Cristi Miller -classy, chic and comfortable
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- Category: Style Files
- Written by Lauren Golt
When you meet Cristi Miller, the first word that comes to mind is “stylish.” Her look is classy, chic and comfortable; three words that also describe the cosmetics and accessories boutique she owns and operates, Houppette in Greenville, Delaware. Having a life-long interest in style that started while playing with Barbie Dolls and grew as she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan; Cristi says she specifically fell in love with the beauty side of the industry. When Cristi, a resident of Kennett Square, isn’t working her go to outfit is casual, jeans and a t-shirt. “I like to be relaxed on the weekends,” she says, while doing some of her favorite activities, such as cooking, gardening, entertaining and being at home with her friends and family.
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
Not anyone in particular. I pay attention and look at all the trends, the red carpet events and designers but I dress based on my mood and what I like. If I had to pick someone, I would say Cindy Crawford. I admire her style, confidence and how she embraces her age.
2. Where do you shop?
I do most of my shopping locally because I like supporting the local businesses. I frequent Peter Kate and Ellie the most because they are in Greenville, where I work.
3. How often do you shop?
I shop when I need something or when I am in New York on business. It’s great to see all the trends and styles of the city.
4. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
Everybody loves a bargain but there are some things that you just can’t live without. I tend to splurge on handbags and great costume jewelry.
5. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
To a degree but not entirely. I like to keep up with the trends both personally and professionally but not every trend is right for every person and I believe in dressing based on what looks good on you. One trend I am not a fan of is the Boyfriend Jean.
6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I couldn’t tell you! I do love shoes!
7. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new season require a new wardrobe?
I bring in new pieces here and there to “tweak” my wardrobe. I tend to get a lot of wear out of my clothes and when they get tired, I replace them. I don’t go overboard and instead of owning 12 pairs of Jeans, I stick with 3 nice pairs.
8. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
Yes, very much. I own a boutique so I need to look put together however I am busy so comfort is important.
9. If you had endless amounts of money what article of clothing would you purchase?
I think I would buy a long, beautiful shearling coat.
10. What shopping secrets, strategies and or recommendations can you share with Living Well Magazine readers?
My strategy is to shop and buy what looks good on you. You should shop for your figure and your own style. Do not worry about trends because every trend does not look good on every person.
Cindy Youngcourt - multi-faceted
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- Category: Style Files
- Written by Lauren Golt
Cindy Youngcourt, 34, would describe her wardrobe as multi-faceted based on where she is in her day. As a business woman, she is a Client Manager at a local financial planning firm; Cindy starts her day in basic corporate attire. At the end of the work day it’s time to throw on a comfy pair of Ugg boots and velour sweats to play with her two dogs and her toddler, Izaak. However, Cindy doesn’t let her limited style choices on the weekdays get in the way of her love for fashion. “When I go out to dinner or drinks, I like to wear dramatic pieces that do not fit into my daily life-shirts with interesting details, such as sequins or low backs, knee high boots, and sweater-dresses,” she says.
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
Even years later, I still enjoy watching the cast from Sex and the City in both the tv show and the movie. Their wardrobes are fabulous! Although none of their styles are totally me, I liked different things each of the girls wore. I especially loved Carrie’s accessories and funky sense of style. I also really like Michael Kors-both his casual items like jeans and his pretty, feminine tops for work.
2. Where do you shop?
Locally, I shop in Glen Mills at Banana Republic, King of Prussia, Concord and Christiana Malls. When I had the time, I liked to peruse the consignment and vintage shops on South Street. I bought a vintage velvet blazer years ago that I still really love. I also like the unique accessories at Tiger Lilli.
3. How often do you shop?
I shop around online weekly and look at the latest trends. I shop in stores a few times a month
4. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
I love to look for bargains, especially in this economy. Retailers that never before offered coupons and discounts are now offering them. That being said, if I love something, I will buy it!
5. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
I like to take a few things that are current that I also personally love and flatter me and incorporate them into my wardrobe. Just because something is trendy does not mean it will work for your age, style, body type. I really love the 80s leggings and drapey tops and sleeves-the modern version that is available today is much classier than what was offered in the 80’s.
6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Before I had my son, I had about 50 pairs. Now that my feet have grown a size, I am slowly replenishing my shoe closet. I have about 25. I can never get enough boots in the winter and flip flops in the summer.
7. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new
season require a new wardrobe?
I continue to wear clothes that I love and that fit me well and are made well. I try really hard to donate a few items every time I shop because my closets are stuffed. I like to add key pieces every season, but don’t replace my entire wardrobe. You can always build on classics. I have started to like to play with “pop” pieces and different accessories. I also like to pair a bright pair of shoes with an otherwise neutral outfit or add a scarf or unique bracelet or necklace.
8. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
My job dictates that I wear business attire which is why I like to add interesting accessories; shoes, scarves. When I go home, I have been in business clothes all day and have a toddler so that usually means Uggs and a sweat outfit. I am a fan of lounge wear from Victoria’s Secret.
9. If you had endless amounts of money what article of clothing would you purchase?
I hope shoes count! I would definitely purchase a really expensive pair of shoes, possibly Jimmy Choos or Manolos. The quality and workmanship that go into making these shoes are impressive; I just could never justify the price.
10. What shopping secrets, strategies and or recommendations can you share with Living Well Magazinereaders?
Shopping online is a great time saver and many websites allow free or discounted return shipping. Also, always buy something that fits today and not 5 pounds from now. Any article of clothing will look more expensive and more flattering if it is tailored. E-bay is a great place for finding unique things. I have bought vintage purses and broaches that really change the look of an outfit. Always buy from buyers with positive ratings. Also, don’t be afraid to pair a bright pair of pumps with a different colored bag. Jewelry does not need to be matchy-matchy, it looks much more interesting to have coordinating pieces, not sets.
Nicole Drescher -fashion is an addiction
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- Category: Style Files
- Written by Lauren Golt
Nicole Drescher will be the first to admit that her relationship with fashion is more than a hobby, it’s an addiction. This can be a problem for any girl, let alone one who works in the retail industry; Nicole is a Store Manager at White House Black Market. While you would think that being surrounded by fabulous clothing is her favorite part of the job, it isn’t." I love making women look and feel beautiful,” she says. When you walk into White House Black Market, Nicole is right there to help you pick out a great outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident. When Nicole, 36, wants to feel beautiful herself she picks up her favorite LBD, little black dress, or a great pair of leggings. One trend you’ll never see Nicole wear; shoulder pads. “I don’t know how they made their way back.”
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
The classics, like Chanel, Dior, and St. John … but I wear what I love.
2. How often do you shop? Where do you shop locally?
I work for White House Black Market, which I love, but I go everywhere...from Madison Avenue in Manhattan to Marshall's!
3. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
Like any girl, I'm excited about a bargain, but I will pay full price if it's something that won't be in a store for long enough to go on sale (Neiman Marcus shoe Salon...I'm a size 8...you get the picture).
4. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
Only slightly, I incorporate them into my existing wardrobe.
5. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Too many for my closet!!! But I think I might have more necklaces and/or bracelets than I have pairs of shoes.
6. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new season require a new wardrobe?
I am constantly updating my wardrobe, but I have my classics and my favorites. I love new clothing, but I REALLY love new accessories. I've always been a belt person, and now I layer my necklaces. I also like coats and jackets to complete my looks.
7. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
As the Store Manager at White House Black Market, our core colors are black and white. I have always had a lot of black in my wardrobe, so starting there was not really a stretch for me.
Now I am addicted to the tunic tops / leggings / belt combination. I feel good in them and they are so comfortable.
8. If you had endless amounts of money what article of clothing would you purchase?
Just ONE?!? I would probably have my eye on an Oscar de la Renta Haute Couture gown, or anything Armani Prive.
9. What is your style rule?
Wear what you LOVE and what is flattering to your body type, that's more important than following the trends and above all, confidence is the sexiest thing you can wear.
