CHRISTINE

Christine

NOTE ON PHOTOS:
In my photos the 1st one is of me on my roofdeck drinking coffee.  I was on my way to a lunch at a friend’s new house that afternoon. I wore a white ruffle neck shirt from J.Crew outlet, consignment shop jeans, realllllly old cork wedge sandals, Urban Outfitters sunglasses and a scarf.  My coffee mug is from Anthropologie.

The 2nd picture is of me in my kitchen wearing a consignment Banana Republic silk shirt, $12 Forever 21 skinny jeans and consignment Calvin Klein wedges that I stretched to perfection with shoe stretch spray.

What is your biggest fashion indulgence or dream item to own if money weren’t an issue?

A Chanel quilted purse and a Cartier “Love” bracelet.

 What is your biggest fashion challenge in getting dressed each day?

I definitely have too many clothes.  I think I need Clinton and Stacy from that TV show to come over, because I have not yet found the willpower to truly purge my closet.
 
What fashion trend(s), during your lifetime have you disliked the most (and did you follow that trend anyway just to fit in?)?

Harem pants, bleach splashed/torn jeans, sweatpants with words on your bum, visible thongs, trucker hats, Crocs, Ed Hardy shirts, and the list could go on for days!

Quick note about Crocs— I must admit I do have a pair of ballet-flat style Crocs that were a gift from my mom and I use them for working outdoors only! Right now they are at my parent’s house, however, since at the moment I live in an apartment in the city and no longer have anywhere to garden/work outside.  I do think they are acceptable for gardening outside (which I love), washing your car or doing other cleaning activities in your yard since they have grippy soles and can be rinsed easily.  The ballet flat style is MUCH cuter than the clog style, but I still would never wear them outside of my backyard.
 
Where do you find your fashion inspiration?

Magazines, blogs/websites, walking down the street…. everywhere really!
 
What is the one essential item you think belongs in every stylish woman’s closet?

A trenchcoat/really fabulous coat.  If you have to run out to the store you could be in pajamas underneath and nobody would know!  On the outside you would still look as chic as Audrey Hepburn!
 
What advice would you give others who are trying to determine their own style?

If you don’t feel comfortable wearing it—its not for you.
 
 

CHERIE 

Cherie

What is your biggest fashion indulgence or dream item to own if money weren’t an issue?

I would love to have real diamond stud earrings rather than the CZs I’ve worn for years.  I’m a classic and never get tired of that look.

 What is your biggest fashion challenge in getting dressed each day?

I live on a farm  where I spend a great deal of time alone and I find myself just reaching for the same tired outfits every day – jeans and a t-shirt.  I try to remind myself that I’m dressing for me and that I should not be afraid to wear something a little nicer and to throw on some accessories as well.
 

What fashion trend(s), during your lifetime have you disliked the most (and did you follow that trend anyway just to fit in?)?

The trend I tried and hated on myself was the preppy look of the 80s.  I’m a feminine classic and that look was too harsh and boyish for me.  Thankfully, I didn’t spend too much time or money on that trend.  I think the best think for someone to do is purchase one or two items from a trend just to see how it works for you, rather than completely investing in a trend that might not be appropriate.
 

Where do you find your fashion inspiration?

I’m a people watcher and love to go to upscale dining and shopping areas to see what’s being worn and to get ideas to try. 
 

What is the one essential item you think belongs in every stylish woman’s closet?

I think a good, winter dress coat is essential.  I’ve seen so many lovely ladies ruin their look by throwing a casual jacket over a dressy outfit.  A coat that is classic yet suits a woman’s personality will last for many, many years.  I also think a well-fitted bra should also be an essential, as I’ve seen a great outfit look bad without a proper foundation.

What advice would you give others who are trying to determine their own style?

Consider your lifestyle and your physical attributes.  And what makes you feel comfortable.

EURO CHIC

Euro Chic

Outfit selected: This is pretty standard for me in the Spring as a pencil skirt and tee are both cool and comfortable while still being feminine and work appropriate. 
 

What is your biggest fashion indulgence or dream item to own if money weren’t an issue?

