WHO: Anna M. Touchard, 59, of Magnolia, registered sales assistant at an investment firm.
WHY: She was nominated by Phyllis Moore, who says: “She is the fashionista of her office and is a knockout every time I visit. Anna is friendly, professional and her demeanor is infectious.”
HER STYLE: “I’m traditional when it comes to work, but I enjoy fun things, too. I do half-marathons so I have a lot of workout clothes.”
WEARING, at her home:
FIRST OUTFIT — Teal Nike three-quarter zip-up jacket in form-fitting spandex; black Nike spandex capri running pants; Asics Trail running shoes in teal, orange and black; silver cubic zirconia stud earrings by Jessica Simpson; large sterling silver cubic zirconia with vintage filigree by Silpada Jewelry; small fleur de lis sterling silver ring from New Orleans, a gift from her daughter.
SECOND OUTFIT — Calvin Klein black and cream, tunic-length jacket; Calvin Klein black straight-leg pants; Spandex tank top by Worthington in black; low black pump by Liz Claiborne; large cultured pearl earrings and silver chunky necklace with a combination of pearls, silver beads and dark cubic zirconia-like beads, both by New York & Co.
THIRD OUTFIT — Knee-length black long-sleeved sheath dress with black mesh inset by Ralph Lauren; silver dangle earrings with cubic zirconia and a black onyx stone; and black high heel pumps by Style & Co.
FOURTH OUTFIT — Royal blue sheath gown by Nightway embellished with lace inset and sequins; silver strappy high heels by Rialto; Liz Claiborne silver clutch with rhinestone embellishment on the clasp and a removable shoulder strap; Gloria Vanderbilt silver dangle earrings with two cubic zirconia stones; silver and rhinestone bracelet purchased from an independent jewelry vendor.
WHERE SHE SHOPS: “Everywhere, especially when I go out of town. My son lives in New Orleans and I enjoy the boutiques there. That said, I also like TJ Maxx, Macy’s and Boscov’s.”
HOW SHE SHOPS: “I like to shop by myself. I bounce in and out, shopping on my lunch hour and on weekends.”
FASHION ICONS: First Lady Melania Trump and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.
FAVORITE DESIGNER LABELS: Liz Claiborne, Kasper, Calvin Klein, Le Suit.
THOUGHTS ON DESIGN: “Kenneth Cole’s philosophy on fashion really speaks to me. ‘What you stand for is more important than what you stand in. To be aware is more important than what you wear.’”
MOST RECENT PURCHASE: A formal gown from Boscov’s. “Royal blue, with sequins, a collar at the top with cut-away shoulders and a slit up the front.”
OLDEST ITEM IN HER CLOSET: A coat with fur collar, “about 10 years old. I often go through my closet and get rid of things to make room for new things. I just got rid of a sequined tube top from the 1980s. It was a gift from one of my best friends. Even though I haven’t worn it since I was in my 20s, I still had a difficult time parting ways with it.”
Through bargain-shopping, this Smyrna teacher dresses for $10 to $15
MANE, MANICURE AND MAKEUP: “I have a stylist, Noy Malinky, that I have followed for 20 years. About three years ago, I let my hair go gray and it is so liberating. I get lots of compliments on my hair, I’m so happy with it. I always put on makeup before I leave the house. If I run into someone I know I don’t want to look raggedy. I enjoy the outdoors, so I protect my skin year-round by covering up sensitive areas and I always use sunscreen. My daily skincare regiment consists of a variety of Mary Kay products. I typically do my own nails except on special occasions. I never leave home without two essentials: makeup and earrings.”
BEST FOOT FORWARD: “I have a lot of shoes that I keep on shelves that are floor to ceiling.”
FAVORITE COLOR: Royal blue, “although black is my go-to color.”
FAVORITE FRAGRANCE: Coach Legacy on cooler days and Calvin Klein One on warmer days.
WORTH THE SPLURGE: “A good haircut and a nice black suit.”
NOT WORTH THE SPLURGE: Something trendy. “I tend to buy more traditional, timeless items that I can dress up or down with scarfs, jewelry, and shoes or boots.”
WISH I HADN’T BOUGHT IT: An embellished jean jacket. “I don’t wear denim often and it is just not something that typically sparks my interest.”
THE GREAT PANTYHOSE DEBATE: “There is a time and a place for pantyhose. In a professional situation, you need to.”
ORGANIZATION TIPS: “My husband just broke through our bedroom wall and put a 10-12-foot addition on our house, a closet just for me. I organize my clothes by sleeve length, by color. Dress pants in one place, casual pants in another.”
FASHION NO-NO: “You have to careful when you wear spandex. I also don’t like to see men going shirtless in the summer time and pierced ears with no earrings in.”
BEST CELEBRITY HAIR: Jennifer Aniston.
GO-TO OUTFIT ON SATURDAY NIGHT: Black leggings, a long tunic top, boots and a scarf. “And don’t forget the bling. Always earrings, a bracelet and my rings.”
FASHION EVOLUTION: “I grew up in an Air Force family and wore a uniform to Catholic school. Fashion kicked in when I got out on my own and started working.”
THOUGHTS ON AGING: “I work out four or five days a week. I don’t feel old. I think I look better and feel better than I did when I was younger. I’m more confident.”
INDISPENSABLE WARDROBE ITEM: Costume jewelry. “It can make or break the outfit and it’s not costly.”
ACE ACCESSORY: “A beautiful silver Brighton necklace, a gift from a friend, that I can wear either short or long.”
PANTS OR SKIRTS? Pants in the winter, dresses in summer.
HEELS OR FLATS? Heels.
DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? “Both. I love bling, but sometimes you need something timeless like pearls.”
WHY FASHION IS IMPORTANT: “The way you present yourself is a reflection of who you are as a person. It is not about the designer. I exercise, take care of my skin, and eat properly. If you feel good on the inside, it will show. What you wear will simply add to it.”
FASHION IN DELAWARE
Interior designer likes comfy, classic attire with a bit of wit
Smyrna teacher, model can dress stylishly for $10-$15
Retired Newark postman ditches uniform for stylish duds
Style Files runs weekly in Sundaylife. To suggest someone stylish to feature—your coworker, teacher, friend, relative or even yourself—please send information to stylefiles@delawareonline.com and include contact information. Pictures are super, too. Reach Eileen Smith Dallabrida at esmith@smithreports.com
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