This retiree just likes to have fun with fashion
WHO: Kay Biondi, 68, of Millsboro, retired math educator.
WHY: She was nominated by David Wunsch, who says: “Before she retired and moved to the beach I had the good fortune to live next door to Kay and her husband Joe in Newark. Her fashion sense reflects her outgoing personality and love of entertaining. Her outfits are colorful, vivacious and festive.”
HER STYLE: “I like to have fun with my clothes. Now that I’m retired, it’s fun and easy.”
WEARING, at her home and the clubhouse in the Independence community:
FIRST OUTFIT – Santa poncho by Love by Design; black velvet leggings; Bandolino black leather booties; Santa figurine and bead earrings; icicle cuff bracelet from Old Lamp Lighters Shop in Pike Creek
SECOND OUTFIT – Long dress with high waist with bright yellow bodice, black and white detailing and black banded hem by DW3, picked out by her husband Joe; black crop sweater; black leather Bandolino heels; starfish necklace with rhinestones from Boscov’s and starfish earrings.
THIRD OUTFIT – Jones of New Yorks black pants; Boston Proper black tank top; Bandolino black boots; black-and-white oversized cardigan sweater by Poof from Mandy’s in Wilmington; dragonfly necklace and matching earrings from a beauty salon in Fairfax. “I always get compliments on them.”
WHERE SHE SHOPS:
Creative director likes polished, bit off-centered attire
“Mainly online. Before I retired, I liked Boscov’s and Mandee. I also have found jewelry and great handbags at various salons.”
HOW SHE SHOPS: “Definitely alone. I like to go in and do my thing.”
FASHION ICON: “Growing up, I loved Cher because she was always so different.”
FAVORITE DESIGNERS: “I don’t like to get tied into one look, one label, although I have several Calvin Klein shirts that I really like.”
MOST RECENT PURCHASE: An elf costume for a friend’s holiday party. “It was a big hit.”
WARDOBE STAPLES: Black yoga pants and a black pullover or camisole. “We’re at a great time of life, like college without the exams. Someone is always suggesting going somewhere and all you have to do it throw on some jewelry and you are ready to head out.”
BEST BARGAIN: “Years ago, I bought a long black dress at Marshalls for $10. Even then it was a great deal and I got a lot of wear out of it.”
OLDEST ITEM IN HER CLOSET: A short, black swing coat. “It’s so old I can’t remember where I got it. I still wear it and I get compliments whenever I wear it.”
MANE, MANICURE AND MAKEUP: “One of the more traumatic aspects of my transition to retirement was changing from my longtime stylist Jeremy at Trilogy in Newark to Beach Tans and Hair Design in Rehoboth Beach, where I rely on Robert and Arlene. I’ve always had manicures and I go to 3D Nail and Spa in Millsboro. You won’t see me without makeup. I put enough on that I don’t scare small children and animals. If you spend more than 10 minutes on makeup you are doing it wrong. I enjoy getting makeup tips from my neighbor Peter Vidaurreta, who works at Macy’s. I swear by Clinique eyeliner. I wear it all the time.”
BEST FOOT FORWARD: “When I was working I had a lot of shoes. Now I’ve cut back, although I love the look of a good shoe. I have heels, Bandolino, that I just love, the most comfortable heels I have ever owned. I call them my dancing shoes. I got them at DSW.”
FAVORITE COLOR: Yellow.
FAVORITE FRAGRANCE: Happy by Clinique.
FASHION EVOLUTION: “When I was a little girl I would drive my mom crazy because I would change my clothes all day long. I’ve never stopped loving fashion.”
BEST CELEBRITY HAIR: “Christina Aguilera, who I enjoyed watching on The Voice. Her hair always looks great—and always different.”
WORTH THE SPLURGE: “My hair. I have an asymmetrical style and will spend the money to get a good cut and color.”
NOT WORTH THE SPLURGE: “Anything that looks good but is so uncomfortable you don’t want to wear it.”
WISH I HADN’T BOUGHT IT: Her Philadelphia Eagles jerseys.
ORGANIZATION TIPS: “In our new house I have three closets, so I have one that is just for out-of-season and party clothes. Joe has one closet, which is enough for him.”
THE GREAT PANTYHOSE DEBATE: “When I was working pantyhose were a necessary evil. After 46 years, that’s enough. I am done with pantyhose.”
INDISPENSABLE WARDROBE ITEM: “My black-and-white plaid boyfriend shirt.”
FASHION NO-NO: “Men wearing Bermuda shorts and sandals in the middle of winter.”
ACE ACCESSORY: Jewelry. “I love silver rings and earrings. Every year we would go to Cancun and I would splurge on a silver ring.”
PANTS OR SKIRTS? Pants.
HEELS OR FLATS? “It depends on the situation. Flats are more comfortable but I still enjoy heels.”
DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? Diamonds. “Anything that glitters is good in my world.”
WHY FASHION IS IMPORTANT: “It’s the first impression people have of you. It sets the tone. Since we retired we are meeting all kinds of new people, who come from all over to retire in Delaware. What they see on the outside gives them an idea of what I am like on the inside.”
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