Former Sussex hairdresser prefers edgy, stylish attire
WHO: Bonnie Cullen, 67, of Millsboro. Retired from a career in hairdressing, she now helps her husband Paul Cullen, personal chef, sommelier and guitarist, with his business.
WHY: She was nominated by her husband, who says: “Before we go out, Bonnie and I always ask one another ‘what are you wearing?’ She has a great sense of style, always on the cutting edge but with a cool, timeless perspective — and a great deal of fun.”
HER STYLE: Edgy and stylish. “I truly enjoy dressing up.”
WEARING, at Vineyard Wine Bar and Bistro in Rehoboth Beach:
FIRST OUTFIT — White Euro Classic ankle pants from Crazy Ladies in Ocean View; Gypsies & Moondust red top with open back; mother of pearl pendent necklace, earrings and bracelet from Lucky Jeans; white Easy Spirit sandals; foldable straw cowgirl hat; purse made from wine corks “so you can take along your favorite wine with its own spout to pour at anytime.”
SECOND OUTFIT — Alessandra uneven fray hem skinny jeans from Just Black and paisley top by Alice Blue, both from Stitch Fix; bright blue and gold set of three bangles “for a pop of color” and gold hoop earrings to match; “My favorite” fringe suede black booties from Easy Spirit; blue Michael Kors casual shoulder bag trimmed in gold tone.
THIRD OUTFIT — Black jumpsuit by Emma & Michele; red silk scarf; crystal pendant from Francesca's; Swarovski crystal wrap-around bracelet; black heels from Aerosoles; Bougainville silver beaded clutch purse from Elegant Slumming in Rehoboth Beach.
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WHERE SHE SHOPS: “Lately I’ve discovered Stitch Fix, where I have an online stylist who picks unique clothes just for me. I do love Lucky Jeans, too. They have cool tops and great jewelry.”
FASHION ICON: Actress Robin Wright as Clare Underwood, “the president’s wife on House of Cards. Love her outfits.”
FAVORITE DESIGNER: Calvin Klein.
MOST RECENT PURCHASE: A maxi skirt, distressed jeans and three tops from Stitch Fix. “Things you would not find in this area.”
OLDEST ITEM IN HER CLOSET: An Annuschka purse she bought 16 years ago, “hand painted, with layers of colors. I take her out on special occasions.”
MANE, MANICURE AND MAKEUP: A former hairdresser, she is particular about her tresses. She relies on Stephan Maybroda at Stephan & Company in Rehoboth Beach. “The most important part of your outfit is your hair. It truly is your crowning glory. I go to Stephan and say ‘do what you want’ and he always takes care of me. I don’t do my nails at all, only if I am going away. I just keep them short. I have different degrees of makeup, powder for running around town and liquid foundation for night time. I love to go to Sephora at Christiana Mall and my husband goes to the Apple Store, then we meet and go to lunch at Brio. Lisa Brown from the Aesthetic Center in Lewes did my permanent eye liner. It’s a tattoo and the best thing I ever did. I love BADGal Lash mascara by Benefit. I can’t even tell you how many lipsticks I have. I like Bobbi Brown.”
BEST FOOT FORWARD: “I would love to be a shoe person but I had foot surgery last year and can’t wear high heels. So I wear low heels, boots and booties.”
GO-TO OUTFIT ON SATURDAY NIGHT: “Always jeans, and a great top, with a cool necklace and bracelets and my new Michael Kors bag.”
IN THE BAG: “I can’t let go of my purses. I change them all the time. They are like children to me. I put only a limited amount of things in there because I don’t want to weigh myself down. Just a wallet, a small brush and whatever lipstick I am wearing.”
FAVORITE COLOR: Black. “I always veer back to it. I also gravitate toward blues.”
FAVORITE FRAGRANCE: Angel eau de parfum by Thierry Mugler.
WORTH THE SPLURGE: Purses.
NOT WORTH THE SPLURGE: Cheap jewelry. “I like jewelry to look stylish.”
WISH I HADN’T BOUGHT IT: Shoes that looked great in the store “but hurt my bad toe.”
FASHION NO-NO: “Leggings with the wrong top. You have to have the whole outfit.”
THE GREAT PANTYHOSE DEBATE: “Against.”
INDISPENSABLE WARDROBE ITEM: Jeans.
ACE ACCESSORY: A Phillip Stein watch. “It’s black. I wear it every day. Also my glasses. I have been wearing glasses since I was in sixth grade and they are on my face every day. I get a new pair every year.”
PANTS OR SKIRTS? Pants.
HEELS OR FLATS? Heels.
DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? Diamonds.
WHY FASHION IS IMPORTANT: “It’s fun. I get up in the morning and think, ‘What am I going to wear today?’”
Style Files runs weekly in Sundaylife. To suggest someone stylish to feature—your coworker, teacher, friend, relative or even yourself—please send information to stylefiles@delawareonline.com and include contact information. Pictures are super, too. Reach Eileen Smith Dallabrida at esmith@smithreports.com