The best dressed St. Louisans of 2019

Posing inside the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park, 10 St. Louisans show us what it means to have style.

by

Izzy Polanco

29, owner @luvdubkids; reseller @restyledbyizzy; closet organizer @happyspacesbylizzy

How do you define your style? I don’t think that I have one style; it’s dictated by my moods and how I’m feeling. You don’t need a special occasion to dress up. I could be in a little black dress or in combat boots and be comfortable.

What one item do you reach for when you want to look pulled together without too much effort? A good blazer. I usually have one in the car. Even if I’m just wearing sneakers, I’ll throw on a blazer and can walk in anywhere and still look presentable. I also love a band jacket with gold buttons. It gives me that rockstar vibe; it’s a fashion statement without having to worry too much about the rest of your outfit.

What person—public figure or private citizen—would make your best dressed list? I really do love Tania Beasley-Jolly. I’m obsessed with her style, and I identify with her. I think she’s classy, and her outfits are timeless, as well as statement pieces. She wears her clothes well.

What style element from your native Dominican Republic do you incorporate into your St. Louis wardrobe? I don’t think there’s necessarily a style, but my dad would always go to work in a suit. He made a point of it. You’re often perceived and treated according to how you dress. I do feel differently when I put together a nice outfit.

In what instances do you break the bank for fashion? A purse, any day, anytime. Most of my clothes are thrifted or secondhand, but a purse…every woman should have one investment piece. My pink Christian Dior Lady bag stands out, even more than my Chanel. It’s a classic, but pink is not my favorite color, and so it gets me out of my comfort zone.

What are your best tips for shopping secondhand? To be patient. It takes time; it takes a trained eye. The more you do it, the better you get at it.

What is your favorite beauty product? A good red lipstick, preferably from Chanel.

Does your fashion match your home design? No, I don’t think so. My home décor is very simple; it doesn’t change much. I’m able to play more with my [personal] style. My clothes are my alter ego.

Who is your favorite fashion designer? Carolina Herrera. One day I want to wear one of her gowns.

What color do you most like to wear? Black is my go-to, but I love any color. If I had to pick one, it would be royal blue.

Arsenio Mims

30, attorney, Dowd Bennett  

Describe your style. Simple but thoughtful. I’m not an extravagant dresser. In order to see the details, you have to pay attention, which is why I wear my crazy socks. I like to stay fly on a budget. A lot of my suits I’ll catch on sale and take to my tailor. It’s something I’ve been doing for years, and I just love that.  

Why do you prefer bow ties to regular ties? There are a variety of reasons. While I like to dress, I also like to stand out, and not everyone can wear a bow tie. When I was younger, I would watch movies and wonder why I would see only one out of 100 men wearing a bow tie. I decided then that I wanted to be a bow tie guy. I also refuse to wear a bow tie that’s been pre-tied. I like to tie it myself.

Is it difficult to tie a bow tie? I watched a YouTube video to learn. I knew how to tie a bow tie before I knew how to tie a regular tie. I’m a paisley guy. As for the color, I’m more of a bright-color type of guy. It just goes better with my complexion—so a lot of pink, turquoise, lighter as opposed to darker colors. I also match them to my socks. When I walk you, can see the pop of color—or if I cross my legs, you’ll immediately notice my socks. Most of them I buy on clearance racks or on sale for $5.

What one item don’t you leave home without? My cufflinks.

Do you dress up every day? This summer I was more casual, because I worked from home quite a bit and it was hot. People from the office would say, “Arsenio, what is wrong with you?” I’d tell them, “It’s summer; it’s hot. Don’t worry; I’ll be back to my regular self come fall.” Your first impression is a lasting impression. I never know who may walk into the office, so I have to be ready for anything.

What would we find you wearing on a weekend or day off? I’d probably be in workout clothes, going to the gym, leaving the gym, or taking my son to the gym. There’s no in-between. I should be getting paid for wearing Nike, because that is all I wear.

