Bill Fowler
Where does your style inspiration come from?
My father owned a chain of menswear stores until the late 1980s, so fashion and style were a part of my life from an early age. Dad was wildly creative and his style reflected that. He inspired me to confidently walk outside of the norm; to trust my eye and consider what I wear as an extension of my personality rather than a costume to wear in an attempt to fit someone else’s standard.
Would you say you have a signature style staple or a specific designer that you're drawn to?
There are two distinct sides of my personality that battle for space in my head, and closet. One is the look of the contemporary Southern gentleman that Billy Reid has made a career of capturing. The other is my cynical urban artist side, which I hang onto thanks to the fact that I’m literally a cynical, aging musician. AllSaints nails that vibe perfectly. I may not actually be cool enough to shop there, but I’ll try and pull it off as long as I can. If I had to pick a signature piece, it’s a Billy Reid black leather jacket I got last Fall, which blends these two alter-egos beautifully.
What are you wearing when you feel your best?
I feel my best in a suit and tie. I really enjoy the detailed ritual of the crisp shirt, tie, and cuff links. My dad was a big believer in “look great, do great,” so when I dress for an important work event, particularly when addressing a group, that’s what I wear.
Lorna Roberts
Where does your style inspiration come from?
My style is a fusion of diverse influences that reflect my journey and heritage. Vintage aesthetics hold a special place in my heart. I find joy in rediscovering classic pieces that stand the test of time, infusing them with contemporary trends to craft looks that are both nostalgic and fresh.
Would you say you have a signature style staple or a specific designer you’re drawn to?
I wouldn’t say I have a signature style, but rather an eclectic taste that embraces diversity and creativity. My wardrobe is a reflection of my ever-evolving personality and the myriad influences that inspire me. From flowing kaftans, oversize jumpsuits to the sparkle of sequins, the crispness of a white button-down, the rugged appeal of army fatigue pants AND Hats....I LOVE a good hat, I enjoy exploring a wide spectrum of styles that defy categorization.
Rather than being drawn to specific designers, I am inspired by stylists and influencers who fearlessly express themselves through fashion. Their creativity inspires me to push the boundaries of my own style.
What are you wearing when you feel the best?
Confidence! It's the key. It's not just about the clothes I wear but how they make me feel. If I don't feel confident in what I put on, it stays in the closet.
One of the most rewarding aspects of expressing my style is the ability to inspire other plus-sized women. I hope to show that style knows no size limits. Every woman deserves to feel stylish and confident. For me, style is more than just fashion; it's a form of therapy.
Donny Maleknia
Where does your style inspiration come from?
My late Dad, who wore a suit to work every day, was my first style inspiration. The old Hollywood stars Cary Grant and James Bond character were the others.
I started wearing a bow tie at six. I cannot recall why, but I know I enjoyed dressing up. It gave me a grown-up feeling, and people did not treat me like a kid. And that was a great feeling.
Would you say you have a signature style staple or specific designer that you’re drawn to?
My signature look is a suit with a bright bowtie or a very bright or bold tie. I don't pay attention to labels or designer brands. I go by the way an outfit makes me feel. If it makes me feel happy, then I will buy it. The suit is such a signature outfit that many people do not recognize me when I wear a casual outfit.
What are you wearing when you feel your best?
Whichever outfit that would make my wife say, 'Hey, good looking!'" That would make me feel my best!
Caitlin Thomas
Where does your style inspiration come from?
I think I’m supposed to say Kate Middleton or Gwyneth Paltrow here, but honestly on a more day-to-day level, I am always inspired by my mother-in-law. Anyone who knows her knows that she is elegant and sophisticated and always put together. A true inspiration for my often athleisure look :) I also have some very stylish friends who keep me on point.
Would you say you have a signature style staple or a specific designer that you're drawn to?
Clean and classic with a pop of fun :) I am naturally drawn to solids and neutrals, clean lines and understated pieces. Being lucky enough to marry into a jewelry family, I have learned that oftentimes less is more in order to let the jewelry take center stage. I happily oblige.
What are you wearing when you feel your best?
A mini dress and heels (my 5’2 self loves a good pair of heels) or a well-loved pair of jeans with a button down and flats.
Dawn Thornton
Where does your style inspiration come from?
I have admired fashion since I was a little girl. I love how fashion is a form of communication that expresses self-confidence. My biggest fashion inspirations are Sarah Jakes Roberts, Kelly Roland, mixed with a little Linnethia Leakes.
I really embraced my style in the late 90’s. I remember how vivid colors were and how relaxed fashion really was. I think it’s the only era, where people are still holding on to a few pieces in their closet.
Would you say you have a signature style staple or a specific designer that you’re drawn to?
I don’t have a staple, however I love to represent tall, full figured, curvy women with respect and class. I always consider the audience when I’m putting together my outfits and I don’t always choose the “safe” option. I’m an “out of the box” type of gal.
What are you wearing when you feel your best?
What are you wearing when you feel your best? Air Jordan 1’s, joggers and a vintage graphic tee. Oh, accessories of course.
Kevin Moore
Where does your style inspiration come from?
I would say my style is more “modern English gentleman.” My favorite style is fall/winter clothes and I love different fabrics and patterns. I also enjoy a nice English or Italian made boot, and I love pocket squares.
Would you say you have a signature style staple or a specific designer that you're drawn to? For me it hasn’t been about one particular designer, I’m more about creating my own look by choosing my fabric, style, buttons, lining etc, and thus, I usually turn to J Hillburn. They have so many different fabrics and patterns, and the ability to curate your own suit makes it unique…giving every suit a “story.”
What are you wearing when you feel your best?
I definitely feel my best in a suit (pocket square- No TIE!) preferably in fall/winter, when I can accent it with a scarf, or vest underneath.
Carole Foret
Where does your style inspiration come from?
It comes from within and from those close to me. My mother was very creative and elegant in her style. My twin sister and I both benefitted from her sewing skills growing up and developed as artists with an eye and appreciation for fashion. My own daughters have inspired my choices as I’ve gotten older. And I have a niece, Liz Damrich, who is a designer. With so much creativity and design running through my family, my own artistic inclinations direct my choices in what I wear.
Would you say you have a signature style staple or a particular designer you are drawn to?
I think my style staple over the years has been a sense of “timelessness.” A worn in pair of jeans paired with the elegance of a black turtleneck and then finished with a great pair of cowboy boots. That would be me in a nutshell. I suppose that’s very Ralph Lauren-inspired. But a specific designer I’m drawn to is my own child Sarah Forêt, who was schooled at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and lives and works in New York City often as the assistant to another designer, visit sarahforet.com.
What are you wearing when you feel your best?
My sense of style comes from within, and that can change every day - mood, life circumstances, the weather…. I could be wearing a long casual dress walking around barefooted, or jeans and a tee. If it’s a lounge day, it may be my Costco joggers and my well-worn Auburn sweatshirt. At my age (57), you go in what you feel like wearing in the moment - confidently and unapologetically.
Will Conner III
Where does your style inspiration come from?
My sense of style probably mostly comes from my mom and dad. My mother used to pick my clothes for me and explain to me why she’d pick what she did. This went on until I developed a style more of my own. When I was able to buy my own clothes, I found myself dressing similarly to how my dad would.
Would you say you have a signature style staple or specific designer that you’re drawn to?
Definitely a few types of styles, but no specific designer.
What are you wearing when you feel your best?
I feel my best when I’m wearing……nothing. Just kidding! I believe I feel my best when I’m wearing a button up. Whether it’s with jeans, slacks or shorts, there’s just something about it that makes me feel sharp.