Annual fashion issue shows what’s hot this fall
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Designer Diane von Furstenberg once said, “Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it.” And it’s true. A good outfit can help us feel confident, powerful, elevated. Combine that with styled hair, fresh make-up and a whimsical location, and you have the quintessential fashion photo shoot. Two local moms and businesswomen recently found their inner fashionistas at Voice of America Park in West Chester, the perfect setting for the fashion issue of West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle.
Jen Best and Shwetha Pai know what it’s like to juggle families and careers, and each woman does so with her own sense of style and class. Featuring clothing from Designer Items and More in Olde West Chester and Interiors Plus in Mason, the pair effortlessly modeled these looks with assistance from stylists at Pure Concept Salon + Spa.
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West Chester’s Jen Best recently became the Director of Marketing and PR at the West Chester-Liberty Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband, Greg, have three children in the Lakota school district and you’ll often find them at their kids’ baseball games or band concerts.
Best loved the practical ease of this ensemble from Designer Items and More and says she appreciates how everyone’s style is unique rather than a one-size-fits-all.
“I absolutely love that everyone’s sense of fashion is different and usually identifiable in some way or another,” Best says. “I bet I could walk through a mall and put together a complete look for all of the women in my life, and every single outfit would be unique, just like them.”
The Look
Designer Items and More: Armani white tank, Dolce & Gabanna jacket, designer knit burgundy pants, Stella McCartney heels, Moschino handbag, vintage ring, necklace and earrings
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West Chester’s Shwetha Pai has a knack for finding and wearing a stylish outfit.
“What excites me about fashion is always the simplicity and quality—whenever I see simple designs that are made with high quality materials and craftsmanship, you know it will last a long time and be a very versatile piece,” Pai says.
Pai and her husband have two young girls—Raeva is five years old and Rhisha is three-and-a-half. Pai is part of the vibrant startup community in Cincinnati and currently works out of Union Hall.
Here she looks stylish and sassy in a perfectly-fitted pair of Colombian jeans, the stand-out piece in this ensemble from Designer Items and More.
The Look
Designer Items and More: Colombian jeans, Escada white tank, Diane Von Furstenberg green jacket, Gucci heels, Prada purse, Argentinian artisan earrings, vintage stacked bracelets
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As she models this comfortable look from Interiors Plus, Best says she finds fashion inspiration from those around her.
“I think I draw my inspiration from other real women. When I am at home I am extra casual and comfortable. You can always catch me in spirit wear for baseball or band!” Best says, with a smile. “When I’m at work, I would describe my style as conservative.”
Her favorite part of any outfit? The earrings. In this look Best is wearing metal earrings and a coordinating metal clock necklace from Interiors Plus.
When she’s not at the office or volunteering, Best is spending quality time with her family.
“I love my husband and our children more than I could ever describe,” Best says. “They inspire me every single day.”
The Look
Interiors Plus: purple blouse, black pants, two-toned zip purse, metal clock necklace, metal earrings and leather bracelet
Designer Items and More: Salvatore Ferragamo flats
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In this simple yet stylish dress by Theory, Pai says her fashion inspiration has come from her time traveling.
“I draw my inspiration mostly through walking around and being in different countries and cities and seeing the people on the street. I love being in Midtown Manhattan mainly because you see fashion that everyday people are wearing when they are going to work or doing other things,” Pai explains. “Seeing what everyday people wear is inspiring and also comforting.”
Indeed, it’s the people around us who often inspire. Fashion gives us a platform to communicate without saying a word. Perhaps designer Yves Saint Laurent said it best: “Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who’s wearing it.”
The Look
Designer Items and More: Theory green dress, Red Valentino leopard jacket, Christian Louboutin purse, Jimmy Choo shoes, vintage hoop earrings
Contributors:
Hair: Kayla Tribbey at Pure Concept Salon + Spa
Make-up: Brie Post at Pure Concept Salon + Spa
Clothing and accessories: Felisa Insignares, owner of Designer Items and More; Helen Wright, owner of Interiors Plus
Location: Voice of America Park