Saud Khazal
Occupation: Art director, Wilson Sporting Goods
Style Philosophy:
"Mix classic pieces with trendy ones; add a bit of color;
accessorize with an exotic addition; never wear the same thing two
days in a row (be diverse); throw an unexpected item that does not
fall under the cliché of ‘it has to go;’ and always feel it out,
for a minute or two, before you head out … "
Signature Look:
"A quality — fantastic fit — pair of jeans, an original T
shirt (show some skin) and pair of shoes you cannot find locally (and
if you can find it locally, make sure it’s not from your franchised
typical mall stores, but from a smaller boutiques that bring unique
items to town).In my opinion, shoes say a lot about the person. A
lot."
Favorite Designer:
"I can easily pick John Varvatos or Tom Ford, but I cannot
help but remember the Chinese and Japanese unknown, small designers I
crossed in Shanghai. Their minds are truly wired differently than the
rest of the world. After all, who would use a pair of sticks to eat
seaweed-wrapped food that looks like small pieces of art but the
Japanese, or even imagine the idea of sticking needles in the face for
stress relief but the Chinese?"
Best Fashion Advice:
I know this is the most cliché thing to say, but really it’s
simple: Have fun with fashion, but try not to scare people with it.
Fashion is not a reason to dress like it’s Halloween. Always be
mindful of the occasion and the rest, in theory, should fall into
place fantastically."
Matthew Mackai
Occupation: Senior stylist, Erik of Norway
Style Philosophy:
"Think about and plan for it, whatever it is. And overdress.
To me there is nothing worse than showing up to an event in the wrong
party dress. It makes me feel off for the night."
Signature Look:
"I have about 100 versions of one outfit, and I continue to
buy it over and over. A fitted button down, dark or distressed jeans,
and leather boots or loafers. Coats and accessories to match, of
course."
Favorite Designer:
"Hard call, but if I had to pick, it has to be Gucci. That
collection is always modern and sexy, but a little bit classic. Love
it!"
Wish-list Item:
"I own no hats except the ones I wear to the gym, but I’ve
always wanted a Louis Vuitton hat box. I know it’s absolutely
ridiculous, but I must have one."
Best Fashion Advice:
"All right gents, if you’re out of college or still in, stop
living in Ed Hardy and Abercrombie! Pick up an issue of GQ and I
promise it won’t steer you wrong. And to the ladies, step outside
the box — you have the options. If I see one more little black dress
on Milwaukee Street, I am going to run screaming into Lake
Michigan!"
Tina
Poppy
Occupation: Owner, Violetville Vintage
Style Philosophy:
"My blog, ‘Fashion is Indestructible,’ is drawn from a
Cecil Beaton photo of a well-dressed woman in a tailored suit walking
through the rubble of war-torn Britain in 1941. Fashion endures. For
me, fashion is also the master of moods. An outfit reflects the times
as much as it reflects how I feel or want to feel at that moment.
People express so much just with what they’re wearing!
Signature Look:
"At night, I almost always wear dresses or jumpsuits, and I
rarely wear the same thing twice. So, my outfit is generally a
surprise. When choosing separates for daytime, I tend towards a
classic "French sailor" look. The 1934 film ‘L’Atalante’
is a constant inspiration to me."
Wish-List Item:
"Thigh-high gray leather boots by Nicolas Kirkwood for Rodarte.
Who needs pants when your shoes make it to your hips?"
Best Fashion Advice:
"Besides being inventive and allowing your enjoyment of
fashion to reflect your enjoyment of life, I would say, wear more
dresses! Dresses can be fabulous statement pieces, and they often don’t
require a lot of accessorizing. Dress, shoes, maybe some jewelry or a
jacket, and you’re done! No mixing and matching of separates
required."
James
andMary Connelly
Occupations: James is the owner of Connelly Interiors; Mary is a
mother and volunteer
James’ Style Philosophy:
"It’s pretty traditional with an edge. People need to stay
current, but not get too caught up in it and become a fashion victim.
You should have your own style."
Mary’s Signature Look:
"Pearls. I have several sets. James just had my wedding set
restrung, and the clasp is made from my engagement ring."
James’ Most Prized Fashion Possession:
"My wife."
Mary’s Favorite Designer:
"Oscar De La Renta. Every day I feel extremely comfortable in
Tom and Linda Platt. Dresses are my favorite thing to wear."
Mary’s Wish-List Item:
"Stylish shoes that will fit my post-foot surgery feet."
James’ Best Fashion Advice:
"Be true to yourself. And get dressed up. Put a tie on, it’s
not going to kill you. I also believe in quality over quantity. Buy
the best you can buy."
Nina
Sarenac
Occupation: Teacher,