10. What shopping secrets, strategies and or recommendations can you share with the readers?
If you find an item that you love, even though you don't have anywhere to go in it now, you'll need it in the future. It's fate! If you buy that little black cocktail dress, it's like you'll almost certainly have an invitation follow for a party or event to wear it.
Lisa Quarnstrom- “I love vintage and the vintage lifestyle"
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- Category: Style Files
- Written by Lauren Golt
When it comes to fashion Lisa Quarnstrom does not follow the trends and she is not going to buy something just because Hollywood is telling her it is popular, instead Lisa opts to find inspiration elsewhere. Whether it is walking the streets of Philadelphia, Montreal or New York City, she finds that the people she passes give the best ideas. Lisa adapts some of those ideas into her own wardrobe. As a bilingual media analyst at TNS Global Media, Lisa, 23, doesn’t get to display her love of fashion at the workplace, however she uses her weekends and activities as a chance to showcase her favorite outfits. While Lisa enjoys shopping in a few chain stores, her favorite pieces always come from thrift and vintage boutiques. “I love vintage and the vintage lifestyle,” she says.
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
More than a particular designer or celebrity, I am inspired by the personal styles of very fashionable people I pass on the street. Witnessing others' self-assured personal expression moves me to come home and take an appraising look at my closet, or spring for something in the store that I secretly love but may have been too demure to wear otherwise. I do however get routinely inspired by mid-century European films; I'd say the closest to a style icon I have is Anna Karina, for her painfully adorable and bold fashions in many a 60s French flick.
2. Where do you shop?
My absolute favorite place to shop in West Chester is Malena's Vintage Boutique, blocks away from my apartment. I also like visiting the Woman's Exchange in town to look at their jewelry...amazingly cheap prices for delightful baubles, but it's always a crapshoot (which makes it fun). I'm also a sucker for Anthropologie and BCBG. Whenever I am in NYC, I pay a visit to Old Hollywood, a great vintage store that has excellent pinup girl styles.
3. How often do you shop?
More often than I should! I probably pop into Malena's once a week; the idea that a marvelous, one-of-a-kind piece could arrive and be gone the next day makes me nervous, so I stop in often. Browsing in my other favorite stores on lazy Saturday afternoons after a nice lunch is a pastime that I actively enjoy, too.
4. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
I'd love to say that price isn't an issue when it comes to buying something I adore, but the fact is that for a recent college graduate with loans to repay and financial responsibilities, price is an issue, so I do look for bargains. However, this is yet another reason why I love shopping in vintage stores, because you will be amazed at what you come across for what the price-tag reads. My favorite dress, the shining jewel of my closet, I got for just under 50 dollars. Bargains are not hard to come by at all if you have a keen eye about you.
5. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
Only if I like the trend in question. I'm not one to buy into the newest look simply to fit the fad, it has to be something that I like both within the context of the trend and outside it, and that I can predict I will like for years to come. Fashion is ever-changing and dynamic, which makes it very exciting to watch on the periphery, but I only jump in the flow if I am personally motivated.
6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Somewhere around 40 pairs. I used to work at a lovely shoe boutique in Greenville when I was in college, and I accumulated a nice closet-full of timeless, well-made shoes which is why I rarely see the need to buy more. Purchase one pair of extra ordinate shoes and you will keep and love them for life if you treat them well.
7. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new season require a new wardrobe?
I have clothes that date back to high school! However, I try to mix the clothes that I've had for years with new pieces or accessories so that I never get tired of the contents of my closet.
8. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
My work doesn't necessitate an impeccable wardrobe because I rarely have contact with clients face to face; however, the lifestyle that I lead outside of the daily 9-to-5 allows me to dress to express myself, especially when attending the film-related activities with which I am involved. I truly enjoy dressing to present an old French film, say, and I consider my outfit thoughtfully.
9. If you had endless amounts of money what article of clothing would you purchase?
I would buy fine leather goods. A rich leather jacket, a sumptuous leather bag, supple gloves.... I love the look, feel, and smell of very fine leather but can rarely afford it.
