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STYLE SPYSome women have a knack of putting a look together, not only making the most of what they’ve got, but taking it a step further to create their own signature style. Six women with different style personalities share their tips and inspirations.
Carla Huhtanen
Opera singer and actor, Toronto, Canada.
Photo Credit: Alison Roy
Describe your look: Eclectic, whimsical and wispy.
Style Personality: Creative
Key pieces in my wardrobe: Statement footwear, like my black John Fluevog boots. Well-cut coats. Cloche hats and lots of scarves. Interesting tops and dresses in various textures and prints. Unique jewellery.
How I put my look together: Shoes ground an outfit, and my inspiration often starts here. I’d team my John Fluevog boots with black leggings, a patterned short dress and some amazing jewellery. I also like to mix vintage and current pieces for a unique look. If I could afford 1910-1920′s fashion, I’d wear it daily, no matter the occasion.
You’d never see me wearing: Crocs or Birkenstocks.
I find pieces for my look at: Eclectic boutiques, vintage-inspired shops and funky independent stores. Be willing to spend some money to look good – at least on a few key items.
Fashion icon: Louise Brooks and designer Paul Poiret.
I prevent my look from becoming predictable by experimenting with new colours and patterns, things I might not immediately be drawn to. I mix them with things I love to create an interesting fusion. I do the same with the music I sing: I might perform a few Broadway ballads in a classical concert to spice things up.
- Accentuate your good features – disguise the rest.
- Mascara. Always.
- Style is also about good posture and confidence!
- If you’re uncomfortable wearing something new, ask your closest friends for their reactions.
Famous Creatives: Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Gwen Stefani, Vivienne Westwood
Petra
Investment Banker, London, England.
Describe your look: Unexpected. Tailored (yet feminine). Colourful.
Style Personality: Dramatic
Key pieces in my wardrobe: Statement handbags and heeled shoes, fur coats and unique hats. I buy beautifully-cut clothes in amazing colours. If I want to increase the drama, I add red lipstick.
How I put my look together: I usually choose a colour and then build the whole outfit around that piece.
You’d never see me wearing: ballerina flats, cheap shoes or handbags – or trainers with a suit.
I find pieces for my look at: Sergio Rossi for shoes, and the German label, Riani, for clothes.
Fashion icon: Jennifer Lopez. She’s elegant and creative, and has a streak of the unexpected in her look. I like that.
I prevent my look from becoming predictable by aadding something ‘wrong’ or edgy to every outfit (like these aviator sunglasses with a feminine dress) to keep my look unique.
- Buy the best quality you can afford.
- Watch trends, but be driven by your body shape.
- Invest in good classic tailoring, BUT always in amazing colours.
- Get a great haircut.
- Madonna
- Naomi Campbell
- Jennifer Lopez
- Amy Winehouse
Angie John
Author, Spiritual Counselor and Mother, London, England.
Describe your look: Pretty, but practical (I’m the mother of a toddler!).
Style Personality: Romantic
Key pieces in my wardrobe: Flattering jeans, cashmere tops, colourful pashmina scarves and fitted jackets. And though I don’t wear them much at the moment, floaty tops and dresses, sequined evening gowns and beaded shoes.
How I put my look together: I draw different influences together. I love country chic, but with a twist, so I modernize and soften classic tailoring and fabrics with pretty details. Or I bring out my creative side by wearing a Native American Indian choker with a feminine top.
You’d never see me wearing: miniskirts, Doc Martens, facial piercings or anything punk.
Angie’s style secrets:- Experiment! Mix new and existing pieces in your wardrobe till your look feels right.
- Make an effort every day with clothes and make-up.
- Determine your body shape and dress accordingly.
- Remember to keep it fun!
I find pieces for my look at Monsoon in the UK. When I lived in Bahrain, I took in magazine photos of designer pieces to my tailor, which he sewed and modified for my hourglass shape.
Fashion icon: Coco Chanel. She demonstrated that women could wear trousers and still look feminine.
I prevent my look from becoming predictable by updating my make-up. My current favourite is a petrol-coloured eyeliner. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to stay on trend.
Famous Romantics:- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Jerry Hall
- Nicole Kidman
- Scarlett Johansson
Wait-staff trainer, London, England.
Describe your look: Simple. Appropriate. Softly-structured.