On what occasion will you splurge on clothes? If I have a special event. When was the last time? I guess it was my law school graduation. I didn’t have a job, but I saved up money for months so I could buy what I wanted. I went to Express, and I also bought a pair of Cole Haan shoes. To this day, I still wear the shoes. If there’s something I’m looking forward to, then I’ll definitely splurge.

You played Division I basketball. In your opinion, which NBA player is the best dressed? LeBron James. He brought the short Thom Browne suit to everyone’s attention. It’s a suit, but instead of pants, it’s shorts. It was such a clean [look]. I would splurge on one of those, or the bag that he carried with it. You see how simple and different and elegant it is? It pops, even though it’s simple.

Custom, or off-the-rack? I do off-the-rack. I haven’t done custom yet, but I’m going to do it. I gotta have a custom suit.

What clothing or shoe item do you plan to buy for the fall or winter season? I don’t know…but you talk about splurging… I want to get myself a pair of Christian Louboutin loafers. Like I said, I’m simple; I like the black ones. You wouldn’t know they’re Louboutins until you saw the red sole.

Meghan Heeter

35, Interior designer, Castle Design

Describe your style for us. I’m somewhere between Southern belle and city girl chic. I love printed flowers and cowboy boots in the fall; leather details, interesting embroidery. I appreciate a country vibe, but I also love pieces that are fashion forward.

When did you discover your love of fashion? I’ve always loved fashion. The women in my family are very stylish, and I’ve been shopping with my grandmother for as long as I can remember. I love to feel the fabrics; I like to explore. It’s one of the major reasons I got into design.

What one item is on your wish list for this year? A beautiful pair of tall Western boots. I’ve been looking at Lucchese boots made in Texas. They’re well made and gorgeous.

Does your love of clothes enhance your work as an interior designer? Absolutely. You need to be able to put a look together, whether it’s at home or on the body; the principles are the same. You want a sofa that’s gorgeous, but if it doesn’t fit or flatter a space, it isn’t worth it. Likewise, with clothes, if they don’t fit or flatter you, they’re not worth it.

You’ve got 15 minutes to spare and your laptop is open. To which shopping site do you turn? Probably Shopbop. They carry some fun brands and others that everyone has heard of. If you’ve got 15 minutes to spare, then you’re getting everything all at once.

What public figure do you consider the best dressed? I really love Emily Blunt. She has a feminine, beautiful look, and then she always wears something that’s unexpected…a detail that makes her look unique.

With whom do you love to shop? My Grandma JoAnne. If we go to a museum, the first place we go to is the museum shop. We shop together at least once a month.

How might you “dress” the Frank Lloyd Wright house, the location of our shoot? Interior design, like fashion, should elevate and enhance, not take away. That’s why I’d incorporate soft textures, from shearling upholstery to linens, in a neutral palette to ensure that Wright’s architecture is the star of the show. I’d also look to Schumacher’s fabric collection, based on Wright’s original drawings. These historic textiles would add the perfect touch of pattern to the interior.

Dresses, or skirts? I think skirts, though I’m always looking for a fabulous dress! But I love pairing a skirt with a waist belt and casual top. My uniform for work is a skirt and T-shirt unless I have an install, and then it’s tennis shoes and jeans.

Who’s your favorite fashion designer? I love Alice Temperley. She’s got such beautiful things. There’s always something unique, usually embroidery, and I appreciate the craftsmanship of her pieces.

How does a person become a good shopper? I think it’s important to experiment with fashion but know that it’s a trial-and-error proposition. The more time you invest in it, the more you learn about your style and what fits you well.

Jim McKelvey

53, co-founder, Third Degree Glass Factory, Square; founder, LaunchCode, Invisibly; economist, philanthropist

In what clothes do you feel the most like yourself? Jeans and a tee. If I gotta crawl into a dumpster, I can do it. It happened just six weeks ago, when something got thrown away in error. There we were, five guys inside a 30-yard dumpster. The interesting thing was, I was prepared to do it.

