Ladylike
There's something utterly refreshing about Emily Babineaux. She is that rare expert in dressing who manages to look at once classic and yet completely on trend. And it's no wonder with inspirations like Lilly Pulitzer and Tory Burch. She has an eye for what works now and later. Check out her tips for flawless personal style.
Ladylike
There's something utterly refreshing about Emily Babineaux. She is that rare expert in dressing who manages to look at once classic and yet completely on trend. And it's no wonder with inspirations like Lilly Pulitzer and Tory Burch. She has an eye for what works now and later. Check out her tips for flawless personal style.
By Amanda Bedgood
Who/what are your style inspirations? A few things: Town and Country magazine; I've had a subscription since I was 15 and always loved reading the stories and admired the style of Lilly Pulitzer, C.Z. Guest, Lee Radziwill, Grace Kelly, Tory Burch. And family; my mom would take us on back-to school shopping trips to New Orleans/Houston when we were younger and once we got older NYC and Chicago. She always had us dressed well. She actually used to make a lot of our clothes. In fact, when I was younger people would ask why was I "so dressed up," and my mom always said that it was just as easy to put on our pretty clothes as it was to put on a T-shirt and jeans. I still agree with that to this day. My grandmothers were on total opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to taste, but I took a little from each. Grandma (Foreman) loved the glitz and shine. I loved playing dress up in the '80s with items from Mary Ellen's. And Mimi (Deano) was very refined, classic yet fresh.
How would you describe your approach to dressing? I love clothes. But I tend to gravitate toward tailored, feminine and traditional styles with fun updates.
Any rules you follow? The Dos and Don'ts of Emily so to speak? I do follow the "white rule," although I believe there is an exception with winter white. Also, you will never (and yes I'm sticking with never) see me wearing pants or shorts with writing across my derriere. I also don't care for blue and green nail polish ... it reminds me of mold. Otherwise, whatever looks flattering and makes me feel good is going to get worn; no matter how old it is or where it's from.
Do you have a signature color or piece? It depends on the season, but I always love a pop of color. And prefer navy over black.
Any fashion addictions? Yes, dresses, dresses and more dresses. And shoes. And accessories. We are actually in the process of adding on a huge closet to house the addictions. My husband, Charlie, is a shopper, too. We're in trouble if it runs in the family.
Tips for shopping? I love sales and coupons. I know which brands fit me well and buy online if I see a good price. I love how our local stores (Hemline, Brother's, kiki, Vanessa V) post their new inventory on Facebook because you can ask them to hold your size when you see something you like and can scoop it up when you have time. I like to call that effective time management. And I always manage to squeeze in a shopping trip when visiting my siblings in Brooklyn and Dallas.
How has motherhood changed your style? I've had to learn to get dressed quickly. I've also become better at accepting wrinkles and spit-up as accessories. Most nights I just go to bed with my hair wet and try to work with whatever I've got in the morning. Lastly, I'm more cautious of my hemlines since my munchkin is into the up, down, up, down and back up again game. And my workout attire stays on me longer than it should.
What are you loving right now in the world of fashion? I'm not an overly trendy person so I'm loving all of the ladylike looks in the fall magazines. I'm also trying to get a few more uses of my mint and melon hued clothes while I can. I also love all of the statement necklaces, they can really change up an outfit.
Any predictions on what you'll be living in this fall? Wrap dresses, shift dresses, brown boots, jewel tones. I wish I would have bought and held on to a beautiful brown leather dress I saw while I was pregnant. At the time I figured it wouldn't be the best look for my growing bump but hope I can find one for this fall. And my weekends will consist or purple/gold, red, and black/gold - just depending on the game.
Most memorable fashion moment? I loved, loved, loved my wedding dress (as every girl should) and wish there was something that I could rewear it to. Another memory is when I was in middle school and "modeling" for Maison Blanche on live TV for a preview of their Teen Board Back to School Show. I was so awkward, and the outfit looked like it was straight from the movie Clueless. But those Back to School shows were so much fun.