Style Personality: Classic
Key pieces in my wardrobe: My mother taught me to buy entire outfits, otherwise your closet is full of bits and pieces. My staples are classic coats and skirt suits in colours that don’t date; well-fitting trousers; cashmere polo-necks; and smart, coordinating accessories.
How I put my look together: I have one focal point in each outfit, like a lovely hat or piece of jewellery. I also never leave the house without lipstick and eyebrow pencil.
You’d never see me wearing: flowery ruffled things, or long baggy skirts to the ankles (they’re so ageing and matronly!).
I find pieces for my look at: Jaeger, Phase Eight and M&S. For shoes, Bally and John Lewis.
Fashion icon: Mary Quant, for her mastery of cut.
I prevent my look from becoming predictable by updating my shoes. There ARE comfortable yet current shoes out there – try wedges! Nothing undercuts your style more than frumpy outdated shoes.
- Be wary of body-conscious styles as you age (especially skirt and sleeve lengths). But, go for sleek – never shapeless!
- Colour is important. Find out what suits you.
- Keep your hair current and well-maintained.
- Always think: streamlined, groomed and coordinated.
Famous Classics: Angela Merkel, Hillary Clinton, Condoleeza Rice. Martha Stewart
Didem Erbatur
Creative Excellence Manager, Coca-Cola, Istanbul, Turkey.
Describe your look: Relaxed. Smart. Effortless.
Style Personality: Natural
Key pieces in my wardrobe: crisp white shirts and elegant flowing trousers, accessorized with original rings and earrings. Also, good quality handbags and comfortable shoes in simple, uncluttered styles.
How I put my look together: I’m inspired by shoes, and build my look from there. I dress for the occasion and according to my mood.
You’d never see me wearing: Anything too bright or showy – I don’t like looking ‘overdressed.’
I find pieces for my look at: Designer shops in the sales (especially shoes and bags); boutiques for special individual items; and good department stores for basics, like t-shirts.
Fashion icon: Cate Blanchett. She’s stylish without looking flashy.
I keep my look from becoming predictable by being meticulous about knowing what’s in my wardrobe. I update each season with new shoes, jewellery and accessories. But knowing what I already have makes it easier to add new items that work.
Didem’s style secrets:- Never wear anything that doesn’t feel right. It has to feel like ‘you’.
- Try EVERYTHING on before buying, even t-shirts.
- The fit and cut has to be perfect – this is even more important on simple clothes.
- Wear toning pieces, but have something special in each outfit – like sleek grey trousers with great purple shoes peeking out.
Famous Naturals: Kate Winslet, Lauren Hutton, Julia Roberts, Stefi Graff
Christine Livingston
Executive Coach, Facilitator and Blogger, London, England.
Describe your look: Elegant. Current. Fun.
Style Personality: City Chic
Key pieces in my wardrobe: Wool trousers in various colours and weights; structured jackets and cardigans; camisoles for layering; classic shoes, but with some detail; fitted skirts and dresses made of quality suiting material; and lots of interesting accessories.
How I put my look together: I like to give a chic look a twist. I team a fitted navy trouser suit with a white shirt, bright purple cashmere-silk sweater and purple shoes. I accessorize with long beads and a chunky silver bracelet. The cut of the jacket and the contrasting colours give this work-look some personality. Simple, but flattering make-up is also part of my everyday look.
You’d never see me wearing: Ugg boots.
I find pieces for my look at: Max Mara, LK Bennett, Jigsaw, Joseph and GAP. St. Cassien for shoes.
Fashion icon: Carla Bruni
I keep my look from getting predictable by constantly updating my hair (changing how I style and highlight it, and whether I have a fringe). With clothes, I keep my existing neutrals current by updating my accessories in seasonal colours.
- Buy quality fabrics such as wool, cashmere and linen. Think current rather than high-fashion.
- Scrunch-test fabrics! – if scrunching leaves creases, leave the item on the shelf!
- Build up an accessory wardrobe of great belts, scarves and costume jewellery to give your outfits personality.
- Ensure that your glasses and sunglasses are up-to-date.
Famous City Chics: Michelle Obama, Catherine Deneuve, Sharon Stone, Isabella Rosselini
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Thanks for taking the time to write. Your comments are appreciated and I hope you continue to find some useful and cool stuff in the writings section. Stay tuned in the next week or so for a new article on ‘What is Gorgeous now?’ I look forward to your comments in the future. Stylish wishes!
[...] part. Not difficult as I loved clothes. And, if I say so myself, had cracked the style code for my City Chic [...]
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