Clyde Moore: I LUV Park Avenue Style

Read about Clyde's fashion cred here.

Some of Park Avenue's most fashionable men and women describe their styles.

William ‘Will’ Davidson – President of Max Media

WHY WILL? -Will stands out. Even on Facebook! I’d noticed how dapper this guy always was, tried to find him and was sure his name was Max. Will is a class act, even more so in person, saying things like “Yes, sir” and “No, sir.”

STYLE IN AS FEW WORDS AS POSSIBLE - Intriguing, cutting edge, not your norm

BEST FASHION PURCHASE EVER –My first custom-tailored Astor & Black suit

BIGGEST EVER FASHION MISTAKE –Buying a pink blazer

MOST RECENT FASHION PURCHASE –Four custom Astor & Black suits

YOUR LOCAL GO-TO FASHION SPOT – John Craig or Current

SOMETHING EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FASHION BUT APPARENTLY DOES NOT – You’ve got me on that one. With me, I think it’s OK to stand out. So much of fashion blends in with one another, but I have no problem being the one person in a restaurant or bar who stands out.

IF YOU WERE A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLECTION LOOK LIKE - They’d be Italian/Euro cut, slim fitting, very sleek, tailored, different from your everyday norm suit. The crazier the pattern the better with me. I’m not your traditional black and blue suit kind of guy.

HOW DOES YOUR STYLE FIT WHAT YOU DO – I’m an entrepreneur. I work for myself. I really don’t – without being rude – I really don’t have to answer to anyone, so if I wanted I could wake up and wear pajamas, but I tend to wear something that I’m comfortable in and people know me by.

HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS – Everyone goes through phases and I went through a phase where I thought I was going to be the next extreme redneck sportsman and I wore camouflage and boots to a surfer wearing board shorts and T-shirts too, you know. I started getting into nice jeans and button downs, which seem to be a trend now, to wearing custom suits.

Erika Boesch, Co-owner at Bistro on Park Avenue, formerly owned Absolute Décor, now also has Bistro Loft Shop

WHY ERIKA? – Erika’s simple style is always so consistent, classic to me, so it fits what she does and her role within the restaurant and seems so well suited to her easy manner and charming way of dealing with her customers.

HER STYLE IN AS FEW WORDS AS POSSIBLE – Simple, easy

BEST FASHION PURCHASE EVER - A purse. I usually don’t look for any brand, but a purse in pink. My favorite purse for more than three years.

BIGGEST EVER FASHION MISTAKE – Leggings with a short shirt.

MOST RECENT FASHION PURCHASE – A new purse from Coach.

YOUR LOCAL GO-TO FASHION SPOT – Wright & Company, Piazza Italia, that’s where I go most.

FAVORITE DESIGNER – I like Michael Kors, but usually I don’t look for a brand….

SOMETHING EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FASHION BUT APPARENTLY DOESN’T – They should keep in mind that they should look at their whole body when dressing, not using just a small mirror.

IF YOU WERE A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLECTION LOOK LIKE – Colorful, very colorful, pink, purple, white and grey tones

HOW DOES YOUR STYLE FIT WHAT YOU DO – Comfortable, Simple, easy

HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS – I keep it very simple, so I haven’t changed too much.

Debra Hendrickson – Vice President of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Event director of Park Avenue Fashion Week

WHY DEBRA? I knew of Debra’s involvement with Park Avenue Fashion Week but, honestly, I think the first time I really noticed her fashion sense and how she can really pull off a look was at a moment of my own great disappointment: Dinner on the Avenue 2012… which was canceled due to rain. Her group went ahead with their good time inside Tuni with a “Mad Men” theme. I saw a photo on Facebook and Debra looked awesome!

STYLE IN ONE / FEW WORDS – Tailored sophistication

WHAT’S YOUR SINGLE BEST FASHION PURCHASE EVER – The Tracy Reese dress I bought last year at Tuni that I wore to Park Avenue Fashion Week.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST EVER FASHION MISTAKE – Going to a Taste of Winter Park in a dark business suit. But that wasn’t a mistake — that was just being incorrectly dressed. I wore a cocktail dress to a Western hoe down.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST RECENT FASHION PURCHASE – The dress I wore Saturday night for Fashion Week. I got it at LaBella Intimates (Hannibal Square).