A genuine Jean Schlumberger White Enamel Bangle (and if $27,000 is ever pocket change I’ll take a green one too!)

What is your biggest fashion challenge in getting dressed each day?

 This changes almost from year to year, but these days the biggest challenge for me is that I have moved from the Southern US to New England and am having to learn to dress for a different climate than the one I grew up in. There are many things that I don’t have that I could really use (a pair of wellies, please!) and while I’m slowly building a more practical wardrobe for my new lifestyle as I can afford to do so it can be rather challenging to come up with ways to make do with what I have available right now and be comfortable, appropriate and still look and feel pulled together.
 

What fashion trend(s), during your lifetime have you disliked the most (and did you follow that trend anyway just to fit in?)?

The entire 1980’s and early 90’s!  I hated grunge especially and never stooped to that level.  I also hated stirrup pants but wore them because my mother made me. I did do splatter paint, neon shoestring barrettes, tight rolled pants w/penny loafers and Arizona jackets all to fit in.
 

Where do you find your fashion inspiration? 

 Jackie Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, old movies, the streets of Boston and ads from favorite stores.  I actually have a file on my computer where I save images from store websites and will recreate similar outfits based on what I have in my closet.
 

What is the one essential item you think belongs in every stylish woman’s closet?

A perfect white tee.  To me, the white tee is even more versatile than the LBD.  You can wear it with pretty much anything, dress it up or down…take it to a religious ceremony with a black skirt, pumps and pearls, a Friday night dinner with jeans, boots, a black blazer and lots of chain necklaces, a casual Sunday BBQ w/capris, flats sandals and simple bangle, or a business meeting with your black skirt, blazer, heels and pearls…
 

What advice would you give others who are trying to determine their own style?

Pay attention…look at what other women are wearing and determine what you like/dislike, check out store websites, catalogues and fashion magazines and save/rip out things you like. It helps to have a style icon (or two) who’s clothes and overall impression speaks to you.  Also, don’t expect to always get it right or for a miraculous transformation to happen overnight.  Personal style takes time to develop and is evolutionary.   And most of all, follow your instinct…if something doesn’t make you feel good and confident then don’t wear it and never let what other people say about your style cause you to sway.  Always, always be true to yourself.

ROBIN

Robin

This is my crop trench coat that I picked up from H&M. I saw a pic online of a woman in Paris who had on one in camel and fell in love!  You can roll up the sleeves and the sleeves are 3/4. So I love it for Spring and cool summer nights.  In most of the pics the shirt I have on is from J.Crew. I saw it online when it was regular price $70 or more. I decided that I would wait a while to see if I really could not live without it and then to my surprise it went on sale and I purchased it for $24.99. I have on my beloved Chanel bag that was given to me by my grandmother.  She is the smallest size (east west). 

What is your biggest fashion indulgence or dream item to own if money weren’t an issue?

It would most likely be a Hermes Kelly bag in black.  I love the timeless style of the bag and feel that I would not need another bag again!

What is your biggest fashion challenge in getting dressed each day?

 I would say my biggest fashion challenge would be adding some spice to my everyday uniform.  I love to wear a black or white t-shirt and jeans. 

What fashion trend(s), during your lifetime have you disliked the most (and did you follow that trend anyway just to fit in?)?

I never got into the neon colors and I don’t really care for the new shoulder pad trend that is in. It looks great on some people but I don’t think it would suit me at all.

Where do you find your fashion inspiration?

I love Sophia Copolla, Nicole Ritchie, Miroslava Duma, Giovanna Battaglia, and Emmanuelle Alt.  I also love to read fashion blogs like Garance Dore, The Satorialist, and Fabulous Florida Mommy.

What is the one essential item you think belongs in every stylish woman’s closet?

a nice bag.  I think a nice purse or accessories can make a boring outfit pop!  It does not have to be a very expensive handbag but I love it when I see people wear a basic white tee and jeans with a fabulous bag! (As you can see I love handbags)

What advice would you give others who are trying to determine their own style?

My advice would be to find inspiration on the internet and magazines.  Blogs are an excellent resource as you can see people who have different body types and get ideas of how to put clothing pieces together.  I also think it is important to find out what works for your body and what makes you feel special and go with that! 

