While the phrase “Woman of Style” may have you conjuring up many colorful and fashionable visions of runways and clothes racks in your head, we strongly feel that a Woman of Style is much more than the clothes she wears each day. It’s also about the presence and persona she puts out to the world, her sense of integrity and the spirit of kinship she shares with others.
This year we would like to introduce you to five area women who we feel exude all those qualities and who do so in a manner that seems effortless in their everyday lives. You know a Woman of Style when you see her by her smile, her approachability and that certain something that says, “I know who I am.”
Now you will know, too!
Describe a typical day in your life:
My typical day consists of a very early alarm clock, a large amount of coffee and a lot of "spackle." I get up around 3 a.m. and I'm in the office by 4 a.m.
Our morning show runs for four hours, and then we prep for the noon show, and then I collapse. Sometimes, I feel like all I do is paint my face and blow-dry my hair, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have great coworkers, I work on a really fun show, and every day is different, which I love.
My favorite item in my closet is:
My black racer-back cotton maxi dress by Velvet. I wear it all the time with different jewelry and with both flats and heels. It's such a comfy, stylish, easy dress.
Besides apparel, what other thing do you think helps define a woman’s style:
I really think a woman's style is about much more than apparel, even though I'd be lying to say I don't enjoy a great outfit. But, I think what makes a woman truly beautiful is confidence, the way she handles herself, a positive attitude and a sweet demeanor. If a woman "wears" all of those things, no one's going to notice her expensive handbag or her great stilettos. Those things just supplement or accessorize true beauty, which you can't buy at any store.
My favorite designer is:
Just one? That's tough. I'd have to say BCBG and Vince (Camuto)—a tie. Is that allowed? But, those designers are splurges. I find a lot of basics at H&M that are easier on the wallet and, with the right accessories, can look really stylish. I also love stores like Sophistikate in Bethlehem and South Moon Under in Wayne that carry a lot of great designers—one-stop shopping!
My personal style is:
One that varies. I definitely think I have a work look and a "play look." It's all business for work, of course, but we have a fabulous stylist with whom we work, Nancy Amoroso, who makes sure our clothes are fitted properly and look trendy, without being too cutting edge or inappropriate for television. I like to wear a lot of dresses because they're easier for me to grab and throw on when I'm half awake in the morning. On the weekends, my style is a lot more relaxed; my go-to is a great maxi dress, a cool pendant necklace and sandals. At night, I'll go for a more fitted sundress or a romper and heels. I tend to wear a lot of solid colors, as I just think it's a cleaner, more polished look, but I definitely have some fun patterns in my closet, too.
I have more dresses in my wardrobe than anything else.
My style icon/celebrity is:
Jennifer Aniston—mainly because I think she always looks put together, whether she's in an evening gown or a tee shirt and jeans, and partially because I'm still upset about her breakup with Brad.
When stocking my closet I avoid:
Stripes. They're usually not for me. My body is too curvy, and the curves and stripes are not friends.
My next big fashion purchase will be a:
Hmm… who's buying? I found a great Dolce & Gabbana dress (on sale) that I'm getting to wear to the American Institute for Stuttering Gala in New York City later this month. My boyfriend is chairman of the board, so that's my excuse. I have to get him to join more boards! In all honestly, though, I try to buy stuff on sale, and I don't have many major splurges. I also try to buy classic things that will stay in style year after year.
My personal style is:
Classic with a twist.
My favorite designer is:
Coco Chanel because she brought women out of corsets and into comfortable well-fitting clothes. Plus, she introduced the little black dress, ballet flats and tweeds! Presently, I love the lead designer of WORTH New York, Diane Manley, because she incorporates past classics with modern trends.
My favorite item in my closet is:
Stylish belts because they finish an outfit and add variety. (Bonus: They are shape enhancing!)
My style icon/celebrity is:
Grace Kelly because she always looked elegant yet comfortable in anything from khakis to an evening gown.
I have more jackets in my wardrobe than anything else.
Whenever I am in doubt about what to wear I:
wear something navy.
