Closets & Cocktails with Style Saveur

After reading her Closets & Cocktails interview, I knew right away that Neahle, editor in chief of Style + Saveur and I were stylin' soul mates; I too ripped out and saved (it's tucked into the frame of my chalkboard) the same Lauren Hutton quote! Not to mention the fact that I am a complete bag lady and "sucker for a sick bag" myself! After reading she'd scored two for one at Gucci, I realized we might not be stylin' soul mates as much as she might be my style goddess! Seriously, two for one Gucci? Add to that amazing score the beauty of Paris? Just reading about it practically gave me a stroke (and not the heat related kind)! So, without further adieu, a few insights into Neahle's fashion philosophies and closet confessions...

Style + Saveur editor-in-chief Neahle in her closer with (one of her) favorite cocktails

What is your style motto? There's a Lauren Hutton quote I read in a J. Crew catalogue "Fashion is what you're offered four times a year. Style is what YOU pick out of that fashion." I immediately ripped it out and saved it as a reminder that it's okay I'm not a big risk taker when it comes to fashion. At 32, I've learned not to follow "fashion" or worry about what everyone else is wearing. I stick to what I like and what looks good on my body. Doesn't mean I don't stay current. I immediately jumped on the color blocking bandwagon because it's so me, but I won't be the one in tribal print harem pants because it's just not my style.

If you could change one thing about your closet, what would it be? Like most of your other guests [bloggers] I would love more space! I'm very lucky to have a walk-in closet in New York, and that's what sold me on this apartment in the first place. However, I would love to be able to fit a dresser inside the closet and definitely include an open shelving system for my shoes. They're all hidden by long dresses and cast in shadows when they deserve to be on display!

Who's style, past or present, do you most admire? I generally admire style moments more so than one person's overall sense of style. Like Rihanna's white Max Azria suit at the Billboard Awards. That look had me at hello but I wouldn't say I'm usually inspired by her. If I had to choose then it would be a combination of Halle Berry and Tracee Ellis Ross. I love Halle's laid back everyday style and Tracee's classic with an edge wardrobe.

What is your most treasured possession in your closet? Oh this is a difficult question because there are so many items in my closet that I LOVE! There is one jacket that I would say is a treasured piece. It holds a special place in my heart because I purchased it on my first trip to Paris from a random French boutique. Every time I wear it someone stops me on the street to ask me where I got it from.

What is your greatest shopping regret? I remember being in my early 20's and buying random designer pieces from Century 21 (a discount store here in NYC) simply because it was by such-and-such a designer and it fit. I never wore the majority of them and years later they ended up at the Salvation Army. Total waste of money. I've also had some regrets from online shopping. I ordered what I thought was going to be an amazing long-sleeved black lace shift mini dress from ASOS. It was perfect and I had already planned a few outfits around it. When it arrived it was NOTHING like I'd imagined. I was incredibly disappointed but their return policy is awesome.

What do you consider your greatest score? I'm always looking for a good deal. There isn't a sale, sample sale, flash sale I don't like so I've been able to score some pretty awesome items. My greatest score would have to be another purchase I made in Paris. I was there in January, which is when every store has major sales to clear out merchandise for the upcoming season. My friends and I made a beeline for the high-end designer stores to take advantage of the sale. The staff in the Gucci store were incredibly nice, they let us stay in the store way after it closed, and I was able to score two Gucci clutches for less than the price I would have paid for one.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? I actually don't [over]use too many phrases, though my friends would say otherwise!

What is your greatest extravagance? My closet is a mix of high and low end. A lot of my summer dresses come from The Gap or Old Navy, but I'm a sucker for a sick bag and they tend to be expensive even when on sale. However I truly believe if you buy a good quality purse it can last a lifetime. I take very good care of every bag I own so my daughter (or niece) can shop my closet for her own "vintage" purses one day.

BONUS QUESTION: What is your favorite cocktail? A big glass of red wine. ;)

Thanks so much, Neahle! Be sure to check out Style + Saveur to keep up with this lovely lady!

Love, P