Anna vanAstro is a great friend, a fantastic writer, ridiculously funny, and stunningly beautiful. She's also an
amazing stylist. Anna was kind enough to share some of her style secrets with us in an exclusive interview.
WLA&D - What's the best trick for assessing yourself in an outfit?
AvA - When I get dressed, I try to view my outfit as a composition. How can I tell a strong story? It could be colors, textures, a mix, or a theme. Complimentary pieces are far more chic than perfect matching. Perhaps even more important than a story, is having a sense for your strengths and how to work with them. I also like to have one or all of the following: a good mirror, a good friend, or a camera. Taking a quick picture will illuminate any problem areas.
WLA&D - What do you consider wardrobe essentials for men and women?
AvA - This is a great question because I think that men and women share a lot of the same essentials. A handful of tailored button downs; timeless, straight legged jeans that make your ass look nice, perfect all season wool black pants; really great, well made shoes - these pieces are the building blocks of a wardrobe. Change out black for brown or navy or olive; good cashmere sweaters should be added to the mix. THEN, have fun with accessories and color. Imagine a black cashmere cardigan over a pale blue oxford button down worn with the perfect jeans; add colorful, sexy anklets and wicked black heels, a red silk scarf around your purse, and you're done. Mix and match, match and mix, and always have fun. For men, just replace the anklets for colorful socks, and the heels for cordovan brogues.
WLA&D - How do you pull beauty (hair and makeup) together with the outfit? What is the easiest look that most people can work when it comes to hair and makeup?
AvA - I've been committed to a simple, natural make-up routine that hasn't changed much since I was 14. I think that once you find something that works, there's no harm in maintaining it through the years. I do like to experiment with color on my lips since that's an affordable, easy, no consequences beauty lift. I'm a wee bit obsessed with cutting my hair. If I see someone on the street with a fantastic cut, I always ask who their stylist is. Once I find a stylist who I trust, I always ask their opinion. They can guide you toward a look with longevity that also works with your lifestyle. Although I love the edgy / funky / hyper romantic looks on the runway, they don't translate to real life. I think we all look best when we're naturally enhanced.
WLA&D - What are your favorite guilty pleasures as far as shopping goes?
AvA - Online shopping is a problem for me. I've had some bad luck buying pants, and not guessing my size correctly (based on the 5'9" model with a 23" waist, puh-lease), so I've transferred that passion to shoes, handbags, and jewelry. The return shipping policies are not so bad, so if it doesn't work, and it's not a final sale, I'll send it back. No harm done!
WLA&D - Who are some of your favorite designers and why?
AvA - My favorite question!
Alber Elbaz for Lanvin has a knack for designing pieces that are powerfully feminine, quirky, and sophisticated all at once. When I see his collections, I feel like I know him, and he knows me; there's a conversation happening.
John Galliano for Dior is the master of whimsical glamour. Looking at his work is cotton candy for the eyes.
Miuccia Prada is constantly knocking out looks that are featured in every major editorial, and sought after by people, well frankly, people who can afford it. To me, Prada means quality design, an elegant hip-ness, and an awkwardness that makes the clothes seem very accessible.
Isabel Marant is on every cool gal's back (and back side). I covet every single item in every single collection. Wearable, sexy, young, and easy. My kind of designer. This is not haute couture, this is life.
The boys
Jack and Lazaro of Proenza Schouler kill me every season with their cool. I think they're aging well, too.
Dries Van Noten is one of the designers I would fill my closets with, if I could. His designs are so smart, luxurious, and right.
Nicholas Guesquiere of Balenciaga takes it all to another level. His designs are so modern, but warm. I want to dress like this in the future. Or now.
Phoebe Philo for Celine is perfection. Give me Dries and Philo, and I would never need to go anywhere else. This is how women should dress.
Alexander Wang appeals to the side of me that likes to wear kohl eyeliner and shave bits of hair from my head. His accessories are especially amazing, as I find some of his runway stuff almost too cheeky. He's adorable, and so are his clothes. It will be fun to watch him mature (he's 26).
Haider Ackermann has been screaming up the list of my current designer faves. Everything he makes looks so long and slinky, sexy and strong. Nothing wrong with those adjectives when applied to the body via clothes.
Christopher Kane is another young one with amazing skills. I imagine his dresses make you feel younger, more confident, and happier. Prozac in a print dress.
WLA&D - How would you describe your personal style?
AvA - Selfish, silly, comfortable, and moody. I dress for myself; no one else matters when you're putting on your day's armor. If I'm not happy with my outfit, no one will care but me, but my mood will impact those around me. So I always dress to make myself happy. This philosophy makes me a better person on the inside because I have my support from the outside.
WLA&D - One last question, Why bother with fashion / style / hair / makeup?
AvA - It's really all about being good to yourself. I believe that if I convey an image of self respect, then others will fall into line with that as well. It's a good cycle to get into.
Anna has a fabulous blog that I've referenced here more than once. For wardrobe consults, special event styling, and personalized shopping, find her here:
http://examplegiven.typepad.com.
