Women of Style
Similar to vaunted fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn or Jackie Onassis, MetroValley women have developed an admired, defined style or “look”—a way of wearing clothes that make the most of their body types, that they are comfortable in, regardless of whatever marketing hype is surrounding the newest fashion trends. Women always watch what other women are wearing, and these are women who elicit comments like: “Doesn’t she look put together!” or “I wish I looked like that…” or “I could never wear that, but it looks terrific on her!” MetroValley caught up to seven such area icons and convinced them to show off their personal style. Each truly has a point of view about her own style, which she shares with Metro readers.
BELLE MANJONG
A lawyer at Spilman, Thomas & Battle, Belle Manjong is very aware of the conventions of dress in the corporate world. Her style might be called preppy except for the absolute glamour of the classic pieces that she chooses. She shops for quality, believing that something that’s made well fits well; and she chooses pieces that emphasize her femininity and flatter her body type. The slim skirt that flairs around her knees runs counterpoint to the simple V neck sweater layered over a white shirt, turning the understated into the dramatic. A T strap heel gives the combination a cinematic fillip.
JAN MANI,
owner of Janet Mani Interior Designs, knows how to subtly define her hourglass shape, and she is not afraid of creative combinations, like the cream linen wrap blouse with slight ruffing on the edges of the collar and flowing cream skirt with topical embroidery. The blouse functions as a jacket, making what were relatively casual pieces individually into an outfit fit for the Queen Mum’s Garden Party.
SONYA HALL
(Right) Described as a “sexy business woman with attitude,” Sonya doesn’t think that wearing tailored, fitted clothes precludes showing that she has a figure, and as Director of New Business Development for COMAR, Inc., she is able to dress more creatively than someone in a more rigid corporate atmosphere. Her lime green sheath shows both form and function: a dress appropriate for a business lunch, yet kicky enough to project the image that she cultivates.
GINA BUSCH
(Above) A gynecologist with offices in Kanawha City, Dr. Gina Busch has always had an interest in fashion and interior design. While things have to catch her eye, she understands what styles work for her build and size and buys accordingly. “Some years that means I buy a lot and some years I buy nothing. It all has to do with what is appropriate for my body and height. I wouldn’t say that I wear a lot of Southwestern styles, but these pieces from Double D Ranchwear caught my eye. I like the long flowing skirt combined with the studded leather jacket, and the wide studded belt pulls the whole outfit together.” She wears turquoise jewelry and shoes with a hint of turquoise.
PENNY FIORAVANTE
Community Director of The March of Dimes, Penny Fioravante is known for her eclectic, even funky style. “I have a lot of vintage clothing, I find things I like and combine them according to my mood,” as evidenced by her combination of a black and white sundress, red peep toe slides and antique top hat.
TONYA OAKLEY
(Above) Executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of the Tri-State, Tonya Oakley says that her mother would have liked her to have grown up into a woman who wore a proper suit and pearls. Instead, she is trendy. My clothes definitely go out of style; I hunt for fashion.” Comfort definitely is an issue that she considers when buying clothes, but primarily she looks for fashion trends and colors that catch her eye.
NANCY GUTHRIE
(Right) A busy life as president and owner of Capitol City Communications and as a Member of West Virginia House of Delegates makes her particularly conscious of projecting a professional image. Her background in television taught her to be sensitive about how she is perceived. “I try to learn from women whom I admire who have a great sense of style.” Although she dresses in classic shapes, Nancy is very aware of the impact that color can have, exemplified by her rich orange matelasse jacket, which she wears over a column of brown.
