That being said, I have two pairs of flats that cost $200 each. They are by Taryn Rose, a former podiatrist who was desperate to develop a comfortable, good-looking shoe. I bought those shoes over 12 years ago and I am still wearing them. You get what you pay for. Don’t be afraid to invest in a good pair of shoes. They are always worth the money. ANDREA: If you could dress anyone alive or in history, who would it be and why? ANNE: I actually derive so much pleasure in dressing the average woman. I love it when I can help her discover her own unique beauty and how to accentuate it. I get to watch them literally light up when they finally realize they are beautiful in their own way. ANDREA: If you could have a drink with anyone alive or in history, who would it be and why ? ANNE: I would love to sit down and have a cup of tea with the Queen of England. She has lived through so many changes in history and been an integral part of many of them. I find her fascinating. ANDREA: Any fashion advice for the Queen? ANNE: I would never. She is the Queen, for heaven’s sake. She knows who she is, what her style is and she owns it. We could all learn a thing or two from the Queen. And anyone who has a hat collection as big as hers gets my total respect. We should bring the hat back to the U.S. ANDREA: Finish this sentence: People would be shocked to know... ANNE: I was a registered amateur boxer. I had exhibition fights against men, because there were no women in my weight division and once boxed with a former heavyweight pro. ANDREA: What’s your proudest moment? ANNE: That is a tough one. I have so many minor accomplishments that I am proud of. I suppose the most life changing one was when I finally found the courage in my 20s to leave an abusive relation-
ship and that I was strong enough to do it on my own. It made me the person I am today and gave me the confidence to be a strong outspoken woman.
Fashion
tips
ANDREA: What is your pet peeve? ANNE: People who constantly talk about their and other people’s weight. And when my husband chews ice. ANDREA: What gives you inspiration? ANNE: Getting dressed each day or helping someone create an outfit is like creating art for me. Mixing colors, layering different mediums, and figuring out how to balance out the body are all things that excite me. The passion that some people find in a hobby is how I feel about fashion. ANDREA: Where do you shop? ANNE: One of my favorite places to shop is the Assistance League Thrift Store in Everett. I have discovered so many amazing pieces there and the best part is that no one else has them. I love a bargain and I am the ultimate bargain shopper. I also love to hit The Rack and scour the racks. Finally, I am a huge proponent of shopping online. Nowadays you can find items all over the world with free shipping and this opens the door to really unique pieces. ANDREA: Does your family let you dress them? ANNE: Surprisingly, yes. While I definitely get some pushback from my 18-year-old, she usually concedes that her mom was right after all. As all teenagers do, they fall victim to trends whether they actually look good on them or not. But, when she comes to me for my advice and then takes it, that makes my day. As for the boys, I bring them clothes from the store and they wear them no questions asked. It is the parting with the worn-out clothes that proves to be the biggest challenge with them. I purchase most of my husband’s clothes as he would just prefer not to. When we go out, he usually asks me what to wear. But when it comes to day-to-day minutia, he just wears what is convenient.
18 | FALL 2016 | WASHINGTON NORTH COAST MAGAZINE
—ANNE DOFELMIER
FASHION S.O.S
www.dailyfashionmuse.com
Got a fashion emergency? These usually occur at the most inopportune moments.There are 18 basic items to keep on hand — and in your handbag, if you buy mini sizes. Keep them in your car, your desk or wherever you spend a lot of time and you will always be prepared for any fashion emergency. THE EMERGENCY LIST: Fashion tape, blister cushions, safety pins, foldable flats, wipes, hair bands, blotter papers, nail file and clippers, pain reliever, hair spray, bandages, deodorant sponge, toothbrush, bobby pins, earring backs, disposable undies and nipple covers.
THRIFT SHOP SHOPPING
n Not all thrift stores are created equal. n Make the most of your time and dress for success. n Choose your store to fit your needs and ideology: Is it a true charity or a for-profit? n Wear close-fitting clothes, such as leggings, a circle skirt and slip-on shoes, to make trying on clothes easier. n Take a friend. Go with a plan. n Consider alterations and know the cost. n Inspect items carefully and read labels. n Look for truly unique pieces. Get there early or find out when they stock the racks. n Clean out your closet before you go. Some stores offer discounts when donations are made.
PURGE Sure, it’s difficult to let go. The hopes, the dreams, the memories. But, seriously, it’s only an article of clothing. Purge your closet! Ask yourself: Is the item in good condition? Do you feel great in it? Is it stylish and on trend? Does it fit? Don’t focus on how you used to look. Love how you look right here, right now. It is important to dress the body you have, not the one you wish you had. You will feel more confident, more beautiful, more put-together in the right-fitting clothes.
BROOCHES Do you have a bunch of brooches from your mom or grandma or a 1980s binge gathering dust in your jewelry box? These don’t have to be relegated to the jacket lapel. Brooch up a collar, skirt waistband, jeans, hat, purse, backside of a dress, your hair. Or anywhere you want to draw attention. Group several necklaces or bracelets and hold them together with a brooch for a statement piece. Got a bevy of brooches? Wear them all at once.