This week’s style diary guest is the lovely Lauren Lawrence. The “Dreams” columnist of the New York Daily News, who lives in New York with her husband, appears frequently on the New York social scene and is no stranger to style. In fact, Lauren Lawrence, whose expertise is to analyze the meaning of our dreams, is always dressed up. And if as per the saying, we should always wear cute pajamas to bed because we never know who we will meet in our dreams, Ms. Lawrence surely applies the same—being fully awake.
Sibylle Eschapasse: Describe your style? If a close friend were to describe your personality in three words, what would they be?
Lauren Lawrence: My style is ladylike and elegant. Quiet, never loud. I would hope my close friends would say I am gracious, interesting, and enjoyable to be with.
Ms. Eschapasse: How did your style evolve since you were a teenager? What is the wildest thing you ever wore?
Ms. Lawrence: As a teenager, I varied between wanting to look as incandescent and dramatic [sometimes donning black veils] as Marlene Dietrich in her early films, a fashion model, or storybook, roses-in-the-hair magical—like I was just rescued by a prince on a white horse; I wore red lipstick and twirled around in my own world. The wildest thing I ever wore was a black tuxedo and bow-tie like Dietrich wore in “Morocco.”
Ms. Eschapasse: How do you dress on workdays versus weekends?
Ms. Lawrence: I have been told that I always dress. I suppose I feel at home in more formal attire. I am not the casual sort.
Ms. Eschapasse: What are three accessories you can’t live without, and what’s one item that makes you instantly more confident?
Ms. Lawrence: My Cartier gold panther watch worn together with a Tiffany Paloma gold link bracelet, a little grey silk/cashmere sweater by Prada, and my iPhone with its mirror decal at the back. I feel confident the moment I put on Natural Beauty lipstick by Lancome and spray myself with Joy perfume.
Ms. Eschapasse: Who have been your greatest fashion influences? Who is your style icon?
Ms. Lawrence: Without question, Jackie Onassis, Jayne Wrightsman, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn. I suppose my style icon is a mélange of all four ladies.
Ms. Eschapasse: What does having style mean to you? In other words, please define style.
Ms. Lawrence: Style is self-presentation; like DNA, it is a revealing expression of the unique personality within.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is one purchase you’re most proud of? What would you pay a lot of money for, and what would you never pay much money for?
Ms. Lawrence: I am most proud of purchasing my Hermès black alligator Kelly bag which I bought long before the prices rose. I pay a lot of money for quality and craftsmanship and something I will not see myself coming and going in. I do not spend a lot on what is not timeless.
Ms. Eschapasse: When you go on the red carpet, how do you want your outfit to make you feel? Which designers can achieve that?
Ms. Lawrence: Elegant, ladylike, expensive, and rarefied. Yves St. Laurent, when he was designing, and of course the timeless designs of Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. They exude elegance.
Ms. Eschapasse: What do you think of how others dress and what’s your advice to people who would like to develop their personal style?
Ms. Lawrence: We develop style when we truly know ourselves and feel comfortable in our own skin. My advice is to never let a dress define you; always make it your own.
Lauren’s Favorites
Favorite color: Navy
Favorite perfume: Joy
Favorite restaurant in NY: Le Cirque
Favorite drink: Grey Goose vodka with cranberry
Favorite movie: ”Casablanca“
Favorite book: “The Great Gatsby”
Favorite quote: “When fortune comes, seize her at the forelock, for I tell you she is bald at the back.” - Leonardo Da Vinci
Sibylle’s “Style Diary” is a column that explores style from the perspective of choices, and what that means for different people, with personal advice from some of the most stylish people in New York.
Sibylle Eschapasse is from Paris and now lives in Manhattan. She is a journalist and a contributing writer to various publications. Sibylle is also the author of a children’s book, “Argy Boy a New York Dog Tale.” She may be reached at [email protected]
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