This month we are bringing you the the dynamic duo that put their energy and expertise into making their customers look like seasoned gift givers!  Behind the scenes they are certainly serving up their selections in some serious style.  We are ecstatic to introduce you to Ashley & Candace, our friends behind the genius concept...Secretly Gifting.

Secretly Gifting is a Washington, DC based gift concierge founded by Ashley Bronczek & Candace Ourisman.  They are nationally recognized as the foremost gifting experts and have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and Yahoo! Finance. Their e-commerce store The Gift Vault has received widespread acclaim for it's unique products and accessories. 

 Read below as we Talk Style with Candace.

What’s your favorite item in your closet?  A vintage Donna Karen wide waist belt with a large gold buckle.  It was my mothers and it embodies her aesthetic as well as mine.

How would you describe your style?  Classic with an Edge

What is the best style advice you’ve ever gotten?  Don't pre-meditate outfits as much as possible. Wake up and get dressed based on your mood and energy.

What item in your closet do you wear the most?  Gucci Princetown Mule in White

What is one thing you wish you could tell the younger you about fashion/style?  Don't overthink it.  Go with what makes you feel most confident.

What is your favorite store to shop for clothes?  Kirna Zabete in Soho

Where can you find the best tee shirt?  AYR - The Supercool

Which items in your wardrobe do you think are worth the big-investment dollars and which items do you think are the best to save money when purchasing?  Invest in shoes and bags. Save on super trendy items like tops and dresses.

Do you prefer statement or delicate jewelry? If both, how do you mix the 2? Both!  I like to layer small bracelets on my left wrist and two statement gold bracelets on my right.  One is from my grandmother and one is from my mother. 

What pieces of jewelry do you have on no matter where you are going?  A delicate gold chain necklace is the one item that I never take off. It adds an element of interest and femininity to every look.

What are 3 staples pieces everyone should own?  Great Denim, A perfectly tailored button down and a quality leather jacket

 

...and now we Talk Style with Ashley.

What’s your favorite item in your closet?  A custom hot pink YSL dress made for my grandmother by YSL himself. I wore it once years ago and love catching a glimpse of it every now and then because it makes me think of her.

How would you describe your style?  A mix of California comfort and East coast chic.

What is the best style advice you’ve ever gotten?  It's not what you wear, it's how you wear it.

Who is the last person you followed on Instagram?  Adam Grant

Your go-to playlist on Pandora or Spotify?  Happy Beats or The Best of Musicals on Spotify

What item in your closet do you wear the most?  My white Chloe high top sneakers

What is one thing you wish you could tell the younger you about fashion/style?  Invest more in closet staples than in "fast fashion" pieces.

What is your favorite store to shop for clothes?  Bergdorf Goodman

Which items in your wardrobe do you think are worth the big-investment dollars and which items do you think are the best to save money when purchasing?  I think investing in pieces you will wear often such as a great fitted blazer, designer bag, ballet flats/loafers and save money on tee shirts, denim and occasion dresses.

What’s one item you can’t live without?  Sunglasses-gotta protect those baby blues.

How would you elevate the look of t-shirt and jeans with jewelry?  A fun statement earring by Grainne Morton or Mignonne Gavigan

Do you prefer statement or delicate jewelry? If both, how do you mix the 2?  I prefer both and will usually mix a delicate necklace with a statement earring.

What pieces of jewelry do you have on no matter where you are going? My engagement/wedding rings, diamond signet ring and approximately 10 bracelets on my left wrist that never come off! (At this point I just tell TSA I have to go through the scanner)

What are 3 staples pieces everyone should own?  A perfectly fitted blazer, comfortable pair of chic sneakers, a neutral colored handbag.

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