Style Scholar: Gotta Be Me

Personal style should be elastic – expanding, but always retaining the basic form you recognize as your own. During my year as City Arts’ style editor, I frequently tasted trends and fads that provoked me to redefine what I thought was “me.” Just as often, however, I sampled a fresh trend only to scurry back to what felt comfortable and right. I realized that striking a balance between classics and trends is my personal style recipe. To the end of assisting my readers in reaching  personal style enlightenment, I offer you my last round of suggestions: Alfred Cabrera’s slick little retrospective, plus some gorgeous pieces from local shops that dance the line between familiar and futuristic. Thank you for a wonderful year, readers, and may your present and future be ever stylish.

101 Things I Learned in Fashion School, by Alfredo Cabrera with Matthew Frederick, Grand Central Publishing, 2010; $15, University Book Store (4326 University Way NE)

“Women’s fashions change every day; men’s change every few centuries.” Brixton “Gain” hat, $50, evo (122 NW 36th St.)

“Designers envision color and fabric concurrently.” M.A.C. “Girl about Town” lipstick, $15, Sephora (2618 NE University Village St.)

“Before rock and roll, young people dressed like their parents.” Daly Bird handmade leather earrings, $49, Show Pony (702 N. 35th St.)

 “Satin is a weave, not a fabric.” Gallieni bow tie, $65, Kuhlman (2419 1st Ave.)

“Jacket sleeves should extend one inch past the wrist with shirt cuffs peeking out one-half inch.” Mike Cire rubberized nylon jacket, $357, ian (1919 2nd Ave.)

“In leather, emphasize the details.” Pelton leather belt, $72, Kuhlman (2419 1st Ave.)

“Conceptual design began at Hiroshima.” Cilla “Miss” pants, $82, evo (122 NW 36th St.)

“Traditional patterns such as herringbones, windowpanes, and tweeds should be executed in gray or brown wool ... ” Craig “Hombre” trousers, $215, Kuhlman (2419 1st Ave.) •