The art of personal style with writer and designer Kristen Bateman
Kristen shares 10 pieces that have shaped her personal style and captured her heart
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Kristen Bateman is a fashion and beauty writer, jewelry designer, and the creative mind behind
. She has a unique approach to fashion that mixes vintage treasures, high fashion finds, and statement pieces. I’m a big fan of the way she’s created a personal style that stands out and feels authentic.
Selfishly, I wanted a peek at her treasure trove so I asked her to join me for a little video Show and Tell where she shared her ten favorite accessories. Each one has a story, and together, they reveal how she’s built a deeply personal collection that’s like a scrapbook.
1. Black costume jewelry necklace
Kristen starts with a striking black costume jewelry necklace likely from the 1980s with art deco and Egyptian revival aesthetics. "I found it at an outdoor market in France and couldn't resist its dark, dramatic vibe," she says. It’s a quintessential Kristen piece—bold, layered, and full of personality. "I love vintage costume jewelry because it was made so much better than contemporary pieces today."
2. 1980s clear-lensed glasses
Next, she highlights a pair of vintage 1980s glasses with clear lenses, found at Brimfield, the largest outdoor flea market in Massachusetts. "Finding non-prescription ones is so rare," Kristen explains. She styled them for Fashion Week with a scarf tied over her head, calling it her "Italian grandma" look. "These glasses instantly add personality," she adds.
3. Miu Miu runway tiara
A tiara might seem like an occasional accessory, but for Kristen, it’s suitable for everyday wear. She pairs it with everything from jeans to punk-inspired outfits. This 2016 Miu Miu runway tiara caught her eye years ago, and she finally snagged it at a discount. "I wear it everywhere—from my wedding dinner to vintage shows," she shares. She loves the reaction it gets: "People always assume it’s your birthday when you wear one!"
4. Victorian mourning portrait pendant
One of the most intriguing pieces in Kristen’s collection is a Victorian mourning portrait pendant, dated 1837. The miniature features a finely painted portrait, likely created on ivory, along with a name and date of death. "I love its intricate craftsmanship—it’s a reminder of how much care and detail went into jewelry during that time," she says.
Kristen describes the pendant as a fascinating blend of sentimentality and artistry. "It’s not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a tiny window into someone’s life and loss." She’s especially drawn to its emotional resonance and how it contrasts with her contemporary pieces. "I like the juxtaposition of something so old and delicate with modern designs. It creates this layered, unexpected effect that feels very me."
For her, it’s not just about the beauty of the piece, but also the connection to its past. "There’s a mystery to it,” she says.
5. Dollchunk Toxic Bad Baby Doll Ring
One of her own creations from her brand, Dollchunk is the Toxic Bad Baby Doll Ring, which perfectly encapsulates her playful approach to design. "It's everything I want in a statement piece—fun, weird, and happy," Kristen says. Dollchunk was born out of her desire to create joyful, high-quality jewelry. "Even if you wouldn’t wear it, it brings you joy.”
6. Dolce & Gabbana cameo necklace
This necklace, with its seven intricately carved cameos, is a treasure Kristen found through the Paris’ outlet mall shopping service during the pandemic. "It was a total fluke—I’ve never seen another piece like it," she says. The extra-blingy, unique design makes it a favorite in her collection.
7. Mary Frances pumpkin bag
Kristen’s Mary Frances pumpkin bag is a playful, fully beaded piece she uses year-round. "It’s fully beaded and gem-encrusted," she says, recalling how she wore it to a Jean Paul Gaultier Couture show. Despite its fun design, the craftsmanship is impressive. "So many clients at the show thought it was a couture piece.”
8. Victorian snake necklace
This Victorian-era snake necklace is delicate, with a dangling heart and hidden hair detailing. "It’s so delicate and recently needed repairs, but I love it," Kristen says. She often layers it with other necklaces.
9. Gucci anatomy heart clutch
Kristen’s Gucci clutch, shaped like an anatomical heart, holds deep sentimental value. "I carried it during my elopement in Central Park and even stored my vows inside," she says. Though she wears it sparingly due to its delicate nature, it’s one of her most meaningful pieces.
10. Maison Margiela fringe bag
Finally, Kristen shows me the most amazing Maison Margiela fringe bag with dramatic fringe and crystal embellishments (also found through the brand outlet’s remote shopping service). "I’m a big outlet shopper. I stalked it until the price dropped," she confesses. Though high maintenance to wear, it always makes a statement. It combines a sense of Western flair with Margiela’s avant-garde signature. “I love to wear it with an outfit that’s not Western at all," she says.
On personal style and collecting
For Kristen, personal style is a lifelong journey. "It’s about experimentation and finding what you like, even if you are scared or you think people are going to make fun of you." She believes in collecting meaningful pieces over time rather than chasing trends. "I love mixing high and low, vintage and contemporary," she says, “You don't have to get locked into one aesthetic.”
You may already know that I’m not a huge fan of following trends, and so I’m with Kristen… you have to find those objects that click—the ones that really feel like you.
↪ Follow Kristen on Instagram @kristenvbateman and here on Substack:
The fringe bag 😭