How would you describe your style?
I’m a high-end fashion kind of guy. But I do like to mix expensive pieces with bargain finds.

You are known as “The Fabulous Mr. Patrick.” What does being fabulous mean to you?
It means being very unique, especially in regard to style.

How does fashion help you express yourself?
Fashion allows me to be who I am, to be just me.

What is the first step in putting together a look?
I do think about where I’m going. Is it going to be dressy? Is it going to be casual? I try to figure that out first so I can pick out the particular pieces that would be outstanding for that event.

How do you incorporate flair when dressing for your day job?
When it comes to dressing on the professional level, I always add a very unique piece—a shoe, a tie, or another accessory that stands out.

Where or from whom do you draw inspiration?
One of the classiest ladies in this city that I look to in regard to fashion is Miss Alpha Blackburn, a local designer and businesswoman. She is such an epitome of class and fashion. She is an icon.

Which designers are your favorites and why do you gravitate toward them?
An up-and-coming designer I have fallen in love with is Reco Chapple. He is an African-American designer who has worked for a lot of celebrities. But what I like about Reco is that he makes distinctive fashion for women and men. A lot of designers gravitate toward one or the other; Reco can give you the best of both worlds.

What is one piece you could not live without?
A good boot. I love boots, especially with a heel. 

What advice would you give to someone wanting to grow in their fashion confidence?
I would say if you’re true to yourself, you can always make fashion be true to you. I’m true to myself. I live in my own skin regardless of who likes it or who doesn’t. Fashion makes me.

The post My Look: Patrick Bouquett, Marketing Director appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

How would you describe your personal fashion philosophy?
Bright, bold, and vintage-inspired. I don’t feel right leaving the house unless I’m wearing a big pair of earrings and colorful eyeshadow. 

Are there any specific colors or patterns you’re drawn to when picking out clothing?
I gravitate toward anything with fun colors, cool graphics, or patterns, but lately I’ve been really into textures as well. I can’t get enough mesh or hollow-out crochet in my life!  

Did you have a sense of style even as a kid?
My mom always likes to remind me of my phase of wearing adult cowboy boots at two years old, and just a year or so later, proclaiming, “I do it,” when she would try to pick out my outfits. 

What’s your go-to place to shop for clothes?
I support local as much as I can. Lately, I’ve been mostly wearing my own brand, Guide & Anchor, but I love Cargo Streetwear, Minus Skate Shop, Future Friends, The Dream House vintage collective, and Good Neighbor. And I’m always on the lookout for pop-ups. 

Who inspires you fashion-wise?
I’ve always been inspired by the younger generation, and especially these days. There’s so much body positivity right now, and everyone seems focused on crafting an individual style. It’s a bold and beautiful time for fashion, and I’m so here for it! 

What’s your go-to look when you’re in a rush? 
I’ve got a pretty big vintage belt and earring collection, so whenever I get stuck, I typically wear an all-black outfit, or any solid color, and let my accessories do the work. But when I have a bit more time, I tend to switch it up between monochrome and mix-and-match outfits.

How does your sensibility as a designer connect to your wardrobe?  
Whether I’m designing interiors or my own outfit, it’s important to me that every bit and piece be thoughtful and interesting. At some point, though, you have to decide which part is going to be the main feature and which parts should be supporting elements in the overall concept. 

Has anything been consistent in your look through the years?
Both my mom and grandma were Mary Kay ladies back in the day, and they both had dreams of working their way up and getting the pink Cadillac. I always thought that was such a powerful feminist goal, so I’ve associated makeup with power since I was a child. I’d say my bold-winged eyeliner has always felt like a statement for me, one I’ve made for most of my makeup-wearing life. 

The post My Look: Sara Jean Potts, Co-Owner, Guide & Anchor appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

CYNTHIA VEATCH had big shoes to fill when she purchased the petite gift shop Clara K. & Cartabella from its retiring owners. Their exquisite taste and bespoke service came through for every special occasion. Happily for the boutique’s loyal following, Veatch has a similar eye as a transplanted New York designer. Regulars can still find some of their favorite items, including Hester & Cook placemats, Alba Bijoux semiprecious jewelry from Italy, greeting cards designed by former owner Ghega Scolari, and French Knot knitted goods. Veatch’s new treasures fit right in. Instant obsessions include Emily Lex watercolor workbooks, Canadian artist Janet Hill’s tongue-in-cheek prints, Bookshelf Games designed as thick tomes for classy displaying, and soy candles produced by women at Wheeler Mission’s Restored Creations enterprise. Saris are made from recycled fabrics, and Veatch sprinkles in curiosities like a British silver toast-holder. She read our minds with the shop’s new name—“a thousand thank yous” in Italian.

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AFTER SHUTTERING her Bates-Hendricks store shortly after the final season of Good Bones wrapped last fall, Mina Starsiak Hawk has moved the boutique north to a historic Noblesville neighborhood.

