This has got to be my all-time favorite post since I began blogging last year. I feel so lucky to have all these chic women as readers of my blog. I constantly benefit from their lazer sharp insight into style and wardrobe issues, not to mention other advice in general and now I can share their tips with you. Enjoy! I know I sure did. Thank you so much for participating everyone! PS You can find the links to all the people who are also bloggers on the right hand side under “inspiration.”
AAONCE —————————————————————————————————————————–
Aaonce
Tell me a little bit about this outfit and why you chose it?
I don’t really have a “go to” outfit, but I do have a capsule wardrobe and each piece represented in this picture (as well as other items in my closet) are kept because they are reliable. I wear a lot of black, and I love playing with textures. This outfit is composed of a leather pencil skirt, a black corduroy jacket (with grosgrain ribbon around the edges), cashmere crew neck blouse, a multi-strand pearl necklace, wool hat (It is cold outside), textured tights (difficult to see in this picture) and tall leather black boots.
What one item in your closet could you not live without?
I know that this is kind of cheating, but really I can’t live without my accessories. I have a pretty restrictive color palette (mostly black, navy and gray) so handbags, scarves, shoes/boots, jewelry and the like are called upon to give each outfit some pizzazz and/or color. If I had to choose ONE thing, this week I am totally loving my black leather tall boots by Diane Von Furstenberg, they seem to give a little spice to everything from jeans to pencil skirts.
What one or two words would you use to describe your style?
Dramatic/Classic? My aesthetic requires everything I own to be classic, but also have that little something extra that makes it stand out (although for me standing out is done in more of a whisper than a roar).
Who are your style icons/fashion inspirations?
I am inspired by the world around me, people I know/meet, and things I read (blogs and magazines included in that list). I don’t have a style icon, but I know what I like, what works for me, and how I want to present myself.
What bit of advice would you like to give others about finding their own style?
Style encompasses a lot of things: your personality, your past/present/future (and what you want to reveal about those things) and of course, what you actually like (your taste). I think magazines, books and blogs are great guides in helping you express who you are, but that is all they are-guides. Style is innately personal, its your expression. Friends can give a thumbs up or down on the execution of an outfit, but they can’t help you find your “voice” and that voice is the basis of any style. My advice is get to know yourself first, and then dress to express that. Style isn’t about wearing certain clothing items. It is only an expression of who you are.
NANCY from Life is Sweet ——————————————————————————————————-
Tell me a little bit about this outfit and why you chose it?
Pairing a good quality tee, with a great fitting pair of jeans is a simple, easy look and is very easy to dress up or down. Or you can add a great scarf, or interesting jewelry, or a blazer, vest, or sweater. AND it’s oh-so comfortable!
What one item in your closet could you not live without?
anything with 3/4 sleeves – 3/4 sleeves are not only classicly chic, they are also universally flattering on every body type.
What one or two words would you use to describe your style?
”CCC – classic casual chic”
Who are your style icons/fashion inspirations?
the classic icons like coco, jackie, Vogue
What bit of advice would you like to give others about finding their own style?
Educate yourself about your body type, what colors work well for you (fashion, hair, makeup), age-appropriateness of fashion choices, image/body concerns, etc. If you feel overwhelmed by all these choices, find a good image / fashion consultant to help you – it will be money saved in the long run. And lastly, project confidence – that’s the most important ’style’ tip I can give anyone.
JENNIFER from The Daily Connoisseur ————————————————————————————
Tell me a little bit about this outfit and why you chose it?
I am in my second trimester of pregnancy so I need clothes that are both comfortable and fashionable- with room to grow! I love the combination of a tunic and leggings (both by A Pea in the Pod) because I can move throughout my day with ease. Ditto for my grey patent leather ballet flats (by London Sole). These shoes are so comfortable and support my aching back.
What one item in your closet could you not live without?
My black velvet blazer by J. Crew
What one or two words would you use to describe your style?
Classic and minimalistic
Who are your style icons/fashion inspirations?
Marion Cotillard and Penelope Cruz- Those ladies wear their clothes sooooo well…
What bit of advice would you like to give others about finding their own style?
Keep it simple- don’t dress to impress anyone but yourself. (But having said that, you yourself should have incredibly high standards 
Patricia———————————————————————————————————————————
Tell me a little bit about this outfit and why you chose it?
The reason I chose this outfit is it’s versatility.
I bought it for a casual New Years Eve party this year.
