Her Style {Brandyn}

Brandyn Raymond is hands down one of my favorite Austinites.  We met while at the University of Texas, both of us were in the Textiles and Apparel program, but Brandyn was by far the best dressed of anyone in our class.  For this reason, and other more significant ones, I made it a point to befriend her.  While she currently shows off her stylish side as the marketing coordinator in the office of the governor, she also finds time to squeeze in photo shoots and her personal clients as a stylist and wardrobe consultant.  If you are in Austin, you should really think about booking her.  If you aren't, then hopefully you can get inspired from afar!

1. How would you describe your personal style?

Ultra Feminine with an Edge

2. Do you find that your work influences your style or vice versa?

My work requires that my style be a bit more conservative than in my private life, so I may be wearing a pencil skirt and belted cardigan with spectator pumps and my grandmother’s bangles to work and then on the weekends when I am going out it’s shorter dresses with cropped leather or military jackets and 5”platforms with spikes and lots more jewelry. During the work week, I am lady-like, sophisticated and professional and at night and on the weekends, I am still lady-like but with more of an edge.

3. What sort of pieces are you most into lately?

I am obsessed with these leather and crystal wrap bracelets my little sister has been making (Lauryn Raymond), pastel chiffon button downs from American Apparel, anything vintage and sequin, and petticoats- yes petticoats I put them underneath most of my skirts and dresses.

4. Do you have a style icon?

I feel like my style is a blend of a lot of women I admire. I come from a long line of stylish women, including my paternal great-grandmother (I inherited all of her super chic jewelry), both of my grandmothers and especially my mother. My mother has given me an innate sense of femininity that is at the core of my style and a unique adoration for animal print and all things that sparkle. My favorite actress of all time is Audrey Hepburn; hence my favorite movies of all time are hers: Paris When It Sizzles, Funny Face, and of course, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Her classic femininity in all of those roles has always inspired my style, but in addition to Audrey herself, we have Monsieur Givenchy to thank. And my girlfriends keep me current. I left some of them behind when I left NY, and they keep me up to date on the up and coming designers, street style, and what’s trending there. And I try to make it back to NY as often as possible to catch a show and to ignite my own personal creative inspiration.

 5. Where are your favorite places to shop?

In NY, I never miss Bendel’s and Patricia Field.

In Austin, MOSS, Feathers Vintage, Prototype Vintage, and Blue Elephant are my favorites.

On the Web, Shop Bop, the Outnet, and GILT.

6. What is your wish list for fall?

An oversized/double breasted outerwear piece like on the Celine and Isabel Marant runways, laces wedges like these, and great brocade pieces inspired by the likes of Balmain. Obvi- I can’t afford the pieces on the runway, so the challenge is always to try and find something to give you the same look with a fraction of the price. That’s why I love vintage…because fashion is cyclical and trends are always resurrected from the past so often there are current trends to be had in awesome vintage pieces. And I love the satisfaction of finding that perfect piece!

7. What is one piece of style advice you would give someone?

When in doubt, accentuate the waist. It makes you feel feminine and look slim even when you’re not feeling it. And wear what you want where and when you want to! Life is too short to hide those sequins in the closet. I live in one of the most casual cities in the world but I never let it stop me from wearing whatever crazy frock strikes my fancy on a particular evening out.

 (*As if she didn't already have enough going on, Brandyn is also currently working on a line of chic game-day-wear which donates part of its proceeds to Cervical Cancer Research in light of her recent battle with the disease.)

What Brandyn is wearing:

Chiffon Dress (Isabel Lu), Cat-Eye Sunglasses (Prada), Monogram Necklace (La Vie Parisienne, Maya Austin), Vintage Stamped Monogram Charm Necklace, Vintage Diamond Dinner Ring(my grandmother’s), Vintage Monogram ID Bracelet (my grandmother’s), Cocktail Ring and Drop Filigree Earrings(Kendra Scott), Rose Gold Wire Stackable Rings (Etsy- Autumn Equinox & Ring Binder), Platform Guatemalan Print Wedges(Jeffrey Campbell), Chain Link Bag (Salvatore Ferragamo), Vintage Belt (Feathers Austin), Vintage Moschino Striped Jacket (MOSS Austin), Nail Polish(OPI, Mod About You)

Photography by Lindsey Robbins and Amy Knitt