Ageless Style Series-Mary Ann Pickett of Classic Casual Home

Welcome to the third installment of our Ageless Style Series.  Each month Elizabeth (the Vintage Contessa) and I interview a stylish woman over 50.    You can check out Elizabeth’s post here. 
I am happy to say this month I am featuring my friend Mary Ann Pickett; the quintessential “girl next door”.  Mary Ann of Classic Casual Home and I connected through blogging. When they relocated to San Francisco, we met at the Design Center and became fast friends.  Mary Ann has a refreshing “classic casual” style that is all her own.  She is cute, genuine, and charming.  Her style is natural, effortless and chic. I had to “twist” Mary Ann’s arm a little bit (no a lot!) to get her to participate in this series because she doesn’t think of herself as stylish.   I think you will clearly disagree with that. She always looks great without “trying too hard”, a trap some women our age can inadvertently  fall into.


How Would You Describe Your Style?
I think your “Ageless” description is good as I never think about my age (at 60) when shopping.  I ask myself...“Would I wear this soon? Is the fit flattering?  Is the color good on me?  Is it comfortable?”  Age isn’t one of the questions. 


What Inspires your signature style
Living in places like New York, Chicago, Paris and Florida has been influential, but I am a California girl at heart.  I was born in California and now I split my time between San Francisco and Southern California.  My style is a blend of “city” and  “weekend classic.”

What accessory Can You Not Do Without?
The diamond earrings that my husband gave me.  Also, I have a chic, little black and white accessory named, Chief.


Favorite Color
I can’t pick just one.  Green or blue (or pale pink) but my closet says black and white.

Do you have a signature piece that defines your style?
I have had a black quilted Chanel handbag for years.  It’s old but it’s holding up pretty well.  It’s classic, compact and works in a variety of settings (adjectives that can also describe me)!


What are your style strengths?
Not many...why am I here again?  Here’s one:  knowing my limitations...since I’m short, I know I have to wear the clothes and not let the clothes wear me.


Do you have a style icon?
Yes,she is Cindy Hattersley.  She’s so haute right now! (did I mention Mary Ann also has a really good sense of humor?)

What are your beauty essentials that you couldn't do without
Bronzer and Crest Teeth Whitening strips (so SoCal).  But seriously, a little bronzer can wake up tired skin and a nice smile is one of the first things people see. I also use a Bobbi Brown Retouching Wand for dark circles and Lancome Renergie moisturizer.
Do you have repeat offenders in your closet if so what are they?
Leather motorcycle jacket, skinny black and dark denim jeans, white blouses, striped t-shirts, loafers and Frye boots.

What advice do you have for women over 50, or over 40?
“With age there is wisdom.”  Love yourself at every age.
Play up your strengths (that’s why you won’t see me in a crop top).   Don’t wear yoga pants all day (I’ve been guilty of this).  Put a little effort forward and you will feel better about yourself.  Don’t wait until Cindy asks you to do a fashion post for her.

Do you have any style rules that you live by?
If necessary, get things tailored for a better fit.  That’s what the French do.  Don’t spend much on trendy items.  Splurge on a good purse or shoes.  Hit the sales rack first.

What are your favorite online go to sources? 
I probably do less online and more in person shopping since we have great shopping here in SF (and it puts steps on my Fitbit).  But online, I like Anthropologie for dresses and tunics, Ann Taylor and J. Crew for blouses and cardigans and Nordstrom, Madewell and Banana Republic for jeans. 
Do you have a particular designer that you are drawn to? 
No, not really.  My hair stylist always looks very stylish and she shops at Zara.  I love my leopard coat from there.  So, I must like the designers that Zara copies!  But I also love looking in the windows (and occasionally shopping) at Max Mara, Chanel, Celine, St. Laurent and Chloé.  If you can be in Paris during the summer or winter sales, you can get some great deals. It’s fun to buy just one perfect thing. 

So what do you think? Is she the modern day Doris Day?

Thanks Pal for agreeing to do this I know you tried your hardest to get out of it. 
Pop over to the vintage contessa to see who Elizabeth is interviewing.

My dad lived in Corpus Christi Texas for many years and still has property there.  Our heart goes out to all the victims of Hurricane Harvey. If you want to know how you can help go here.

I am going to TRY to get back on my twice a week blogging schedule next week.  The blog has been a little heavy on fashion lately.  Monday I will do an update post on my current design projects and Friday I will feature some favorites from the new Artful Home Catalogue.  They have some really fun things for Fall.