HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
I have a very creative and dramatic style. My style is an outward expression of my personality…and extension of it…which has a strong foundation in the arts and creative process. Each art has its own language and set of tools. I approach the art of styling myself as I would approach any other form of creative self-expression. The tools may be different from watercolor, writing, or dance, but my creative vision is at the core. My style is one facet of that response.
As I move forward through life my interests multiply. I have always embraced learning through travel, taking classes and the arts…more so now than ever. I now have time on my side and the freedom to explore and expand my world view. When people see me, I would like them to think that I have a story to tell and interesting experiences to share. I want my style to reflect a vibrancy and engagement with life. If I add a little drama then all the better!
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?
I find joy in beauty. I have been inspired by artists and art. Nature is another source of inspiration..the shapes and colors in nature are infinite. There seem to be two distinct branches in my signature style. The first to reveal itself to me was through the art and personality of Frida Kahlo. As a young art student, I was very drawn to her work and her life. She defied the conventions of her day and was a bit of a rebel. Her style strongly reflected her artistic vision. The bright colors, creative use of bold accessories, long dresses, fringed shawls make up one part of my signature style
WHAT ACCESSORY CAN YOU NOT DO WITHOUT?
Earrings, statement necklaces, cuffs and bangles, scarves, brooches…and now hats!
FAVORITE COLOR?
Tough question!
I love color and have several boxes of watercolor paints.
Red is a favorite as is a cobalt blue.
I also love a mustard yellow….and peach….green….fuchsia…
I think my signature piece is the Kimono and high waisted wide leg pants/harem pants. I collect kimonos…and will now take the time to thank you for directing me to Chateau Bel Age…where there seems to be a Kimono-of-the Month. I collect silk kimonos, cropped kimonos, long-sweeping kimonos, quilted kimonos, solid color kimonos, patterned kimonos and in every color I can fine. I only have a few dresses, but I do love wide leg pants that are fluid and swirl around me when I walk. I am a little over 5’ 2” and love the long line the high waist and long pants give me….I look taller… Add a kimono and an obi belt and my 1/3 to 2/3 ratio is achieved.
I identified the shapes that give me the silhouette I prefer fairly early on in my life.. I have these ERTE paper dolls that I bought in my twenties. I wanted to go into fashion, but stylists were not heard of back-in-the-day and I could not figure out how to make a career out of my interest in styling. I still have my ERTE paper dolls. I loved the silhouettes and shapes from that period of time.. Recognizing the silhouette I preferred, the shapes that appealed to me and the ratio/lines that gave me the overall look I wanted was a definite style strength. That was over 30 years ago and I have been refining and playing with those shapes and lines ever since.
DO YOU HAVE A STYLE ICON?
I have several…. Marchesa Luisa Casati, Lou Lou de la Falaise, Erte, Beatrix Ost, and of course Frida Kahlo. All women with strong personalities and creative vision. Women who were not afraid to chart their own path.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEAUTY ESSENTIALS THAT YOU COULDN’T DO WITHOUT?
Currently, I am loving the Tatcha skin care line. The Tatcha Classic Rice Enzyme Powder and Silk cream are my favorites.
When applying makeup, I use a Beauty Blender. That is the most amazing tool. I also have a variety of makeup brushes I have collected over the years.
I use a wide range of makeup products, but find that the primers: Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch (my spackle), the color correctors: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer—green to offset the redness and the foundation: Laura Mercier
Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation used together really provide a beautiful base to achieve my best look. If it is a day just spent in my husband’s tomato garden…I just wear a big hat, sunglasses, a lot of sunblock and lip color….which is Linda Rodin’s TOUGH TOMATO!
Do you have repeat offenders in your closet if so what are they? Kimonos and white blouses it seems. I am always searching for the perfect white blouse
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50 over 40?
The big view: Follow your own path and take the time to enjoy the view. After losing my closest friends to cancer, I have tried to stretch every moment and savor it. Nature, art, music, dance, and poetry are ways to see and respond to the beauty around us. Take care of your body and expand your world view at every opportunity. Read. Travel as much as possible. Laugh.
