In my experience, the best fashion advice you will ever receive is from fabulous woman over the age of 60. They have lived through countless phases and eras of trends. Their prime was in the years of international fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Princess Di. They breathed the classic designs of Gianni Versace and Giorgio Armani. I admire these women in awe and envy. There poses no question when it comes to their personal style. These ladies know what they are wearing. They hold a solid understanding of what works, and what absolutely does not. And they’re not afraid to tell you.

This old English couple strolled into the pub I serve at a couple months ago. They sat at the bar, ate hummus, and consumed copious amounts of beer together. The older woman sported a stylish lilac purple bob haircut. Tousled but straight. My heart fluttered with intrigue. I broke the ice by expressing how much I loved her hair. We clicked instantly. She wears Coach, tortoise shell rimmed glasses, and an incredible sassy attitude. She tells me how they lived on the French Quarter in New Orleans and all the crazy experiences. Crowds of drunk people and folks shitting in the street. Then proudly confesses to me about her wild days of the 70’s. She broke into concerts, like the Rolling Stones, and Queen. Oh, the glory! Then she endearingly calls me “bitch” in her proper-like English accent, and I really feel like brilliant gold.

Yesterday I walked into the pub on a day I wasn’t working. Not long after walks in these two wonderful people. I sat down next to them at the bar to join their afternoon beer binge. The woman and I start talking about fashion, as she noticed the Vogue magazine I was carrying with me. As she naturally never runs out of things to say, this subject genuinely lit up her words, and I hung on every one. First she told me, even as a bit of a “spendthrift” herself – never pay full price for high end fashion. There’s always someone wanting to sell last season gems for 75% off on some outlet site. Keep an eye out for something you find remarkable, and snatch it. Fashion is forever changing, but honey, style is forever. Next thing she says – never underestimate the power of an incredible accessory. It can change your entire look. From common to uniquely stellar. You can wear an outstanding designer accessory with an outfit from Target, and you will still have that je ne sais quoi. Finally, the most important of her philosophies – always go with the classics. With a classic piece, you can never be wrong, because it simply cannot be compared.

As we relish in the topic of classics, my beautiful Nana instantly comes to mind. There is no better example of someone so fashionably classic, as her. She always reminded me of Julie Andrews, with her sandy blonde pixie cut. When I think about my Nana, I think of her round silver dangle earrings embedded with the clean Tiffany & Co. label. I was about 8 years old when my sweet Grandpa started to date her. As a kid enamored by fashion since the beginning, she was the first woman who showed me the importance of being classic. Her style is Venetian-like. Simple outfits with subtle accents that stand out among the rest. Everything she wears is handpicked, and just right. Her house is like a palace of her own. Decorated with fancy European paintings and wondrous lampshades. The perfect color of red, which took her months to decide, throughout the walls of the entrance and dinning room. The thing I’ve always appreciated about her is that she never settles for anything mediocre. Something subpar to the idea the idea in her head, just simply won’t do. Looking up to this wonderful woman truly shaped my fashion sense. I wanted to make myself elegantly classic, like her. And believe in this lovely truth – If there’s something you want, pay close attention, and you will always find it. Never accept anything less than what you desire. You design the world you exist in.

In my own journey with discovering myself and my personal style, I will always hold this belief close to my heart. Be daring, be bold, and never forget the classics darling.