How do you describe your style? My basic style has been extremely practical. In the glass studio, it’s cotton T-shirts that I got from my father years ago. Interestingly enough, in Silicon Valley they don’t take you seriously if you overdress. If you put on more than jeans and a tee in Silicon Valley, even something as commonplace as a sleeved shirt with a cross check, they think you don’t know how to program a computer. When I travel, I like my black Theory sweater—I’ve gotten more mileage out of that than you would believe—but if I’m doing something with the Federal Reserve, I’ll wear one of my Burberry suits, which fit me off the rack. All of a sudden, skinny is cool.

What are some of the biggest differences between dressing for work in San Francisco and dressing for work in St. Louis? In St. Louis there is freedom to wear anything: a suit and tie, somedays shorts and a tee and flip-flops. People in St. Louis are accepting of me in any mode, especially the people I work with. Sometimes I’ll be coming from the studio with black hands [from working with tools and materials], and they accept me in a meeting of bankers. In New York or California, I’m more conscious of the way I look. I believe that people are making more judgments based on the cut of my jeans. I have jeans appropriate for San Francisco and not approved for San Francisco. In San Francisco, you will not catch me in a pair of unapproved jeans, because if I do [wear them], people will want to talk about that.

What’s your favorite brand of jeans? I think it’s J Brand, the Tyler cut. There is a ridiculous amount of dye in them—any white surface is in danger of turning indigo—but there’s not much you can do about that if you want to wear them. They are cut so I can wear them: super skinny.

If you could bring back one past trend, from any time period, what would it be? The tucked-in shirt, the idea of tucking in a shirt. When I’m untucked, I feel…it’s sort of a dangerous thing. It can get caught; it can get snagged [in equipment].

How has your style changed? In the last 10 years, I’ve become conscious of it. When I was in San Francisco, I was with a group of people, well-to-do, intelligent, successful people, and all they were talking about is clothing. I was shocked. I had been so neglectful of how I present. I’ve been distracting people with the wrong clothes. So I decided to make a conscious effort to not distract: If I’m in D.C., I’m in a suit; in Silicon Valley, a T-shirt and J Brand jeans. In a meeting representing the Fed, the directors are in a suit and tie. If I’m with tech execs, there’s a lot of black. I’m trying to not call attention to how I look. I don’t want that to be a conversation.

So when you realized that you were “distracting people with the wrong clothes,” how did you go about remedying that? I had my wife take me to Saks Fifth Avenue and essentially re-wardrobe me. At the time, I was asked to be in a Super Bowl commercial, and the folks were concerned about my wardrobe. That was the impetus for the rebranding, essentially: I gotta be in the Super Bowl commercial, and I  better get my act together.

In what city are you most inspired to go shopping for yourself? If I’m in New York City, the shops downtown, if you have the time, are great. I like Uniqlo a lot. [In general], the only clothes that fit me off the rack are in Turkey. It was such a relief to put on a shirt and not have 10 inches of extra fabric around the waist. The Turks have a different cut of shirt. But generally in the more international cities I can find things that I can wear. Or I gotta get it altered.

What one accessory do you always carry with you? A Square Reader; I’m always prepared to take a payment.

Who do you think is the best-dressed public figure? Jack Dorsey; he’s been changing his look and not letting others define him. He has a lot of things that I believe are under his control, and not what a tech exec “should” be. I respect his independence.

Pam Schlichter

39, publicist and owner, Pam Schlichter Communications  

How do you describe your style? I lean toward the classics and on-trend details. I like to buy pieces that I feel can carry me through multiple seasons. I stay clear of clothes that I won’t want to wear anymore after one season.

What fall trends are you seeing now that you might indulge in? I’m loving the high boots that I keep seeing over jeans and with dresses and skirts. Ulla Johnson has a great pair with a lace-up detail up the back, an interesting twist while still classic and chic.

