Wardrobe Recap: Shala Monroque

 My wardrobe recaps have so far been centered around movies and TV, but today I wanted to share with you one of my favorite style icons – Shala Monroque.

There’s many women out there who I admire for their wonderful style, but whose outfits I can’t see wearing myself. Shala however, has the kind of style which you don’t just admire, but actually want to emulate – at least, I want to! She has exceptional taste, never looks like she’s in costume (or got dressed up just to be photographed), and most of all looks extremely comfortable and assured in everything she wears. Here are some of my favorite looks and lessons learned from Shala.

1. The goal is to wear your favorite pieces over and over again. Sometimes I think it’s easy to forget that it’s “ok” to keep repeating our favorite items…especially when all these excellent new pieces keep getting released and you kind of forget about the trusty favorites in your closet. At least, that happens to me sometimes. Putting together this post though, spanning over five years of Shala’s style, I realized that she really does wear her favorite items over and over. For example, check out this large pearl necklace below. You’ll see it on her throughout all the photos in this post…with casual and dressy outfits alike.

Wearing favorites over and over = how signature items are created!

Also, check out this fur jacket – these photos are three years apart!

2. Great outerwear and accessories are a must. All the photos so far have proven the point on outerwear already…here are some more examples below, starting with this wonderful Hermes Toolbox (Etoupe color, size 20cm). Every time I see Shala with her little Toolbox I want one too.

Here’s a piece of fantastic outerwear (Shala has the best collection of coats with fur collars that I’ve seen), paired with an equally awesome bag. This makes me think I need to add a Constance bag soon, no?

I adore this green trench she has, and have seen Shala in it on multiple occasions. I also love that this is a real, working outfit below, that looks good with or without the trench on. Love the detail of her holding it scrunched up in her hand. So much more interesting than those semi-staged street style photos we see now.

I love, love coats with fur/fluffy contrast collars. They are probably my favorite kind of outerwear. I’ve seen Shala wear this black one with mink quite a bit. Warm and chic. Do you spy a little gold Kelly as well?

And, a light draped coat. Living in California, I have a special affinity for this type of outerwear – a little loose, comfortable and chic. This type of outerwear can be worn through spring and even summer nights, and always dresses up any otherwise casual outfit.

3. All black + standout accessories = a great outfit. Sometimes I get bored of all the black in my closet. I try to pick out something colorful, but then realize I don’t have the appropriate shoe or bag. Colors can be tough (but fun!). I forget how fresh black on black can also be. But everything has to fit perfectly, of course. And there’s that pearl necklace again…

 

What do you all think of Shala’s style? I hope that I’ve converted some of you to fans! I’d love to hear some of your style icons as well.