Photography by Kyle Norton
COLLEGE—BOUND
Teen
EMMA ALLEN
Westport, Connecticut
Student
Describe your personal style in three words.
Relaxed Comfortable, trendy, minimalist.
What is your favorite piece of clothing or accessory and why does it have special meaning for you?
My floral embroidered leather jacket that I bought in Florence last spring, because it reminds me of my incredible trip to Italy.
What are your favorite three brands and why?
1. Skims: Elevated basics with sooo many options.
2. Reformation: Good-quality clothing that’s also reasonably priced. I love all of their pretty floral patterns.
3. Zara: So much inventory to choose from that fits a teen’s budget. They also happen to have great jeans.
If you could recommend one brand that is sold in Westport to our readers what would it be and where do you shop for it?
Suzie Kondi at Penfield Collective (where I also happen to work). The velour tops, bottoms and jumpsuits are incredible for every occasion.
What are your favorite local stores for clothing, jewelry and accessories?
Penfield Collective, Free People, Middlemarch, Brandy Melville & Gorjana
THE MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO
30s
SADE STREHLKE
Westport, Connecticut
Marketing and Media
Describe your personal style in three words.
Classic, fun and girly.
What is your favorite piece of clothing or accessory in your closet and why does it have special meaning to you?
This changes all the time, but currently it’s my Alaïa leopard ballet flats. I hunted these down in Paris recently on a trip with my mother — the staff at the Paris HQ was so kind and fun, and we had a blast with them and each other. So win for the shoes and win for the memory.
What are your favorite three brands and why?
Just three?! I’m a Libra — this is torture!
1. Hermès: love the craftsmanship and even the game.
2. Loewe: I’m a huge fan of their current designs and fit.
3. Old Celine: For newer and up-and-coming brands, it’s Liberowe, Le Monde Beryl and Scanlan Theodore.
Can I have an honorable mention for Chanel, especially vintage? Oh, was I supposed to include jewelry here, too? If so, I’m going to need another three.
If you could recommend one brand that is sold in Westport to our readers what would it be and where do you shop for it?
Loewe and new Celine — also great, plus Hedi was my first fashion crush after he changed YSL’s name to Saint Laurent — both available at Mitchells. Ask for Carter [Butler]; he’ll take good care of you.
What are your favorite local stores for clothing, jewelry and accessories?
Too many to name, but: Mitchells (our own little Bergdorfs), Kerri Rosenthal (great fashion and dècor), Blue & Cream (super fun staff), Great Stuff (just go inside, I promise you, it’s so good!), Lenox Jewelers in Fairfield for service on Rolex and Cartier pieces and classic gems, and The Collective West for cool jewelry brands, such as Josh Levkoff. No questions on beauty? Haha!
60s
FRANCES BARROW-LEWIS
Westport, Connecticut, part-time
Grandmother, Retired Executive, British Airways
Describe your personal style in three words.
Elegant, alluring and unexpected.
What is your favorite piece of clothing or accessory in your closet and why does it have special meaning to you?
My Chanel Cruise Collection Ballerina Stilettos. It was a hunt: When the limited cruise collection came out I ran to the Chanel flagship store in NYC, only to be told they were sold out. As a longtime customer, they offered to keep an eye out for me, and after nine months and a worldwide search, one pair, magically in my size, appeared. This was ten, maybe fifteen years ago. They’re in my closet, unworn, and I’ve directed my daughter to cremate me in them.
What are your favorite three brands and why?
1. Chanel: it’s iconic.
2. Hermès: speaks for itself.
3. Loewe: love the designs and fit.
If you could recommend one brand that is sold in Westport to our readers, what would it be and where do you shop for it?
There are so many, but let’s say Loewe, for now, and you can find them at Mitchells.
What are your favorite local stores for clothing, jewelry and accessories?
Mitchells, reminds me of Bergdorfs in NYC, where I’ve lived most of my life. Unsubscribed, casual but chic and very comfortable clothing. They also carry nice accessories. For jewelry, I’m a little old-school, love that Westport has a Tiffany’s; ask for Kathleen, she’ll take good care of you.
THE INTERIOR DESIGN GURUS
50s
CRISTINA VILLEGAS
Weston, Connecticut
Founder and Owner at YOYA NYC (Kids Fashion) and Co-Founding Partner at Casa Collective Studio (Interior Designer, Stylist)
Describe your personal style in three words.
Relaxed, boho meets menswear with a feminine twist
What is your favorite piece of clothing or accessory in your closet and why does it have special meaning to you?
My vintage Rolex. It was my dad’s and he gifted it to me for my high school graduation
What are your favorite three brands and why?
1. Nili Lotan: polished casual.
2. Rachel Comey: vintage inspired.
3. Mayle: I’ve known Jane since my early 20s running around New York City and have been collecting her pieces ever since.
If you could recommend one brand that is sold in Westport to our readers what would it be and where do you shop for it?
The Row at Mitchells.
What are your favorite local stores for clothing, jewelry and accessories?
