Buru x Kelly Golightly Clothing Collection

I’m THRILLED beyond belief to share the Buru x Kelly Golightly clothing collection! The capsule collection launches March 23rd at 6:30am PST on ShopBuru.com. In order to help you plan your buy, since everything is limited edition and made in small batches, I’ve included all the info you might need to know below.

And check out this post to help Plan Your Buy!

Above:  Chevron kaftan // Yellow scalloped top + pants // Long floral kaftan 

The Inspiration Behind the Buru x Kelly Golightly Clothing Collection

This entire collection is a California dream come true and a nod to mod. My inspirations: Poolside Gossip by Slim Aarons and the fabulous Slim Aarons women (specifically Nelda Linsk, Helen Dzo Dzo and Lita Baron). Other iconic women who inspired this collection: Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie O. and Lee Radziwill (swans forever).

It’s no surprise I love the fashion of the 1960s, but I wanted to modernize the pieces so that they felt fresh for today. Not costumey, just classic — and fun! I pondered “What would these women wear today?” and my answer is this collection.

For me, the best part of fashion is connection. If you’re on the shy side, the easiest ice breaker is wearing something special — someone comments “I love your dress” and conversation ensues. (Little Kelly —  whose teachers in kindergarten wrote on her report cards “Needs to socialize more” — appreciates this!)

I wanted this collection to feature classic silhouettes in a color palette inspired by Palm Springs doors (think pinks, aquas, yellows), with polka dots, stripes, and florals for good measure.

Sizing & Fit

The sizing is inclusive — and that’s something I loved about Buru from the start. We want everyone to feel welcome and beautiful. Most items are available in sizes XXS-2X.

In general the brand runs true to size to a little big. My recommendation: Take your normal size. However, if you’re between sizes, take your smaller size. In everything I’m wearing here, I’m wearing an XS (I am normally a 2 in dresses, XS/S in tops, and S/4 or 27/28 in pants).

I’m 5’3″ and a half. Morgan (short blond hair) is 5’6″ and Brandace is 5’7″.

See the Buru Fit Library for more help and be sure to follow Buru on Instagram. Morgan is not only the founder and designer of Buru, but the face of the brand and she shares SUPER helpful try-ons on Instagram so you can see how pieces move and drape. And she gives fit tips too, along with ideas on multiple ways to wear one piece!

SHIPPING

All shipping dates will be listed per style. Most styles are available immediately to ship & arrive to you in time for Easter! Some of the pieces — such as the Betty Dress and Kelly Gowns — are cut on demand and take about 2.5 weeks to arrive to you (but, of course, are still returnable or exchangeable).

PRICING

Prices range from $98 to $498.

Now let’s talk about the specific pieces of this 30+ piece collection I created in collaboration with Buru. But first…

WHY BURU?

I’ve long dreamed of creating a capsule clothing collection, but finding the right partner is SO important. I was first introduced to Buru about 6 months ago when I met Morgan and her team at their 10th anniversary celebration in September 2023. They held the celebration at their downtown LA factory located in the Arts District. When I walked in and met Morgan and her wonderful team and husband Brett AND then saw all of their incredible vintage-inspired pieces, and learned about how they made everything from vintage and deadstock fabric, I knew this was it!

So much so that I approached them that night about teaming up. For better or worse, I don’t think I’ve ever been so forthright about something I’ve wanted in my life. I love the way Morgan and Brett run their business and their lives. It’s important to me — especially at this stage of my career and life — to work with people I LOVE to be around. Who inspire me. They were and are exactly that.

A few short weeks later, we started talking about a collaboration and have been off to the races since! From my first moodboard I shared with the Buru team to fabric shopping with Morgan and Brett, the process was — seamless. While I would love to take credit for this collection, I have to give credit where credit is due and that is with Morgan. She has a true gift for understanding a vision, interpreting it and then making it happen like it’s nothing (of course it is extremely hard work, but she made it look easy). It wasn’t long before we had samples and this line became what it is today.

