What she’s wearing
I’m wearing a white ruffled sleeveless shirt and a lace skirt from Forever 21. The lace skirt is pleated, with different shades of blue lace. I’m also wearing a pair of dove gray tights. The shoes are gray toeless ankle boots with really fantastic button detailing on the sides by the brand Bakers that I bought on sale in Chicago.
Where do you get your style inspiration from? I love to look at Vogue and Elle and get ideas from couture- they’re where fashion trends come from after all! But really, I think that I’m my own inspiration. I dress depending on how I’m feeling and what I want to express.
Who are your style icons? I’m not sure I’d say “icons.” While I admire a great variety of fashionistas like Katie Holmes (before she started on her latest boyfriend jeans+ baggy tops= hideous trend), Lady Gaga, Rachel Zoe, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Japanese stars like Ayumi Hamasaki, I think I’m really my own inspirtation.
What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
My favorite local place is my online vintage clothing store, Nostalchique Boutique! I always try to wear some of the pieces that I sell. I also love hitting up the local Thrift and Goodwill stores, because there are fantastic deals there. Inbox, Revival and Silver Spider are some of my favorite other stores.
What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
Odd though this may sound, EBAY! I run Nostalchique Boutique on Ebay, mostly because I’ve found the best unique things for good prices there. Plus, it’s easy to type in a few key search terms and voila, up come things that appeal to me.
What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
I have to choose one? I’d have to say shoes. The other day I got on the bus and the drive asked me how many shoes I had! I sheepishly admitted somewhere between 50-60 pairs…
What do you want to splurge on? Again, shoes! I walk everywhere, so I need to be able to rely on my shoes holding up, and I want to make sure my 4 inch stilettos are comfy. Still, I always try to but on sale!
What are you willing to skimp on? Accessories! The BEST jewelry I’ve found has been at flea markets or thrift stores, sometimes for less than a $1! I also love tights and hoisery, but it’s just not economical to spend $15 on a pair that’s going to tear after a few times, so I try to buy them on sale. Just the other day I got a great pair for 99 cents on sale at JC Penny!
What kind of fashionista are you? I buy whenever wherever however! I have things from places like Forever 21 to thrift stores to boutiques.
What fashion genre would you put yourself in?
That’s a tough one. I think my style is hard to narrow down to one adjective. I have bohemian days (I have this fantastic tie-dye print floor length maxi dress that I love love love with a pair of oversized sunglasses), and I have days that I think of as “classic chic” (when I throw on my high-waisted black work pants or a simple skirt with a ruffled button-up), and I even have my occasional “American girl” I’m-running-late-throw-on-jeans-and-a-cute-shirt-days! But, overall, I tend to like more sophisticated pieces with a hint of funky thrown-in, so I suppose that’s the best way to describe my style.
Advertising/Marketing Executive, Jewelry Designer and Retailer
What she’s wearing
A Chetta B Evening skirt with a Bebe lace blouse and Gucci lace scarf paired with vintage rhinestone jewelry and Jimmy Choo stilettos.
Where do you get your style inspiration from?
The visual arts, magazines, movies and videos. I assimilate all of these influences and meld them into a personalized expression that is congruent with my identity.
Who are your style icons?/Why? Although I enjoy women who have a strong sense of self and live boldly, I really don’t consider any one particular person to be my style icon. However, I have great regard for women like Posh, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga and Halle Berry. Each woman knows who she is and therefore makes confident style choices, takes fearless risks and executes every choice impeccably.
What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
There are three: Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney’s New York.
What is the one fashion item you can’t live without? Bold, statement jewelry. The more, the better.
What do you want to splurge on?
The staples – suits, shoes, purses, dresses and jewelry. My purchase philosophy is to invest in great quality items, take care of these investments and keep them for years.
What are you willing to skimp on?
T-shirts.
What kind of fashionista are you?
I’m a quintessential fashionista, but I don’t allow brand names alone to consume my every choice. My wardrobe is an extension of my art collection. It is full of color and imagination anchored by basic black in unconventional interpretations. I mix high-end designer brands and exquisite vintage pieces with my own designs crafted by my tailor. Every item is uniquely me. Ultimately, my choices are based on each piece and not the label. However, my shoe collection is a fashionista’s fantasyland.
What fashion genre would you put yourself in?
