Creating the Look: Four Richmond Fashionistas Talk Personal Style

Marshe Wyche, 31
Co-founder Rumors Boutique

What’s that last thing you bought?  

The last thing I bought was a vintage gold owl necklace. Finding this unique piece of jewelry felt like fulfilling a childhood dream. When I was growing up, my grandmother had this exact same necklace. I had always loved and admired it even though my grandmother never let me touch her jewelry.

What’s an item you’ve had a really long time that you love?  

I’ve had a black faux fur coat by Betsey Johnson for the past eight years. It is still one of my most favorite pieces. I have worn it in 12 different countries. 

Your fashion pet peeve or one item that you wish people would stop wearing?

 Ugg boots! I am sure they are very comfortable, but they look hideous. 

Name one investment piece for the spring and summer wardrobes that we should all be looking at now?

This spring and summer I recommend jumping on the patch and pin craze. Find the perfect denim jacket, denim vest or canvas bag and cover it in wild, uniquely designed patches and pins. I would suggest patches and pins from Ball and Chain and Weird Empire. Also, oversized sunglasses are back. 

What’s an era of clothing styles you hope never comes back? 

I am a history junkie. I believe fashion represents the current culture. Just as a current musician samples from the past to create new music and trends, fashion and designers will always be influenced by styles of the past. As long as the economy is in fluctuation people will find their wardrobe in thrift stores relying on these yesteryear trends. Retro is here to stay.

What piece of your parents’ wardrobe would you save from a giveaway pile?

I would definitely save all of my mother’s vintage swimsuits and cocktail dresses. I would give away all of my father’s loafers and millions of ties that were gifted to him, every holiday, by his children.

Colin Hunter, 34
Chief Executive at Alton Lane

What’s that last thing you bought? 

​I recently bought a Daniel Wellington watch​. I love the slim profile and simplicity of design.

What’s an item you’ve had a really long time that you love? 

​I love my double monk strap dress shoes from To Boot New York. They are really comfortable and are great with both jeans and suits.

Your fashion pet peeve — or one item that you wish people would stop wearing? 

​1. Jacket sleeves and pants that are too​ long.

2. Three-button suits.

3. Loose, double-breasted jackets.

Name one investment piece for the spring and summer wardrobes that we should all be looking at now?

​A blue sharkskin suit​. You can wear the blazer and trousers as separates for a variety of great looks, and the suit is perfect for spring-summer weddings.

What’s an era of clothing styles you hope never comes back?

​Loose-fitting suits, wide pinstripes and pleats!​

What piece of your parents’ wardrobe would you save from a giveaway pile?

​Knit ties and vintage Lacoste polo shirts​

Jillian Stinson, 29
Owner, Lola Pepper

What’s that last thing you bought? 

I just bought an amazing Free People sueded leather jacket. It’s machine-washable, which is a plus since it’s cream-colored. It goes with everything and has been my go-to jacket with this crazy spring weather.

What’s an item you’ve had a really long time that you love? 

I’m a big proponent of “if it ain’t broke.” Most of my purses are vintage and leather so they’ll last forever. I have a 1970s brown leather cross-body that is my forever bag. It’s the perfect shade of brown and has hand-painted flowers and mushrooms with the cutest little toggle closure. The perfect sized bag where you don’t find yourself digging to the bottom of a black hole searching for your keys and lipstick! 

Name one investment piece for the spring and summer wardrobes that we should all be looking at now?

A great, layering jacket in a lightweight fabric and neutral color. Whether you wear it over your shoulders or layer it with a funky spring dress, it’ll instantly give you an effortless “I’m ready for anything” look. 

What’s an era of clothing styles you hope never comes back?

I believe that as long as you feel good in what you are wearing and are confident with your look then it shouldn’t matter the trend. I’m all about mixing it up. 

What piece of your parents’ wardrobe would you save from a giveaway pile?

My mom had the best belts from the ’70s and even a few from the ’90s that I’ve snagged. From a wide leather to snake-print skinny, they’re great to add something extra to your look. I kept them all. 

Deborah Boschen, 61
Owner of Verdalina, Former owner of Pink in Carytown

What’s that last thing you bought? 

Silver metallic shoes by Sabah, handmade in Turkey, which I bought last week at a popup at NaNin. 

What’s an item you’ve had a really long time that you love? 

Black silk charmeuse track pants that I bought at Pink years ago. 

Your fashion pet peeve or one item that you wish people would stop wearing? 

Dresses that are too short, just covering the bum. They look wrong, like you forgot to put on your pants.

Name one investment piece for the spring and summer wardrobes that we should all be looking at now?

A lightweight spring coat made of cotton or linen. It pulls a look together, great over dresses and pants and it will carry right into fall when the weather starts to cool down. 

What’s an era of clothing styles you hope never comes back?

I’m on the fence about the ’70s, especially when I think back on pieces I wore. Cringe! I’m starting to warm up to that era especially with regard to color.

What piece of your parents’ wardrobe would you save from a giveaway pile?

My mom’s one-piece white Jansen swimsuit. It would be dry rotted from salt water and time but I would have loved to keep it, just to look at from time to time.

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