This week's style spotlight is one of my all-time favorite fashionistas, my amazingly wonderful sister, Hannah Rose! I absolutely love her sophisticated, southern-inspired style and am super excited to give you a taste of it! Enjoy
How would you define your personal style?
I like to define my style as preppy chic. I have always loved the appearance of designer clothing, but I also believe that clothes should be practical. I grew up in a small town, Franklin, Tennessee. Although the town is small, there is no shortage on style. The women of Franklin wear their pearls and their Pulitzer proudly. These southern elements combined with looks inspired from j crew and a little bit of sparkle create my personal style.
Where is your favorite place to look for new clothes?
I think that the most important thing when shopping is to remember quality not quantity. But there are always secret sales and coupons that allow you to buy quality clothing on a budget. My favorite place to start looking is at Nordstrom. They have a fantastic resource called Style Watch. I usually look at up and coming trends that they publish and then choose the ones that I think best fit me. Because that is what style is all about, finding trends that work for you and rocking them. After looking at Nordstrom, I usually check j crew factory, and Gap clearance. After that I check target clearance and Old Navy. I have also set a rule for myself that when shopping, I can only buy one thing full priced. This allows me to splurge on fun pieces like party dresses and formal wear, but still keep my budget in check.
Who or what inspires your style?
The biggest influence on my style would definitely be my southern roots. I love pink and pearls and smart preppy looks that you can find all throughout the southern United States. However, I am also inspired by strong female figures in history like Princess Kate, Audrey Hepburn and more recently, Michelle Obama. Style can speak for you. I believe that your style can create a poise that leads people to recognize you are of worth. I think this is especially important in today's society. A modest, classic style tells others that you represent more than a body and that you are strong and capable of doing hard things.
How has your style changed over the years?
I have always been drawn to trends, which sometimes can be a flaw. Trends come and go, but style lasts forever. I admit I did own a pair of bedazzled crocs and several pairs of gouchos at one point in my life. Which is not to say they are bad, but I wore these clothes for the sole purpose that other people were wearing them, not because I wanted to. My personal style started to emerge my sophomore year of high school. I finally decided that instead of following trends to the core, I would apply them in the ways that I liked to see them. Since then I have dressed to make myself feel good, not others. If you haven't already gathered I love everything that has to do with shopping and style. I think it is an incredible way to express yourself when you might not have any other way to do so.
What is your current favorite outfit?
My current favorite outfit is a printed black and white shift dress. It is quarter length sleeves and goes with anything and everything. I usually pair the dress with nude heels or gold sandals. I sometimes add a gold necklace for a pop of color, however the best part about the dress is that it can often stand on it's own. Aren't patterns great? Bold patterns need no accessorizing which saves time and is very practical!
What current fashion trends do you love?
My favorite trends right now are booties and gold accents. I think that black white and gold together look extremely classy and chic. I also love the look of skinnies and booties together. Especially as the weather is getting colder, booties are the perfect shoe to throw with a blouse- they help create easy breezy fashion just by slipping them on. I do have wider calves, so sometimes booties can make them look even bigger, but I don't really care because they're cute and style is about doing what you want.
Who do you think is the most stylish person of all time?
The most stylish person of all time hands down is Audrey Hepburn. She is the most stylish of all time because her style was reflected in her actions. Her dress and appearance was poised and graceful, which is who she was as a person. She was constantly giving to others and decided to stand for something in a time where women were not listened to.
What is your favorite time period in history for fashion?
My favorite time period in history for fashion is literally all of them. I love studying the different ideas of beauty that each specific time period associates with fashion. I consider myself to be a bit of a feminist, so I am extremely grateful for today's fashion that allows women to truly wear whatever they want. I think it is important to have freedom in fashion so that people can find their specific look. But I love the boho chic of the seventies, the bright colors of the eighties and the formal attire of eighteenth century Europe. I think that style over time all works together. Especially in today's day and age we see elements of all decades involved. Scrunchies are back from the eighties and the grunge of the ninety's is definitely in! However we also have new trends! There is just so much to consider, which is the coolest part.
If someone asked you for style advice, what would you tell them?
I would simply say, wear clothes that make you want to act and to be better. Wear clothing that makes you feel good. I would strongly suggest that modest clothing allows for focus and stability when it comes to conquering fears and achieving dreams. For women and men, dressing proactive will help you to be proactive.
Interested in being my next Friday Fashion Face? Email me at emmaanne501@gmail.com