Besides apparel, what other thing do you think helps define a woman’s style:
A woman may have the best outfit, hair and makeup, but that to me does not define great style. I believe a woman with great style exudes confidence, grace, humility and remains positive in challenging situations. That is a truly beautiful woman to me.
When stocking my closet I avoid:
Anything too trendy because there is more value in classics.
My next big fashion purchase will be a:
Hermès enamel bracelet.
Describe a typical day in your life:
I wake up around 7 a.m. and drink coffee while reading the paper, after which I check messages from clients. When working on one of my seasonal trunk shows or sample sales, I prepare personalized samples and outfit ideas for upcoming appointments. In my spare time I love playing golf and travelling to rate courses for GolfWeek magazine. But, I always end my day with a walk in the park and a glass of wine or a martini!
My favorite designer is:
Joseph Altuzarra
My personal style is:
Unpredictable. I like to mix things up.
My favorite item in my closet is:
My Red Engine jeans. The fit is out of this world and the fabric is so comfortable.
My style icon/celebrity is:
Olivia Palermo. I love the way she puts outfits together by mixing casual and dressy.
Whenever I am in doubt about what to wear I:
Throw on a pair of jeans and a blazer.
Besides apparel, what other thing do you think helps define a woman’s style:
Sense of humor
Describe a typical day in your life:
Wake up at 6 a.m., go to the gym, get on a conference call for work at 7:30 a.m., go to work at 8:30 a.m., go home around 7 p.m., cook dinner and get ready to do it all again the next day.
When stocking my closet I avoid:
Flats.
I have more Frye boots in my wardrobe than anything else.
My next big fashion purchase will be a:
Pair of exotic skin boots.
My favorite item in my closet is:
my silver hoop earrings (they are an everyday staple) and my Frye vintage cowboy boots.
Whenever I am in doubt about what to wear I:
Always fall back to my AG Jeans or black leggings topped with a simple colorful flowing top, Lululemon sweat-er wrap and a great pump or boot. Very casual and comfortable!
My style icon/celebrity is:
Jennifer Aniston. I love her classic and casual non-fussy look. She is consistently stylish and always looks spot-on whether attending the Oscars in an amazing designer gown or walking in Soho looking like a rocker wearing a leather jacket, jeans and a tee shirt.
My next big fashion purchase will be a:
Fall boot and a winter coat.
My personal style is:
Classic and edgy-chic, or what I call “elegance without boredom.”
I have more accessories in my wardrobe than anything else.
Ever since I was young I have always been a fan of accessories. I find having a great variety of handbags, shoes, jewelry, belts, scarves and hats gives you the option to change an outfit into an entirely different look each and every time.
When stocking my closet I avoid:
Ruffles, delicate jewelry and pastels.
Besides apparel, what other thing do you think helps define a woman's style:
A woman's confidence and attitude helps define her style. What looks and feels terrific on you while you are still being authentic and true to yourself will show through your own personal style. Spending your time and energy doing things you love and care about project from the inside and reflect on the outside, allowing you to embrace your individuality.
Describe a typical day in your life:
I am a morning person so I start my day around 5:30 a.m. with meditation then head either to Steel Fitness or Pilates of the Lehigh Valley. On my way to Wells Fargo Advisors, I make my daily Starbucks stop and work until 6 p.m. Since I work with my husband, Richard, we leave together and head out for a casual relaxing dinner for some quality time together. Once home, I unwind by catching up with my shows taped on DVR, read or knit. Weekends usually begin the same way but are a bit more relaxing, except when I need to catch up on cleaning, laundry and outdoor projects. Those days my personal style consists of old clothes and no makeup. Saturday night is date night so movies are always a top pick for me. We also try to visit our son, Jordan, who is attending Jefferson Medical College, as often as he allows us.
My favorite designer is:
Nicole Miller. I have been a huge fan since my late 20s. Her designs are classic but sexy and fit me perfectly. I still have many of my Nicole Miller pieces in my closet because to me they are timeless. One of my favorite jewelry designers is HEET. The line is bold and edgy and works with my personal style. Lululemon is my go-to for workouts, Pilates, yoga and just casual running around.