Note: Everything in this collection is made in their factory in downtown LA in small batches and is limited edition (this is due to the nature of using vintage and deadstock fabric — i.e. we can only make X number of pieces per item based on how much fabric we found.) SO, if you see something you love, I highly recommend scooping it up because we aren’t physically able to get more of that fabric. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

THE BURU x KELLY GOLIGHTLY CLOTHING COLLECTION

YELLOW SCALLOPED SET: TOP + TROUSERS

Okay, now onto the actual pieces in the collection, starting with the above scalloped yellow set! This set was inspired by the famous Slim Aarons photograph Poolside Gossip. We have a personal history with that photo of course, and I’ve always adored what the two women in the photo are wearing. Helen Dzo Dzo wears a tummy-baring white set with scalloped edges, while Nelda preens gorgeously in a tummy-baring bright yellow set. This set is the melding of those iconic outfits, except I didn’t want to show off my tummy! The yellow scalloped pants come up higher, the yellow scalloped top comes down lower, but the essence is there. I LOVE how it turned out!

I even got to wear this set during Modernism Week to the Kaufmann House, designed by Richard Neutra, and got many compliments on it. I loved telling the story of its inspiration, of course. So, in my mind, I call this the Nelda Set.

Also, don’t you love how the scallops mimic the scalloped edges of the yellow patio umbrella?!

WHITE TWIGGY TOP + LUCINDA CIRCLE SKIRT

I think of this as the “the tennis set.” It’s not made to play tennis in, but has that same swingy silhouette — except the skirt is much more twirl-worthy, providing for a very Marilyn Monroe moment! The matching top also looks great with the yellow and white cabana striped skirt below!

 

 

BETTY POLKA DOT DRESS

How fun is this polka dot Betty dress?! I had given an inspiration photo to Morgan of a somewhat similar dress with more square angular cut-outs at the shoulder and a straight mini silhouette. We both loved the vibe, but it felt a little out of place and too harsh with the direction we were going in. Morgan tweaked it to be softer with a more rounded cut-out/scoop up top at the shoulders and I love the little collar! And the swingy circle skirt at the bottom is too cute. So sweet and playful.

POOLSIDE BLAZER

This little blazer/lady jacket is a hidden gem and wardrobe workhorse! It’s hard to tell in these photos but the fabric has metallic thread woven throughout and it makes your eyes POP and sparkle! My mom wore this blazer draped over her shoulders to our cocktail party celebrating the collection and got SO many compliments, she was glowing! This one runs on the larger size, so size down. You can wear this with dresses, skirts, pants, jeans — even shorts. It’s the perfect spring/summer blazer.

CABANA SKIRT: FLAT FRONT EVERYDAY SKIRT

When we spotted this fabric, we knew it had to be part of the collection! I love cabana stripes so much. And it’s so fun in this skirt silhouette. Skirt with pockets that is! Here I am wearing the skirt with the White Twiggy Top from our “Tennis Set” but you could pair it with so many things: a graphic tee with words, a white button-down, a little twin set cardigan, even an oversized sweatshirt and sneakers.

 

YELLOW BOW MOD DRESS

This A-line trapeze style mod dress feels SO Jackie O. doesn’t it?! It’s so classic and easy to wear, but feels very polished. I love the vintage yellow buttons down the back and that bow — it’s removable! Which is great so when you wear it with the cape, there is no hump. 😉

REVERSIBLE YELLOW & PINK CAPELET

From the beginning, I wanted to create a spring cape for this collection. Morgan took it to the next level by making it reversible — pink on one side, yellow on the other! The cape looks so chic with the Bow Mod Dress above, and also with the Yellow Scalloped Set, aka The Nelda Set! It’s one of my absolute favorites in the collection!

POLKA DOT KELLY GOWN

Speaking of favorites, meet the Kelly Gown. This floor-length gown is a dream. We based it off of a vintage photo and it turned out even better than expected in this fabric. Doesn’t it feel so Audrey Hepburn? The Kelly Gown also comes in pink (see below!) I adore the vintage buttons and there are actually pockets you can use! Every single piece in the collection has pockets and all of the buttons and trims are vintage. To me, this dress is Breakfast at Tiffany’s in dress form.

POLKA DOT HOSTESS SET: TOP + SKIRT

Continuing the polka dot theme, this hostess set is the cutest! It feels so ’60s and is super easy to wear. Note the striped collar. Polka dots + stripes for life!

DEEP V FLORAL KAFTAN

You know I LOVE a good kaftan and my wish for this capsule collection was to include several. Mission accomplished. This kaftan feels like wearing pajamas with its silky drapey floral print, but the bottom trim and sleeve trim adds structure. It’s so unique and effortless. You feel very graceful wearing it.

