It’s always flattering when someone likes what you’re wearing or how you’re styling yourself. Who doesn’t like a little compliment? As for my style, I’ve always been drawn to things that are vintage. I can remember being younger and wishing that I had grown up in the 60s or 70s. My fashion idols were Jenny from Forest Gump or Kate Hudson from Almost Famous. I guess I’ve always had a bit of a bohemian spirit. I think I’m really loving fashion lately, because these decades are back in such a big way! Or maybe I finally look fashionable with my rainbow tie-dye shirts and 70s style long hair and blunt bangs, ha!

I’ve never thought of myself as a fashionista, but I will say that I think I know what looks good on my body. I think that is one of my main pillars for looking fashionable. If you ever watched What Not to Wear you’d remember Clinton and Stacey harping on every guest to dress for their unique body. I’ve been wearing high-waisted pants for years because they flattered my figure – everyone is just catching on again! I also invest in the classics. A killer pair of jeans or well-tailored blazer is going to cost $$$ but I buy pieces that will wear well and last me several years. Lastly, I thrift or keep my eye out for awesome vintage all the time. Finding those funky items no one else has in their closet helps define your unique style.

I truly believe that personal style is a reflection who you are on the inside. I also think my style has gotten better as I’ve grown older and more comfortable and confident about the woman I am. I was flattered that Apartment Therapy wanted to follow-up our home tour with a little style profile.

I’m running around in yoga clothes at least half the week, so I thought taking them to Tula Yoga Studio (my home studio in Logan Square) would be a great reflection of me in real-life. Here’s most of the photos and interview questions from the article by Julia Brenner:

We recently featured the gorgeous greystone apartment of Claire Staszak, a Chicago-based interior designer and yoga instructor. I love Claire’s deeply personal approach to style and thought it would be fun to check out some of her favorite looks.

List three words to describe your style:

• Colorful • Bohemian • Vintage

Describe your typical work “uniform”: For teaching yoga, it’s my Lucy or Marmot tights and a Blue Canoe organic cotton top. For meeting with clients and working in the design studio, it’s high-waisted jeans or a skirt, with a structured blouse or jacket.

Three items in your closet that you couldn’t live without:

• Imogene + Willie Elizabeth jeans

• Dansko sandals (summer) and Matiko black wedge booties (winter)

• J. Crew blazers

What is your go-to jewelry look? I typically buy handmade pieces from local artists and enjoy clean lines, organic shapes and materials, and easy-to-wear statement pieces. If I’m in the mood for bling I love DANNIJO.

What are some of your most treasured pieces? My vintage china collection, which is full of family memories, and my husband’s record collection, which was originally inherited from his dad.

Favorites:

Local shops: Penelope’s and Lori’s for shoes

Yoga clothes: OMgirl and Blue Canoe

Biking/yoga/travel bags: Po Campo

Best jeans: Imogene + Willie

Makeup: Benefit

Skincare brand: Fresh

Signature scent: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

Thanks so much Apartment Therapy and Julia for lovely article! I’d love to hear what makes your personal style unique to you! Let me know in the comments : )

XOXO – CLAIRE