WHAT’S YOUR LOCAL GO-TO FASHION SPOT – I go to Tuni, LaBella Intimates, Bella, Chico’s.

FAVORITE DESIGNER – I like Tracy Reese. Sophisticated elegance, designs for the everyday woman.

WHAT’S SOMETHING EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FASHION BUT DOES NOT – There’s a fabulous Coco Chanel quote that would work perfectly here. It has to do with if you wear clothes that fit properly, you see the woman, if you don’t, you see the clothes. … But I also like the one that says “fashion fades but only style remains the same.”

IF YOU WERE A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLECTION LOOK LIKE – It would have lots of color. It would be natural fabric, natural… I’m not a designer! It would be able to fit a woman’s figure, a curvy woman. It would have a long torso, so it would fit a tall woman. It would be form-fitting, soft and flowy, but form-fitting. Comfortable. Trendy but sophisticated.

HOW DOES YOUR STYLE FIT WHAT YOU DO – I like to be tailored. I like to wear suits, so that fits my Chamber of Commerce hat. I like to get dressed up and that fits my evening life. I’m not a casual person. I don’t dress down. Although I did wear my blue jeans on Saturday (the show) and everybody said I looked great, but that’s not my personal preference. I like a pulled-together look even on a casual day.

HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS – I’m not afraid to try some edgier things now than when I was younger. I was much more conservative when I was younger than I am today.

Hillary Hudgeons – Has worked at Lilly Pulitzer on Park Avenue for about two years

WHY HILLARY? Hillary is like the poster girl for the store where she works. I often see her on the store’s Facebook page or her own page smiling and exuding as much vibrancy and cheer as Lilly Pulitzer’s Florida-perfect clothing.

STYLE IN ONE / FEW WORDS – Trendy, but conservative. Classic.

WHAT’S YOUR SINGLE BEST FASHION PURCHASE EVER – The Elsa top from Lilly Pulitzer. It’s something I can dress up or dress down, I can wear with everything. (Not from Lilly) I don’t own anything besides Lilly (her nose grew just a tad and provoked an hysterical and annoying laugh from me). I have a favorite pair of blue jeans; I wear them all the time. They’re from The Gap.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST EVER FASHION MISTAKE – My biggest ever fashion mistake, ever in my whole life? Stirrup pants.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST RECENT FASHION PURCHASE – My most recent fashion purchase? I just recently bought my wedding dress.

WHAT’S YOUR LOCAL GO TO FASHION SPOT – That’s not Lilly? J Crew.

IF YOU WERE A DESIGNER WHO WOULD YOU BE / FAVORITE DESIGNER – Lilly Pulitzer, duh, of course.

WHAT’S SOMETHING EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FASHION BUT DOES NOT – Co-workers (just because you can wear it doesn’t mean it’s going to look good on you.) Just because skinny pants are in style doesn’t mean you’ve got to wear them. I think it’s fun that you can follow the trends, but I like to do it in a more conservative way. You can still be trendy but conservative.

IF YOU WERE A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLECTION LOOK LIKE – Well, I like to mix prints and patterns, bright colors, but I like something I can wear all the time so that I’m prepared for anything that happens in my day.

HOW DOES YOUR STYLE FIT WHAT YOU DO – My personal style fits in because I wear things – I like to mix the prints and patterns – but I can wear things and do anything whether it’s being out on the floor with customers or being in the back doing packaging, but I still feel dressed and comfortable.

HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS – It’s changed a lot because I’m paying attention more to the things that I put together. I have a lot of help from the girls here in the store, so they tell me what things look good together and what doesn’t. Not critical, but in a helpful way. They’ll tell you when things don’t look good on you and when it does. It’s become a lot more mature than what it used to be. It’s not gym shorts and T-shirts, but now I have to dress appropriately for my job and I’m doing that now.

