Street Fashionista: The Gilded Age

contributed photo

I always tell people "sparkly" is my favorite color. Not quite sure if it was the silver metallic fringe on my Western Barbie's fabulous jumpsuit (she winked and looked like Dolly Parton) or how my mom would dress on New Year's Eve that sucked me in.

Even when I go thrift shopping, my eye finds the shimmer every time. I went through a major Lurex phase (Textiles 101: Lurex - a branded name given to the metallic, tinsel like yarns used in knits; an attractant). Every outfit had to have sparkle – that's when I was called "Two Pants." It was my native fashion name; I wore flowing chiffon capris with yoga pants or skirts with pants. My fellow fashion natives were "Cashmere Wind," "Black Patent Panther," and "Meadow Stream Stiletto."

But anyway...

Here's the thing about dressing with metallics: you always glow. It's something about the reflection of the light off the shimmer that makes you look more alive, and well, illuminated. It's amazing for your skin tone, unbelievable for your confidence (you always get noticed), and flattering for you figure. So dressing with metallics is a snap; consider it a neutral color – I do.

Whether it's silver, gold, graphite, bronze, or a frosty white, neutral colors go with everything. Next time try a metallic knit top, J Brand Lovestory jeans (an exaggerated flare – think bell-bottoms), a pair of heels, and a bold pair of earrings, and you're set. You can even do it with a metallic dress – just play down the accessories because you are already shining! I have a gold metallic pencil skirt, and I love to mix it with a crisp white button down and a punk rock belt (think Nancy Spungen – look her up if you don't know her, fashionably educate yourself).

You could even add a heather-grey cashmere sweater like Miss Wind always did. I love grey and gold together. Guys are doing it too. With the gents, it's best with accessories. Try a silver metallic oxford or a golden tie (Think Simon Doonen – he's bound to do something metallic).

Here's the formula - metallic + a basic = golden success.

Who? Maureen Solt

Why Maureen? I mean... look at her. She's the ultimate sparkle queen. Her native fashion name could be "Golden Morning." She is divine and lovely, alluring yet sweet. She stands out, but she plays it down as to not dominate the crowd and cause a scene, even though she could steal any scene looking this fantastic and put together. And it's just that simple. A gorgeous golden cocktail dress, simple accessories, and easy hair! She looks effortless. (If you love her look, she told me the dress is from Express)

Where: Club 7, Kahkwa Club - Erie

Describe your style: My friend called it "Preppy Princess" once. I think that's an accurate description of my closet – very girly yet preppy and classic.
Favorite item of clothing as a child: I had a pretty kick-ass, bright red Benetton coat with a plaid logo in the first grade. I thought it was pretty cool!

Who inspires your style? In terms of celebrities, I would say Jennifer Aniston and Rachel Zoe. They are effortless and chic. In my real life, it's my mom and my sister Beth (Beth was featured last year!); they never steer me wrong.

Top 5 items in your closet: For fall, I have my black boyfriend blazer, Gap's boot-cut jeans, burgundy skinny jeans, beige tunic cowl-neck sweater, and riding boots flat or heeled. I hate to stop here; I could go on and on!

Favorite place in Erie to shop: I love TJ Maxx and Marshalls for shoes and dresses. The Limited has the best coupons and sales; really, I spend entirely too much at these stores!

Favorite place in Erie to find something unique: Francesca's is a new store here. They have a limited supply of each garment and they get new merchandise daily.

Maureen is a sales rep for Erie Beer and keeps busy with numerous organizations in the community. Erie Beer works with MDA, MECCA, The Flagship Niagara, the Erie Art Museum, and the Downtown Improvement District (DID) on many events throughout the year.

Find me out on the town and challenge yourself to get noticed by the Erie Reader!