I am partial to little black dresses and have several of different styles. This one is different in that it is black and white. The top is a little sheer so it gives it a little dash of something. I like the way it hangs…flouncy under my knee, which is a very nice style on me.
The dress can be worn all seasons and dressed up or down with a sweater or pashima and different shoes or even boots, and either nude or black hose.
What one item in your closet could you not live without?
The item in my closet I could not live without is my black pencil skirt. I can wear it anywhere, anytime, with anything!
What one or two words would you use to describe your style?
I would describe my style as classic elegant feminine.
Who are your style icons/fashion inspirations?
My style icon/fashion inspiration is Mrs. Herrera (the mother) and Grace Kelly. Mrs. Herrera was always feminine and elegant, as was Princess Grace.
What bit of advice would you like to give others about finding their own style?
For others who are looking to find their own style, I would suggest paying attention to what you’ve gravitated toward in your formulative years. Practically since the day I was born I was feminine and meticulous. Although in my teen years and 20s I dressed more utilitarian, my mid-life epiphany brought me back to my inner self.
TINE from The Red Geranium————————————————————————————————–
Tine
Tell me a little bit about this outfit and why you chose it?
I picked this outfit because I wanted to be comfortable and warm, yet also chic. I wore this when my boyfriend and I went up to his family’s beach house in New Hampshire for a weekend getaway. It was chilly up north which is why I chose the knit grey sweater, but I still wanted to look chic so I wore it with skinny jeans and mid-calf black flat boots. It was a gorgeous sunny weekend, so I had to add the over sized sunglasses too!
What one item in your closet could you not live without?
This is a tough question!! I think for the fall/winter my must-have item would be my Dolce Vita black leather knee high boots with a 3″ stacked heed. These totally can transform an outfit and they go great with tights and a skirt or over skinny jeans. I even can wear them to work.
What one or two words would you use to describe your style?
Classic, yet chic.
Who are your style icons/fashion inspirations?
Audrey Hepburn and Ashley Olsen
What bit of advice would you like to give others about finding their own style?
You need to be 100% comfortable in your skin AND your clothes. If I wear something that I’m not comfortable with, I feel “off” all day. If you are interested in a certain trend or style, but are not sure how it will suit you, start off slow and find how you can make it work for you. For example, I love skinny jeans, but I am much more confident and comfortable wearing them with knee high boots and a chunky sweater than with a tight shirt and ballet flats.
PHYLLIS from Phyllis Bourne, romance author————————————————————————-
Phyllis
Tell me a little bit about this outfit and why you chose it?
I spotted this outfit on a display in Nordstrom and immediately fell in love with it. At the time, brown was my least favorite color. It’s hard to explain, but it just looked and felt like me.
I wear it in situations where I know I have to be “on”. It never fails to give me a little confidence boost.
What one item in your closet could you not live without?
White Target Merona Ultimate V-neck t-shirt
What one or two words would you use to describe your style?
Creative, conservative
Who are your style icons/fashion inspirations?
Sade. Her style: red lipstick, hoop earrings, low ponytail and understated clothes haven’t changed in over twenty-five years. Yet, she looks timeless, ageless and always on point.
Essence magazine did a special double cover on her back March 2001. On the front of the magazine was a then-recent shot of her in 2001, and the back cover featured a 1984 shot. She looked exactly the same.
Her new album was released this month. It’s nearly March 2010, and she still looks likes she hasn’t aged a day since 1984.
What bit of advice would you like to give others about finding their own style?
Don’t be afraid to experiment with clothes, make-up and accessories.
Cherie from Renaissance Garden————————————————————————————————
Cherie
Tell me a little bit about this outfit and why you chose it?
I have on an Ann Taylor sweater, black slacks, black ankle boots with kitten heels, and large hoop earrings in bronze. I typically wear this type of outfit to church, and casual lunches or meetings.
What one item in your closet could you not live without?
My black slacks. They go with almost everything and fit into my casual lifestyle.
What one or two words would you use to describe your style?
Feminine classic. I like clean lines, solid colors, with a little bit of a feminine flourish.
Who are your style icons/fashion inspirations?
I would say the usual, Audry Hepburn, Grace Kelly. More modern would be Jennifer Anniston, Diane Lane.
What bit of advice would you like to give others about finding their own style?
