gold and gaudy! — but if you know my style, that’s kind of what I’m all about. All of my girlfriends wear silver or platinum but I might as well be Goldmember from Austin Powers — ‘I luff goooold.’ So when my grandma handed me this ring all wrapped in tissues, I immediately saw it and felt it was made just for me. If I saw it in a jewelry case, I know I would love it more than any of the others there, and the fact that my grandma felt that same way about it so many years ago, despite trends or how styles may have changed, means the world to me.”

Really great pieces have the power to transcend cultures, something Yoneda proves by taking a piece purchased in Japan many decades ago and a piece purchased at Tiffanys in the 70s and seamlessly incorporating both into her NYC-girl closet.

True style never fades.

Anna Griffin, Editor-in-Chief of Coco Eco, found her favorite piece—this show-stopping vintage dress— while styling Gossip Girl actress Kelly Rutherford for a magazine cover.

Anna Griffin is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Coco Eco Magazine, the first fashion glossy to go completely digital when it was launched in 2008. A native of London, Griffin now calls Los Angeles home and her style is the perfect mix of European sophistication and California-girl sassy. The most special piece in her wardrobe is a vintage 1980s Rifat Ozbek knit dress that has been worn by movie stars and featured on magazine covers.

“It’s a bit of a traffic-stopper being rainbow striped and somewhat figure hugging, and reminds me of my coming-of-age in the late eighties and early nineties,” Anna says. “I grew up on the outskirts of London, with a fashion designer sister who had a steady stream of Vogue and Elle magazines coming through the mailbox. It was the dawn of the supermodel-era, and Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Stephanie Seymour were its stars. A time of glamour and excess, it was played out by designers like Versace and Galliano in music videos by George Michael, and was a fabulously fun time in London and the fashion industry. Ozbek, Turkish born but London raised, was a revered British Designer of the Year in 1988 and 1992, and perfectly defined this era adding his own indelible imprint.”

Like a true style icon, Griffin views her closet as an extension of complement to her life.

Fast-forward to November 2009, and a wardrobe pull with Coco Eco’s Fashion Editor, Sarah Griffin Berns. “We were at Sielian’s Vintage Boutique on LA’s Melrose Avenue, for our Jan-Feb ’10 cover shoot with Kelly Rutherford,” Anna recalls. “As we scoured the racks, this spectacular dress jumped out at me, and although it wasn’t in keeping with Sarah’s storyline, she let me have my way. It ended up as our cover, with Kelly looking absolutely stunning and knowing exactly how to work it. After the shoot, it was impossible for me to let it go.”

Even though it was love at first sight, Griffin is well aware of the power of saving something for very special occasions.

“I have worn it only twice as it is an extremely memorable piece and you have to be in the right shape and frame of mind to wear it. Each time I have slipped into it I have felt like a million dollars, and being an iconic fashion statement, it draws attention and sparks conversation in any crowd. However, my favorite thing is being able to give it a much-deserved second showing, keeping it from the landfill, and bringing a unique element to my wardrobe.”

Anna Griffin wearing her vintage Rifat Ozbek dress. Here, with actress Daphne Zuniga.

Being so deeply involved in the world of sustainable style and upscale eco-fashion, Anna Griffin is not your typical fashionista. “When I make a purchase, it’s with longevity for both quality and cut in mind. Where it comes from, who’s been affected by its production, its impact on the earth, and where it’s going once I am done with it, are all considered. That might sound restrictive, but I actually feel more freedom to exercise my individual style now than ever before. And that includes a very modest yet delightful indulgence in vintage couture. To me, it’s the cherry on top of a very delicious and organic cake!”

Sometimes setting boundaries for yourself is the best way to truly find your style. But, if you do come across that show-stopping piece that makes your heart skip a beat, it may just be time to make an investment so you can have your own closet story.

Amanda Walker approaches her jewelry box with the same kind of statement-making spirit she does the creation of scents.

For her company A Perfume Organic, Amanda Walker designs scents using equal parts experience and imagination.

She’s inspired by memories as wide-ranging as the jelly bracelets and cherry Chapsticks of her childhood to a current weekend walk in the woods smelling tree bark and dirt. Besides being incredible, layered and sophisticated, Walker’s scents are all certified organic, a step she saw as an extra assurance to herself and her customers of her awareness and commitment to sustainable principles and true health. Whereas many mainstream perfumes contain potential toxins, Walker’s scents are designed to possess health benefits. “Anything you apply to your skin,” she says, “is absorbed into your blood stream and can therefore benefit you.”

