Under the Influence

I started reading I Want to be Her! by Andrea Linett this weekend, and as I read about the women who had influenced Andrea in her life, I couldn't help but to think of the women in my life who had influenced my style. In an attempt to keep things short hehe, here are some of them -

My grandmother. For as long as I knew (and still know) my mom's mom, she has always been a simple woman who carries herself well. She puts on her "face" every single day - red lipstick and black liner. She has long given up on what's "fashionable" but her outfits are always immaculate - crisp collars, clean pleats, the perfect finishing touch of a little silk clutch or stone ring. My grandmother dresses simply, but reminds me there is not reason not to try to look my best each day.

My mother. I honestly don't remember my mom as anything other than my mom - practical and adornment-free, with a pixie cut, a basic skincare routine and sensible clothes for work. She never made it a point to dress for others, she never cared about trends, never wore makeup. And it has all worked out perfectly fine for her and she's always been a great reminder for me whenever I start taking this "style" thing too seriously.

My big sister. Always been my personal at-home fashion maven. Always had immaculate taste and this intuitive way to wear trends without looking trendy - shoot, I used to sneak into her room when I was little just so I could open her closets and stare at her clothes. Took to great hair and makeup like a pro. Lives in NYC with big city-style closet space (i.e., almost non-existent) and has perfected the "edited closet." My big sis has always been the style queen of her family and I'm just lucky I can follow her trail of crumbs!

 

My high school friend S. We grew up together sharing bad haircuts and awful off-brand high-rise tapered jeans. But towards the end of high school, she bought and killed it in a purple paisley top and skirt set. It reminds me a bit of a Singapore Airlines' flight attendant's uniform (in a good way) and it was the first "grown-up" outfit I had ever seen her in and it fit her like a glove. Oh what one great outfit can do to change a world's perception.

My co-worker V. I guess I should consider V my first actual adult friend. She worked at the publishing company I was interning at during college. She was "a lady." Perfect hair, perfect makeup, done nails, gorgeous clothes, spoke in a soft voice that was barely ever above a whisper, but had the humor of a trucker and an attitude that did not let anyone mess with her. We shopped together, did yoga together, went out for dinners and drinks. V inadvertently taught led me in the direction of both dressing for work, and dressing like a lady.

My company COO. In the company I used to work for, she held a rare position of power in a heavily male-dominated industry. And while we worked in a very casual company, she always looked "executive." Like she walked into the Brooks Brothers women's section and told them she wanted one of everything and had them tailor each piece specifically for her. She wore makeup without looking like she wore makeup, and could give any FLOTUS a run for their money with her coiffed hair. She was the first woman I had ever seen up close with what I could only describe as "polish."

So that's it for me in a (long, wordy) nutshell. Who have been some of the style influences throughout your life?

Jacket: Gap striped zip twill (worn here - sim, moto, peplum luxe)
Shirt: LEC gingham poplin (worn here - sim, deal, sim)
Pants: ON rockstar pop-color cords (worn here - sim, pricey, denim)
Necklace: Elizajay Charm via Etsy (worn here - sim, block, silver) & gift (sim, clear, single)
Bracelets: Asos & ON (sim, sim)
Clutch: C.Wonder color block (worn here - same tote, sim, sim, tri-colored)
Shoes: Michael Kors hamilton (worn here - peep, loafer)

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