Objects of Desire

Styling by Katie Leacroy

Everyone plays favorites. And when it comes to telling our own style stories, we all have that one special piece that makes us feel complete as we step into the world. The reasons these objects cast their spells over us are as varied as the pieces themselves. This month we hear from a few style makers about their favorite things.

Marcus Hersh

About Me

I’m a stylist and buyer at Valentine’s. I try to see beauty in everything. My style icon is Yves Saint Laurent, and if I could go shopping with anyone, it would be Marie Antoinette. Right now, I’m into making beaded jewelry.

My style in three words

Eclectic. Authentic. Flamboyant.

My favorite thing

On my 31st birthday two of my best friends, Julie and Sari Warenoff gave me a customized, vintage Levi’s jacket. It was made just for me by people who love me. It also goes with everything. No matter where I am, people stop me to talk about it, and I love meeting new people.

Cristina Facundo

About Me

Full-time wardrobe stylist, mom, blogger and founder of Mini Market, a semiannual pop-up catering to moms and their minis.

MY STYLE IN THREE WORDS

Effortless. Minimalist. Closet-color-enthusiast.

MY FAVORITE THING

Ahhh, so hard to say! My engagement ring, wedding band… my mom’s handkerchiefs, which I grabbed from a yard sale pile a few years ago. Photos of her wearing them in the ’70s are my favorite pictures of her. A gold sapphire ring that was a gift from my sister, who picked it up in a flea market in Paris. It’s big and bold and I love thinking of who wore it before me. All things that are sentimental and tell a story.

Emory Blake

About Me

Former NFL player and forever Auburn Tiger raised in Austin. I co-own a store called South of Everywhere, on South Lamar. We feature high-end menswear and also do event consulting. Faith and family are the most important things in my life.

My style in three words

Clean. Minimal. Elevated.

My favorite thing

These Rafs were the first designer shoes I bought myself. I got made fun of for them, but I didn’t care. I knew they were fresh. My national championship rings are also important to me. To be part of the 2010 national championship team is a blessing. Auburn is a special place. I built relationships there that will last a lifetime. The rings remind me of that, and spark curiosity and conversation, which opens up opportunities to get to know people.

Emily Chandler

About Me

Native Texan with a passion for vintage. I turned my hobby into a business called OLIO Collection because I know I’ll never stop digging for treasures.

My style in three words

Over. The. Top.

My favorite thing

I don’t feel dressed without a bold vintage jacket, oversize cocktail rings — as many as I can get on each hand — and massive clip-on earrings. (I don’t have my ears pierced.) Even better if I can layer it all with an outrageous caftan. I love vintage because each piece tells a story — the fabric, the lines. Each item takes on a personality of its own. I love Iris Apfel and people who are confident in their own taste. She adheres to my motto: There is no such thing as overdressed.

Patty Hoffpauir

About Me

I’m beginning to measure things in years – 50 years of marriage, 45 years of having children, 40 years of owning The Garden Room. I have two grandchildren, who I create silly Easter creations for. And as my friends and family will attest, I love to rearrange furniture in an afternoon.

My style in three words

Twisted classic.

My favorite thing

When I was a young girl, I’d study my grandmother’s box of buttons; one with a dog was my favorite. Going through her belongings after she was gone, I came upon the dog button and gave it to a wonderful artist named Cheryl Gran, who was creating bracelets. She crocheted the band with pearls and black and white beads. I treasure this bracelet. My Rebecca Munro jacket is special, too — reminds me of the ’80s, when women were becoming more independent.

Langston Dillard

About Me

I’m a boy from Texas. I spend my time reading articles about design on sightunseen.com and browsing for vintage furniture I likely won’t buy. I work in public relations and go to UT, and some days I go to class. I’d love to go shopping with Solange Knowles. I would trust her with probably everything, my wardrobe included.

MY STYLE IN THREE WORDS

Silhouetted. Consistent. I want to say “classic,” but that sounds boring and my style isn’t.

MY FAVORITE THING

I bought a bright-red wool coat from a vintage shop last fall and have worn it nonstop ever since. Historically, I’ve worn nothing but black, white and neutrals. They’re basic colors, easy to coordinate and they make me feel safe. This coat is the opposite in every way, but I’ve found confidence in its boldness.