We looked for women who define their own style rather than allowing fashion to dictate to them. True to themselves, they are strong women of all ages whose voices are as authentic as they are and whose personal style makes us stop and take notice! Here, we are thrilled to share their style secrets with you.
Dress, Olga Kapustina; Pressman’s own
Christine Pressman
Mother and Real Estate Agent for Douglas Elliman (elliman.com)
How would you describe your style? Classic, simple, feminine, with a touch of sexy.
Is there any personal event that has changed your style? I have always been a high-heel girl, but after having my son Fred last year, I am slowly embracing wearing flats. It is still challenging trying to find the right balance between dressing for time with my son and my professional life on Lisa Simonsen’s team at Douglas Elliman.
What do you feel most comfortable in? A dress by any number of designers including Gucci, Olga Kapustina, Azzedine Alaia, Narciso Rodriguez and anything vintage, complemented by a great pair of high heels.
Where do you shop in Palm Beach? I am a fan of Kirna Zabête. They do a great job buying and editing, and I love the eclectic mix of classic designers and emerging ones.
Who or what has influenced your style? Europe. When I was in my early 20s, I lived in London and I was exposed to vintage shops and designers. Europeans have classic style and understand the everyday casual-chic effortless look.
Dress, Chloé; earrings, Annie Costello; all Stark Kenner’s own.
Ashley Stark Kenner
Mother and Creative Director at Stark Carpet (starkcarpet.com)
How would you describe your style? My style is classic with a twist. I have often been referred to as a rebel traditionalist!
Is there a personal event that changed your style? Having more children changed my style for sure. You can’t run around in 5-inch heels with a stroller and three kids. The way I dress and decorate now is more comfortable and chic.
What do you feel most comfortable in? A long, flowy white skirt with a T-shirt. Well, also anything white!
Where do you shop in Palm Beach? I love furniture shopping on South Dixie. For clothes, I shop at The Royal Poinciana Plaza, everywhere from Kirna Zabête to LoveShackFancy.
Who has influenced your style? My mother, grandmother and of course my ‘great aunt’ Iris Apfel. They taught me to appreciate classic style in fashion and interiors.
Dress, Michelle Farmer Collaborate; Mele’s own
Molly Mele
Mother and earning a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education
How would you describe your style? I’m a total chameleon. My style changes depending on where I am, and if you looked in my closet, you would think six different women live here! If I see something I like, I buy it.
Is there any personal event that has changed your style? Having babies hasn’t really changed my style, but it has definitely made me a person who wears workout clothes. I am a mom of boys, so a great pair of boyfriend jeans and a cute top are perfect... anything that is wash and wear!
What do you feel most comfortable in? A flowy white beach skirt and button-down shirt, tied at my waist.
Where do you shop in Palm Beach? I don’t have a lot of time to shop with two little boys, but I do love Michelle Farmer Collaborate. She has a great eye, and I love all the beach-inspired styles. I also love headbands, barrettes and a good hat for the beach.
Who has influenced your style? My grandmother was a huge influence. She had a great bohemian look that I loved. She would order an entire page out of a Neiman Marcus catalog from the shoes to the bracelets.
Top, Brock Collection; pants, Proenza Schouler; shoes, Jimmy Choo; all Leidy’s own.
Ivey Leidy
Mother, Certified Health Coach and Nutritional Expert (livingwithivey.com)
How would you describe your style? Feminine, classic, tailored. I like mixing designer pieces with inexpensive pieces, and I love a good blazer. It can make any outfit look chic.
Is there a personal event that has changed your style? I moved from New York City to Palm Beach 10 years ago, but I like to think I have some city style left in me. Now I have three small children, so when I get a chance to go out, I like to experiment and have fun with my outfits.
What do you feel most comfortable in? A cocktail dress and a great pair of heels. If you look good, you feel good!
Where do you shop in Palm Beach? Saint Laurent is my favorite boutique, but I also shop at Intermix. Both stores have great staff that are kind and helpful.
Who has influenced your style? My mother. She has impeccable style and ran an interior design business most of her life, and to this day I admire her ability to run around the design centers in stilettos and pencil skirts all day.
Lampert wears a midi floral dress; her own.
Kinga Lampert
Mother and Co-Chair of the Board of the BCRF, the largest private breast cancer research organization worldwide (bcrf.org)
How would you describe your style? Feminine and elegant. I dress to feel confident.
Is there any personal event that has changed your style? I discovered a love of color and patterns when I moved to Florida eight years ago. I have also embraced wearing pink through my involvement with the BCRF.
What do you feel most comfortable in? Midlength floral dresses! A great dress is so easy, and all it needs is a fabulous pair of shoes and a bag.
Where do you shop in Palm Beach? Serenella! They carry all the brands and I love all their fashion advice.
Who has influenced your style? My mother! I grew up in Paris and I have always admired her style. She always looks pulled together, and I have never seen my mother wear a pair of jeans!
Photography by: Nick Mele