What is the biggest difference for you between your work and your off-duty look? With my career, the two are intermixed. I don’t have a certain style for one or the other. With my job, I can wear what I want to wear and be me; I don’t have to be in a suit every day. I love practical pieces that would work for a business lunch and also for a night out. I love a blazer, a white tee, and jeans. On the weekend, I might wear it with sneakers.

When did you know you loved fashion? If you ask my mom, she would say I was born with a love of fashion. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to shop. When you’re young, you’re always outgrowing your clothes, and I loved going shopping with my mom and picking up new things at the beginning of each season. I spent 13 years working in fashion in New York City. Being so deep in that industry, working with so many designers and editors, I was in tune with fashion and style.

What one accessory do you love? A gold chunky necklace from my grandmother. I have a lot of her pieces that I love.

Where do you go to get your fashion news? It’s changed so much from the beginning of my career. It used to be the print magazines, and we waited for the September issue or the spring issue to come out. Now, with everyone online and on Instagram, it’s instantaneous. I do a lot of scrolling through Instagram. I also love the Off Duty section of The Wall Street Journal; it’s tight and clean. Whatever I read in there is interesting to me.

Tote, or handbag? That’s something I struggle with. I live two lives: work and mom. When I’m on the go, I love a good tote, but a handbag makes me feel like I’m off duty from work and motherhood. I don’t know that I could choose just one.

Where do you shop when you need some retail therapy? I tend to shop online; it’s so easy to get things sent to me. Sometimes I do crave the opportunity to try things on in the store. I love to wear clothes by Ganni, Ulla Johnson, Warm, Staud, and Loveshackfancy; Frame and L’Agence for denim; Tabitha Simmons for shoes. I also love my Golden Goose sneakers. For inspiration, I go to Le Catch, an online shopping blog/newsletter.

Whose designs do you just love to look at? I love looking at Johanna Ortiz’s clothes. Even her bathing suits from this past summer, I thought, were so beautiful. I’ve also been noticing Molly Goddard.

What about St. Louis, at the moment, is exciting to you? Bluemercury is opening right by my house, so that’s exciting! They carry a great edit of beauty products, and it’s so good for the neighborhood.

Jeff Abeln

35, personal stylist and shopper, Neiman Marcus

How do you describe your style? It’s all over the place, in a great way. I’m big into high-end luxury streetwear, ripped-up jeans, graphic tees, and colorful shoes. At night, if I’m dressing up, I’ll throw on a blazer with a pocket square. The key to being a good dresser is having range—but it’s not all about what you wear; [it’s] how you wear it. By all means, you don’t have to spend a million to look like a million.

Why should we all shop more retail? For me, it’s the personal touch. With online shopping, the merchandise will often show up in the wrong size, the wrong color. In contrast, I have everything prepared for my clients before they come in so that when they do, they’re, like, “Yes, yes, probably not, yes.” Time is valuable, and people are busy. We’re going to fit the clothes the way the client needs them to fit in order to look their best.

What are some of the biggest mistakes men make when building a wardrobe? I think a lot of men are timid. In my job, I want to respect a budget and respect what a client wants to do fashion-wise, but I also want to get them a bit outside of their comfort zone. The key is to get the client there. You don’t have to do too much, but I think it’s imperative that you take [some] risk. If I can convince them to trust me enough to do that, they’ll like the results… They get the compliments, and then it’s, “OK, Jeff, I’m with you.” That’s the most rewarding part.

Who is your biggest style inspiration? I grab a few pieces from multiple people, but I’m never a carbon copy. Fashion is personal.

When did you discover your love of fashion? I was working in TV, and the Rams were still in St. Louis. Steven Jackson probably got me started on this. We finished an interview, we were wrapping up, and he asked where I got my jacket. He got that ball rolling and encouraged me to do something in fashion. I think life’s about tracking down your passion. Making people feel great is a great feeling.

