WHO TO CALL: Fashior: Editor Layne Christensen 985-21 3f al 8) fashion statements T IS in the way.a woman ‘wears her clothing more than what she wears that reveals her style. A woman “with great style has stan- - dards, She wears nothing too predictable, nothing too | “expensive, nothing that. doesn’t spell quality and fit to 3 Style is: not only dressing, it is expressed in éverything a woman "does from cancelling an engagement to.staging the perfect one. It is a’: Standard tool that she uses every day, at every opportunity. It enhances her life as well as her looks, creating . within her an unforgettable ‘‘charac- “We asked five notable North’ : Shore women for their take on per-: . sonal styles 0. ‘Nicole Parton, '16 year-veteran’ ; journalist with the | Vancouver Sun, i is piety Oe 55). N. Shore women impart their thoughts on fashion and living | a well-known author of five books, two becoming best-sellers world- wide. : Parton, 49, has found that her style, and the strength of its focus, has been crucial 10 her well-being. Drastic changes in her life, including the death of her husband of 20 years and losing 80 pounds through a new program of healthy living, have had dramatic effects. “T believe if you try your best’ to. look good, you will feel good.” she | " says. “This has also helped me tremendously through my grieving process. Many people have told me that T look so good, even at this diffi- cult time, and it is encouraging.” She continues: “Though J work : from my home, | dress each moming as though I am going to the office, in a nice outfit with matching earrings, shoes and makeup. | never have breakfast without my makeup on. Even if 1 don’t see anyone that day, it makes me feel better, more profes- sional and better able to work. If, anyone comes to the door unexpect- edly, I"ll-always be dressed to the sevens, maybe not the nines.” Though she has always nad pres- ‘ence, she says her new slim figurc, obtained through proper eating and exercise, has helped to give her a more confident style because it is much easier to find clothing she : likes i in her size. Parton, a value-conscious shop- ;: per, always watches for sales and 50u, Selected ! Merchandise LONSDALE QUAY BENTALL CENTRE patronizes discount clothing stores. She buys clothes at the end of the season to be worn the following year and also buys in quantity. if she > finds a great deal. An organized closet is a priority. ’ She sorts all of her clothes by color for quick coordination and feels that proper hangers. even inexpensive plastic ones, make a considerable difference. ~ Parton’s inner style is evident i in her siriving for “serenity for the mind” and calming influences which are crucial for maintaining balance in her stressful life. She also believes in creating a cocoon-like home where others are made to feel com- fortable. The often altruistic focus of her newspaper columns is shown in her everyday life. “Looking outward, rather than inward, has been very important to me. You must give of yourself because others have il. worse.” Denise Cameron Taylor. newly appointed as Hoit Renfrew's person- al shopper, has been one of Vancouver's top fashion show pro- ducers for several years and is a for- mer New York-based madel. Now 45, Taylor's philosophies on personal style have not changed sub- stantially since her days in mode!- ling. She claims that dressing in - quality classics with great attention _ to details gives her polish and confi- dence. but that style actually has lit- ue to do.with the type of clothing. She explains, “Someone who looks amazing may only be wearing a pair of pants and a shirt. However, her posture is good, the shirt is well pressed, the pants fit beautifully, the. shoes are not scuffed. She is some- one who has taken the time to care about the way she looks, not some- one who has spent a lot of money _ dressing up.” She says style has increased with age because, “you are just becoming Sunday, May 14, 1995 — North Shore News - 13 s were wal ff spmatgane at GULSHAN MITHA, a North Shore notary public, eschews < stutty ¢ cor- porate looks, preferring instead to pair dressy shorts wiih a Jacket. style is very connected with who “you are, your comfort level and your environment.” She is less likely now to be swayed into wearing some- thing that is “appropriate” because what is appropriate for one is not for another. ; She credits her mother’s influ- ence because she found ways to ..; make any outfit look great with very little money. Similarly, Taylor uses . ° notions like beaded curtain tassels as really comfortable with yourself, and’. jewelry, replaces buttons with unusu- “Satard aay May. 13" to) Sunday May 21* _ > Take $100 OFF any SUIT > Take $50 OFF any SPORTS JACKET. . > Take $20,OFF any DRESS PANT > Take $10 OFF any CASUAL SHIRT > Take $10 OFF any SILK TIE > Take $10 OFF any ae : URN I ME Ionse Clothing gor Men. al beads and often wraps a sat of _ fine fabric around her as a blouse’... She says a woman should find a - “core” item with which she feels. most comfortable and confident, buy more than one and not worry about ....- changing that item for many. years. ‘: Taylor collects white shirts and black trousers which she wears all year.’ - She stresses clothing is an invest".