Walker approaches her jewelry collection with the same statement-making mentality as she does her scents. Her favorite pieces are a ring that has been with her for a long time and a newly acquired necklace.

“The ring was my first piece of ‘real’ jewelry. It’s by Stephen Dweck, made from bronze and faceted amber. I purchased it with my first couple paychecks from my first job in New York when I first moved here. I was doing marketing for Perkins Eastman Architecture firm and it was a super difficult job, seriously tough boss and I really wanted to spoil myself. Without fail, I’m always complimented on it. It constantly reminds me of how hard work can be rewarding.”

When it comes to jewelry, it’s incredible how “power-pieces” like this can work wonders for our confidence.

“The second piece is by House of Waris. I just discovered this brand and it’s the newest addition to my wardrobe. I was first introduced to Waris when a colleague wore a similar necklace to the office (hers was red and her desk was right next to mine). I was instantly obsessed and searched for days trying to find a similar piece. The words on the necklace means ‘Love Conquers All’ in Latin. I totally agree. I never wore it to the office though… and never told my colleague I bought it.” (See top image.)

Sometimes, what we wear closest to our hearts can possess meaning that is a secret to everyone but you. Keeping some mystery on our everyday lives is what makes it all so much more interesting.

White Owl jewelry melds vintage laces and chains to create heirloom pieces.

White Owl’s Anais Lace Necklace with lacy swirls of taupe, is hung by an antiqued brass chain and petite vintage beads. Dip dyed and ready for your most simple shirts or dresses.

($34)

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

Sometimes I feel exorbitantly lucky to live in Portland, Oregon. Last weekend, as I wondered through the Little Winter market in the Ace Hotel, I was glowing with adoration for my creative hub of a city. Little Winter is a handmade market, with vendors that will take your breath away; this post has just a sprinkle of the vendors. If you think the scarf above looks ridiculously soft, double the notion and you may be somewhat close to the gentle, malleable texture of this gorgeous weave by Secret Pocket.

This Mossiere 2011 Calendar is quaint and charming. I have been eyeing this beautiful confection of graphics for weeks. Literally weeks. It doesn’t disappoint – it’s even more delightful in person.

Forestbound offers some of the most delicious bags, I am totally in lust. This Recycled Canvas Tote Bag would be just right dangling from my arm. Don’t even get me started on these hand knit socks from Garmet House (could these be the elusive cure to winter?!).

And finally, this metallic necklace from Sulu-Design is simultaneously masculine and delicate. Oh, how I want one. Or two.

This gathering of handmade lovelies is just the beginning. Visit the Little Winter Blog to explore all the vendors. Step into this clever video (by the talented Anja Louise Verdugo of Clever Nettle) to experience a little glimpse of Little Winter.

I love perusing VivaTerra’s site because I always find something I adore for my home. Take for instance these Glazed Kosui Mugs, or these Air Plant Terrariums and what about this pretty darn amazing Rhapsody Necklace by one of my favorite accessory designers, Chan Luu?

Eco-catalog pioneer VivaTerra handpicks the products for their catalogs which are dedicated to living in harmony with nature now and for future generations. The company has also sourced this show stopper in accordance with their desire to provide “the finest goods that uniquely fuse exceptional quality and design with eco sensitivities.”

VivaTerra writes on their site of the above necklace: “Like a skilled musician, designer Chan Luu dazzles without showing off. Her understated necklace plays the metallic glimmer of five intricately geometric chains against the vibrant tones of multicolored beads. An exquisite original creation emerges to make its own inimitable statement without weight or bulk.”

Fusing something a little tribal, a little statement and a healthy dose of color to pick up any bland outfit, this necklace could be yours if you get lucky – so leave a comment below explaining how you would wear it and you’re in the running.

Good luck!

(Legalese: contest rules and FTC compliance.)

Like many other young artists and designers (and ironically even Alice in Wonderland), Sarah Barney had to leave the nest before realizing that a place is just a place. It’s all what you make of it.

Growing up on Cape Cod, Sarah’s early career in jewelry started while working in a local bead store after school where she envisioned more than just what the local ladies were buying to string up.