As far as styling particulars: Schedule Play-Dates in your closet mixing up the usual outfit formulas with pieces you have not worn in awhile. Always, style a new piece with your other wardrobe pieces as soon as possible. Ask WHAT IF? Document your outfits that you have created.
DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE RULES THAT YOU LIVE BY?
Yes, Rules were made to be changed. Never give up!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE GO TO SOURCES?
The RealReal (online consignment site), Dogstar clothing, Et-Al, Loeil Clothing, Oska, Chateau Bel Age, Amaltthee-creations.com, dogstar clothing/ australia, Et al Australia, Anthropologie, Zara, Turtle Ridge Gallery, Rocki Gorman jewelry, Ebay, Etsy, Gilt, Ruby Lane, The Vestaire Collective, Reformation…and… The One-of-a-Kind Show every December at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.
During the last year of my teaching career (former Chicago Public School Teacher),
I realized that my lifestyle would be changing and my style would need to make another significant evolution. I started picking up more pieces that last year, pieces that I did not think I would be able to afford in the future. When I was employed full-time and getting a lovely paycheck, my shopping destinations were Neiman Marcus, Net-a-Porter and other high end shops. My last big full price purchase I made to mark the end of my career was a Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag in a beautiful Cassis color.
Oh my frugal ways! Now, I purchase Issey Miyake on eBay and other designer pieces at the RealReal online consignment shop. Rocki Gorman (Santa Fe artisan who makes the most gorgeous jewelry) has a layaway plan. I check out clearance sites like Gilt. I look for sales. Australia is on the other side of the globe. When it is winter there…it is summer here! The benefit of sales in Australia is that I am able to purchase things at a discount there and in season here in the northern hemisphere.
Also, I put things in my online shopping bags and wait to see which items make it through the season and into the sales. In addition to that, I do not exclude Zara. I have purchased some lovely items at Zara. Mixing high end with low end is a way to elevate an outfit without spending too much has actually improved my style and allowed me to stay in budget. I also go to art shows, ETSY…and the Chicago One-of-a-Kind Show every December…my husband, mother, and brother send me with money to choose my own Christmas gifts…so much fun!
DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DESIGNER THAT YOU ARE DRAWN TO?
Issey Miyake Rei Kawakubo (black blossom encrusted vest is Rei Kawakubo). Alice & Olivia, Dries Van Noten ( the water color floral silk skirt is a Dries Van Noten)
CONTESSA,
“Here is my end of the Beatrix Ost challenge. The actual picture……..she used and a collage concept.”
DEAR LISA,
I think YOU have the MOST FUN getting DRESSED for your DAY in the WINDY CITY of CHICAGO!I must THANK YOU profusely for YOUR time and PHOTOS………..it was SO hard for me to pick just a few I used almost ALL OF THEM!
I personally LOVE how you photograph yourself in the same SPOT for your INSTAGRAM FEED in front of a LA SCALA POSTER………..
LISA, it was a PLEASURE SHARING YOU WITH MY READERS………..
I hope a few of them will ASK A QUESTION OR THREE and give you a STANDING OVATION in the comment section!
TO SEE AND SUBSCRIBE To LISA’s BLOG click HERE.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO VISIT CINDY HATTERSLEY’s BLOG TOO
http://roughluxeperspective.blogspot.com and see who she is INTERVIEWING TODAY in OUR AGELESS STYLE SERIES.ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO MEET NEW PEOPLE AND TO SEE HOW THEY DRESS.THIS WOMAN HAS WRITTEN A FEW BOOKS ON HOW TO DRESS and she is OVER 60!
PLEASE CLICK HERE !!!!!
IF you would like to see who I FEATURED last month GO
HERE.
AND
THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING BOTH OF OUR INTERVIEWS!
I HOPE THE GALS WE PICK CAN GIVE YOU SOME TIPS THAT PERHAPS YOU HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OF BEFORE!Or some ON line shopping TIPS!
WE MUST MAKE THIS TIME AT THE COMPUTER WORTH WHILE!!!!!!!!!!
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