LARIA

(Pink Pashmina photo):
My pink pashmina from Montmartre is soft, silky and dresses up my Springtime “uniform” of fitted t-shirt & skirt outfits.

 
(Brown polka dot dress photo):
Wrap dresses and knee boots are my perfect easy transitional weather pieces!
 

 
What is your biggest fashion indulgence or dream item to own if money weren’t an issue?

Biggest indulgence: handbags!
Dream Item: a Chanel suit
 
What is your biggest fashion challenge in getting dressed each day?

Trying to look professional but not staid!

What fashion trend(s), during your lifetime have you disliked the most (and did you follow that trend anyway just to fit in?)?

I would say the MC Hammer harem pants and jackets with heavy shoulder pads – but I only dislike them on me as my figure is hourglass-y. They can look quite avant garde on the right woman!

Where do you find your fashion inspiration?

On people I see on the street on their way to work – everyday I see a detail that is beautiful and interesting that enlivens their conservative dress, such as a bright orange bead bracelet, or lime green slingback shoes, or cherry red lipstick…
And of course, from chic bloggers such as the author of this one!

What is the one essential item you think belongs in every stylish woman’s closet?

Only one? Oh dear…I would say hot knee boots! Or a great investment bag.

What advice would you give others who are trying to determine their own style?

Stay true to your personality and tastes, and dress to flatter your own unique and beautiful figure – if you choose items that make you feel good, it will show!
(And my gorgeous Mum would add – always wear lipstick!)

email me at mammaitaliana23@gmail.com

Thanks!

I’m happy to report that I had to change out of my jeans in the afternoon and put on a black jersey skirt for my Sunday dinner guests because it was soooo hot! Yea. It is about time.

We had roast (the fail proof roast recipe is in my book); potatoes, carrots, salad, rolls and Dairy Queen for dessert. Oh, and of course, wine!

After church and between dinner, I attended a writer’s workshop and got some good resources for finding an agent and getting published (my fiction novel).

On My Nightstand:

On My Nightstand:

The God of Small Things – One of my book clubs picked this. I’m about halfway into it, though I think I may have read it in the past. It is good, but not something I can’t wait to get back to every night.

Reading Lolita in Tehran — A thrift store buy I have just barely begun — on the back burner for now. So far, it seems like it is going to be really good.

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers — I bought this on the recommendation from Phyllis Bourne (see side bar) who is a published author. I read the first chapter but am saving the rest for when the first draft of my novel is complete.

The Nautical Chart by Arturo Perez-Reverte — I adore this author and snatched this up at the thrift store. Also in a holding pattern until the library books and book club books are read. I can’t complain — I love having TOO MANY good books waiting beside my bedside to read!

My Spanish Book — I realized that outside my normal life, I have room for one great passion — This year it is completing my novel. Next year will be studying Spanish again. I am the type of person who becomes so immersed in what they are doing I have a hard time spreading myself out.

This is why I quit my job as a newspaper reporter when I had kids. As a reporter, I was obsessed! It consumed my entire life. When I had children, that passion shifted to them. There was no room for both. A friend who knew me well told me she wasn’t surprised that I had to quit my job because she knew me as having so much passion for what I did that she couldn’t imagine me doing both.

MY DVD: has been neglected. I don’t watch very many movies when it is summer and so nice out.

Casting Call

As many of you know, my favorite post this past year (yes today has been one year of regular posting) was the Chic Friends post. It was fantastic to “meet” so many of my readers and fellow bloggers, post pictures of them and hear their thoughts on style.

I want to do a spring edition and hope you will participate. You can be a regular reader, blogger, anything … would love to hear from you.

What I need is an email expressing your interest and then later on I’ll give you details about submitting a photo and answering a few short questions.

See the first post on Chic Friends to get an idea.

http://labellafigura.net/chic-friends/

If you are interested, please email me at: mammaitaliana23@gmail.com

PS Because it is the Spring Edition, anyone who participated in the winter one, please feel free to participate again — this time we will focus on (obviously) spring outfits instead of winter ones. Thanks!