“I’ve always been inspired by found pieces and reworking each element to create something new whether it was in the bead store or throughout my career in jewelry and fashion. There is something very special about searching for each little piece, each with a history of it’s own, and making it into a whole new design. It’s like taking little bits of history and someone else’s memories and recreating it fresh, ready for new memories and sentiments,” says Barney.

In the fall of 1999, Sarah decided to step it up and moved to Brooklyn, New York to study sculpture at the Pratt Institute of Art where she created a tight network of artists and designers who all worked together to build each other up with criticisms and support.

In 2005, she worked as the production manager of the ultra feminine Ginette NY and then joined the Men’s Division at David Yurman as a product engineer.

After 10 years in New York City Sarah moved back to the Cape and is now launching her own line which is greatly influenced by the seascapes of her youth, the gritty industrialism of Brooklyn, and the glamor of New York City.

“I came home for a whole lot of different reasons. The main one being I wanted to spend more time with my son. The thoughts of starting my own designs had been planted a long time before but I had always pushed them back. There were a lot of practical reasons why leaving the city made sense for me and I came to realize that my need to create was getting much stronger. I was terrified to leave the city because Fort Greene had become home for me, but I knew I was ready then to take the jump,” she says.

The first collection of Sarah Barney’s jewelry debuted this past Spring 2010 and now it’s debuting in its first giveaway on EcoSalon.

We love her Alice necklace in all its vintage charm and gold dipped glory. Unscrew the vial with a tag next to it that says “Drink Me,” and you can shrink down into your own fantasy world the likes of which Lewis Carroll would totally approve.

Do you like? Want to try winning? Then leave a comment below.

(Legalese: Contest rules and FTC compliance.)

There’s more to this arm candy than meets the”¦arm. It’s shiny and pretty and even glamorous, but what the naked eye might miss if it isn’t paying close attention is that this leaf is real.

The Real Leaf Cuff Bracelet from Nugaard Designs is made with a leaf from Brazil that’s hand-dipped in 18K gold ($98) or sterling silver (out of stock) and measures around 2 ¼ x 2 ½ inches. The gold is mined in Brazil where gold reserves are plentiful and mining is monitored by the government.

That’s not all. Nugaard Designs works with Trees for the Future and for each bracelet sold, a tree is planted.

Erica Pacey, a Brazilian native, is the force behind Nugaard Designs. She also created this beautiful Real Leaf Necklace with a hand-dipped leaf hanging from a 30″ chain. Also available in sterling ($89.50) or 18K gold ($98.50), find it along with the Cuff Bracelet at Delight.com.

During a particularly frustrating period of my life years ago, I was told by a mentor, “It is virtually impossible to be grateful for a lot until you can be grateful for a little.” She went on to suggest I begin searching for the willingness to want what I have.

At first I didn’t get it. What’s the point, I wondered? What I wanted was relief, an explanation or concrete solution for my chronic discontent, not some silly ethereal quote on which to pontificate. But desperation breeds willingness and those of you who’ve had it, well, you know of what I speak.

Fast forward many years and I indeed am profoundly grateful for what I have, the small and big, trivial and tremendous, despite what is lacking.

This dainty Gratitude Necklace from VivaTerra reminds me of that time. The designer got the idea when melting down leftover gold scraps and a hole randomly formed. She engraved “thank you” on the back and threaded it with string.

Voilà! A recycled reminder to be thankful for all things, the Gratitude Necklace is available in gold with a red silk strand ($219) or silver with black ($149).

What are you thankful for today?

I’m drawn to circle pendants. For my birthday, my mother bought me a silver design with diamonds from David Yurman. Such a nice mom. (By the way, if you’re reading I’d love matching earrings.) I have mod blue plastic ones for my Laugh In party dresses, and an earthy necklace with large gray stones and a platinum circle pendant in the center.

But glass recyclers have created something truly unique in these designs forged from beer, water, wine and Coca-Cola vessels. They’re so delicate and the glass charms are lovely.

For $70, Georgia artist Kathleen Plate lets you tell the world what you drink and how much you care about curbing consumption. The circle is achieved by cutting and firing the recycled glass and the chain is sterling silver. The color is derived from the drink: brown from beer, teal from wine, clear from cola and green from water. Quench your circle jewelry thirst at Uncommon Goods.