Alluring and sophisticated with a dramatic edge.
The hat is vintage fur. I believe it was my grandmother’s. The coat is from the Von Maur sale rack. The gloves I got at a resale shop, and the dress is from Salvation Army. The tights are from Target (they have great quality tights), and the shoes are Nine West. The whole look cost less than $100.
Where do you get your style inspiration from?
I remember looking at my sister’s Glamour and Vogue magazines when I was about 12 years old, and being mesmerized by the catwalk styles of the first supermodels. I particularly like Calvin Klein in the early 90s – the stuff that looked like underwear. His use of nude colors, clean lines, and spare designs still inspire me.
Who are your style icons?/Why?
Probably Kate Moss. As controversial as she is, she still is gorgeous with great style. She can perfectly balance classic lines with punk edge.
What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
Vintage and thrifts stores, all the way. It’s fun to shop there, because you never know what you’ll find, and when you do find something, it’s both unique and ridiculously cheap!
What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
TJ Maxx is one of my favorites – because their clothes are irregular or from last season, you can get great deals on really good designers. For the price, the quality of clothing is much better there than a department store. But you have to be ready to dig through the racks.
What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
A clean black shell (tank top) – rayon, silk, or even polyester. It’s a flattering piece that I can literally wear with anything. I layer it, or use accessories or interesting skirts to give it some character.
What do you want to splurge on?
Good-quality shoes and boots, because I want them to last.
What are you willing to skimp on?
Accessories – jewelry, hosiery, purses—because the trends shift every year.
I have a very classic style, because it works with my body type, but I like to mix in pieces to give it some edge. I think balance is key—I don’t ever wear just one style at a time. I mix classic with punk, vampy with preppy, girly with masculine. I usually pair basics – jeans, tanks, jackets – with scarves, jewelry and hosiery to make the look interesting. Color balance is very important to me. I try to balance warm and cool tones, like you would if you were decorating your house. Mixing colors can be intimidating, so I recommend the book “What You Wear Can Change Your Life,” by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, to learn about color relationships. They refute the belief that black goes with everything, and provide swatches of colors that balance, complement, and slim the body.
I NEVER want to have the same clothes that someone else has. I end up making some of my clothes (this usually involves my cutting something to shreds, stitching something together, or making jewelry and belts) just to set myself apart. I usually reject the trends that are too widespread – I’m really turned off by people who all look the same.
What fashion genre would you put yourself in?
I suppose I’d be classic/bombshell, because it works for my body, but I try to bring in some “smart” or “edge” into the equation to retain my individuality. I think any outfit should include multiple styles/genres, or you’ll fall into a category, and people will see YOU as that category. You’ll also look boring or predictable. I like people to notice me, but I also want them to see that I’m multi-dimensional. People first form an idea of who you are based on appearance – that may be unfortunate, but more and more we’re living in a visual culture. Though it’s pegged as shallow by some, fashion is the oldest and most basic way to express who you are. It also happens to be really fun.
What are you wearing?
I’m wearing a dress with red and black brocade on the top and a black viscose material on the bottom by SHRINE clothing, which my fiance bought me from Chicago. Underneath the dress is a black tulle layered skirt from Poizen Industries that serves as a petticoat. Stockings are black micro fiber from Hot Topic and the giant combat boots are from the Demonia brand, which I also picked up in Chicago. The last piece I added to this outfit is a black tulle flower headband I found for a cheap price at Silver Spider.
Where do you get your style inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from dreams, images I see in magazines and online, and poetry. My style is definitely on the darker more romantic side and is inspired by days of old and unique images. I try to express what I’m feeling through the visual world of my clothing. Because of this, my style varies. One day I look like a nightmare from a carnival and the next, a girl with flowers out of the sixties. I also enjoy looking through Lula Magazine and Gothic Beauty Magazine for inspiration. I’m inspired by those who dress in a unique way, but also have modesty. A lot of the alternative (and fashion) modeling world is, unfortunately, about sex appeal and fetishism, especially if one is trying to make money, but I try to stay away from that. I think being beautiful is much more meaningful than trying to be sexy.
