Fashion inspiration can come from the most unusual places: a color swatch, a magazine advertisement, or even straight from your favorite television show. One of my favorite places to search for fashion inspiration is Pinterest, where I collect all my favorite looks from socialites, celebrities, and women in the fashion business alike to pin to my style board.
In my pinning frenzies (anyone else addicted to Pinterest?), I have noticed three ladies whose style I keep going back to: Anna Dello Russo, Taylor Tomasi Hill, and Nicole Ritchie. Read on for why I admire their style and pictures of their fabulous outfits!
Anna Dello Russo
http://aviewfromtheshade.blogspot.com, http://www.thesartorialist.com
If I were to describe Anna Dello Russo’s style, words that come to mind are unique, quirky, and a bit crazy. Once described by designer Helmut Newton as a “fashion maniac,” the headline to her personal blog says it all: “I don’t want to be cool, I want to be fashion!” Dello Russo is the editor-at-large and creative consultant for Vogue Japan, allowing her access to the hottest current designs (she even has a separate apartment for her clothes!). She has no problem wearing whatever kooky creations designers come out with each season.
Having the confidence to pull off crazy ensembles is something I’ve discussed in previous StoStyle articles, but I cannot stress it enough: you can wear anything if you truly have the confidence to do so! Whenever I am hesitant to wear an outfit that seems a bit risky, I always think of Dello Russo and how fearlessly she approaches fashion, savoring every trend and having fun at the same time. Isn’t that what fashion is all about?
Taylor Tomasi Hill
http://taylorstyle.tumblr.com, http://becauseimaddicted.net
Taylor Tomasi Hill is the style and accessories director for US Marie Claire and the former accessories director for Teen Vogue. A self–defined “clothing chameleon” with an ever evolving style, Tomasi Hill inspires me to pull myself out of fashion ruts by experimenting with new patterns, styles, and outfit combinations. When I find a certain piece of clothing or style that I like (past obsessions have been cardigans and plain white v-neck tees), I tend to wear only that for long periods of time.
Tomasi Hill’s style always inspires me to experiment not only with different clothes, but different variations on beloved styles. The pictures above of her fabulous pants inspired me to get out of my blue jeans rut by investing in some printed jeans! One more reason I love her – her fiery red hair feeds the secret desire I have to be a feisty redhead. One can dream, right?
Nicole Ritchie
http://www.hipgirlie.com, http://www.instyle.com/instyle/
What I love most about Nicole Ritchie’s style is how she’s managed to go from this to a perfectly polished boho trendsetter. Her outfits always have the right amount of hippie–chic to them, a look I love to rock on days when I’m feeling more laid back. Ritchie’s style is the perfect inspiration for days when you want to be simple and comfy, yet polished. Her transformation inspires me with the fact that it is never too late to change up your style. I also have to give her props for her House of Harlow line – her designs are the perfect combination of art deco and boho.
While I may not have access to the amazing clothes and accessories these ladies do, I love to take elements of their outfits and interpret them for myself. Being sartorially inspired does not mean being depressed over the fact that you can’t afford the $2,000 Balenciaga bag your favorite celebrity is toting. While I do lust over the luxury items my fashion icons sport, the whole fun of being inspired by someone else is taking their style and translating it into something similar that works for you. There is nothing wrong with combing your local Goodwill or secondhand shops for styles similar to your icons. Who knows, in your search you might even find something better!
Who are your fashion icons? What do you think of my personal picks? What else influences your style?
Be inspired and stay fashionable, St. Olaf!