Fashion Forward

Published 11:35 am Thursday, April 2, 2015

Anna Broussard 

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Running on Plenty 

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runningonplenty.com

Two years ago, Anna Broussard decided to run her first half marathon. She started her blog, Running on Plenty, as a way to document the trials and tribulations she experienced on her journey to becoming a runner.  Since then, Broussard has completed four half marathons and Running on Plenty has evolved into an outlet that allows her to share her many passions, including fashion!

How would you describe your personal style?

Classic with a twist. I love wearing classic pieces, but just like my quirky personality, I like for one or two elements to be different. 

What is your “go-to” item in your closet?

It’s more of a “go-to” outfit. Skinny pants, booties or wedges (depending on the season) and a blousy shirt.

What is one classic clothing item everyone should own?

Any outfit can be elevated with a well-tailored blazer, hands down. I’m still in search of the perfect one. I think I buy one every other month. It’s so easy to pop that sucker on over a “go-to” outfit, and presto-chango you have a new style. 

Do you have a quick styling tip?

Work with what you’ve got and do it with confidence! If you dress in what you love, you’ll always look awesome. 

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Local stores, I’m a huge fan of Hemline Lafayette, Kiki, Amor and Brother’s on the Boulevard. Big box stores, Old Navy is my jam!

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Jennifer Craft 

Civilian Style 

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upcyclingclothing.com

The concept for Civilian Style was born long before blogs even existed. In high school, Jennifer Craft created a journal to share with her friends; she filled it with articles she’d written accompanied by images from fashion magazines. Seventeen years later, Civilian Style made its way into cyberspace. It serves as a means for Craft to showcase her knack for creating a dynamic wardrobe on a “shoestring budget.” 

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Who are your biggest style icons?

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My fashion inspiration comes from real people. I find celebrity fashion to be boring because they rarely dress themselves. Runway fashion is beautiful, but let’s be honest, who wears that? My biggest inspiration comes from street-style blogs, Etsy, Pinterests and real “civilians” right here in Acadiana. 

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What upcoming trend are you most excited about?

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I am excited about the white-on-white trend this season. White looks great on sun-kissed skin. It’s easy to throw on a plethora of accessories to change up the look, and it will help us survive the sweltering Louisiana summer. 

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What is your favorite place to shop?

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If I am craving a treasure hunt, I head to Goodwill Good Buys, The Clothing Loft or Plato’s Closet. For vintage pieces, I peruse Arts and Fleas during Art Walk.  And for boutique shopping, I visit Mainstreet in River Ranch. 

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What’s one classic clothing item everyone should own?

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Everyone should own a medium blue, sleeveless button-front chambray shirt. This top can be worn under garments as a layering piece, over dresses as a vest or tied as a crop top. For a fashion forward spring look, pair it with a denim pencil skirt a la  Olivia Palermo. 

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Do you have a quick styling tip?

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For a quick styling trick, I recommend juxtaposition. If you wear a short skirt, choose a modest top. Pair vintage with modern, trendy pieces. Try coordinating a feminine dress with tough accessories. This little trick keeps things interesting and balanced.

Elizabeth Vied

Lala Land 

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lalavied.com

Elizabeth Vied drew inspiration from popular fashion bloggers for years. One day, she decided to take a shot at inspiring others and created Lala Land. Vied admits that when it comes to vocally expressing herself, she doesn’t have the loudest voice, so she lets her personal style do the talking. Lala Land is her loud and daring public fashion diary. 

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How would you describe your personal style?

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What I love about style is that you have freedom to express yourself however you want. I don’t have one specific style; it’s a mix of everything, because I like to try new and different trends. 

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What is your biggest style inspiration?

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I am inspired by everything around me. When I need a little extra inspiration, I look to other bloggers like Song of Style or fashion icons like Olivia Palermo. I like to use inspiration around me to find pieces I already own in my closet and create new outfits.

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What’s one classic clothing item everyone should own? 

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A loose white T-shirt. You can wear it with ripped jeans and accessories for everyday wear or pair it with a blazer and heels for a dressy look. 

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Do you have a quick styling tip?

