Milton development officer favors great cut, tailoring in her attire
WHO: Laura C. Rimmer, 41, of Milton, development officer for Children and Families First, community advocate.
WHY: She was nominated by Pam George, who says, “at a recent event benefitting Children & Families First, I was impressed not only by Laura’s confidence in front of a crowd, but also her polished style. Each time I see her, she’s fashionably dressed from head to toe.”
HER STYLE: Colorful, bright and energetic. “I’m also a big believer in great cut and tailoring.”
WEARING, at Children & Families First in Georgetown:
FIRST OUTFIT — Elie Tahari Wendy jacket in black with diamond cutouts down the sleeves; Calvin Klein sleeveless ruched top in electric blue; black pencil dress pants from The Limited; BCBG electric blue heels; black leather convertible tote bag from Madison West; Versace sunglasses; and a chunky gold necklace with both of her children’s birthstones because "they are my motivation to continue creating positive change."
SECOND OUTFIT — Amethyst purple sleeveless silk blouse with a high-collar ribbon-tied keyhole by Mossimo; floral pencil skirt from K by Kersh; Kelly green suede heeled sandals from ZriEy; “my lucky Celtic knot necklace, a gold bracelet I inherited from my grandmother and an emerald one I bought myself when I graduated from college, along with the oversized gold hoop earrings my mother gave me when I graduated high school; and the Coach diaper bag I have used as my main work bag since I returned to work after having my first son because it still fits everything for all my life roles.”
THIRD OUTFIT — Iridescent green taffeta evening gown with a structured ruched bodice that dramatically flares into a sculptured mermaid skirt and a surprise kick pleat by Xscape; two-tiered pearl and gold chain bib necklace; small pearl clasp earrings; multiple stacked pearl bracelets; nude rhinestone stilettos from Zigi soho; and Louis Vuitton Pouchette clutch bag.
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WHERE SHE SHOPS: Everywhere. “I truly love shopping and clothes. I have some favorites for certain things like Lord & Taylor for black tie dresses, Ann Taylor and The Limited for suits. I won’t hesitate to snag a great piece from a boutique just as quickly as I will from Target.”
HOW SHE SHOPS: “I am a hunter-gatherer. I prefer to shop alone because I like the quiet, the ability to quickly go through racks and racks uninterrupted, and the blissful victory of finding a great deal.”
FASHION ICON: Cinderella. “A great pair of shoes can change your life.”
MOST RECENT PURCHASE: A Calvin Klein fitted sheath dress with a gray silver background and a floral pattern that she found at Marshalls. “It has nips and tucks in all the right places.”
OLDEST ITEM IN HER CLOSET: A Louis Vuitton clutch bag she bought in 2001. “It was my big splurge after working my first year at The Economist in Manhattan.”
MANE, MANICURE AND MAKEUP: “My best friend Patricia Homer has been my hairdresser since I was 20. I will still drive all the way to Suzi’s Salon in Morristown, New Jersey, to see her.” She does her own manicure, although she gets pedicures in summer. “Sundays are for resting: my face, my hair, all of me. You will rarely find me in makeup or anything other than comfort clothes on Sunday, unless I absolutely have to.” Otherwise her everyday makeup routine is simple: Mario Bedescue lavender face spray for moisturizer, Clinique double pressed powder, light blush, cherry ChapStick and dark black mascara. “Purple eyeliner is my go-to added touch for more formal occasions because it makes my green eyes really stand out. But you will almost never see me in lipstick.”
BEST FOOT FORWARD: “Having spent much of my life as a ballerina, I am more graceful when my feet are arched in heels. I feel awkward in flip-flops.”
FAVORITE COLOR(S): Royal blue, purple and Kelly green.
FAVORITE FRAGRANCE: Bobbi Brown Beach. “I also like Bath and Body Works Body lotion in cherry blossom. I get compliments on it all the time.”
WORTH THE SPLURGE: “Good shoes. A good pair of heels are as comfortable as sneakers.”
NOT WORTH THE SPLURGE: “Statement jewelry. The trends are so quick; inexpensive is the best way to have fun with it.”
FAVORITE FASHION RESOURCE: “I love to watch the runways, especially Ralph Lauren and Betsey Johnson. Living in New York City, Fashion Week was more exciting than Christmas, but you need to know your personal style, how to take their ideas and make them fit you, reflecting the immortal words of Coco Chanel: ‘Fashion changes but style endures.’”
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WISH I HADN’T BOUGHT IT: “My high school prom dresses. I wish I had the confidence then that I have now.”
THE GREAT PANTYHOSE DEBATE: “I hate them. With a passion.”
ORGANIZATION TIPS: “My entire walk-in closet is separated by category. And then each category is separated by color. If I am feeling orange today and I can go through and boom, boom, boom, put together an outfit.”
FASHION NO-NO: Poor posture. “Straighten your shoulders and stand straight.”
BEST CELEBRITY HAIR: Victoria Beckham.
GO-TO OUTFIT ON SATURDAY NIGHT: “If it’s a cocktail party, I love a dress. A black sheath dress with a humongous necklace of orange flowers and coral snakeskin heels.”
FASHION EVOLUTION: “It all started the day my mother put bells on my shoes when I was a toddler. I realized quickly, what you wear gets you attention whether you want it to or not. My current style is a quirky combination of all the phases of my youth: Gap preppy, Benneton colorful, CBGB goth and grunge, and powerhouse financial district suits with a newly added beach life chic now that I’m living in coastal Delaware. As a professional advocate and voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, a lot of my style comes from the fact that I need people to notice me. I want them to ask who I am and remember me as someone who stood out from the crowd.”
THOUGHTS ON AGING: “The older you get the bolder you get.”
INDISPENSABLE WARDROBE ITEM: “I have always loved hats: sun hats, fascinators, cloches, but living at the beach has made them a very important wardrobe must, ensuring I can enjoy the sun and protect my skin.”
ACE ACCESSORY: A simple gold Celtic knot necklace that she bought in Bermuda. “I consider it my good luck charm.”
PANTS OR SKIRTS? Skirts.
HEELS OR FLATS? Heels.
DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? “Emeralds.”
WHY FASHION IS IMPORTANT: “It’s a source of confidence. Fashion has nothing to do with how much you spend or where you bought something. It says 'I take the time to make myself look as good as I can on the outside — and that makes me feel better on the inside. Let’s focus on what we do like instead of what we don’t. Let’s all compliment one another more.”
Style Files runs weekly in Sundaylife. To suggest someone stylish to feature — your co-worker, 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.
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