This week’s fashionista is Sarah, a 30-year-old doctoral student and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from Los Angeles. Sarah’s style is timeless and feminine. She is an avid reader who enjoys kayaking, hiking and movies. She’s got both beauty and brains and we’re so happy to feature her! Here’s what she had to say about her style:
1. Name/Age/City/cultural background: Sarah/ 30/ Los Angeles/ Costa Rican, Colombian, German and Norwegian
2. Describe your fashion style in 5 words: Conservative, classy, elegant, ladylike, eclectic
3. Who are your favorite style icons? Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Lopez and Jackie O
4. Surprise! Impromptu date with the man of your dreams in 2 hours! What do you wear? A dress that’s moderately low in cleavage, will show off my curves, and mid thigh length with high heels. I adore big statement earrings to show off my face and hair. I’ll probably add in a cocktail ring. I have so many dresses, it’s just a matter of color and my mood.
5. Favorite stores to supply your fashion habit? BEBE, Banana Republic, Nordstrom Rack, Loehmann's...
6. Worst fashion mistake you ever made? Wearing spaghetti strapped dresses with a sleeved shirt underneath. I was raised in a fundamentalist conservative household, so I couldn’t reveal too much skin. It may be a tie between that and tennis shoes with jean skirts. I’m really glad those days are over.
7. What traits make up a gathered lady to you? Which do you have? A gathered lady is a women who can juggle all of the different facets of her life. Even when she’s off, she is still doesn’t lose her composure, and she can still maintain her life in work, home, social, and romantic. It’s all about balance and being organized. You don’t always have to be a fashionista, but you should still feel beautiful and walk in confidence. Even on a down day, you always add some small element to feel beautiful. It’s about self-care and self-love.
8. How has your culture influenced your fashion style? The Church has influenced my style. That’s why I esteem Audrey Hepburn. She is such an icon. The ladies of her era always looked stylish and ladylike. That resonates with me. I try to find a balance between looking like a lady without looking matronly. My style has evolved within the last 5 years as I sought a lifestyle outside of the fundamentalist conservative Christian culture. Also, being Hispanic influences my approach to staying more covered. I like natural beauty, so even if I take 2 hours to get ready, the finished product won’t look overdone. Self-care and image is also very important. When I was younger, we walked with books on our heads to learn proper posture. Although I’m still an active Christian, my style has evolved with my new understanding, but modesty remains important to me.
9. Fun fashion fact: I always use concealer on the sides of my nose, to give it slimming structure. I think high heels are always slimming and complement calves even if you don’t have great legs. And mascara just makes your eyes and face pop. I never leave home without it.
