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STYLE Style Files Rachel Lee personal style as feminine, preppy, classic and sophisticated
STYLE Style Files Rachel Lee personal style as feminine, preppy, classic and sophisticated
STYLE
Rachel Lee personal style as feminine, preppy, classic and sophisticated
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Rachel Lee, 24, describes her personal style as feminine, preppy, classic and sophisticated. Mixing high-end items with moderately priced staples, Lee finds that her lifelong interest in fashion has helped her style. After graduating from Tower Hill School she attended the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. Since earning her degree in Fashion Design, Lee worked for several high profile companies in New York City, such as Christian Dior and Bergdorf Goodman, before moving back to Delaware to work for Delaware Today magazine. In addition to her full time job, Lee also works part-time at J. Crew in order to keep her foot in fashion. Lee hopes to have a future career in fashion and style, whether it is owning her own business, being a personal style consultant or working for a fashion magazine.
1. Are you inspired by a particular designer or celebrity?
I love timeless/classic, preppy/elegant and sophisticated looks – Ralph Lauren is probably my favorite designer. For couture, I love Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta – even though I can’t afford these labels; I try to incorporate their design aesthetic into my own personal style.
If I could wear evening gowns all day I would wear Christian Dior, Valentino, Elie Saab.
Even though we dress completely differently, I enjoy watching what Rihanna wears because she is daring and edgy, and doesn’t seem to care what people think. I would love to have that bold sense of style, but it doesn’t really work in my day to day life.
If I could wear evening gowns all day I would wear Christian Dior, Valentino, Elie Saab.
Even though we dress completely differently, I enjoy watching what Rihanna wears because she is daring and edgy, and doesn’t seem to care what people think. I would love to have that bold sense of style, but it doesn’t really work in my day to day life.
2. Where do you shop?
I love J. Crew for style staples (or you could say basics and stuff to wear to the office), the prices and clothing fit my budget and style aesthetic. Periodically stop into Francesca’s or Ellie for cute dresses. My favorite piece of jewelry at the moment is a ladybug necklace and earring set from Wilmington Country Store. I like J. McLaughlin in Greenville because it is Palm Beach meets East Hampton, and I love the colors and prints they carry.
3. How often do you shop?
I usually don’t go out just to shop, because I could be spending my time doing more important things, but if I am in a shopping center that has a clothing store, (such as where Janssen’s is) I’ll peek in to some stores to see if they have anything. I work part time at the J. Crew in Brinton Lake, so I usually leave at the end of the night having bought something.
4. Do you look for a bargain or is price not an issue if you really love it?
I don’t go out with the intention of spending a fortune, but if I see something I really love, I will talk myself into buying it! I don’t spend a lot on trendy items, only on items that will last forever, like my Louis Vuitton Daimler Canvas bag, or something I will wear often, like my Prada sunglasses or shoes. Most importantly, I look to see if the price reflects the quality of the product.
5. Do current fashion trends affect your personal style?
I look at fashion trends and see if they fit into my personal style, but I never change my personal style for what is trendy. I know what I look good in and what fits me, and if I really like the item and it happens to be a major trend (like gladiator sandals), I will incorporate a small piece of it into my outfit. I never buy something just because it’s trendy.
6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Over 75 and counting every week. I have a bit of a shoe problem!
7. Do you continue to use and wear the clothes that you already have or does every new season require a new wardrobe?
Every season doesn’t require a completely new wardrobe, but it is nice to freshen up your basics, like new tee’s and dresses and definitely a few new pair of heels and flats. I don’t want to be stuck in the same things all the time, it gets boring.
8. Does your job / life style play a part in determining what you are able to wear?
I know what is appropriate for the office, and I will never wear something that is too tight, revealing or short. When I go out at night, I still stick to being sophisticated, but have a bit more fun with it. My outfits at night are usually short cute dresses with heels - recently I’ve been wearing the dresses I got at Francesca’s and a suede clutch from J. McLaughlin.
9. If you had endless amounts of money what article of clothing would you purchase?
I would buy copious amounts of Christian Louboutin heels. I think shoes can change the way you feel.
10. What shopping secrets, strategies and or recommendations can you share with the readers?
Know what you like, and what you are comfortable in. If you buy something you aren’t comfortable in or 100% sure about, chances are you won’t wear it once you bring it home. Look for clothing and accessories that are well-made. Make sure the price reflects the quality. Don’t buy heels that you can’t walk in, because you’ll just look silly. Don’t be talked into buying something from a salesperson. Make sure YOU love it. Make sure your clothing FITS you. When you shop think about what you have in your closet already.