The cheerful emporium is split into three separate zones: one dedicated to Good Bones merch, a second full of home goods, and a third showing off giftable eye candy (and actual candy) geared toward women and babies. The home space houses an eclectic array of tabletop wares and decor, along with select pieces of furniture. Find oversize pastel teacups alongside cast iron flamingos and stoneware bedside lamps.

Can’t find what you had in mind? Flip through the design book and place a special order. Sales associate Amanda Lee notes that customers often make a day of their visit, hitting the eateries and other shops within walking distance. “They can stroll around for hours, something that wasn’t easy to do at the former location.” Lee also shares that works by local artists will be in rotation. Vibrant paintings by Stephanie Carignan of Fishers are on offer until the end of May.

Two Chicks District Co.
957 Logan St., Noblesville; Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

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THE NEW retail space nestled inside the creative studio Guide & Anchor serves as both a 3-D portfolio for prospective clients and a much-appreciated outlet for the artistic urges of husband-and-wife owners Sara Jean and Joey Potts. When they’re not working graphic design magic for brands or creating interior design schemes for commercial clients including Natural State Provisions, Tinker Coffee Co., and Kismetic Beer Company, they turn out their own limited edition goods. “We figured we might as well have a little shop where we sell our own creations,” says Sara Jean. “Clients can come in and see our work just by being here.”

Visitors can pick up clothing and accessories, including hand-painted silk scarves from the couple’s first collection, Floral Remedies. If you see something you like, grab it, as in most cases when an item sells out, it’s gone forever. The Potts debut a housewares-intensive line this month called Lawn & Leisure. They also plan to sell their wares at pop-ups around town. Find details on Instagram @guideandanchor.

Guide & Anchor

ADDRESS

3315 E. 10th St.

HOURS

Variable; check

The post Shop Talk: Guide & Anchor appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

AN ASSOCIATE faculty member at the Indiana University School of Education in Africana Studies, Dr. Idalia Wilmoth is also a fashion curator and Noblesville resident. Here’s what she had to share on her unique style.

How would you describe your personal style to someone who’s never met you?
I describe my personal style as “Styles of Unity,” meaning that I merge my cultural identity, the imagination of high fashion, and contemporary threads together.

Do you have a fashion philosophy?
Whatever makes your soul happy, wear it. I believe that I make memories every day.

Are there any specific colors or patterns you’re drawn to when picking out clothing?
I’m drawn to vibrant patterns and empowering silhouettes. I am a layering queen! I love unique items. My color palette includes lots of brights, such as mustard yellow, fuchsia, apple green, and orange. However, you can never go wrong with black. When I wear black, I gravitate toward texture. In addition to this, I have an aesthetic eye for vintage clothing, as well.

Who has influenced your style?
My gift of putting wardrobes together is one of a kind. That said, I very much admire Tracee Ellis Ross, Tamron Hall, and Ja’Net Dubois [who portrayed Willona Woods on the ’70s series Good Times]—her fashion on that show was impeccable.

What’s your go-to place to shop for clothes?
Ninety percent of my closet comes from thrift stores, consignment, and online boutiques, including Goodwill, The Toggery Resale Boutique, Thrifty Threads, and Broad Ripple Vintage.

What fashion designers or stylists do you gravitate to?
My favorite fashion designers include Daniel Hawkins, Swanky Jerry, and June Ambrose.

Do you have any go-to outfits for different occasions, such as work, parties, or casual outings?
From church, to work, to social events, to casual outings, or even to the grocery store, I show up and show out. I am very consistent in my authentic expression. 

Do you have any significant accessories with special meaning?
One of my go-to accessories is a hat. Hats tell a story, especially in the Black community where a woman’s crown symbolizes triumph over hardship.

Are there cultural influences in your fashion choices?
Absolutely. As a proud Afro Latin, Caribbean, second-generation Roatánin [from Roatán, an island off the coast of Honduras] woman, African tradition and expressions influence the way I approach fashion.

Mix and match or traditional cohesive looks?
Mix and match, always! Take the style to the next level.

The post My Look: Idalia Wilmoth, Indiana University Professor appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

Do you have any go-to shops you frequent?
My clothes must speak to me or have a story to tell. Local consignment shops like Amanda’s Exchange or Nuova Vita Vintage are helpful in crafting that narrative. For custom pieces, I am fortunate to work with Regard the Brand and couture-wise, I shop from Mallory Talty as she has the largest collection for sale in America.

What’s a piece you couldn’t live without?
A blazer for business video calls. It’s been said that 90-degree angles are not found in nature, so I wear blazers hoping to impose a level of power that is unnatural. I want them to have the chills and wonder, ‘Where did she come from?’”

How do you incorporate your style with being an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur is the ultimate outgrowth of personal style. It’s a choice that screams: I bet on myself every single day. So from that posture, if it’s not bold I don’t want it. The aim as an entrepreneur is to feel confident and hopefully my clothing communicates this message.

What tips do you have for someone who wants to feel and look more confident? 
Only buy clothes that get you compliments. If you walk out of the fitting room and it’s crickets, put it back. That initial moment with your clothes is the beginning of a relationship. Let it be love at first sight. Then when you reach for the fit there’s a feeling of passion.”