Carina Graham – Volunteer at Park Maitland, getting involved at Trinity, teach Sunday School, past chair of Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families (child abuse), originator of Paint the Town Blue event, buyer for Downeast

WHY CARINA? Working upstairs at Downeast earlier this year I loved so many of their women’s lines I’d never heard of before. Milly New York seems ideal for the time, for Winter Park. Carina was often in the store with her three kids, running here and there, ever the active mom… and I hear she may be the mother of a future president!

STYLE IN ONE / FEW WORDS – Clean. I do like to have color, but I like for it to be simple and understated.

WHAT’S YOUR SINGLE BEST FASHION PURCHASE EVER – It’s probably accessories. I’m a person who carries one bag — I don’t change daily. And every season I get a new bag that I live with, love it and that’s probably it, because they define everything that I’m wearing. I have a green bag right now, so I keep wearing green, something that coordinates with green. … keeps debating “Fashion, I just love too many things.”

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST EVER FASHION MISTAKE – Oh, I remember, back in high school one day I was so jealous that everybody else dressed so funky and that kind of stuff, and I thought I really, really want to try it, so one day I tried dressing that way and by the end of first period I wanted to go home and change because it was not me. (Skirt, Madonna kind of feel)

WHAT’S YOUR MOST RECENT FASHION PURCHASE – Probably this blouse, actually, because I’ve been dying for it to come in. Milly (by Michelle Smith, New York), I think, is a good purchase for me, because she has the same lifestyle that I do. She has children, like me, and a job. There’s style but yet you can wear it all the time. She gets quirky sometimes, and you’re having fun. I love it.

WHAT’S YOUR LOCAL GO-TO FASHION SPOT – Downeast. … You know, really everything I wear is from the store. I believe in shopping on The Avenue. If I couldn’t find something with me, I’d want to keep the business local. I did buy something at Tuni last year.

FAVORITE DESIGNER – Ralph Lauren is my favorite. I did my senior thesis on Ralph Lauren. He’s, I think, both a marketing genius and an inspiration. He really defines American style, whether you want to talk high fashion, with his Black Label ladies’ line, or everyday stuff you can wear, with his men’s polo shirt he brought back.

WHAT’S SOMETHING EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FASHION BUT DOES NOT – You have to find someone who you can truly trust to give you their opinion because there really are people out there who are not trying to make you look your best. And, sometimes even people you think are your friends are not necessarily looking out for your best interest. (Honest)

IF YOU WERE A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLECTION LOOK LIKE – Actually, when I got pregnant I was starting to design my own line and then I started having children. (Laughs) But it was going to be a lot of traditionally cut things, so that it would fit very comfortably but it was going to be very colorful and a lot of prints. Those are the things I was gearing towards.

HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS – I think I’ve been pretty consistent in my style, honestly. It’s … I think, 20 years ago I can remember going shopping and somebody saying, you know, you’re not in your 40s and you should try to dress younger, and I’m finally here in my 40s so now this is my style.

Joshua McNeely – Store manager and assistant buyer for Current men’s boutique, two years

WHY JOSHUA? Joshua is not boring, exudes a calm confidence. His manner of dress is consistent and definitely his own. All the pieces are classic, sometimes a bit eclectic, but there’s something about how he pairs them, and wears them.

STYLE IN ONE / FEW WORDS – Classic. Formal, casual, with a little bit of edge

WHAT’S YOUR SINGLE BEST FASHION PURCHASE EVER – I would have to say shoes. I’m a shoe guy. Salvatore Ferragamo shoes — the Italian loafers that they have.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST EVER FASHION MISTAKE – That’s a good one. But when it comes to it, are there really any mistakes when it comes to fashion? Sometimes people turn, you can turn mistakes into something good. Personally, I don’t think you can make mistakes in fashion. As far as just keeping up with the trends nowadays, to me, you can’t really make mistakes in fashion.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST RECENT FASHION PURCHASE – A brand new pair of J Brand jeans from my store.

WHAT’S YOUR LOCAL GO-TO FASHION SPOT – Current, I would have to say. Where else do I shop? John Craig.

