Power Dressing: Shelley Zalis
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Shelley Zalis, 52, is chief executive of Ipsos Open Thinking Exchange, an innovation centre for market research. She was awarded Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2008 in the online services sector, and is the founder of the Ipsos Girls’ Lounge, a networking group for women from business, entertainment and technology.
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Trousers by Rag & Bone
I shop in colour blocks – black, charcoal grey and navy – and always opt for basics to mix and match. I travel approximately three days a week and need separates that make life simple and don’t require a lot of thinking. Rag & Bone capri jeans – in virtually every dark colour – are my wardrobe staple because they have a little bit of stretch and a tight, skinny leg that is flattering. I am 5ft 3in and don’t have time for tailoring and find that these jeans hit my ankle perfectly, right off the rack.
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Jacket by Chanel
I love mixing classic and trendy pieces, edgier with softer elements, and a Chanel jacket in black, white or cream always pulls a look together. I’m also a fan of leather jackets by Iro, which are perfect for travel and wearable day and night. A flexible wardrobe is essential, and layering with jackets is key. I think a great jacket bridges the gap between casual and work environments.
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Top by Rag & Bone
I like to dress with a twist, and one way I do this is by pairing longer Rag & Bone tops with jeans and assorted, fun jackets. I prefer casual, feminine tops such as this one paired with a tailored, workplace-appropriate Chanel jacket.
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Shoes by Christian Louboutin
I love a 5in- or 6in-high heel – always with a platform – and I never wear flats. I love Christian Louboutin’s shoes in beige and black because they are the most comfortable, and work well with the outfits I pack in my carry-on bag. I never check luggage so this means I have to be smart about my packing – no extraneous trainers for me! I also love my pointed-toe Prada boots, which work well with trousers and are more feminine than a motorcycle boot.
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Watch by Hublot
I have a collection of watches, both chunky and sleek, and I am wearing one with a grey leather strap, a silver face, and plenty of tiny diamonds. This is my rapper watch! I likesilver and gold finishes but never at the same time. I often pair my watch with colourful Hermès bangles. I buy watches and bracelets in various cities around the globe, and I am always looking to build my collection.
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Necklace by Chanel
I love long necklaces – especially ones by Chanel – that incorporate pearls, beads, crystals and chains. These strands lend a playful touch to my outfit but look polished at the same time.
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Handbag by Hermès
I am consistent and brand-loyal, so it’s always a Kelly or a Birkin bag for me. These styles – in colours from red to yellow to purple – work well because I can fit a laptop, wallet and papers inside and they really hold their shape. I usually go for pebbled leather as I find that soft leather tends to scratch. A good handbag and shoes are a must, and I love the hunt for vintage Hermès bags in resale shops in whatever city I find myself.
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