What three items of clothing should every man own? A dark well-fitted sport coat, a pair of Chelsea-style boots, and sharp shirt or a good-looking turtleneck. Within a month, we’re going to find out who really knows how to dress. Fall is all about getting dressed.

If you could bring back one era in time, what would that be? The Al Capone gangster days: the double-breasted suits, the hats, the interesting collars and ties. The guys really dressed up.

Who are some of your favorite designers? Virgil Abloh at Off-White, Prada, Dior, and Burberry. Alessandro Michele at Gucci changed the game for fashion. There are no rules; just wear it. I echo those statements. It’s all about confidence. When you step into a room, people can really pick up on it.

You see so much at work. How do you refrain from buying everything you love? We all fall victim to retail therapy. We’re all guilty of it, but what are the necessities? Invest in what you’re going to get a lot of use out of.

What are your thoughts about tailoring clothes?  You should tailor your clothes, without question. You could buy a $4,000 Zegna suit, but if it’s not tailored perfectly to you, it’s just a waste of money. The same goes for shirts and pants. My clients know my expectations about how things should fit. The worst is when you see a really nice Canali suit and it looks sloppy.

Susan Emerson

68, home renovator, community volunteer

How do you describe your style? Minimalist, clean lines, monochromatic, unfussy. I don’t think I’ve ever worn anything with a bow or a flounce. I don’t think I own anything with lace; no ruffles. I like things streamlined, because they make my life easier. Even my hair is easy. I had my own home renovation business for 12 years—before cell phones, before computers—and I really had to plan things out. There was no time for fussing with hair and makeup. Now, I wouldn’t want it any other way. That’s how my style evolved: It came out of necessity, and now it’s just me.

What are some of your favorite materials? I have my degree in textiles, so fabrics are important to me. They need to feel good, have a good hand, drape well. I love linen, but it lets me down because it doesn’t present itself well; it’s so prone to wrinkling. I love wool, cashmere, some synthetics. In a rack full of stuff, just by feeling the fabric I know if I’ve hit a winner.

Do you like to shop or do you find it a chore? I shop in two places: One is Barneys New York, and the other is in consignment, thrift stores, and online for thrift. If you know what you want, and you know what looks good on you, you can find great things in off-price shops. I tend not to wear the same things often, so it makes sense to buy at a reasonable price, at a resale shop, or to have Emily [Elbert, of Byrd Designer Consignment Boutique] take it in on consignment. It makes me feel better about not using something too often.

What beauty product do you always replenish? SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum is hideously expensive, but putting that serum on clean skin has served me well. It’s not going to turn back time, but it delays the marching where you don’t want it to go.

Whose style do you admire? I’d have to think. Everyone that pops into mind is overdone.

Whose designs do you love to wear? I love Celine, Jil Sander… I love Helmut Lang. I love Jenni Kayne. I became acquainted with her clothes in Montecito and just fell in love with the look.

In what instances is decorating a home similar to getting yourself dressed up? You decorate your home for yourself but, at the same time, to convey a message about your aesthetics. I know people whose motto is “It’s not done until it’s overdone.” That’s not me. I’ll take off two things [instead of getting dressed and then taking off one piece]; I’m always editing my closet and myself. At home I’m always packing, donating clothes, putting things away. When I was a buyer, my job was to predict what people would want. As someone who renovates homes, I always have the buyer in mind and tailor the home to them. How you dress is how people perceive you.

What clothing item are you most looking forward to buying for the fall? A ribbed crewneck sweater—and the reason I want it is because I’ll be traveling: I can shove in a bag, tie it around my waist, and it works in various climates. I guess I have everything I need. Maybe a pair of Mother brand jeans in a dark wash… but a cotton sweater will take me anywhere.

You were a model at one time. What’s the best advice you’ve been given about taking a great photograph? I’m married to a photographer. I know what I need to do: I need to be more relaxed. I’m much better with people than with a camera.

