Prissy Wilson's fashion sense is broad, but it points back to a singular inspiration.
Prissy Wilson's fashion sense is broad, but it points back to a singular inspiration. By Amanda Bedgood Photos by Robin May
November 2012
When Prissy Wilson says frankly "I always was Prissy," you wonder if she means prissy or Prissy. The woman born Priscilla does, indeed, embody all that is feminine. Tall with blonde hair and blue eyes, it's hard not to see something akin to a Barbie. But Prissy is clothed in a kind of warm elegance that has far more depth than a doll.
On the day we met up with the Lafayette style maven she wore an outfit she found in New York City that's signature Prissy: voluminous sleeves and luxe fabric. A wink of unmistakable edge by way of python leggings. Regal shoes found at Shoe La La. And, of course, some sparkle from kiki by way of a Dian Malouf ring. Pieces, always, with personality. Pieces that are Prissy. And sometimes a bit prissy, too.
IND Monthly: Who or what are your style inspirations?
Prissy Wilson: Many of today's fashion sources inspire me. Magazines, people watching, window shopping and all of the boutiques I look to in Lafayette. Most of all, thinking about the prim, proper, and beautiful little woman my mother was, I definitely can't help but credit her for inspiring me to be as feminine, pulled together and tasteful as she was. Sometimes, I think the edge of my mark to accomplish her look and appeal is a little amiss, but now that she is gone from me physically, it's amazing how much I think of her as I am getting dressed and made up for my days.
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IM: How would you describe your approach to dressing?
PW:** In the past, I was a serious wardrobe strategist in knowing exactly what I was going to put together for work, play, lunch with friends or any type of event. I really try not to take the "what to wear" approach very much anymore. Besides, brand new outfits purchased for occasions can sometimes be found left hopelessly in the dust on my closet floor just minutes before walking out of the door wearing something entirely different than originally planned. This, sadly, happens more times than not. It's a girl thing. OK, a lady thing ... or is it a woman growing older and freaking out gracefully thing? Whatever it is, I'm trying not to worry about such things any longer. Lately, most of my wardrobe decisions are made at the last moment after hair and makeup is done. This hair and make-up thing is something I'll never be able to shake. Alas, the goddesses of the cosmetic gardens have favored me with my own in-house make-up and hairstylist in my 30-year-old daughter, Taylor. Helping me to "get my style on" has become much easier as far as decision-making goes with her by my side. When she isn't too busy with her 4-year-old son, Koen, or freelancing her work, Taylor helps me coordinate just the right look. It helps to have a second opinion, even as much as I trust the opinion of the associates of the boutiques I'm known to frequent. I feel so very blessed to have her talent as an asset in my approach to feeling like I want to feel and look.
IM: Style icon you admire most?
PW: She is a blend of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Gwyneth Paltrow.
IM: Any fashion addictions?
PW: Kiki. Need I say more? OK, I will. A few years ago for Christmas, my husband, David, gave me my first Marc Jacobs handbag. Oh, the leather, oh, the gorgeous heavy gold hardware ... oh, the addiction! Since that holiday, David (the enabler) has expanded my MJ handbag collection and is adding to the array of designers with handbags by Rebecca Minkoff and Anya Hindmarch. Who's next? That's the burning question of the day.
IM: How has your style evolved over time?
PW: I'm hoping that the "trendy to a fault" side of me is evolving into a more tapered and tailored look in the dressy areas of my wardrobe. I will always love the newest trends in casual dressing as long as I feel they are age appropriate.
IM: What are you loving right now in the world of fashion?
PW: I am loving that it is just so easy to simply be a woman in Lafayette and have tons of ladies' boutiques offering easy, go-to looks in a snap and styles that are interchangeable and fun to wear.
IM: Most memorable fashion moment?
PW: Window shopping on Broome Street in Soho, New York, and happening upon a couture house by the name of Runway Couture. David and I were invited in, and he was seated near the dressing room and lavished with champagne, fruit, and cheese for a few hours and had the pleasure of the company of Miss Rocksy the Boxer. Very friendly, curling up in the animal print chair next to David, we realized she was flirting for champagne and cheese, too. Two incredible stylists, Luke Destin and Malaine Schmidt, along with shop owner, Lynn Cohen, took care to make my day and a girl's dream come true. This was a big, fun day. I may not get another day such as this one for years, but that day I left feeling very special with some beautiful pieces I will never part with - nor the memory of the whole experience.
Anything you simply will never ever wear?
You know, about a week ago, I would have said biker clothes. Reluctantly, I have come to own a very nice Harley Davidson wardrobe. From helmet to rider boots. The times, they are a-changin'.
IM: Favorite quality in a man.
PW: The desire to leave his mark on the hearts of the people that he loves the most, his devotion to God, family and friends, and a deep persistent drive to help make this world a better place. I love someone very much who tries in every possible way to meet these qualities and I think he has done a very admirable job in the 32 years that we have been married.
IM: Favorite musicians.
PW: Oh, here we go! I really love a wide array of musicians and types of music. The music of my youth speaks to me, but if I am going to pick favorites, I have to go way back. Deeply rooted into my music loving soul is Johnny Cash, George Jones, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn and so many of the country greats that my parents listened to and followed as I was growing up. I feel their music just might be ingrained in my DNA. It wasn't referred to as just Country music back then, it was Country and Western music, and there is a world of difference in sound and sentiment. As many had distaste for Country and Western as those that loved it. It is the sound of who my family was. It makes me happy and brings back so many memories of family get-togethers, the wholesomeness of honest, hard-working, down-to-earth people and such good times.
IM: Do you have a secret skill or talent?
PW: I have had a few people tell me that I should pursue writing. The mere thought is slightly terrifying and extremely intimidating.
IM: Your idea of happiness.
PW: Being who my parents brought into this world, sent me out into it, and living the best life, loving the people whom I have been blessed with as family and friends the only way I know how: unconditionally. And it has come back to me tenfold.