Jill DeAndrea, local tastemaker and style icon, tells tales of her fashion encounters.
Rarely am I impressed by the local self-acclaimed “fashionista”. Perhaps I am being harsh. Living in a sea of Ed Hardy wearing folk whose only knowledge of couture is the association of its price or label has made me calloused. Do not get me wrong, Arizona most definitely has its well dressed individuals who share the same fashion paradox as me.
Amongst these chic characters stands one who's brilliance in dress and disposition can stop me in utter “chic-shock”. Jill DeAndrea is the owner of The Impeccable Eye in Scottsdale, a store bursting at the seams with the most sumptuous and exquisite home furnishings. DeAndrea wore Lanvin head to toe on our first meeting - the dress: dark gray layered tulle with grosgrain ribbon accents; shoes: black with with creme grosgrain ribbon and perfectly placed rhinestones. With her “violently upbeat” personality and wit I knew I had found a fashion friend. Suddenly as she ordered another glass of champagne, unescapable echos of Carrie Bradshaw crossed my mind. I was in love. DeAndrea is also a local stylist, Vogue worthy if you ask me. I sat down with Jill to find out her favorites.
You party in Lanvin and Prada. What are your biggest pet peeves with fashion in Arizona?
So many people here are perfectly put-together, that is the kiss of death. Perfectly coiffed, manicured, waxed etc. To me the best style is slightly inperfect and even unkempt, like you threw yourself together in 2 minutes and yet voila! - you are fabulous! I would love to see people taking more chances here, instead of the bag matches the shoes matches the fingernails. Don't even get me started on the guys in bedazzled Affliction shirts.
What is one of your most recent splurges and your justification for it?
At my latest estate jewelry trunk show I picked up a gorgeous French Belle Epoque diamond ring. I justified my splurge by trading it for another piece of jewelry, which made it easy and painless!
If you could have a cocktail with anyone who would it be?
My head says pick a hot man as my answer, since I'm single. But my heart says Lady Gaga is no stranger to a cocktail, and she'd be fun to hang out with.
Who are your style icons?
I find most of my inspiration from real people, since celebrities are usually dressed by stylists. I love to people watch, especially in a big city, where there are so many different style opinions and options that can be expressed. That said, Patricia Field has an incredible eye and ability to mix the most interesting and strange items, as well as predict the fashion future. It's like: "that's so wrong...wait, that is so right." I bow to her.
What should every woman have in her closet this winter?
Boots are effortlessly chic and timeless. An amazing coat is necessary, even here in Arizona. I love a great vintage coat with fur. Fabulous jewelry is always, always a must. For me that means chunky and layered.
You have amazing skin. What is your secret beauty product?
No mystery here, it's sunscreen! I love the Nia line of products, and the MB York eye cream is amazing, the best and so inexpensive.
When you're not hunting down gorgeous art, where can we find you?
Working on designing new and interesting items for my showroom, meeting with design clients, styling a photo shoot, scouring little shops for unique and stylish finds or hanging out with my friends.
What are your favorite places to grab a bite to eat?
True Food for edamame dumplings, St. Francis for ambiance and appetizers, Delhi Palace for Indian food.
Whats next for you? I heard you have a book deal in the making - can you confirm?
I think 'book deal' is a little strong, but yes, I have some writings and ideas. One which I hope to have published is my Quantum Theory of 52 Cats. Sounds curious, no?
If you could have any painting hanging on your wall, what would it be?
Van Gogh's 'Crows' is brilliant, there is such depth and symbolism in that piece....joy and life mixed with mortality.
