“My closets (I have three small ones) are divided up into categories--fall, winter and spring/summer. I know I'm lucky to have the space that I have but it still really helps to stay organized. These are my winter and spring/summer closets.”
“Here you get a better view of my closet setup. It's pretty generous by NYC standards. I'm wearing my go-to outfit--BCBG skirt, American Apparel tee, long necklace and heels!”
“I'm a total accessories girl--I love costume jewelry, fine jewelry, you name it! I'm constantly switching things up, but the two pieces I always wear are a gold "L" pendant (I have 5 or 6 different ones) and my grandmother's gold and pearl ring that she gave me this past Christmas.”
“The one thing I don't have space for in my closet is my shoes--I can only fit a limited number inside, so I tend to just keep most of them lined up where I can see them. Makes for an easier selection process! I'm pretty proud of my collection. These shoes have seen some fun times!”
Describe your style.
I used to try to define my style, but, over the past couple of years, I've realized that I really can't. I think if I could best describe it, I'd say it's polished with a bit of a laid-back edge. I love to look girly and wear ruffles and florals in lightweight, flowy fabrics with sky-high heels, but I also love wearing graphic prints, plaid, a great pair of kicks (I recently designed a pretty sweet pair on Miaddidas.com) or motorcycle boots with funky accessories, like long necklaces and tons of bangles.
Who is your style icon?
I really look to Jennifer Lopez for style inspiration. She, like me, doesn't seem to define her style as being one particular way. Sometimes you'll see her in something really feminine, like pastels with delicate jewelry and she'll go really natural with her makeup, but other times she'll hit it harder and you'll see her in something glam like sequins and boots, with bold makeup. Plus, I love the way she's always carried herself as a proud, intelligent Hispanic woman. That, in itself, is very stylish.
What is your favorite piece in your closet and why?
For my birthday last year, my parents and my sister got me the most amazing and generous gift--a limited edition black quilted Chanel bag with a silver chain strap. It's beyond beautiful. I realize the value of a dollar, so I'm very protective of her (yes, sometimes I refer to the bag as "her"!)
What is your go-to ensemble?
I love pairing one of my black BCBG high-waisted pencil skirts with a lightweight America Apparel v-neck cotton tee tucked in, black tights (if it's cold), heels and a long necklace. It feels polished but cool.
Who are your favorite designers and where do you like to shop?
Narrowing it down to favorites is hard! I would say DVF, Theory, BCBG and Marc by Marc Jacobs for dresses and skirts, American Apparel for tees and leggings, Chanel and Cole Haan for bags, Christian Louboutin, Brian Atwood, Steve Madden and Pedro Garcia for shoes and Banana Republic, J.Crew and my friend Robyn Rhodes for accessories. Plus I love Topshop, H&M, Urban Outfitters--all the places you can get cool pieces at affordable prices! And Saks has an insane shoe floor if you're looking to splurge.
What was your first designer purchase?
My black and white mohair Louboutins. They mean a lot to me because they were the first designer purchase I made with my own money after I started working at InStyle. Before that, I had never made a big purchase for myself, and, since then, I try to do most of my designer shopping at sample sales. But I'll never forget sitting at Saks and trying them on... it was magical. Four years later, I still wear them and take VERY good care of them. They're classics!
What is your biggest splurge?
In addition to my black and white Louboutins, I have a few DVF dresses I love that, while not cheap, were totally worth the price tag. Her dresses are seriously made of magic and I know i'll have them forever. They fit like a dream!
If you could trade closets with one person for a day, who would it be?
Jennifer Lopez
What is on your shopping list this season?
I'd like to give my Chanel bag a mini companion, but I'm going to buy it as a birthday present for myself this time. I'd like to buy a smaller version of the bag I have in either cream or red, I haven't yet decided, with a gold chain strap. A good pair of espadrilles. I have a pair, but I wore them so often last summer that I think I need to retire them. I may invest in a pair from Stuart Weitzman this time around. I'm going to try out the romper this summer. I'm not sure if it will work on me, but I'm going to give it a whirl!
Name 10 important things everyone should have in their closet.
1. 2-3 black pencil skirts
2. A pair of black platform heels
3. Lightweight V-neck t-shirts in a variety of colors (you can never have too many)
4. A few pairs of fitted jeans (straight leg or skinny, whatever works for you) in a dark wash
5. A few pairs of black tights and leggings
6. 1-2 classic white button down shirts
7. A black blazer
8. A trench coat
9. Gold hoop earrings (they look good on every girl)
10. A lightweight cardigan
Share one style secret.
Don't be afraid to take it there. How you dress goes hand in hand with how you feel and how you feel goes hand in hand with your confidence level. You'd be surprised what taking a few fashion risks can do for your attitude. You never want to feel like you've boxed yourself in when it comes to your style. Try new things--if you usually wear flats, try a platform pump, if you usually go for a nude lip gloss, try a bold red lipstick, if you usually wear shift dresses, try wearing something more fitted. Not all trends work on every person, but don't shoot anything down until you've tried it. It's the biggest risks that usually yield the biggest rewards in the end!
Visit PeopleStyleWatch.com
Follow People StyleWatch on Twitter @StyleWatchMag
Become a fan on Facebook!
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Super jealous of her shoe collection...
P.P.S. Note to Liz, I think you would get a ton of wear out of the cream chanel!