10. What shopping secrets, strategies and or recommendations can you share with Living Well Magazine readers?
One recommendation that I'd like to share is to cultivate a good tailor or seamstress. Never mind the fact that your chances of salvaging something you may think ruined are much higher, but also I've found that a good seamstress can make fantasy changes I would like to make to a garment a reality. Also, never underestimate the power of a good scarf. I've gotten more compliments on one gorgeous brown and gold scarf than any other article of clothing I own.
Brie Schorah - personal style as unpredictable!
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- Category: Style Files
- Written by Lauren Golt
Brie Schorah, a concierge manager with Hardin and Associates in Greenville, would describe her personal style as unpredictable. “I hate to always look the same and I enjoy changing my style as my mood changes,” she says. Starting at a young age, Brie would redesign her clothing to achieve the look she was going for. Cutting shirts, switching straps on dresses, adding or removing appliqués from shoes or clothing, Brie was and is always experimenting. Her looks of choice are mixing classics with vintage inspired pieces or wearing something very modern. However regardless of the style, Brie believes in dressing for your body type and being comfortable, a mantra she will take with her as she shops for something very special; a wedding dress. Brie recently got engaged!
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
No, I enjoy taking from various designers and celebrity styles.
2. Where do you shop?
Several local boutiques and larger chain or department stores. I like to mix basics from places like Old Navy with trendier pieces from places such as H&M.
3. How often do you shop?
It varies per month. I tend to shop more as a new season approachs.
4. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
With the economy the way it is right now I look for bargains as much as possible but if a piece is really with the price, I don’t mind the occasional splurge.
5. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
Yes but not always. I like mixing new trends with basics but not all trends work well with my body type or suit my personal style.
6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I lost count but definitely over 100.
7. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new season require a new wardrobe?
I try to make key pieces or basics last as long as possible. I update with some trendy pieces each season to wear with those items I still have from last season. I believe that you should always have good quality basics that will last through the seasons, that way you can afford to have less expensive trendy items that you switch season to season.
8. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
Yes. In my current position, I have a set dress code which entails a white shirt with pants or a skirt. There are definite limitations to what I can wear and I don’t get to add as much of my personal style as I would like.
JoJami Tyler is known for her effortless sense of style
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- Category: Style Files
- Written by Lauren Golt
JoJami Tyler is known for her effortless sense of style and as an Image Consultant; it is her job to help others create the same chic looks she wears every day. JoJami specializes in helping women over forty tweak their wardrobe so they feel beautiful and confident. Personally, JoJami gravitates towards boots, colorful tops and cuff bracelets, while trying to stay away from the color black. She says, “most women have way too much black in their closet. I call it ABD (Abundant Black Disorder) I challenge everyone reading this, to NOT buy black the next 3 times you go shopping. It is harder than you think to not buy black because we are in a habit of buying it, it is safe, and there is so much of it out there! But when you finally do start adding more color to your wardrobe you will be happy when you get dressed in the morning and will usually get a compliment!” For other great tips go to her website, fabulousafter40.com
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
No, I live a different type of life than them, so I have to dress what looks best on my body type. My favorite way to get inspired is going to Philly, NYC or LA and I see what women are wearing on the street. I have no problem going up to a fashionable looking woman and saying, “You look fantastic, where did you get that....?”
2. Where do you shop?
I really shop a lot of places all over the country, but my favorite locally is Ellie for clothes, Ashley Austin for shoes and Houpette for sleepwear, makeup and gifts. If you have never owned a pair of Casablanca p.j.’s you haven't lived! They have the best selection!
3. How often do you shop?
All the time, all year long, however, I am super picky. Just because I shop a lot, I actually do not buy a lot... that is the secret of building a wonderful wardrobe full of things you love!!!
4. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
I only buy things I love and adore. So if it is on sale that is a bonus, if not, and I have to have it, I will splurge but it will have to be something I know I will wear for many years to come.
5. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
Absolutely! I love the gladiator sandals that are coming out now. They were so hot last spring, and they have come back for another round, it seems. When I first saw them, I was very wary, but now I think they are funky and wonderful! Funny how that happens, eh??
6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
LOTS... but you can never have enough shoes. However, I am diligent about getting rid of the ones that are out of style. Moreover, I am ga-ga for boots and probably at least 8 pair.
7. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new season require a new wardrobe?
What??? I want to meet the woman that gets an entire new wardrobe every season!! So for me, of course not! That is just not realistic for anyone! However, every season, I do add a few new pieces to spice up what I already have. This year I’m adding lots of color!!! I just bought a wonderful burnt orange BCBG casual jacket that has a soft ruffle down the front!
8. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
I am SO lucky that I am in a business where I have to look great all the time. It really keeps me on top of my game and not get lazy. So many women over 40 give up and don’t take the time to groom themselves properly. Then they feel frumpy and loose the spark of their youth. My mission is to inspire women to dump the frump and help them look Age-mazing (This is a term I made up for, looking amazing for your age!)
9. If you had endless amounts of money what article of clothing would you purchase?
A gorgeous designer handbag. They make a big statement, but in reality are not worth the money.
10. What shopping secrets, strategies and or recommendations can you share with the readers?
Well, right now my biggest tip is to have your casual run around outfits always looking fresh and ready to throw on. My favorite outfit in my closet is my Bebe Sport stretch workout pants and jacket. I have a sleek pair of Kate Spade patten leather low heeled boots (from Peter Kate Shoes) with a colorful shirt and scarf and coordinating baseball cap. I can put this on and be very comfortable and look better than if I went out in grey sweat pants and white tennis shoes. I can also wear this outfit on a plane and feel stylish but still be super comfy. The boots zip on and off easily and there are no fussy belts to worry about.
Mishqua Allie-Tate -Mixing Old With New
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- Category: Style Files
- Written by Lauren Ashley Golt
Mishqua Allie-Tate, 23, is a big fan of mixing the old with the new. Instead of shopping at the mall you will find her supporting local boutiques or browsing the racks at thrift stores to update her collection of great vintage finds. Style isn’t just a hobby for Allie-Tate, it is also a profession. After graduating from the University of Delaware she began working as a Freelance Apparel Designer. Currently Allie-Tate is producing and designing a line of blazers for a Philadelphia-based designer named Shenor. The blazers will be on display this fall when Shenor opens her new boutique in Philadelphia. When Allie-Tate isn’t working on a new design or keeping an eye on upcoming trends, she enjoys spending time with her friends and husband, taking her dog to the dog park and going out to dinner.
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
Not one particular designer or group defines my style exactly. I am inspired by a multitude of designers, events, celebrities, time periods, etc. For example, I absolutely adore Betsey Johnson and her free spirited, funky style. I love the classic and tailored look of Chanel, you feel like royalty when wearing any one piece. Also, I like to mix the old with the new. Mixing vintage finds, like garments or accessories with new, modern finds. Many times this can be captured in the bold prints of Diane von Furstenberg; another one of my most inspiring designers.
2. Where do you shop?
I love to support local businesses. Some of my favorites are Bloom and Grassroots in Newark, DE; Rags to Riches and Saks Thrift Avenue in Wilmington DE; Lost and Found and Sugarcube in Philadelphia, PA, and Francesca’s Collections in Greenville, DE.
3. How often do you shop?
Shopping is my guilty pleasure; I wish I could do it every single day! However, I shop about once a week, mostly on the weekend.
4. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
I always say, if you love it- GET IT! Or you will be sorry! Bargain shopping is great too, you can get so much for so little. You can always use these items and garments in different ways later. Recycling old garments into new and fun accessories is so easy and extends your wardrobe.
5. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
Yes, definitely! I always want to be up-to-date or ahead of the trends on my style. If a particular silhouette or print is “in” I want it! However, with this I have a tendency to dress it up my own, personal way and it may not be the way that everyone else wears it. That’s what makes it my own. Be wary of short-lived trends, as these can get expensive and will only cause you to make more trips to Goodwill to donate old styles.
