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Published
by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. CLICK FOR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY
Sunday, October 7, 2001
Funky touches enliven career basics
Body glue and core wardrobing keep image consultant fashionable
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David Adame/Caller-Times
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Peal suggests mixing and matching five tops and five bottoms to make versatile outfits.
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Amy Peal, 31, is a sales manager and a certified image consultant. Peal graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in radio, TV and film. Peal loves shopping in New York City and buying items from street vendors. She also has her favorite haunts on Boston's Newbury Street. Besides shopping, Peal enjoys reading and going to the beach.
Q: What should women know about clothes?
A: Core wardrobing. It's the idea of mixing and matching. Take five tops and five bottoms to make nearly 30 outfits. You have more versatility. Most people see an outfit and wear it that same way.
Q: What's the craziest fashion item you ever bought?
A: My leopard-print go-go boots. I got them at the DSW Shoe Warehouse in Houston last fall for a real steal, $40.
Q: What's something you wouldn't be caught dead wearing?
A: I wouldn't be caught dead in orange. The color is pretty but makes my teeth and eyes look too yellow.
Q: What are three accessories that every woman needs?
A: Trendy belts, fun shoes and faux hair! With your shoes, pay attention to the style of the heel to stay updated. I even hot-glued big red flowers onto a pair of flip-flop thong sandals. I own about six pieces of faux hair.
Q: What is the worst fashion advice you've ever gotten?
A: "Wool is a year-round fabric." Obviously that "fashion guru" wasn't from South Texas. I spent a fortune on business suits that I couldn't wear but a couple of times per year.
Q: Does price really matter?
A: I look at each purchase as a "cost per wear" versus "initial price tag." If it's a versatile piece, then it's worth it. For example, I bought three different silver stackable rings with brass and copper accents at High Gloss in Houston for $600. I wear them together and call it my "big gaudy Texas ring." I also tend to spend more on funky pants.
Q: What are your biggest fashion influences?
A: I enjoy "Fashion Emergency" on E! It's important to dress for your coloring, body shape and personality. I tend to be drawn to basics that are a bit funky or even whimsical. Also InStyle magazine helps me see what's new and fun. But, just because it's "in" doesn't mean it will work for me.
Q: What's an important accessory that one doesn't always see?
A: Body glue. It dries to the consistency of a Post-it Note. It also helps keep your swimsuit and jewelry in place.
Q: What's your next big purchase?
A: A really fabulous watch. I have two silver watches in mind. An Ebel Beluga with a blue dial and a diamond bezel or a Raymond Weil Parsifal mother-of-pearl face with a diamond bezel. I've been looking for a year and want to make sure I'm getting exactly what I want.
Q: Most memorable fashion mishap:
A: I was on a job interview, back when huge shoulder pads were popular. As the interview progressed, so did my shoulder pad...right down my arm and out my sleeve!
- Staff writer _Cassandra Hinojosa
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