Eduardo Nieuwenhuyzen

42, senior creative director, Allen Edmonds

Tell us about your background. I was born in Brazil. My mom is Japanese; my father is Italian. We lived in Indonesia and Singapore. We moved to São Paulo for high school, and I went to college at Washington University. I wanted to be in pediatrics. Ultimately, I focused on an art career and got a business degree.

How does your background influence the way you dress? I mix and match, I experiment. Batik is very basic, comfortable, and I wear looser, lighter fabrics in the springtime. Being exposed to different ways and cultures gives you license to experiment. You’re willing to give it a go. There’s a confidence that it’s not the end of the world [if it doesn’t work out].

How did your love of fashion begin? A lot is attributed to my mom. She’s creative, eccentric, and fashion was a big part of her life. I remember, as a child, going into the stores where she was working and being surrounded by beautiful people. I didn’t own a [formal] jacket forever—everything was very casual, so texture and color played a larger role. That was the origins.

What accessory are you never without? I started a sock business because I love socks. They’re the new tie. People express themselves with socks; they demonstrate their personalities. My mom used to say, “If you’re caught doing anything, be at your best.” Underwear and socks embody that statement. Knowing it’s there gives you confidence, it’s like an inside joke that you have with yourself.

Given your position, what do men want in clothes? At one time, fashion was confidence and a statement of your financial strength and prestige. The clothing demonstrated your club, like an automobile would. Now fashion is changing. Men are given permission to be dapper. It’s not a specialty; it’s a requirement. I attribute that to [fashion] newcomers who are making it more accessible. Clothing is a conversation-starter. The story behind the piece is sometimes more meaningful than the piece itself. It’s a discovery.

If you’re buying one item for fall, what would it be? A long coat or a beautiful scarf by Paul Smith. Scarves add a dimension to your outfit that people don’t often think about.

You’re going out for a night in St. Louis. What are you wearing? Depends on my mood. If it’s casual with friends, then a luxury sneaker and jeans. Liverpools are starting to grow on me.  At night, a light color will catch people’s eyes.

What’s the deal with raw denim? Raw denim is my new favorite jean. I like this guy out of California who started his own jean company, Civilianaire.

Who’s your favorite men’s fashion designer? Prada or Gucci. I’m always drawn to design from Italy. As of late [at work], we’re focused on celebrating the American aesthetic. The look is derived from the Western movement. The design is chunky, bold, and utilitarian. I’m really drawn to it.

Sneakers, or boots? Very hard—but we’re going into fall, so boots, of course. Guys are hesitant, though, so I ask them, “In what type of shoe did astronauts first walk on the moon?” It’s a trailblazing shoe. Anything that’s bold and confident was done in a boot.

Darryl Tyler 

40, clothier, Tailored Gents Custom Clothiers

How would you describe your style? A modern traditionalist. I love a classic suit, a sport coat. I have a flair for color and color schemes. I accessorize down to the shoes.

What do you think is the first thing people notice about you? I think it’s my attention to detail. There is thought put into a navy suit; the shirt has a pattern. But I’m also tall and know how to pull looks together.

What do you tend to notice first about people? How much time did they take putting together their look, and how did it come together? It doesn’t need to be complex, but do the pieces complement each other and do they complement the person? When you walk past someone, you form an opinion about them: What is that person trying to convey through their clothes?

Why should a man care about dressing well? I think it’s OK to care about how you look and carry yourself. If you’re in flip-flops and a T-shirt, you want to be comfortable. That’s fine. How you dress is a reflection of yourself. It’s important to look your best, but it doesn’t have to mean you’re in a $3,000 Tom Ford suit. But there are all these little things a man should do to gain respect. The more you do that, the more the world responds to you in that way.

What one custom item should every man own? A navy blazer or a sport coat in a shade of blue, because it’s the most universal color. You can dress it up or down. Wear it in a business setting, with a tie or without, with jeans or chinos. It’s all four seasons. I always start there with my clients.

