I am so happy to invite one of my best blogging pals Annie Diamond, from Most Lovely Things to our Ageless Style Series. Every month “the contessa”(aka Elizabeth from the Vintage Contessa) and I interview someone over 50 with great style. Annie’s fashion sense echo’s her minimalist decorating style, less is more. She knows what she likes and what works for her. I love Annie’s style. I try to mimic it now and again to no avail. She just has it.
How Would You Describe Your Style?
Simple, menswear-inspired. Monochromatic.
What Inspires your signature style?
I think I tend to dress like I design my home. Timeless, clean lines, a lot of neutrals like black, white, gray & cream.
What accessory Can You Not Do Without?
Finishing touch for an outfit is almost always a large bracelet or a bangle. For the rest of my jewelry, it’s very simple gold jewelry from Helen Ficolora.
Favorite Color
My favorite color is a non-color. Black, always black.
Do you have a signature piece that defines your style?
I would have to say a tunic. My favorite length for coats, sweaters, tunics is knee length over jeans. There are very few times I’m not wearing jeans. Only those few occasions when you simply cannot wear denim. I love white, dark and light denim and of course black jeans. Lately, I’ve been wearing a lot of long dresses over jeans, but tunics are still my favorite.
What are your style strengths?
Over the years I’ve learned how to dress for my height. I’m 5’10” and wearing anything cropped is not flattering on me. By playing with proportions and sticking to clean lines, I’ve been able to curate a wardrobe that works for me and is only about 20 pieces.
Do you have a style icon?
Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give: “I’m just a turtleneck kind of gal.”
What are your beauty essentials that you couldn’t do without?
A good moisturizer and a red lipstick.
Do you have repeat offenders in your closet if so what are they?
Jeans! I always wear jeans. We can even wear them at Serena & Lily where I work part-time. Saves on dry cleaning and the right cut and fit jeans look great on everyone. If I have a good pair of jeans that doesn’t quite seem current enough, I’ll cut the hem and fringe the bottom. Sometimes I’ll make it a step hem and that has saved several great pairs of jeans that hung in my closet and now are my new favorites.
Do you have any style rules that you live by?
Find your style and what works and stick with it. There’s nothing wrong with repeating a look if it makes you feel great.
I am most comfortable in a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt when I’m at home in Connecticut. I wear all black when I’m in the city or traveling. You never have to worry if it rains if you’re wearing black or if you spill your coffee! Black is very forgiving.
What are your favorite online sources
Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, COS & Madewell
Annie is wearing the Garnet Hill Signature Linen Tunic in the photo below
Do you have a particular designer that you are drawn to?
Vince
It took a little arm twisting for Annie to let me interview her. I love her all American effortless look. She knows what works for her and keeps it simple. My closet would be a lot smaller if I followed Annie’s lead. Thank you so much, Annie, for joining our ageless style series and sharing your style secrets with us. We love your style!
Now pop on over to the Vintage Contessa and see who Elizabeth is interviewing this month.
LOVE Annie’s style….jeans! It’s rare that I am in anything else:) Love the long dusters also. There is NO question that she know what looks good on her and sticks with it!
So happy you pushed Annie out of her comfort zone, Cindy. I love her style.
Cindy!
Thank you for inviting me to participate and pushing me out of my comfort zone! I learned a lot and it made me realize getting out of your comfort zone once in a while is a really good thing! We need to make a plan with Mary Ann for a little meet up!
Thank you so much dear friend! Hope you are enjoying the long weekend!
xo
annie
Vince is a favorite of mine as well. Good quality without being terribly expensive and they design minimalist pieces… which is me although Im branching out somewhat. Annie has a great, comfortable style and knows what looks good on her. I do as well but in my branching out, a couple of times they haven’t looked good on me because they’re just not my style. Brenda
I have followed Annie on her blog for some time. I love her style, both in decor and clothes. I’m hoping I can work toward slimming my wardrobe down and keep my closet to a minimum. Thank you for introducing us to some great styles
xo,
Karen
Annie has great style! The Diane Keaton turtle neck is my kind of thing , worn with jeans of course 😉
My first thought was, “Annie is too young for this series!” As you know I have met Annie, she is a youthful, exuberant, classy lady, I adore her.
great lessons here, wish I could do it, the simplicity that is, it works so well for the lovely Annie
xo
debra
Had I not seen the photos of Annie wearing her signature style, I think I would have thought it was unimaginative and stale. Wow! Anything but! She carries of her look in a way that looks stylish, put together, but still effortless. Is that possible??? Yes…Annie does it.
Thanks, Cindy, for a great post!
Jane x
Annie has definitely got it going in the style department! So classic and timeless and she always look divine in whatever she wears. One of my favs is a great white shirt and jeans! Thanks for sharing your wonderful style, Annie!
Gail
I love following Annie on Instagram and her front entry is perfection . . . those lanterns! Her personal style is equally fabulous and I’m so glad she agreed to be interviewed. I’m so envious of her PT job at Serena & Lily. Hope they have generous employee discount . . . but then I’d end up owing them money. Great post!
Cute cute cute cute! Did I say cute? Love Annies style and she looks wonderful with the long tunics over jeans. Its funny how fashion and interior design merge. Such fun series Cindy ; )
Annie is so elegant in a relaxed, sophisticated way. And how about those Gucci loafers! I love that the dresses have pockets, too. Love her style!!!
Mary Ann
I love Annie’s style! She is always very simply chic and I wish she would share more of her style on her blog. I love that she sort of compliments her home in a way. The white jeans and long dresses as jackets are darling and love her loafers. Annie you do not realize how chic you are! Love this series Cindy. xo Kim
My first thought was I thought she was your daughter. Love her casual blue jeans style with the long cardigans. Definitely a style of her own and it works, She’s got it pared down to a real sense of glamour. Wish I were taller.
Annie looks great in all those long tops over jeans and pants. I’d look silly, being short.
Besides being jealous of her height, I’m also jealous that she looks far, far younger than 50. Oh, and of the very chic home glimpsed behind her, too.
QUESTION for ANNIE!
WE are both TALL GIRLS……I think I BEAT you in the HEIGHT DEPARTMENT but I am shrinking fast as THAT DOWAGER HUMP HAS ARRIVED ON ME!
WHAT BRAND LEGGING have you found that stays up?I too DO NOT do the cropped pant!LOVE THE TUNIC LOOK.
THANK YOU for saying YES TO MY GIRLFRIEND EXTORDINAIRE for this series!!!!!!!!
I Love doing it with HER!!!!!
XX
Elizabeth –They are not legging, but skinny jeans. And high waisted which means no belt when traveling!
P.S. By how much do you beat me in the HEIGHT DEPARTMENT? I find when I’m standing next to a woman taller than me…I stand up even straighter! Like it’s a competition! haha
5 foot 11 inches……….or so I was………….HEY COME COMMENT ON MY AGELESS STYLE WOMAN!!!! HELEN………….I think YOU FORGOT!
WHAT BRAND ARE THEY……….I FIND THEM HARD TO FIND LONG ENOUGH where the crotch stays up!!!!!
LOVE YOUR LOOK!
I DO THE TUNIC THING TOO……………….XX
PS> I will be seeing your friend DEBRA from 5th in STATE SOON!