I think it’s important to be comfortable in the clothes you wear. In the past I would buy items that were considered “classic,” things “every woman should own,” such as white button-down shirts. I finally realized those kind of classics don’t work on me. I’ve also learned to skip most trendy items.
Beth ————————————————————————————————————————————–
Tell me a little bit about this outfit and why you chose it?
This is a typical winter work outfit for me. It’s cold in eastern Washington! But the temperature in my office can fluctuate, so layers are important. You can’t see the fishnet hose or the light herringbone pattern on the skirt but I like to add varieties of subtle patterns or textures.
What one item in your closet could you not live without?
A black boatneck t-shirt exactly like the white one in the photo. Perfect length, not clingy, perfect fabric weight. Also, for the summer, a tan full skirt with embroidered white polka dots. Classic but not plain — I love to wear it with a navy/white striped nautical t-shirt.
What one or two words would you use to describe your style?
Classic separates, ease of care AND wear, always a scarf.
Who are your style icons/fashion inspirations?
Lauren Hutton and Lauren Graham – they are different but similar in their quirky treatments of classic pieces and shapes.
What bit of advice would you like to give others about finding their own style?
LISTEN when someone says “I love that on you!” or “What a terrific color!” But if you love it – even if no one says it out loud — wear it often and with great affection for the pieces that make you happy.
FIONA from La Vie en Fifi———————————————————————————————————–
Tell me a little bit about this outfit and why you chose it? This outfit is indicative of what I wear every day. Fitting jeans, high heels or cute flats and something nice on top. I used to work in an office and wore suits and corporate-ish separates. Now I work full time in the footwear retail store that my husband and I own. A lot of what we stock and the customers that shop with us are more casual, not so city. When going to work I always choose a pair of shoes which are current, so this dictates what I wear a little.
What one item in your closet could you not live without?
The perfect pair of jeans
What one or two words would you use to describe your style?
I would love to portray ‘relaxed chic’ with my style.
Who are your style icons/fashion inspirations?
People I see through work on a regular basis (whether they are customers or sales representatives), real peoples’ blogs, movies and tv programmes (these are great for seeing ‘everyday’ outfits which are styled up to give inspiration) and personal style books. Celebrity photos ‘off-duty’ are useful too.
What bit of advice would you like to give others about finding their own style?
Know what you feel more comfortable in (not just physically either). For me it’s neutral mid-tone colours, clean lines and simple shapes which are fitting but not too tight.
I heard once ages ago that the colour of your hair, skin and eyes is a good starting point for choosing clothing colours. My hair is caramel/beige/blonde, eyes are grey/blue and skin tone pale-ish pink/yellow (neutral). So I often look for these colours to wear and do get compliments on them.
Find celebrities who have the same colouring as you and look at photos of them to see if there is a new colour/colour combination you could try. I read Jennifer Aniston is a ‘Soft Summer’ like I am so saw she looks good in grey and some greens. Whenever I wear soft greens my husband compliments me.
Take photos of your outfits in the mirror each day (full-length if possible). Even if no one else sees them they are very useful. Keep them all. It’s only looking back when you have built up a few that you get a clear idea of better outfits than others. The challenge is to find out why and build on that (proportions, colours, accessories).
Andi from Misadventures with Andi———————————————————————————————
Tell me a little bit about this outfit and why you chose it?
When I am carrying a little extra weight I tend to wear more skirts and dresses than usual. 85% of my clothes are black-gray-white. I love wearing boots with skirts and dresses in winter, so comfortable. It is cold in my office, so I always dress in layers or sweaters to keep warm.
What one item in your closet could you not live without?
A gray cashmere scarf/wrap that I bought on sale in Switzerland, I would be devastated without it! It is warm, it is cool, it is long, it is short, it is wonderful!
What one or two words would you use to describe your style?
Black. Simple. No fuss. Classic.
Who are your style icons/fashion inspirations?
Chanel, Anne Fontaine, Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn
What bit of advice would you like to give others about finding their own style?
When you read magazines tear out the pages of outfits you like and build a little binder. After awhile, go through the book and I bet you that you will find a pattern in what you like. Take it with you when you go shopping (or a few pages) and try to find styles that match what you collected, that way you won’t be persuaded to deviate. For me quality over quantity is key as well. A few classic pieces that you spend a little more money on in neutral colors will last you far longer than cheaper pieces in trendy colors. I know it is not possible to always buy expensive clothes, but you would be amazed at what people donate to second-hand shops!
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