Shantelle Smrha, Cedar Rapids
Senior Analyst, Contract Development @ AEGON Financial
Where do you get your style inspiration from?
There is a lot of creativity when it comes to fashion — even if it’s just in choosing how you wear the few basic pieces you have. Just like writers, artists and musicians look for inspiration to keep their creativity flowing, fashionistas need inspiration too! Taking fashion notes from a celebrity fashion muse is a great way to get a feel for how your body type may look in different types of clothing. Want to try a pair of high-wasted trousers, but aren’t sure if they’ll look right on you? Let your celebrity fashion muse try them first and observe their results before you buy a pair yourself! A quick note of caution: When you look for inspiration in celebrity outfits, always be sure to add your own individual signature to their look. Do not copy someone else’s outfit piece for piece — that’s like fashion plagiarism! Let celebrity outfits and styles inspire you, but don’t take a picture from a magazine and purchase every single piece. It is important to have the self confidence to wear your own version of their look and tweak it to suit you.
What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
Forever 21, TJ Maxx and Target. These stores have amazing finds for everyday wear, layering pieces and leisure time!
What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
The plain, basic black tee. Long or short sleeved, it’s my essential when it comes to putting together everyday outfits. A black tee can be can be worn alone with a great pair of vintage jeans or used as a layering piece with a deep v-neck top or sweater. A black tee is similar to a blank canvas and gives you enough space to really transform your outfit by layering or using your favorite accessories!
What do you want to splurge on?
A good hair cut. I feel that no style is complete without talking about hair. I’m not saying that simply paying more guarantees the hairdresser will do a great job, but every great hairdresser I’ve found charges a fair professional rate for their time. In my opinion, a person’s hair style really says a lot about their personal style and is really the piece that ultimately completes and finishes your look. You may have the most amazing outfit on, but if you don’t pay attention to your hair style, your look is often incomplete.
What are you willing to skimp on?
My personal rule is if I’ll wear the piece of clothing or accessory only once or twice, I’ll buy it cheap. There is no point in splurging on something that sits in the back of your closet and collects dust! However, if it’s a piece of clothing or accessory that I will wear a lot, like a park of dark wash jeans or black stilettos, then I’ll splurge. To me, quality is important when it comes to the pieces you wear on a near daily basis.
What kind of fashionista are you? (Department store/local handmade/vintage/boutiques/designer labels/mix?)
All of the above. Sometimes it is very difficult to come up with new outfits and I often am asked how do you keep up with it all. In an industry where style changes every other day, how do you stay inspired without the burden of buying a whole new wardrobe weekly? Unless you are a million-dollar heiresses, I feel that in order to keep your fashion in tip top current shape, you have to look for bargains. Whether I’m in a department store, a boutique or a local shop, I’m always on the look out for unique pieces (i.e.: a great bag, a sassy top or a pair of shoes) at great prices!
What are you wearing?
Black Tee: Mossimo for Target
Dress: Forever 21
Amazing outfits are all about balance. My favorite casual look is to pair a simple tee and jeans with a pair of metallic or patterned flats and a few layered bangles. I carry this same type of look over to the dressier side of my wardrobe too. I like to layer a solid black tee under a bold patterned top or dress. Adding a just a pop of color or pattern, whether it’s through your shoes, top or dress can add complexity and interest to a plain look, balancing everything out.
