Ellen Kurtz, vice president of J.D. Kurtz and New Moon Rugs, and Josephine Kurtz, former principal interior designer at Kurtz Collection, share more than a last name. As a stylish mother-daughter duo, they enjoy a similar fashion sense.
Style sense
EK: Eclectic, a little contemporary with layering, a pop of colorful jungle prints, and a touch of the classic.
JK: Eclectic, bold, adventurous, and trendy while also timeless.
A little wild
EK: I love all animal prints—especially leopard—and I have a lot of them. It never goes out of style. I have dresses, skirts, blouses, and shoes with it.
JK: I love bold, graphic prints—especially animal prints.
Prized possession
EK: My gray cashmere wrap adds a cozy, chic layer.
JK: My black leather jacket. It will never go out of style and works with so many different types of looks.
Baubles and gems
EK: I love artisan jewelry, especially work by jeweler Austin Titus [based in Richmond, Virginia], whose handcrafted pieces have semiprecious stones and a delicate edge.
JK: I usually layer simple chain necklaces in gold and silver. I always [wear] my X diamond necklace that I received on my first Mother’s Day in honor of my son, Xavier. I have a grouping of John Hardy bracelets on the right and two rose-gold bracelets on the left. Then I will typically have diamond huggie earrings or hoops. My new engagement ring is rose gold, which I love and is different.
Local love
EK: Peter Kate is great for a number of fashionable looks. I just added a pretty animal-print dress for spring. All the Kurtz girls love shopping there. [Ellen has two other daughters.] When I’m in a contemporary mood, I head to Boutique W in Newtown Square, which is edgy and fun.
JK: Peter Kate and Houppette. I like to shop small and support a local women-owned business.
If money were no object
EK: I’d buy something fabulous from the designer floor at Bergdorf’s.
JK: I’d buy more handbags—a classic bag I know I will have and like forever.
Favorite fashion era
EK: The Swinging ’60s in London. Mary Quant and Twiggy are fashion icons.
JK: I love the Roaring ’20s—short dresses, fringe, sequins, glitz, and glamour. It’s fun and flirty.
Past faux pas
EK: Hot pants from the late ’60s—not my best look.
JK: Pretty much everything I wore in college—jean miniskirts with lacey, silk, sparkly tops and Uggs.
Signature scents
EK: I’m back with Chanel No. 5. Also, Wild Bluebell by Jo Malone London.
JK: Gucci Bloom.
Sartorial versus home style
EK: There’s a lot of crossover. It’s an elegant style with a twist. I love showing off beautiful, bold, ever-changing tablescapes for dinner guests and incorporating flowers throughout the house.
JK: I love taking risks and making a statement. I’m more drawn to a collected aesthetic—finding pieces you love over time, for both fashion and décor.
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