My Style: Tracey Lomrantz Lester
Photo: Courtesy of Tracey Lomrantz Lester
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
I'll never forget walking near Union Square a couple of years ago when a ridiculously well-dressed woman caught my eye. She was just in white jeans but something about her was so chic, I couldn't stop staring. I got a little closer and realised… it was Gwyneth Paltrow.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
My first and only rule is that you have to own what you're wearing. If you're in the mood for a turban and overalls, go for it! But you can't be constantly looking in the mirror or tugging at your hemline or showing any other signs of self-consciousness — nothing kills a chic look faster than self-doubt.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Breton striped shirts! I have about ten of them in rotation at any given time. I treat the classic print like a neutral and wear it with absolutely everything. It's also a great way to anchor some of your wilder pieces with a slightly conservative touch.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I'll give equal parts credit to Sassy magazine, Slim Keith, the Olsen twins, and Joe Zee, whom I interned for years ago at my first fashion gig and whose insanely cool approach to style I tried desperately to absorb.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I'm a shoe freak, so I always get dressed from the bottom up. The clothes kind of fall into place depending on what kind of story I want to tell with my shoes.
What is your biggest regret?
Passing up an impeccably cut vintage Dior coat I found at a Los Angeles vintage shop for $700 because I wasn't sure if it was "me."
We will never see you wearing...
White leather pumps. Ever.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I'm newly obsessed with Katie Ermilio, who is still pretty under the radar and makes simply beautiful clothes. I also have a thing for Sophia Webster, the shoe designer who apprenticed with Nicholas Kirkwood and just may have surpassed her master in terms of creating jaw-dropping footwear.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My husband's vintage Rolex, which I've basically adopted as my own. A houndstooth Stella McCartney coat I got at the sample sale for $100. And a pair of Levi's cutoff shorts I basically live in from June to September.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her foundation garments. It doesn't matter how amazing your wardrobe is if your bra is ill-fitting!