Who are your style icons?/Why? My style icons aren’t any film celebrities like a lot of people would answer. Though I admire some of their clothing, they often have stylists that put everything together for them. It isn’t their own creativity, it’s someone else’s. Musically I am influenced by Rozz Williams (deathrock singer of the band Christian Death, now deceased) and Marilyn Manson. I think that their styles of music and clothing have made an impact on people, it’s made them think. There are also a lot of designers and models I have come across since I began to model myself that have inspired me. These people have uncovered a beauty that I feel as well, which is why I am drawn to them. Examples of models are : Andromeda X and Razor Candi. Examples of designers: Freyagushi and Bibian Blue. Examples of Photographers/Artists: Eyeworks, Winterwolf Studios, and Mon-artifice. I am also inspired by poets such as Emily Dickinson.
What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
I was really disappointed when I first arrived in Iowa City, as I couldn’t find many stores that had the type of clothing I felt connected to. I would occasionally shop in Ragstock and find a few vintage clothing items. Most of all, I have found amazing pieces in antique/consignment stores. I wasn’t into antique vintage clothing until I entered these shops. For example, in The Crowded Closet I found a torn cupcake looking dress that I turned into a skirt. In the local antique store Artifacts, I’ve found various hats and dresses that I enjoy. However, my favorite store to shop in (I usually cannot leave without buying something) is Second Act. They have a room full of clothing from the sixties and seventies and a fantasy room (what more could I want?). I’ve tried to convince them to let me purchase some of the rental items, but to no avail. They usually ask if I am buying all the clothes for a special occasion, and I have to explain to them that I just wear them in every day life.
What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds? Besides what I already said, I definitely enjoy shopping in Chicago and online. There are really too many stores to name just one, but I do enjoy looking on etsy and ebay for clothing or the UK’s ‘the gothic shop’, which has great deals. In Chicago, I enjoy such stores as The Alley and Hollywood Mirror. Even so, the most unique finds are always in vintage clothing stores.
What is the one fashion item you can’t live without? I think there are really two items I cannot live without. One is a top I found in Rome from the brand Bony Paris. It has a cameo in the center, red and blue sheer print with black lace, and black ribbon straps to hold it up. As I collect cameos, I almost screamed when I saw it. The other is a black vinyl/velvet striped vintage coat I found in Second Act. The reason I cannot live without the coat can be explained in a brief story. I was in an Iowa City store and a woman approached me, asking where I had bought my coat from. I told her, and she then proceeded to tell me that the coat used to be hers and that she had repaired it years ago (it had been somebody else’s before her as well). It brought back a flood of memories for her, which she shared. It was then that I realized how clothes can be a living text. They can also transport you back in time. It was a very beautiful realization for me.
What do you want to splurge on?
At the current moment, I want to splurge on Renaissance dresses, pvc clothing, medical looking corsets, and Lolita dresses.
What are you willing to skimp on?
I am always willing to skimp on socks and pajamas. Most of my socks don’t even have matches and are ridden with holes. And I only care about being comfortable when I’m asleep.
What kind of fashionista are you?
I’m definitely a mix of things. As I explained before, I shop online and at vintage clothing stores. I also occasionally find things at department stores and boutiques. In addition to those, I sometimes create my own clothing. In the many years it’s been since I’ve learned to use a sewing machine I have forgotten, so I just hand sew everything without a pattern. Some of them come out pretty…unique.
What fashion genre would you put yourself in? There are a lot of genres I could put myself in. Namely, people label my style as goth, and then get confused when I wear vintage clothing. What most don’t know is that there are many different subcultures within the culture of “gothic”. For example, ’steampunk’ which is focused on gears, old cage skirts, goggles, etc., ‘victorian’, based upon Queen Victoria in the years when she mourned her husband, which is focused on a lot of black, lace, long flowing skirts, parasols, etc., and ‘lolita’, which is based off of the Lolita book and involves looking like a little girl/doll and often includes bows, curls, pastel dresses, petticoats, etc. There are so many different divisions, and so much to learn. I feel it is dangerous to label anyone. Of course, as humans, we all label each other, but in my experience, people who have labeled me have a difficult time seeing me as anything other than the stereotype of ‘goth’. I often get insulted on the street for wearing the clothes that I do, and I think it’s because a lot of people don’t know how to handle difference. It is a sad, but true fact. This is why I would put myself in my own fashion genre and not any specific one.