Who would make your Best Dressed List? James Buford, the retired president of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

What common mistake do you see men make with regard to their clothes? Most guys come to me for two reasons: They’re looking for something different, or looking for a better fit. Many times it’s the fit first and then the look, but not everyone can afford custom. It’s a luxury. So have your off-the-rack clothing altered. Oftentimes there’s too much “shirt fat.” A tailor can pin the sides, do the sleeves for minimal cost, and you’ll have a shirt that fits you much better.

When did you know you loved fashion? It started in eighth grade. I would take my dad’s button-down shirts and dress them up. Even back then with all the athletic clothes, the big sweatshirts, the high-rolled jeans, I was dressing up.

It’s the holiday season. If I’m a guy, how do I treat myself? A velvet tux jacket. It’s an awesome material for holidays. If you want to splurge, I love to see the guy in something out of the ordinary.

Who’s your favorite designer? I draw inspiration from how the Italians dress. They aren’t afraid to use color and to be bold with the lapel. They’re very expressive. The British are more about a conservative, traditional fit. They focus on the cloth, which is great—I like that, too—but I love how the Italians aren’t afraid to mix and match colors that you normally wouldn’t see together.

Nina D’Angelo

28, social media coordinator and merchandising manager, Paperdolls Boutique

When did you realize that you had a knack for styling? Since I was a kid, when I would play with my Barbies; it was something I loved to do. It grew into a passion.

Who is your style inspiration? It’s kind of a mix of people. I love Olivia Palermo. I love Rachel Zoe; since day one, she’s been my style icon. My mom is fashion-forward, and she’s an inspiration.

What’s your routine for getting dressed? I have a pretty quick routine, because I have so many staples. I’m not trendy, I have amazing pieces and I love being able to mix high-end with a reasonably priced item. I’m always true to myself and to my style. I’m not trying to be anyone else. You see a lot of people on social media following a trend. I’m not trying to follow a trend.

What’s your favorite part of the job? I’m creating a look that I love. I’m inspiring people through my taste and my style. I run all of our photo shoots. As soon as we get merchandise in, I pick the models. However, I’m not the buyer. I have to figure out a way to make each piece sell. Maybe not everyone wants to dress like me, or wear the pieces that I like, but I try to bring that edge to their look.

Where do you like to shop? I love resale. I love going to T.J. Maxx. I also like Poshmark. Revolve.com has a ton of brands. I shop strategically. I’ll find some of my favorite pieces and then go to Poshmark to see if I can get them there. Even if I don’t find the exact same piece, I find something similar and snag it for a lower price.

What do you have your eye on for fall? I love a good strappy sandal—those are big for fall with a straight-leg jean. The girlfriend jean is a new take on the mom jean. For fall, it’s all about denim.

What do you see as women’s most challenging style issue? A lot of what I hear is about fit, or that the client could never pull off a [specific] look. We do get a lot of that, because we cater to women of all ages. I want to get women outside of their boxes. Maybe you could make something trendy their speed but still with that edge.

What is your dream fashion job? I would love to style for someone famous or at a larger-scale company, to be part of a photo shoot team or magazine. I can see myself opening up my own [personal styling] company. I love seeing how people feel after I create something for them.

What is your secret to looking good for everyday? One of my secrets is finding something that truly fits—even if it costs a little more. I’m thinking denim. Jeans go a long way, because you can dress them up and down. Beauty-wise, because I have super-dry skin, I use Aquaphor. Not enough people know enough about it. I’ll use it on my lips, if I’m on the run; on my eyelashes; with a mixture of blush for a dewy look. I also use it to tame flyaways on a slicked-back pony.

What brand of jeans would we find in your closet? Frame; I also have my eye on a pair of Pistola jeans. There are reasonably priced jeans at H&M. You have to get them tailored, but every time I wear them, I get compliments.

Hair & Makeup Brady Nance

Photo Assistants Marcus Mader, Ian Wasserman

Photo Retoucher Curt von Diest

Special Thanks The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park

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