FAVORITE DESIGNER – Lately, actually, there are a couple out there. Denim-wise, J Brand Jeans, it’s a denim line that I carry. I’ve been carrying them for about two years now. I love, love the fabric, I love the quality. Shoes, a company called Del Toro, a company out of South Florida that’s making a big name for themselves, as well.

WHAT’S SOMETHING EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FASHION BUT DOES NOT – Fashion to me, it’s not really like there’s any mistakes you can make. I think fashion comes from within, when it comes to individuals. What makes you feel comfortable, as to who you are and how you want to present yourself, how you want people to perceive you when you walk out on the street. I don’t think there’s anything anybody really needs to know about fashion; it just comes from within.

IF YOU WERE A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLECTION LOOK LIKE – It would resemble myself, in a sense, the lifestyle that I live. It would describe me. It would be a full collection, denim, shirts. Actually, I’m in the process of looking into having my own shoe line. We’ll see what happens in the next couple of years.

HOW DOES YOUR STYLE FIT WHAT YOU DO – It represents myself, but it also represents my store in a sense, in everything from the casual aspect of some of the lines and brands we carry to the more formal side. It represents me, myself and the lifestyle that I live and the store that I run.

HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS – Oh, man, it’s constantly changing. It’s inevitable. You’ve gotta keep up with the current trends. I’m constantly doing research for the store, what’s in, what are people wearing, not only in town, but the big markets, New York or Paris, Tokyo. What’s the next line?

Brittnie Gallo – Creative director at Tuni

WHY BRITTNIE? I met Brittnie now two weeks ago at the Tuni Swag Bag party for Park Avenue Fashion Week. Her energy and individual style stayed with me even after she quickly introduced herself and then dotted off to take care of her duties. After hearing her thoughts on her style, I understand why she’s so memorable, a similar wavelength we share.

STYLE IN ONE / FEW WORDS - Rebellious

WHAT’S YOUR SINGLE BEST FASHION PURCHASE EVER – That is a tough question. I would have to say my Rozae Nichols vest that I’m wearing right now because it kind of puts an edge with everything.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST EVER FASHION MISTAKE – Fashion mistake? I don’t have any of those. Just kidding! I don’t know. Leg warmers, with tennis shoes, in high school.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST RECENT FASHION PURCHASE – My Rebecca Minkoff bag, python with zippers. It’s the new “it” trend bag.

WHAT’S YOUR LOCAL GO-TO FASHION SPOT – Tuni! (Laughs) I like to go vintage shopping. So either I get really nice designer pieces or I go vintage shopping. (Dechoes and Cida’s)

FAVORITE DESIGNER – Favorite designer right now would probably be Racquel Allegra; she does a lot of hand-dyed fabrics and everything is shredded so everything is one of a kind. But also Diane Von Furstenberg is my all-time, I-would-die-wearing diva.

WHAT’S SOMETHING EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FASHION BUT DOES NOT – That it shouldn’t be taken so seriously. It’s supposed to be fun; you’re supposed to reflect your personal style, not reflect who or what celebrity is wearing what and all about that. It’s about interpreting your personal style, even if sometimes you look like you’re homeless or, you know, like a crazy person, it’s supposed to be fun, and that’s why we love it.

IF YOU WERE A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLECTION LOOK LIKE – If I was a designer it would be very cohesive. I’d do ready-to wear; it would be things [like] blazers, which can go on saucy dresses, dresses that you could wear during the day, take off the jacket and be ready to go out at night. Very cohesive collection, mixing and matching different things, leather, tweed, very edgy but sweet.

HOW DOES YOUR STYLE FIT WHAT YOU DO – I make women feel empowered and good about themselves and being at Tuni, and trendy, fashion-forward, you know, I think it’s perfect for me because I like to push the limits and Tuni is definitely a trend setter here in Orlando.

HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS – I think my style has just evolved to owning what I like and not what everyone else likes. I’ll wear sequins with feathers and a leather jacket because I want to. I’ve just owned my personal style.