6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Wow, I stopped taking count in 1999! If I really had to say- I could probably make it halfway through a fiscal year and never wear the same pair twice!
7. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new season require a new wardrobe?
I always wear clothes that I already own and mix and match them with other new, trendy pieces. I try to recycle garments I have with updated, newly purchased styles. This helps keep my wardrobe looking fresh every season and it helps my wallet, too.
8. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
Most definitely, this plays a huge role in what I wear, as I am a freelance apparel designer. Normally, I dress according to what fits my clients as well as a sense of my own style.
9. If you had endless amounts of money what article of clothing would you purchase?
I would purchase every single tailored suit made by Chanel.
10. What shopping secrets, strategies and or recommendations can you share with the readers?
Purchase items that are versatile and can be worn with newer trends. Build from your basics, this way you cut your costs, recycle garments, and save your wallet.
Margaret Szajowska - confidence, comfort and class
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- Category: Style Files
- Written by Lauren Golt
Margaret Szajowska, 25, knows how to dress with confidence, comfort and class. As a New Business Coordinator at a media and marketing firm, Margaret is allowed to dress casual so she takes her outfit from day to night. "It’s actually very convenient because if I’m going to a happy hour or meeting up with friends after work I don’t need to change," she says. Feminine tops, skinny jeans and flats are Margaret's go-to pieces while she stays away from super trendy pieces that are likely to go out of style. "I don't think I would ever wear a jumpsuit or a romper," she says, "I feel they would be very uncomfortable." When not working, shopping or hanging out with her fiancé, Margaret enjoys travelling as often as possible, exploring and learning as much as she can.
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
I like casual but stylish looks, something that is feminine and flirty but age appropriate. I think Lauren Conrad is someone that always looks cute and comfortable, so I try to follow some of her outfits, but also add an element of my own taste and style.
2. Where do you shop?
Since I do most of my shopping online, I really like Shopmamie.com, their clothes are trendy and chicand all under $100. I do shop at Francesca’s Collections and Ellie in Greenville as well to support some local businesses.
3. How often do you shop?
I usually shop 2-3 times per month. When I have an event or a special occasion coming up I like to go out and get a new dress, especially in the summer or a cute top and match it up with something that I already own.
4. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
Everyone loves a bargain! I get really excited when I like something and it happens to be on sale, but there are times where I will splurge on designer items like jeans or bags knowing that its good quality and it will last a long time.
5. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
I like to follow the newest trends, but I don’t always buy things based on the specific trend. If I like something and it happens to be one of the current fashion trends then I will put it together with my outfit. I usually buy things that look cute and are comfortable not necessarily if they are the newest trend.
6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I’m not a big shoe person, so maybe 20 pairs! I love flats and flip flops because they are so comfortable, but every girl has to own a pair of her favorite black stilettos.
7. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new season require a new wardrobe?
A new season doesn’t always mean I buy new clothes, but I like updating my wardrobe once in a while with new items. Usually before the summer starts I will buy a new bathing suit for the season.
8. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
Yes, my current job is very casual, so I usually wear jeans and a cute top. It’s actually very convenient because if I’m going to a happy hour or meeting up with friends after work I don’t need to change.
9. If you had endless amounts of money what article of clothing would you purchase?
I would buy more designer jeans! Usually the ones that fit me the best, are the most expensive.
10. What shopping secrets, strategies and or recommendations can you share with Living Well Magazine readers?
I consider myself a savvy shopper. Before I go out to shop, I look online to see what stores are carrying the items that I’m looking for. I try to see if they have any special online or in-store promotions. Sometimes I will wait to buy something if I know that their Friends and Family Event is coming up.