Solid colors or patterns?
Solid. However, more patterns have been creeping in lately. I’m 6 feet tall, so it’s a lot of pattern when I go there.

How do you choose your accessories for your outfits?
The bigger the better. I’m not trying to fit in. That said, they still must be functional, meaning earrings that are not too heavy and rings that stay on my fingers, since I am a big hand-talker.

Any makeup tricks to share?
I have quite small eyes that disappear when I smile. I was looking for something to offset that and it turned out to be eyeliner. What an illusion, right?

Do you have any idols?
Tracee Ellis Ross, because we both have larger-than-life mothers and adore a red lip.

What’s one fashion trend you love?
Women wearing whatever they want at any age.

Any you can’t stand?
Don’t hate me, but all the beige and neutral on Instagram. But hey, maybe that’s good because it helps risk takers standout more. Long live the brave.

The post My Look: Jennifer Magley appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

MELISSA SANDULLO’S dream of owning a bakery was off to a good start until a health issue forced her to close, as the work was too physical. “What I loved about the bakery is that it would light people up when they saw the cake they’d ordered,” she says. “I still wanted to create a space that did that. And where everyone feels like they belong.” So she switched to other passions: all-natural products and vintage clothes. She started paying attention to ingredients when her mother battled cancer. As for retro fashion, buoyant, playful cuts and patterns are just her style. Hey, Tootsie sells a line of chemical-free skin care (“Basically anything you’d find at a beauty counter,” Sandullo says) and home cleaning products. One room contains racks of new and vintage cloth- ing in sizes XXS to 3X. Back shelves are sprinkled with kitschy planters and leather cuff bracelets from Hoosier makers. Sandullo’s father gave her the big porcelain “shop cat” she asked her followers online to name. (Anastasia Beaverhousen won.) Hey, Tootsie—we feel the love.

3639 N. Raceway Rd.; Wed–Fri 3–6:30 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

The post Shop Talk: Hey, Tootsie appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

Do you have any fashion icons?  
I admire people who are brave [enough] to be themselves. Iris Apfel is someone I admire. She is authentically herself. I also admire Kelly Wearstler. She combines her fashion with interior design.

Do you have any go-to shops in Indy for your fashion choices?
I always check out The Toggery, Zodiac Vintage, and Mission 27. I’m a big advocate for sustainable fashion.

How do you decide what to wear each morning?
I decide what to wear by how I’m feeling and who I’m seeing each day. I like to wear client brand colors and anything that will inspire my coworkers with joy.

Do you have a favorite piece/ensemble in your closet?
My go-to is layering and putting unique color combinations together. If it seems off, I’m going to try it.

How do you choose your accessories?
I base my accessories on shoe selection and metals matching. I build off of that and start highlighting my outfit from those pieces.

Are there any no-nos for you regarding fashion?
I try a lot of ideas. Sometimes I try something that’s too trendy for me. There are times I come home, and I tell myself to never wear that again. I love challenging my creativity. I think not trying something is failure.

Is your topknot bun your signature look?
To many people’s surprise, I’m not your average white girl. I’m Japanese and white, so my topknot is a signature to my culture. I like to celebrate my heritage.

You’re a creative director. How would you say your creative choices in fashion and work overlap each other?
I approach both the same—creativity first: How does this make me feel? How can I visualize this problem? How can I lift the mood? I’m a visual artist, so I present myself visually first, both to my clients and coworkers.

Do you have any advice for young businesswomen?
Effort. Every style isn’t for everyone. Be intentional [in] how you present yourself. Dress for the position you want to be in. People remember the effort you put in whatever the occasion.

What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is coming out of school and not finding a design job right away. I found a retail position and met creative people in advertising and made lasting relationships. Looking back as a VP and creative director, I’ve never compromised who I am. Being yourself and standing on your values pays off in the end.

The post My Look: Katie Clements appeared first on Indianapolis Monthly.

MIKE GILLIS mans his meticulous boutique, WDRFA, in a waxed-denim jacket from Carhartt Work in Progress, a refined fashion-forward spinoff of the durable workwear. It’s not the kind of thing anyone would put on to chop wood. The clothing and accessories in WDRFA look just as expensive, well-made, and street-ready. After spending years working for Indy retail stalwarts like Lids, the Colts Pro Shop, and Hangtime, Gillis and his uncle, Gary Patterson, both IUPUI grads, made a name for themselves among the city’s creatives by selling out collections of sweats, nylon pants, and T-shirts. “Very quietly, we have been a big part of big companies in Indianapolis,” says Patterson. WDRFA’s Stutz Building boutique makes their breakout official. Store and product designs contain hidden symbolism, including social commentary and homages to relatives. The brand name stands for “We Don’t Run From Adversity,” a credo that the founders hope customers find inspiring. “Everyone can relate to trials and tribulations,” Gillis says.

ADDRESS: 1060 N. Capitol Ave.

HOURS: Wed–Sat noon–7 p.m., Sun noon–5p.m.

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