Sarah Grafton – Financial advisor at Grafton Wealth Management and creative director for Park Avenue Fashion Week, president Park Avenue Merchants Association

WHY SARAH? Sarah is a constant figure along the Avenue, busy with work and constant activities, as well as two young boys. Her energetic personality is as memorable as her enthusiasm for both fashion and Park Avenue.

STYLE IN ONE / FEW WORDS – I try to always keep it classy.

WHAT’S YOUR SINGLE BEST FASHION PURCHASE EVER – Valentino shoes, red heels that have bows on them a year ago.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST EVER FASHION MISTAKE – I wore a red, like sparkly gown in homecoming court out on a football field and it was just awful. It didn’t even fit me, it was like two sizes too big. It was not cute.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST RECENT FASHION PURCHASE – I purchased a dress for Fashion Week at Charyli on the Avenue. It’s a BCBG, black, one shoulder, cute cocktail dress.

WHAT’S YOUR LOCAL GO-TO FASHION SPOT – Thread, Charyli and Tuni. For different things. Charyli is more like every day wear, Thread is for events, like city events, and Tuni is more like stylish, downtown, that’s like my New Year’s Eve outfit, something fun.

FAVORITE DESIGNER – I always lean toward, probably, BCBG and because it’s usually a staple dress and something you can wear again and again.

WHAT’S SOMETHING EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FASHION BUT DOES NOT – Not to over do it. Keep it simple. People can get a little crazy.

IF YOU WERE A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLECTION LOOK LIKE – Mine would be comfy. If I was a designer, it would be like jeans and T-shirts, comfy stuff.

HOW DOES YOUR STYLE FIT WHAT YOU DO – I’m a wealth manager, so I always try to keep it semi – my dad would not agree with this – but semi-reasonable, but also very professional style, I guess. Professional during the week.

HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS – I think I’ve gotten to know myself more. Back then I’d always try a bunch of different things and go with what was popular, and now I have my staple stores that I go to and that ends up working out better.

Shauna Allen – Jewelry designer, Loot Jewelry

WHY SHAUNA – I only discovered Shauna’s wonderful jewelry last week, but it immediately stood out to me, grabbed my attention. I LUV vintage and I was taken by her large pendants, from hearts to anchors to ankhs, horns and more. In person, she’s charming and personable, so very Winter Park!

STYLE IN ONE / FEW WORDS – Clean, unfussy

WHAT’S YOUR SINGLE BEST FASHION PURCHASE EVER – A pair of Frye boots I’ve had forever and ever

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST EVER FASHION MISTAKE – Probably wearing stirrup pants for too long, so that they went out of style.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST RECENT FASHION PURCHASE – You know, I get my T-shirts from The Gap, so white T-shirts.

WHAT’S YOUR LOCAL GO-TO FASHION SPOT – Blue Door Denim Shoppe. Because she’s got jeans for every style. I also love The Gap, I love J Crew, I love Anthropologie, but locally here in Winter Park, it would have to be here or The Gap.

FAVORITE DESIGNER – I think my favorite designer is Donna Karan because she does lots of very clean, very unfussy, sort of monochromatic – this is a loud print for me – so clean, monochromatic. She’s been around for a long time and I think she’s classic.

WHAT’S SOMETHING EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FASHION BUT DOES NOT – That everybody needs a white T-shirt and stop wearing mom jeans.

IF YOU WERE A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOUR COLLECTION LOOK LIKE – It would be simple, clean, sophisticated, monochromatic without a lot of prints … to show off the jewelry.

HOW DOES YOUR STYLE FIT WHAT YOU DO – I made the jewelry because I thought there was a missing link — it’s such a small town and we all know each other, so I wanted to create one-of-a-kind pieces, which is why I put pieces on different chains. I feel like jewelry, no matter what size you are, jewelry doesn’t know a size.

HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS – I think it’s stayed the same. I’ve been this way a long time. I’m a jeans and T-shirt kinda gal.

Clyde Moore operates local sites ILUVWinterPark.com, ILUVParkAve.com and LUVMyRate.com, and aims to help local businesses promote themselves for free and help save them money, having some fun along the way. Email him at [email protected] or write to ILuv Winter Park on Facebook or Twitter.