Michelle's Style ID: Practical and polished with a little bit of eco playfulness
As the founder of Rubie Green textiles and editor of Lonnymag.com, Michelle has an overflowing schedule but a streamlined wardrobe of flexible items. Check out her stylosophy and some of her favorite pieces after the jump.
I don't believe in "work clothes." It's so much easier if each piece you own can be appropriate for many occasions. Look for clothes that express your style and can be reinterpreted to work for the office, the weekend, or a date. Even my open-toe leopard-print wedges work just as well with jeans as they do with a cocktail dress.
My style idols are timeless. Jackie O., Katie Holmes, Olivia Palermo—I admire women who look both conservative and sexy.
Know your proportions. I have short legs but a small waist, so pieces that are high-waisted make me look longer and leaner. Plus I love feeling like I'm channeling Ali MacGraw from the 1970s.
I don't take shopping lightly. Before buying something, I have to make sure I'll wear it frequently and for a long time. I'd rather have a tiny wardrobe of amazing pieces than a wastefully large one full of impulse buys.
Your clothing announces who you are. I want mine to say I'm chic and put together but approachable.
Fragrance is the finishing touch. You can never go wrong with Stella McCartney's Stella perfume. It's paraben-free and has a delicate floral-and-amber scent.
1 "Spreegirl has cool color-blocked pieces in bamboo-cotton blends at great prices."
2 "Feminine but not prim, and the elastic waist is flattering on anyone."
3 "I love all of Virginia Johnson's patterns, and this tote is so roomy."
4 "Olsen Haus makes spectacular vegan heels—beautiful and fierce."
5 "Cute with sandals or as a beach cover-up."
1. Pipeline bra, $34, spreegirl.com
2. Beyond Vintage feather dress, $305, barneys.com
3. Zigzag-style sack luggage (in turquiose), $310, beklina.com
4. Key West shoes, $255, olsenhaus.com
5. Raglan-sleeve pullover dress, $165, organicbyjohnpatrick.com
