Sarah Rule, 33, Manchester
Vice President @ M2 Lease Funds LLC

What she’s wearing:
I’m wearing a Pima cotton crew neck tee shirt in chocolate brown with a ruched scarf in browns and greens. Both the shirt and scarf are from Lane Bryant. This combo looks great with denim and I typically add a green cami for a touch of additional color under the tee. The outfit pairs well with bold but simple silver jewelry.

Where do you get your style inspiration from?
My style inspiration comes from everywhere… magazines, internet, TV.  But it also comes from what I am most comfortable in – what I can put on that makes me feel like I’m ready to take on the world and that look is different for me depending on the day, the occasion, or the task at hand. 

Who are your style icons?  Why?
My style icons are women who are comfortable in their own skin.  That kind of beauty radiates through any specific style.

What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
When I think of amazing pieces to wear I’ve found the things that really come to mind are accessories.  My favorite place to shop in Manchester is Widner’s – Great jewelry, scarves, and handbags.  Outside of Manchester, I love Vintaj Earth in Galena, Pursenality in Marion, and I’ve consistently gotten great jewelry from Lia Sophia.  If I get to Chicago I can always find pieces at Filene’s Basement – but I have to be in the mood to dig. 

 What I’ve noticed lately is that the décor in our home seems to be an extension of my personal style and two of my favorite local places to shop are Resa James Home in Dubuque and a local artist, Misti Ackberg, in Davenport.  Resa James, if you’ve never been there, is a must see in the warehouse district.   There’s no way I can describe it that would do it justice.  Misti Ackberg can be found at www.610studio.com.  There are great pieces on her site, but my favorites are the ones she’s created specifically for me based on colors from my home.  Original art at very, very affordable prices.

What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
I have a few go-to stores for fashion finds.  Old Navy and Target are great for the basics – layering pieces, solid colors to build on.  Lane Bryant is my favorite place for everything else.  I know I can go there and put together a complete outfit for nearly any occasion.

What is the fashion item you can’t live without?
Great handbags.   The outfit is important, but I love to tie the look together with the right bag. 

What do you want to splurge on?
I am more likely to splurge on accessories like jewelry, scarves and handbags than anything else.  I usually tend to choose clothes in basic, classic shapes and solid colors and then add color and pattern with accessories.

What are you willing to skimp on?
Shoes.  I know you might take away my “girl card” for saying that, but it’s the truth.  There are so many places to find great looking fun footwear at low prices that I tend to go that route rather than spending a ton.  Target and Payless are great for shoes, but lately I’ve been going to Zappos first.  Their customer service is absolutely unmatched and shipping and returns are free – and fast. 

 What kind of fashionista are you?
That’s a tough question.  I’m probably an even mix between department store and boutique.  Department store for the staples and boutiques for accessories.