A few nights ago at Boutique Onze , I met up with an old friend from fashion school, Nadia Naeme El-Zein, to talk about her style and her new job at LOULOU Magazine!

Nadia, describe your personal style in three words.

Hard to say in three words but certain things stay constant over the years – I love graphic patterns, bold colors and feminine shapes and I truly am a happier person in heels.  Some people feel more comfortable in jeans – I enjoy a tall shoes… the taller the better.

I gravitate towards pieces that combine a retro feminine shape with a modern twist in cut, color or pattern.

What inspires your style?

I (naturally) frequently look at fashion blogs, sights and magazines and things always sort of seep into your subconscious that you want to try or aspire to… budget is always sadly a bit of a factor.

As far as individuals, I really love Olivia Palermo’s ability to mix high and low flawlessly, Elisa Nalin’s (stylist) exuberant use of color, Giovanna Battaglia’s (fashion editor Vogue Italia)  impeccable looks ranging from casual to super polished and Eva Fontanelli’s (Italian Elle) quirky and cute ensembles.

I am not into fashionistas or having the latest trends, I respect people who know themselves and have cultivated a one-of-a-kind look that speaks to something bigger about them.  True style, in my humble opinion, is one part clothes, one part physicality and one part personality.  Some people, not me but I know a few, can make an old stained t-shirt look like couture; they have a way about them… a way of moving and talking that is just style personified.  Damn those people!!!

Tell me a little bit about working at LOULOU Magazine.

I love working in a creative environment.  When I write I try to put myself in the shoes (cough: heels) of the person reading the magazine or website.  Everyone wants those little tidbits that help them, inspire them or entertain them in their hectic lives.  I hope to add a little something positive to those I reach.

What item can you not live without?

Well one is pretty hard to pick!  Haha variety is the spice of sartorial life.  Top items:

Opaque Black Tights: I am petite so with a good heel this combo gives me the optical illusion of a few extra inches!

Zara Blazer: Zara has the best blazer cuts.  They aren’t the cheapest but if you do the whole cost per wears – they are worth their weight in gold…over dresses, with jeans and a T….etc.

Charm Bracelets: I don’t wear them every day but I’ve unofficially started collecting them.  I love antique charms that tell a story… I love imagining the other person that wore them and the luck they brought!

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLS. Platform, stiletto, wedge, stacked – I don”t discriminate*.

*(Except for kitten heels, which don’t count!  That’s not a heel, people!)