WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I’m from a small town, Corvallis, OR. At least, it was a small when I was growing up. My parents bought a house within walking distance of my grandparents. My brother and I went to the same elementary school as our father and aunt. So, I was raised in surrounding nature, charming community ideals, and aimless summer bike rides.

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION?

Honestly, I consider that somewhat of a trick question! I started in retail and marketing in my teens, and I’ve been integrated in the fine arts industry for nearly 20 years. I happen to believe that fashion and style is another form of fine art, particularly when you consider the painstaking effort made in the creations of today’s couture designers. Much of my work surrounds my ideals of merging my two loves, fashion and art, into something viable, tangible, and constructive for people, artists, and arts companies. My work ranges from Marketing, to Development, to Design, Visual Merchandising, anything that constitutes overall ambiance of product. Basically, anything that can be made more beautiful and enjoyable for the benefit of constructive growth. Including personal shopping, colorist work, and hosting benefit events. I love to create experiences that people feel good about being part of. I think of it as the artistry that is our everyday life.

WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON LATELY?

I’ve been working on developing a community connectivity concept company called Arts Alaska. It’s about establishing a recognizable structure and mechanism for young professionals to become integrated in the arts. It’s certainly a lofty ideal, but we’ve got some great things coming for the Anchorage community. We’re in a phase of cultural growth, where, anything can happen. And I’m certain that a lot will. Recently I was part of the team in launching Synesthesia Artist Collective into form. More immediately, I am working on two interior design installation projects, merchandising intermittently for Circular Boutique, and as a performance artist, I briefly appeared back on stage in the Alaska 1 Minute Play Festival, hosted by Perseverance Theatre last week. And always, styling everything I can squeeze into my schedule.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

Bold. Somewhat Ridiculous. I’m kind of a couture carnivore. I mean, I wear heels year-round in Alaska. But it’s honest. Despite popular opinion, I don’t really take myself too seriously. I like to wear what I enjoy and I don’t worry about anyone or anything else, including the weather.

WHAT IS A FAVORITE ITEM THAT YOU OWN AND WHY?

My “favorite piece” is always relative and it changes. Right now I’m really into the gold coins that Dolce & Gabbana has gilded their SS14 collection with. So I should say my coin earrings. They are so dramatic and fun. They instantly add statement to any outfit. I love to put them with everything.

WHAT ARE YOUR WARDROBE STAPLES?

Great accessories. Which of course means great shoes, bags, and jewelry. A well-accessorized woman is a result of great creativity and focus, and that’s a powerful combination with the perfect shade of lipstick.

WHAT SUMMER TRENDS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO?

More gold coins! (laughs) Though, really, I love the influx of flowers and print we have been seeing on the runway. Though particularly, black this season. Black has been so blasé to me for so long, I hardly own any of it. So I’m excited to see it used in a stronger, yet sexy and feminine manner, glammed up with amazing accessories. Take Valentino’s darkly haute summer campaign. It makes me think of impossibly sweltering summer temperatures and the simplicity of sexiness. Glowing, yet shimmering faces that command chic inimitability. And tall ankle strap sandals! Legs, ladies, legs this summer.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS AND WHY?

Prada – their shoes are unparalleled. They make the best “crazy runway shoes”. Whenever I am craving something absurdly couture, Prada never fails to push me over the top. Valentino also has wonderful shoes and accessories. Their Rockstud collection is rather addictive. And last but certainly not least, Dolce & Gabbana. My closet is simply littered with it. Their combination of eclectic, bold patterns are well suited to my tastes. Particularly since they’re clearly not all too serious. You can tell that they’re having fun with their points of inspiration, making grandeur into wearable art. I think their creations are a very positive experience to allow oneself to be enveloped by.

WHAT DID YOU LAST BUY TO WEAR?

(laughs) A black Dolce & Gabbana antiqued coin-jacquard mini skirt from the SS14 runway collection. . . And I’ll probably be caught wearing it to a lunch meeting.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT TO WEAR EVERYDAY?

Honestly, my most confortable and creative combinations are the ones I think about the least. I think that’s where self-honesty, trusting your instincts are your best tool to being yourself. When you are comfortable with who you are, you are free to be imaginative with yourself. Really, it’s not that serious. Sometimes I just look for what ever makes the least practical sense together, and wear them. Everyday is an experiment.

OBSESSIONS?

Currency. Timing. I think it’s important to participate in the currency of our world. I’m always interested in what’s new, what’s coming, and what is making an impact on our societal culture. It’s more than just style, it’s how people communicate and live their lives. Relevancy, to me, is the most important factor in remaining active and innovative in our worlds’ expressive cultivation; be part of change, rather than chasing after or catching up to it.

FIVE ITEMS YOU ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH?

Oversized scarf. Dramatic earrings. A statement bag, white blouse, and sunglasses.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO, LAZY DAY OUTFIT?

Probably flats, but fetching ones! Boyfriend jeans and a loose fitted sweater or silk blouse, simple jewelry.

WHO IS YOUR STYLE ICON?

Young Elizabeth Taylor. Coco Chanel. Madonna. Anna dello Russo.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?

Fall. The cool air and the colors of the sky and trees are an insatiable to me. It also means layers of fantastic fabrics like silk and wool; not being too hot or too cold.