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Pairing your everyday skinny jeans with a flowy blouse or tunic is perfect for any body shape and all proportions. Dark jeans or leather pants create a slimming silhouette. 

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Where are your favorite places to shop?

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I love to shop online at Zara, Nastygal and Missguided. But, I also love local boutiques like Rodeo, Vertage and Maven. 

Lori Leday & Sarah Smith 

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Felicity New Orleans Fashion & Lifestyle

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felicitynola.com

When Ragin’ Cajun Lori Leday moved from Lafayette to New Orleans she met Sarah Smith. The two became fast friends and soon decided to start a publication based on their shared love for fashion and the city of New Orleans. Over a cheap bottle of wine, Smith and Leday sketched out a business plan that would soon become Felicity NOLA. 

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What role has fashion played in your life? 

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Leday – For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with how and why people wear the clothes they do. I began sketching clothing when I was younger. Then, I went on to get my bachelor’s degree in fashion design from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I’ve also spent years working for a clothing brand. So, I think it’s safe to say that fashion is practically in my blood. 

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How would you describe your personal style?

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Leday – My personal style is constantly evolving. I have to clean out my closet at least every few months to make room for my latest obsessions. I went through a major vintage phase several years ago. My current style is more of what I like to call “comfortable chic.” I love to pair my relaxed pieces with some of my dressier pieces. 

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What’s your quick styling tip?

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Smith – Don’t be afraid to experiment with pieces in your wardrobe. Some of my best outfits have been conceived by pairing items that wouldn’t typically be considered a match. When you feel great in a look you created, confidence becomes your best accessory. 

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What’s one classic clothing item everyone should own? 

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Smith – I practically live in a basic black legging. It’s a piece you can transform to take on the mood of literally any occasion. The key is to find a pair in a thicker, higher quality material than your typical spandex. You can pair them with an edgy leather jacket over a chic blouse for a night out or with an over-sized tank and “sneaks” for a casual day of hanging out. 

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What is your “go-to” item in your closet?

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Leday – My “go-to” item is without a doubt my plaid flannel button-down shirt, I have several of them in different colors, and I wear them buttoned, unbuttoned or even tied around my waist. It’s such an easy and effortless piece to wear. They’re usually accompanied by my black or white Converse. 

Lindsey Falgout

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Personal Shopper & Wardrobe Consultant 

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elasticwardrobe.com

During the 11 years that she worked in retail, Lindsey Falgout realized her passion for helping women find clothes that made them look and feel their best. In her personal life, Falgout always viewed fashion as a fun way of expressing herself. She recently decided to combine her professional skills with her personal love of fashion and set out to begin her career as a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant. 

As a personal shopper, what is your goal for your clients?

My purpose as a personal shopper is to have a client walk into her closet and feel empowered, instead of overwhelmed. All too often as women we feel the latter when attempting to dress ourselves for the day. 

How would you describe your personal style?

My style can be described as multipurpose. I like my wardrobe to be able to transition through different occasions. From walking around UL’s campus, to having play dates with my 4-year-old, to date night with my husband. Most women’s wardrobes need staples with more than one purpose. 

What’s one classic clothing item everyone should own?

I actually think there are two things you must have in your closet. The first is the perfect pair of jeans. I’m a denim addict and CJ by Cookie Johnson are my personal favorites. You can bend over in them all day and they don’t get saggy. They have the perfect rise, and the fit is amazing. The second is the perfect black dress. This will get you through several last minute events and you can change it up with a cardigan, blazer or necklace. 

What upcoming trend are you most excited about?

My favorite upcoming trend is the changing silhouette of our bottom halves. We’re moving away from the skinny-bottom fit. Flares are coming back in a big way, and the boyfriend jean is a staple in my closet. Something I can’t wait to get my hands on is a more economical version of the cropped, super wide-leg denim that was shown on the Gucci runway. Throw them on with a comfy stacked heel for the perfect outfit. 

Who are your biggest style icons?

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Eva Chen has this quirky, fun “let’s not take fashion too seriously” thing going on. I love Mary Kate Olsen because she dresses for herself and no one else. I love her attitude of wearing what she wants because she loves it. Lastly, Jennifer Aniston; there is something about her style that is so attainable and down to earth.