LONG FLORAL KAFTAN

This collection called for a classic kaftan and this one makes a statement! It’s super airy and flowy, but comes with a thick slip dress underneath in a pretty turquoise hue. I’m not much for body-con styles, but the fabric is thick enough to wear the slip dress on its own — or with a blazer or cardigan on top. Love a two-fer!

 

 

FLORAL ONE-SHOULDER CARYATID GOWN

The simplicity of this silhouette — a Grecian-style one-shoulder gown — is what makes it feel so timeless. The aqua and chartreuse print is what makes it feel so fun! I imagine wearing this on vacation, to dinners in Hawaii. Someone want to go with me? I can meet you at your private jet whenever works best for you.

CHEVRON MINI KAFTAN

The tunic is the kaftan’s cousin — same easy-to-wear vibe but less voluminous. Tunics and shift dresses are my spring and summer go-tos here in Palm Springs, where you just want to stay as cool as possible. And, isn’t this fabric SO good?! I love the chevron zig zags so much and the ease of a tunic/mini kaftan. It’s something I know I’ll wear all spring and summer long. Also, doesn’t the white trim add such a fresh touch?

 

WHITE ONE-SHOULDER GOWN

Speaking of the simplicity of this silhouette, we couldn’t resist offering this is a timeless white version too. This piece reminds me of both Jackie O. and her sister Lee Radziwill. And Grace Kelly too.  It’s just so elegant and would also be beautiful for brides — think bridal showers, engagement parties, etc. Or perhaps you’re eloping somewhere warm and tropical?! I’m happy to come along as your witness. Wink, wink.

MOD TOP & SHORT STRIPED SET

This one is for our casual girlies! I kept being drawn to what can be best described as tennis ball green… a chartresue-y neon yellow green. And this fabric made for the cutest little top and shorts set. Instead of lounging in yoga pants and a tshirt, opt for this instead!

STRIPED SCALLOP SHIFT DRESS

For our casual, classic preppy girls who want to feel pulled together in an instant, meet the striped scallop shift dress. This is exactly the kind of dress I live in all spring and summer long. A classic little shift, but feels special with the scallop edge and vintage buttons. Wear it to Nantucket or yachting around the French Riviera — and send me a postcard please!

 

 

LE CROPPED CHEVRON SET: TOP + PANTS

Finally, how special is this chevron set?! With the hem following the zig zags of the chevron?! I can’t! Note: This is unlined, so Morgan paired it here with a swimsuit underneath (great for the pool and vacation) but you could also do a bodysuit underneath. Expect lots of compliments when you wear this set!

 

THE KELLY GOWN IN PINK

Can you even?! The Barbie pink (or would you call it bubblegum?) is so perfect — and looks good on all skin tones. She’s definitely a favorite. Fun fact: She’s made of a faux linen and doesn’t wrinkle! And those vintage buttons, plus pockets you can actually use — dream dress! The Kelly Gowns are made to order so heads up they will take about 2.5 weeks to arrive. Talk about worth the wait!

 

 

AUDREY SET: TOP + SHORTS

How sweet is this baby blue Audrey Top and matching shorts? So darling! If you’re not super keen to bare your tummy, a white sash belt is available too — you simply tie it around your waist for more coverage. I’ll share photos on Instagram!

SLEEVELESS BOW BLOUSE

These sleeveless blouses — with bows you can tie at the neck or let hang loose — are wardrobe staples that still feel special.

STRIPED CREW NECK TEE

What’s more classic for spring and summer than a striped tee? This powder blue and white striped striped crew t-shirt is super soft and looks great with these blue shorts but could easily pair with jeans, white pants and more.

THANK YOU

If you made it this far, THANK YOU! Thank you for your enthusiasm for this collection and for your support! Whether you decide to purchase a piece or simply share the collection with a friend, please know that I am forever grateful.

And to Morgan and Team Buru, thank you for making this girl’s dream come true — and for being absolutely delightful to work with!

WHEN & WHERE TO SHOP THE BURU x KELLY GOLIGHTLY CLOTHING COLLECTION

The Buru x Kelly Golightly capsule collection is available to shop beginning this Saturday, March 23rd at 6:30am PST on ShopBuru.com!

You can PLAN YOUR BUY here!

 

SHIPPING

All shipping dates will be listed per style. Most styles are available immediately to ship & arrive to you in time for Easter! Some of the pieces — such as the Betty Dress and Kelly Gowns — are cut on demand and take about 2.5 weeks to arrive to you (but, of course, are still returnable or exchangeable).

 

Photos by Fred Moser