Valerie and Steven Thomas
Enduring. Comfortable. Sustainable. All words to describe the style ethos of Valerie and Steve Thomas, a married couple of nearly 40 years. For her part, Valerie is “very much a shop local person,” evidenced in her pieces from basic. and Billy Reid down to her Zkano socks. Unafraid to repeat outfits as well as mix and match, Valerie’s style has gotten more casual since moving to Birmingham from Boston and starting her own company. And while she still loves the confidence boost of a tailored suit jacket, life now allows for a relaxed version of her previously more buttoned-up style. Glasses from iiis. as well as clothing from ISHI? and Bearden Design et boutique, round out Valerie’s local favorite boutiques.
As for Steve, “People assumed I was dressing him, but he is the fashionista,” Val laughs. “He is much more couture than I am.”
The Japanese wool suit Steve wore on the couple’s first date in 1987 still looks brand new and current, which speaks to the value given to quality and “things that last.”
Preferring a loose and comfortable yet bespoke aesthetic, Steve gravitates toward the handmade pieces of John Alexander Skelton, who makes his own fabric, as well as vintage-inspired pieces by BODE, including a striking shirt with colorful circle appliques.
Kristen Saban
You’d be forgiven for assuming Kristen Saban’s closet is overflowing with crimson, houndstooth, and a plethora of gameday accoutrements. In reality, the 33-year-old mom’s neatly organized wardrobe is comprised mostly of neutral pieces. Favorite articles include a femme dress by Zimmerman, a ladylike Chanel bag, and whimsical floral embroidered boots by Texas brand Petite Paloma–all rendered in soothing, creamy shades.
And while Kristen’s day-to-day wardrobe is often “a good pair of jeans and a simple top,” an aqua-hued sequined dress and sky-high red satin platforms remind that Kristen isn’t afraid to sparkle.
Favorite local shops include Etc... and Lé Weekend.
Favorite travel destinations? “Lately, Jupiter (Florida)! And Lake Burton.”
Follow along @kristennsaban
Danielle Yancey
“I am a pink person–hot pink, bubble gum pink, all shades of pink,” says Danielle Yancey, who wears a pink and white striped gown by Rebecca Vallance with her bedazzled Paris Texas red cowgirl boots.
A buyer at Parisian for ten years, Danielle has always loved color. “I never get sick of color,” she says, a statement backed up by rows upon rows of dresses in every shade of the rainbow and home interiors featuring bold jewel tones.
Favorite designers include Hermès, “It’s a game to get things from Hermès!” Chanel, Bottega Veneta, and Gucci. “But, if I like something, I don’t care what label is on it,” she says upon spotting an Old Navy jacket.
Another name to know? “Zang Toi, a friend of mine, is a New York-based Malaysian designer with one-of-a-kind designs,” she divulges.
Asked what she is drawn to lately, she pulls out a petite Kelly green Bottega Veneta bag, “I love anything miniature lately,” she says.
The home Danielle shares with her husband Bart and dog Trooper is a midcentury gem by famed architect Fritz Woehle. Symmetrical arches span the home’s exterior and flank a picture-perfect courtyard.
Has the design of her unique home–with its Alabama white marble floors, abundant natural light, and Hollywood glam meets Palm Springs vibe–influenced Danielle’s style since moving into the home? Absolutely.
Follow along @danielleyancey