Brandi Jones, 30, Amana
Program Director @ Amana Heritage Society
What she’s wearing
A yellow cotton Trashy Diva 1950s-style dress with a vintage crinoline, black cotton cardigan from the Gap and red Nine West t-strap shoes.
Where do you get your style inspiration from?
From all over the place. Movies, the internet, vintage clothing, blogs, people I see on the street, Anthorpologie catalogues.
Who are your style icons?/Why?
I’m inspired by people who’s style is clean, classic, but individualized and interesting. I love Ginnifer Goodwin’s style.
What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
I shop at Ann Taylor Loft and Banana Republic a lot.
What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds? Ann Taylor Loft
What is the one fashion item you can’t live without? Cardigan sweaters.
What do you want to splurge on? There is a pair of leather Anthropologie boots that I would love to splurge on.
What are you willing to skimp on? Accessories. I don’t really wear them very much, and when I do they are dainty.
What kind of fashionista are you?
Defintely mixed. Most of my clothes I buy at the mall, but I like new clothes that have vintage styling.
What fashion genre would you put yourself in? Vintage
Chuck Cavanaugh, 36, Cedar Rapids
Regional Manager of Continuous Improvement @ H. J. Heinz Owner and designer @ Rise Above Leathers
What he’s wearing:
A woven wool slouch hat from Urban Outfitters, T-shirt from Underground Art Studios in Cedar Rapids, Triple-Five Soul sweat shirt from Nordstrom, vintage leather café-racer inspired jacket from a boutique in Seattle, scarf from H&M, Levi’s skinny cut 511 cords from Urban Outfitters, vintage Beatle zip boots from eBay. The belt, watch and cuff are custom made by me for Rise Above Leathers.
Where do you get your style inspiration from?
A lot of it has come from the research I have been doing for my side business, looking at old Rolling Stone magazines, old album covers, and also from attending a ton of concerts and live music performances. When you are up by the stage you really understand what goes in to having a “presence” from the aesthetic side of a performance.
Who are your style icons?/Why?
Historically speaking, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Robert Plant. When you watch old videos of them performing, they had this swagger about them that started with how they dressed. In more current terms, I think Scott Weiland, Lenny Kravitz, and Johnny Depp all have curious and unrestrained tastes when it comes to fashion. In all cases, it is the attention to detail with unique color combinations, how they accessorize, and wearing slim and mod cut fashion that fits their silhouette.
What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
I travel quite a bit for work to big cities on both coasts, so I usually pack half a suitcase and come home with a full one.
What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
I rarely walk into an Urban Outfitters without buying at least one thing.
What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
Probably my numerous pairs of True Religions. They have been my favorite denim for over 3 years now, and have defined themselves as American made classics for unique cuts, washes, and overall styling for both men and women.
What do you want to splurge on?
It’s been about a two year quest on ebay to find a vintage East West Musical Instruments Company leather jacket, but have not found the style/size/condition I want. These were handmade leather jackets crafted in San Francisco in the late 60’s. They did custom leather attire you would find on musicians of that era (Hendrix, Santana, Janis Joplin).
What kind of fashionista are you?
Big fan of taking vintage pieces, especially shoes, suits, and outerwear, and blending those with modern denim, pants, shirts, t-shirts, and of course adding an edge to it all with custom leather accessories (cuffs, watches, belts) that I make in my studio.
A: An asymmetrical dress by free people. I paired the dress with black tights and BCBG shoes from Von Maur. The Jasmine Filigree Earrings are from my Stella & Dot collection as well as the Kelly Cuff.
Where do you get your style inspiration from? Fashion Magazines and other people. I really make sure that I don’t try to wear “what‘s in” if it does not look good on my body shape. I try to dress in clothing that makes me feel confident.
Who are your style icons?
Jackie O: For the classic look more of my business style. Beyonce: For being able to pull off some fun and daring looks, ones I wouldn’t know if I could try or not but I like that she takes risks. Reese Witherspoon also has a great everyday looks.
What is your favorite local place to find amazing pieces?
I like to shop at Von Maur. I also have recently started selling jewelry with a company called Stella & Dot, which is boutique style jewelry at a fraction of the cost. I also host in home truck shows, where I bring the jewelry to your house and you are able to see and try it on for yourself. For more info on any of the jewelry pieces I wore in the photos, go to www.stelladot.com/sarahs
What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
Von Maur, I like the Contemporary section. They have more of a limited stock and I like knowing that 17 other people won’t be out with my shirt on. Also Target is an ok quality for the cost you are getting it at.
