Name: Elise

Location: Vermont

Style philosophy: Why not?

I’d describe my style as: People say it is tasteful. On the conservative side but I have a tendency to do very good matching with jewelry. I put my clothes out the night before and see what jewelry (mostly by Saskia, my youngest daughter) matches. 

I always get compliments–even the church choir waits to see on Sunday what I’m wearing! And I always dress for the occasion. I will never go out at night without changing.

The best style advice I ever received: I used to be a Brooks Brothers dresser–plaid, turtlenecks, and ponytails. My second husband, Gene, got me a magazine with modern outfits and it changed my style. I took it to the store and showed them what I liked. It’s a more modern look, more Neiman Marcus. I’m freer with my taste, before it was more of my first husband’s taste. My daughter Marijke says, “Mom has learned to adapt her style of clothing to Vermont living but it’s still elegant.”

The style advice I like to give is: I usually don’t give advice–it’s hard to tell someone to do something different than what they are doing, but from my husband I learned “Why not?”

Pack light or pack it all, what’s your travel style? Pack light, always. I am known for having a small suitcase with choices that go together. On my last day in Thailand, I had a clean white blouse and the others traveling in the group were shocked I had so many outfits in such a small suitcase.

My favorite SASKIA is: Mint!