Blogger Feature: Sorren of Classic Noise

Good day Daily Dani Dudes & Dudettes. I got a little antsy being at my blog all the time so I have taken over Dani's muahHAHAHhaha. Don't worry, it wasn't a hostile takeover (although I understand how you might think that what with the evilness of my laugh and all), just a nice little day-merger between two friends, you'll have the wonderful, stylish and charming Dani back and ready-to-go soon - I promise!

1. 3 words to describe your personal style?

Classic, understated, sleek. I admire bravery in fashion, and sometimes I attempt it, however I tend to feel most at ease in these types of outfits.

2. Who are your celebrity style icons?

I get my style inspiration from all over. From TV shows like Gossip Girl to style mags to what I see on the street to (and this is my biggest one) my favourite style blogs. I sometimes copy an entire look but will often just aspire to achieve the same sense of style an outfit has at it's core. When I think of style inspiration, and a style icon, I consider the entire person - how they hold themselves, the sense that they exude - and not just what is worn on the day to day. Currently I have girl crushes on Audrey Heburn, Audrey Tatou, Marion Cotillard, Zooey Deschanel, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, Kristen Bell and Tina Fey.

3. What is your favorite/most versatile accessory?

My favourite and most versatile accessory is my big, Club monaco belt. Seriously, this little guy has paid for himself. Boring dress? Belt. Two pieces don't quite work? Belt it. Eating a lot, not sure how to hold it in? Oh yes, belt. The only downside of my belt is his inside is a little rough and makes the cardigans I belt pill a little, but that's alright. I love cardigans, and I never mind getting new ones.

4. How would you style the classic LBD to reflect your personal style?

I think it really depends on the type of LBD - structured vs flow-y, low neckline vs bateau-esq, thin straps vs cap sleeves,  shorter vs below knee - depending on the dress you're starting with the same set of accessories can create incredibly different looks. I'm partial to a shorter, structured, bateau-esq dress with cap sleeves, or sleeveless. This dress itself is often reminiscent of the 50s so I would use my accessories as a way to modernize the ensemble while keeping the overall look classic. My ears are no longer pierced so earrings are out. I would focus on a large, simple bracelet -  a silver or pewter cuff bracelet - and a string of statement pearls - larger and with some ribbon perhaps. I know simple dresses often offer the perfect opportunity and justification for some crazy statement heels however I rarely like to invest in something I can only wear once, so in keeping with my theme of understated I would choose a pair of grey pumps or my nine west peep toes. I would wear my hair straight with straight across bangs - I am no hair genius.

5. Here in Southern California, we don't exactly get true "seasons." How does seasonal weather affect your wardrobe choices?

Seasonal weather has a major affect on my wardrobe and can affect it in every way from the type of clothes I wear, how conservative the pieces are, what coat I wear, the colours and how much I spend on clothes in general. I think the key to dressing for seasons and between seasons is layering - layering allows you the ability to re-use multiple pieces throughout the seasons styling them differently and in new ways while saving money.

Early spring can often times feel as cold as autumn making it easy to fall-back into your autumn wardrobe. I have found that certain strategies help combat this issue. In both autumn and early spring there can be a lot of tight-wearing, I use this as an opportunity to play up season. In the spring I choose tights that are patterned cream or light grey whereas in the fall and winter my tights are black, dark purple and grey solid or patterned. Cardigans and coats can also help sway the seasons, once again with the darker colours being great for the colder months and light colours or cardigans with a little lace perfect for the spring. Coats become very important in the winter because covering up an outfit which you have put a ton of effort into is very frustrating. A coat that can communicate the feel your outfit definitely is a plus.

I have not blogged during the summer yet so I do not have any pictures of the outfits I will be donning however I can foresee my business-wear being very similar to the past few months minus the tights and my casual-wear being full of shorts and dresses, and cardigans… it's hard to shed those here, the wind from the harbour always offers a "nice" breeze.

6. As a young professional, how do you find a balance between fashion and comfort/professionalism/appropriateness?

When I first began working I spent a lot of time trying to dress up the way I thought people in my industry would like to see me. While at times it was fun and I enjoyed what I was wearing I often began to feel as though I was turning my back on my youth and style. Although I think it's important to maintain a professional appearance in the work place I also realized it was important to not ignore what I love and stunt my style from growing. When dressing for work I try to keep it simple and classic while pushing the boundaries every once in a while for a special print or dress. Luckily my office can be pretty casual so nobody looks down on me if I'm in a pump rut and live in flats for 2 - 3 months… or the rest of my life.

 Make sure to check out Sorren on her fantabulous blog Classic Noise!