Tell me a little bit about this outfit and why you chose it?

Regular readers will recognize this outfit from Monday’s post. This has been my winter “go to” outfit. I usually live in jeans, but got soo sick of them this winter, I thought I’d try out a new look: extra large man’s sweater, small skirt, tights and boots.

I like it because it is chic, but yet still looks effortless. I would love to live in NYC and be dressed up all the time, but  in my little world, which involves preschool pickup, playdates, the park, etc., casual chic is key. Plus I need something that is super comfortable and won’t be ruined by sticky little hands with jelly or by me kneeling on the floor to play with the kids.

 What one item in your closet could you not live without?

Perfect fitting jeans.

What one or two words would you use to describe your style?

I’m aiming toward:  Effortless chic and subtly sexy

Who are your style icons/fashion inspirations?

Clemence Poesy, Julie Delpy, Sofia Coppola

Clemence Poesy

Clemence PoesyClemence Poesy

Clemence Poesy

Julie Delpy

Julie Delpy

Julie Delpy

Sofia Coppola

Sofia Coppola

Sofia Coppola

What bit of advice would you like to give others about finding their own style?

Study yourself. It seems a little self-indulgent, but I’ve spent quite a bit of time thinking about my style. I read Style Statement, which helped, but also every other style book I could get my hands on. Probably the biggest help has been this blog. Partly, as Fiona said, in taking pictures. You can see things you wouldn’t otherwise see through the camera’s objective eye. Also, by all the comments from people who read my blog. In addition, like Andi, I keep a look book, one on the computer where I copy photographs, but also a binder where I keep pages I rip out of magazines of women I find stylish or inspirational. The photos of my style icons (above) were in my computer’s style file.

What are the essential items every woman should have in her closet?

a perfect-fitting pair of jeans; a black blazer; LBD; boots; cashmere scarf;

What cosmetics and skin care products do you use/like?

I’m not particularly brand loyal when it comes to foundation, but wear Clinique lipstick, MAC lipliner pencil and Maybelline professional mascara. I have problem skin and swear by the three step Proactiv system, plus use a retinoid at night.

How much money do you spend on your wardrobe every month? every year?

Boy this is a tough question. I’m not sure I really keep track of it that well, but if I had to guess, I would say about $500, but that could be too high. I’m a huge thrift store shopper.

What is the advice you would give a  new mother?

 As a new mother it is so easy to become completely absorbed and centered around your baby – and you should to a certain extent, but it is important to remember that part of being a good mother is taking care of yourself and maintaining your identity apart from being someone’s mother. I struggle with this all the time, trying to remember who I am besides “Mama.” It helps me be a better mother by remembering this. Take time to do things away from your husband and children and maintain your own life, although this is very difficult at first. I still have a hard time being away from my kids for more than a few hours.

What is your most important beauty product?

Sunscreen, hands down.

What part of your style aesthetic has remained consistent throughout your life? For example, even though my style became slightly edgier and more experimental after I had my daughter–My love of things with a very slight equestrian edge has never changed.

I think the most consistent aspect of my style aesthetic has been my absolute, uneering strong preference for SOFT fabrics, for the way fabrics FEEL. I am obsessed with velvet, cashmere, soft, worn in tees, soft, worn in jeans. I love clothing that is plush and SOFT and always will. I have always hated ”hard” fabrics like scratchy wools and tweeds and other materials that don’t feel silky against bare skin. I refuse to wear most synthetic blouses because the fabric makes my skin crawl. It just feels horrible on my sensitive skin. 
 
Do you find that your clothing style is consistant/reflective of what you are drawn to in other areas of your life (such as with interior decorating)?

I read something recently about how your home’s colors reflect your style colors, but this is not the case with me. My house (as seen in some photos on this blog) is painted in tangerine, salmon, buttercup yellows and other brights I would never feel comfortable “wearing.” 
 
What is your opinion on the idea that your “style” of dressing reveals something of a personality? Do you think this is something that is uniquely American in concept? For example in France, Italy and other more formal European cultures -that put more of a premium on dressing well-it is difficult to draw a personality sketch of a person from the style of dress.

I just read some book – which one escapes me  right now– that talked about how everything you wear is making a statement to other people and that you should decide exactly what it is you want to tell others before you get dressed.
Honestly,  I’m not sure if this is uniquely American or not. I guess I do think more about what kind of message I am sending when I get dressed nowadays.
If you could change/influence something about the way that your blog readers view style, what would it be? 

That it doesn’t take money OR an extensive wardrobe to dress well.
 
Why did you decide to blog about “la bella figura’, which is a definite point of view (style) of viewing the world?

Because I am part Italian and really influenced by that side of me. It is all about the idea that you are not selfish or vain if you want to look good all the time — that actually you are showing respect for others by doing so. For instance, dressing well to go to the butcher shop shows respect for the butcher, rather than schlepping in with sweatpants on. It is about taking the time to dress nice in the morning so you feel good about yourself and therefore, can stop thinking about it and start thinking about others. Plus, honestly, it’s just a fun, escape.