Rachelle Pownall-Brown. Photo by Jim Coarse

Buccini/Pollin Group marketing manager Rachelle Pownall-Brown knows her own brand and emphasizes conscious fashion decisions.

What drives your style?

Strength and femininity. Everyone must have an influence suit. But sometimes I can go frilly—whatever makes me feel powerful.…It’s definitely modified together with my budget. I began with secondhand shops—I still like vintage and secondhand, needless to say. Now I should purchase recent pieces.

Favorite fashion era:

The Nineteen Sixties and Nineteen Seventies—the people festival look. I all the time loved the movie Dazed and Confused. My mom was a teacher within the Nineteen Sixties, and he or she wore culottes. She said it was taking a probability fashion-wise at the moment. I also just like the styles on Stranger Things.

Best secondhand finds:

Tower Hill School resale is a gem. They’ve an important number of secondhand things—high-end, good quality and really within your means.

Frequented boutiques:

Francesca’s in Greenville has some cute things, and it’s great for last-minute pieces. I like the curated items that Peter Kate offers. I like Shoe Tech in downtown Wilmington because they do an important job repairing belts and bags, and I trust them. Spaceboy Clothing in Wilmington has a cool vintage selection. After which there are my friends’ closets!

Source of inspiration:

Issa Rae on Insecure. I like all of the characters’ fashions on the show. But to look at her style evolve jogs my memory of my very own style.

You’ll never give away:

A secondhand Twenties flapper dress that I got from my cousin. She had it tailored and added rhinestones to the straps. It feels great. It makes you desire to move and dance. It represents a time when there was a special silhouette for girls. I’d never give it up.

Classic gems:

I like pearls. I even have a pair of Gucci studs and a skinny gold chain that I wear on a regular basis. I don’t wish to feel encumbered by jewelry. But I’ll branch out here and there.

Top accessories:

I’m a hat person. I purchased a Russian hat with actual fur at Briggs Auction. It’s warm and functional. Scarves are so versatile. You may have light and heavy scarves and might wear them in your hair. They add a pop of color.

You never leave home without:

I even have an aluminum canteen that was my cousin’s that claims: “My Glass Is Half-Full.” We lost her to cancer in 2015. It’s an important representation of her outlook and her spirit. I even have a cowskin tote bag that I get so many compliments on. I’ve had the straps replaced 3 times. It’s all the time with me—it’s almost like an adjunct to a room.

If money were no object:

I’d have all my clothes made for me.

Trusted brands:

Patagonia is one in every of my favorite brands due to what they represent, and so they do more as an organization as an alternative of doing less. They support local networks and communities. I even have respect for Patagonia. It’s quality stuff. I would like to place my money where my mouth is.

Style icons:

Bianca Jagger and Georgia O’Keeffe. I like O’Keeffe’s art, but she was making her clothes at one indicate of silk and cotton in black and white. She represented a recent woman. I respect women that took those risks with strength.

Past faux pas:

I’ve learned to embrace my body and never wear the most recent trends in the event that they don’t suit me.

Related: Fashion-Forward Teen Nadia Lombardo Shares Style Inspirations