“Style File” column for Aug. 28, 2012
NAME: Valerie Huston
AGE: 24
OCCUPATION: Woman’s Hospital’s accounting department.
Tell us about what you’re wearing.
“I am wearing a cream and black print dress from Forever 21, a black and gold-leaf vintage belt from Time Warp and black Jessica Simpson peep-toe pumps with a vintage clutch.”
What’s the best fashion advice you’ve gotten?
“You can never over-dress, but you can always under-dress.”
What’s your favorite trend right now?
“I don’t really follow the latest trends. I tend to stick to my own style, which is a blend of vintage cuts and modern styles and accessories that highlight my hour-glass figure. I must admit that I like the asymmetrical hemlines that are popular right now as well as the surge of the wedges.”
Finish this sentence. I splurge on...
“Shoes, shoes and more shoes.”
I skimp on...
“Accessories. I’m trying to buy more accessories so I can keep up with all the shoes I own.”
Are you a shoe or handbag kind of woman?
“I am definitely a shoe woman but I am also a handbag woman. I feel like shoes are easier to buy because even a price-conscious pair can last for a few years if they are taken care of, whereas a handbag is a little more delicate. If I’m going to buy a handbag, it needs to be really nice and really durable as well as really well made.”
How many pairs do you own?
“Let’s say 40 pairs … of heels. I won’t count my boots, flats and sneakers.”
Name a celebrity whose closet you’d like to raid.
“I would love to raid Victoria Beckham’s closet. She’s so incredibly stylish and chic, and she has continued to live up to her alter ego — Posh Spice.”
What’s the one beauty product you can’t live without?
“I CANNOT live without mascara. I can go without anything else, but I must have mascara. I really love Almay’s Get Up & Grow in Blackest Black. It leaves a really nice, even coating even in one coat, and it contains growth nutrients to get the lashes growing. Who wouldn’t want that? I also really love Rimmel’s Lash Accelerator and Revlon’s Grow Luscious for the same reasons.”
What was your worst fashion mistake?
“I like to think I never make a fashion mistake. I do like to take risks when planning outfits, like mixing colors and patterns, but I do everything in moderation. I never like to look like it took a long time to get dressed, but I do like to maintain my style.”
Your house is on fire and you can grab one thing out of your closet; what would it be?
“I would have to grab the Italian leather Furla purse my mother bought me for my birthday this past year. It’s such a versatile piece, and I did have my eye on it for at least three months before it finally went home with me.”
Pam Bordelon
Advocate staff writer