What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
Great pair of jeans. I wear jeans the most so I am always looking for that perfect jean. Right now I am in love with William Rast jeans. They just have a great fit.
What do you want to splurge on?
Shoes, jewelry, handbags….is that too many? I would love to have a pair of Christian Louboutins but can’t find a reason to spend $700 on shoes.
What are you willing to skimp on?
Socks. I think socks are socks and not really made to be a fashion statement but more to be practical. So I would skimp on socks.
What kind of fashionista are you?
(Department store/local handmade/vintage/boutiques/designer labels/mix?) I am a mix. I can shop at department stores but get frustrated that you look like everyone else. So I like to mix it up and shop on online sites like Zappos, Nordstroms, American Apparel, and Victoria’s Secret.com (has great dresses!)
Amy Lasack, 35, Anamosa
Director of Training & Outreach Services @ Kirkwood Community College
What she’s wearing
The lime green knit jacket and scoop neck Asian-inspired tank underneath are from Metrostyle.com. I paired them with a simple flared leg black trouser from Younkers and patent peek toe pumps also from Younkers. The necklace is a combination of two necklaces, both from Lia Sophia. Originally on a blue suede cord, I took the pendant and put it on another Lia Sophia necklace cord so I could coordinate the black with the outfit. The earrings are also Lia Sophia. The silver bracelet was picked up at a recent Premier jewelry party I attended.
What she says
I like to have a wide variety of accessories to choose from, so I don’t want to spend a fortune on having all expensive pieces. Fun necklaces, bracelets and earrings don’t have to cost a fortune and when you don’t spend a lot on them, it allows you to buy even more fun pieces.
Where do you get your style inspiration from?
I enjoy looking through catalogs and window shopping to get ideas. Very, very rarely do I buy an outfit that is exactly like one I see on a mannequin or in a magazine, but I do get some ideas on color combinations or shirt/jacket pairings that work well together.
Who are your style icons?
There really isn’t a person that influences the styles that I wear. I like variety, comfort and color. If I see an item that catches my eye, fits within my wardrobe and makes me feel good wearing it, then I go with it.
What is your staple go-to store for fashion finds?
I do buy a lot of my clothes at either Younkers or Dress Barn, but more and more I do a lot of catalogue and online shopping. While I love to shop, I just can’t find as much time as I’d like to go clothes shopping. I’ve found that catalogue and online shopping can be a great alternative as there is a wide variety of items. The trick is finding a catalogue/online retailer where you know how their clothes fit you so there are no surprises when your clothes arrive on your doorstep. I’ve had some problems at first with that, but now I purchase a lot from Chadwicks and QVC. I know how I fit into their clothes and very rarely have to send something back.
What is the one fashion item you can’t live without?
I love shoes and accessories. Jewelry, purses and shoes can add that something extra to an outfit that otherwise might be just another outfit.
What do you want to splurge on?
I justify spending a little extra on purses since it is something I use every single day. It carries everything I need and needs to be durable enough to handle the everyday wear and tear.
What are you willing to skimp on?
I like to have a wide variety of accessories to choose from, so I don’t want to spend a fortune on having all expensive pieces. Fun necklaces, bracelets and earrings don’t have to cost a fortune and when you don’t spend a lot on them, it allows you to buy even more fun pieces.
What kind of fashionista are you?
I’m just as likely to find something I like from a department store as I am from a boutique. As an example, I have jewelry from Target, at home parties such as Lia Sophia, QVC and local artisans. I don’t like limiting myself to one type of place to shop, the variety and mixing and matching is what makes it fun.
The outfit is more casual with bluejeans, a blue with black swirled button up and a black vest with a blue tie. It’s an outfit I would wear to a fancy event and one of my unique outfits that I put together. I like the fact of putting the tie with it because it makes the outfit not to preppy but a little more stylish.
What he says
I can’t live without shoes and ties.
I love all types of shoes. Whether it be drivers to square toe to shell toe, I am a fan of them all. Some of my favorite brands of shoes are Steve Maddens, Nike Air Force Ones and Jordan brand.
I love all different types of ties especially those that are unique and eye catching because over time I have learned how to match ties with all different color patterns and segments.
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.