Penfield Collective: Jeans.
Madewell: T-shirts.
Mitchells: Shoes and customer service.
Brandy Mellville: Basic sweats and loungewear
The Huntress: Vintage and accessories everything in the store
40s
SARA ARMENTA
Wilton, Connecticut
Mother, Cofounder and Designer, Casa Collective Studio. Sara Armenta Home, Floral and Event Curation
Describe your personal style in three words.
Authentic (to myself), folky and carefree.
What is your favorite piece of clothing or accessory in your closet and why does it have special meaning to you?
A pair of vintage Alaïa platforms, purchased in the ’90s, I spent my whole paycheck and still wear them out on special occasions. All my old Levi’s and a brutalist bracelet of my mother’s.
What are your favorite three brands and why?
1.Isabel Marant: Forever a go-to, playful, edgy, never disappoints. The heel and the overall look stays consistent so its OK to wear a few seasons ago if you love it, always cool.
2. Victoria Beckham: flattering without fail, clean and just feminine enough.
3. Wardrobe. NYC: new to me but affordable and beautiful also sates my lifelong obsession with all looks Kim Bassinger in 9½ Weeks.
Khaite, the simplicity, the tailoring and the fabric all so gorgeous
If you could recommend one brand that is sold in Westport to our readers what would it be and where do you shop for it?
Phoebe Philo, The Row.
What are your favorite local stores for clothing, jewelry and accessories?
This and That, Pound Ridge, CT, great vintage curation, hidden gems Penfield Collective, Westport, CT eclectic, fun,owners are darling. Plain Goods, Washington, CT, dear friend impeccable taste, literally wish I could leave with everything in the store.
THE TRENDSETTER
40s
ALEXANDRA WILLINGER COHEN
Westport, Connecticut
Mother, Fashion Consultant and Stylist, Former Buying Director
Describe your personal style in three words.
Understated, timeless and confident
What is your favorite piece of clothing or accessory in your closet and why does it have special meaning to you?
Hard to speak to just one, but I love my Ralph Lauren Camel Blanket Coat. It’s such a classic and I gravitate to it year after year. It goes with everything, from sweatpants and sneakers to a cocktail dress.
What are your favorite three brands and why?
1. Toteme: Elin Kling’s collections continue to prove she understands how stylish women want to dress. The beautiful use of neutral colors and quality fabrications lend itself perfectly to the edgy-yet-classic silhouettes. I always want to buy everything!
2. Khaite: Another collection where I always want everything, Catherine Holstein is our contemporary Donna Karan. It’s hard to find a designer who can produce such beautiful ready-to-wear alongside the best accessories, but I haven’t met a shoe or bag of hers that I don’t want. From cashmere bomber jackets to the chicest crystal-embellished flats, Khaite is the definition of “quiet luxury.”
3. Eres: I’ve worn Eres bathing suits since I was 20 years old and I know I’ll wear them forever. It’s so hard to find a bathing suit or bikini line that makes you feel good (especially after four kids!), but Eres fits are incredible and their silhouettes are classic but never boring. It’s always worth the higher price (and I’m not talking about #girlmath; they really are worth every penny!).
If you could recommend one brand that is sold in Westport to our readers what would it be and where do you shop for it?
Jenni Kayne! I was so happy to see that the store starting selling their RTW. I absolutely love their sweaters, and they can easily work for so many different ages and body types.
What are your favorite local stores for clothing, jewelry and accessories?
Penfield for casual basics and the best sunglasses, and Stoned Jewelry Concierge for all my jewelry needs!
THE PR POWERHOUSE
50s
NANCY BERGER
Westport, Connecticut
Founder, Brand + Data Fashion Marketing
Describe your personal style in three words.
Feminine, rulebreaker, mixologist
What is your favorite piece of clothing or accessory in your closet and why does it have special meaning to you?
My mother gave me her mother’s Gucci clutch, and it is my prized possession. My mother passed away two years ago and every time I carry it, I feel she is with me. It isn’t a typical logo bag: it’s white with the most gorgeous lapis hardware and is such a unique piece.
What are your favorite three brands and why?
1. R13: I love their modern take on rock-n-roll and I think their denim is next level.
2. Rabanne: (formally Paco Rabanne), to me this is the ultimate, art-meets-fashion brand. I am obsessed with the metal pieces the brand is best known for, but lately I can’t get enough of their everyday lace dresses.
3. Amina Muaddi: I’ve never met a sparkly, embellished shoe I didn’t adore and to me, Amina Muaddi’s creations are the epitome of all things feminine and she’s available locally at Mitchells.
If you could recommend one brand that is sold in Westport to our readers what would it be and where do you shop for it?
R13 Denim, sold at West. Yes, their jeans are on the pricey side, but they will live in your wardrobe forever. They won’t owe you any money.
What are your favorite local stores for clothing, jewelry, and accessories?
West when I want something with a little edge, Monarch Market at Fred for all my jewels, and Penfield Collective for fashion basics.