JUST MY STYLE
New Yorker saves splurge for classics

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Age: 27.

Today I'm wearing: "I am holding a Caron of Houston's handbag that I got at an antique fair. It is a purse from the 1920s that was decorated in the 1950s. I am wearing silver jewelry collected in Europe, New York and Hawai'i, much of it antique. My pants are Alice and Trixie. I saw the same pair at a boutique in Hawai'i for $175 and I found them a few weeks later at Nordstrom Rack for $45. They are silk and very comfortable. I purchased this shirt from a boutique in New York. It is made by an Italian design company called Pinko."

Occupation: Social worker and yoga instructor.

My shopping philosophy: "I promised myself that I would always buy something that inspired me to dance in the dressing room, even if it is expensive."

What I'm dying to buy right now: "I rarely have an item that I am dying to buy, because I only shop when I have money to buy. I almost always pull the trigger to purchase when I see something that catches my eye."

The best bargain I ever found was: "I purchased a Norma Kamali skirt at Goodwill for $6, retailing at about $300. In college when I was working with a very limited budget, I found a BCBG leather miniskirt, originally priced at about $200. I found out that it was 50 percent off, then when I got to the register it was an additional 50 percent off the sale price. I still love that skirt.

"Now I love to go to New York for Labor Day because all of the summer clothes are on super-sale. My family says that when I come home to visit I am really in New York on a 'buying trip,' as if I own a store."

I'm willing to pay more for top quality when it comes to: "classic pieces, like a good pair of black pants that I will have forever. I am always willing to buy something a little more pricey if I know it won't go out of style. My mother always taught me not to buy trendy clothes at high prices, as they will go out of style. So now I look for bargains on trends and spend more on the classic pieces. I am also willing to buy something special if it is for an event where I would want to feel beautiful and confident. A beautiful dress can make you feel great! I also spend more money on my jewelry and accessories."

I can never get enough: "Accessories (purses and jewelry). I feel that a plain outfit can become splendid with the right jewelry and handbag. I also have many skirts, a separate closet filled only with skirts."

My favorite designers are: "Although I have name-brand clothing, I wouldn't say that I am partial to any designer, mostly because I can't afford to be. I do love Custo Barcelona clothing, though; it is bold and feminine at the same time (and within my price range)! My best advice to shoppers would be to learn about fabrics, not designers. For example, if you buy an inexpensive skirt made with good fabric, people will think that it is classy regardless of the price tag. Also, a few pieces of well-made clothing will always mix in with inexpensive, trendier pieces."

My favorite places to shop are: "In Kahala Mall at Ohelo Road, A Propos and Shasa Emporium. I also love hand-me-downs from my brother's girlfriend (dubbed by my family as "Kim's trunk"). Also, Nordstrom Rack, Off 5th and Ross. But my best pieces are from street fairs and antique shows."

Who inspires my look: "My favorite artist, Frida Kahlo, who said, 'Always dress like you are going to a fiesta.' I wear a skirt every day."

My biggest fashion faux pas was: "Leather pants in Hawai'i — it is just too hot ... What can I say? I was young."