Rachel Lee personal style as feminine, preppy, classic and sophisticated
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- Category: Style Files
- Written by Lauren Ashley Golt
Rachel Lee, 24, describes her personal style as feminine, preppy, classic and sophisticated. Mixing high-end items with moderately priced staples, Lee finds that her lifelong interest in fashion has helped her style. After graduating from Tower Hill School she attended the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. Since earning her degree in Fashion Design, Lee worked for several high profile companies in New York City, such as Christian Dior and Bergdorf Goodman, before moving back to Delaware to work for Delaware Today magazine. In addition to her full time job, Lee also works part-time at J. Crew in order to keep her foot in fashion. Lee hopes to have a future career in fashion and style, whether it is owning her own business, being a personal style consultant or working for a fashion magazine.
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
I love timeless/classic, preppy/elegant and sophisticated looks – Ralph Lauren is probably my favorite designer. For couture, I love Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta – even though I can’t afford these labels; I try to incorporate their design aesthetic into my own personal style.
If I could wear evening gowns all day I would wear Christian Dior, Valentino, Elie Saab.
Even though we dress completely differently, I enjoy watching what Rihanna wears because she is daring and edgy, and doesn’t seem to care what people think. I would love to have that bold sense of style, but it doesn’t really work in my day to day life.
If I could wear evening gowns all day I would wear Christian Dior, Valentino, Elie Saab.
Even though we dress completely differently, I enjoy watching what Rihanna wears because she is daring and edgy, and doesn’t seem to care what people think. I would love to have that bold sense of style, but it doesn’t really work in my day to day life.
2. Where do you shop?
I love J. Crew for style staples (or you could say basics and stuff to wear to the office), the prices and clothing fit my budget and style aesthetic. Periodically stop into Francesca’s or Ellie for cute dresses. My favorite piece of jewelry at the moment is a ladybug necklace and earring set from Wilmington Country Store. I like J. McLaughlin in Greenville because it is Palm Beach meets East Hampton, and I love the colors and prints they carry.
3. How often do you shop?
I usually don’t go out just to shop, because I could be spending my time doing more important things, but if I am in a shopping center that has a clothing store, (such as where Janssen’s is) I’ll peek in to some stores to see if they have anything. I work part time at the J. Crew in Brinton Lake, so I usually leave at the end of the night having bought something.
4. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
I don’t go out with the intention of spending a fortune, but if I see something I really love, I will talk myself into buying it! I don’t spend a lot on trendy items, only on items that will last forever, like my Louis Vuitton Daimler Canvas bag, or something I will wear often, like my Prada sunglasses or shoes. Most importantly, I look to see if the price reflects the quality of the product.
5. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
I look at fashion trends and see if they fit into my personal style, but I never change my personal style for what is trendy. I know what I look good in and what fits me, and if I really like the item and it happens to be a major trend (like gladiator sandals), I will incorporate a small piece of it into my outfit. I never buy something just because it’s trendy.
6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Over 75 and counting every week. I have a bit of a shoe problem!
7. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new season require a new wardrobe?
Every season doesn’t require a completely new wardrobe, but it is nice to freshen up your basics, like new tee’s and dresses and definitely a few new pair of heels and flats. I don’t want to be stuck in the same things all the time, it gets boring.
8. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
I know what is appropriate for the office, and I will never wear something that is too tight, revealing or short. When I go out at night, I still stick to being sophisticated, but have a bit more fun with it. My outfits at night are usually short cute dresses with heels - recently I’ve been wearing the dresses I got at Francesca’s and a suede clutch from J. McLaughlin.
9. If you had endless amounts of money what article of clothing would you purchase?
I would buy copious amounts of Christian Louboutin heels. I think shoes can change the way you feel.
10. What shopping secrets, strategies and or recommendations can you share with the readers?
Know what you like, and what you are comfortable in. If you buy something you aren’t comfortable in or 100% sure about, chances are you won’t wear it once you bring it home. Look for clothing and accessories that are well-made. Make sure the price reflects the quality. Don’t buy heels that you can’t walk in, because you’ll just look silly. Don’t be talked into buying something from a salesperson. Make sure YOU love it. Make sure your clothing FITS you. When you shop think about what you have in your closet already.