My next big fashion purchase will be a:
Burberry Lace Cotton Trench.
Whenever I am in doubt about what to wear:
The little black dress always seems to work. You can even accessorize with a different color shoe if you don’t want to do all black. Add the handbag, the jewelry and you have yourself one fabulous ensemble!
My favorite designer is:
There are many different designers whom I love—from clothing to jewelry. Some of my favorite clothing designers are Eva Franco, Alexandra Grecco and Christopher Bailey (whom I’ve met, and is so kind and genuine). There is also a jewelry designer that I’ve been following for a while. She has a very interesting style that I appreciate, and she has influenced some of my own jewelry designs. Her name is Ginger Meek Allen. Yes, I also make jewelry, and have been doing so for about 10 years. I feel that everyone needs a creative outlet as a way to express one’s self.
I have more shoes in my wardrobe than anything else.
Approximately 200 pair of shoes, which for a woman, I’m sure, is not that unusual. When in doubt, buy the shoes. If you don’t, you may regret it later!
My style icon/celebrity is:
Audrey Hepburn & Marilyn Monroe. Both women were very different, but created an image that is timeless, classic and exuded style. Fast-forward to today, I would say that Charlize Theron always looks great on the red carpet; she’s beautiful.
My favorite item in my closet is:
I love my Burberry black leather “biker” jacket. I’ve worn it with dressy dresses, and casual denim… absolutely a great timeless piece in my closet! The sleeves can zip out, so I can also wear it as a vest in the summer.
Describe a typical day in your life:
I am what they call a “super commuter.” I get up every morning (Monday-Thursday) at 5 a.m. to catch the 6:15 bus into New York City. I work for the fashion company Burberry, at their NYC corporate office, located in Manhattan on Madison Avenue. I’ve always loved working in the fashion industry, and at Burberry there’s never a dull moment! Day-to-day is usually spent scheduling meetings, setting up conference calls, booking travel, dinners, etc. for my very busy boss (the VP of Retail for the Americas). With his ever-changing schedule, I do my best to help keep him on time and on track. I get to do a bit of traveling as well; we’ve had national meetings in great cities such as in San Francisco, Chicago and Toronto. I help to assist with booking large meetings for our retail teams, which I really enjoy. I preview the hotel to ensure that it’s the perfect location, and then I arrange all of the details in between to insure a seamless meeting and overall experience for my team. The locations for our meetings are always amazing—and we have such a great time getting together as a group!
I love what I do. I’ve been working for Burberry for almost four years and have enjoyed every minute. New York City is such a busy and exciting place to work in the fashion industry! And once in a while it’s always nice to grab dinner or drinks with friends after work. But at the end of the evening, I most enjoy sitting on the porch with my husband and two dogs sipping a glass of wine. I’m happy to call the Lehigh Valley my home.
When stocking my closet I avoid:
Nothing specifically, but I avoid ill-fitting clothing. When you purchase clothing, don’t try to squeeze yourself into a size that doesn’t fit. Purchasing a size that’s too small just because you don’t want to go up one size is the worst thing to do. When something fits you properly, that’s when you look your most amazing!
My personal style is:
Sophisticated and Timeless. I love all vintage pieces. I have a lot of clothing in general—but I love to pair vintage and modern pieces together. If you have a beautiful modern dress, sometimes that vintage accessory can make it even more special, and give it just the right touch to create the perfect outfit!
Besides apparel, what other thing do you think helps define a woman’s style?
I believe that a woman’s sense of style comes from within. It’s developed by how we live our lives on a daily basis. It’s cultivated by our creative outlets and by the things, people and places we feel are important to us. Everyone has had different experiences and influences that help to shape our lives. Style lives in those experiences and influences. It’s ever-changing and ever-growing. Your style is different now from what it was 10 years ago. Embrace all of your unique qualities—and you will always live in style!
Photography by Lori Smith
