Fashionable Friends & Family

Fashion and friends. Fashion and family. As individual as we — and our fashion tastes — are, we think fashion, friends and family just go together sometimes. Think of those family photos where everyone is just so put-together, or that group of friends that really jazz up a place when they enter a room; you know what we mean. To that end, meet some of Berks County’s best dressed…

Ann Padinske, 60 (mother)

Occupation: Administrative Assistant at Gethsemane Cemetery

Town of residence: Exeter Township

How would you describe your style? I like classics coupled with current trends — a pencil skirt with an off-the-shoulder sweater, a big chunky necklace. I enjoy mixing it up.  

If I could raid the wardrobe of one famous person it would be… I’m sorry, I have to choose 2. Jennifer Lopez exclusively for the Balmain dress she wore at the 2018 Met Gala. I’ve never seen anything like it. I think I’d wear it grocery shopping just to say I own it (LOL), or Nicole Kidman’s closet for any and all of her dresses by Carolina Herrera. Herrera is timeless class and elegance. Balmain is on trend, but chic.

Style decade I most relate to: I used to love the 80s and 90s, probably because my life was chaotic, and my kids were born and growing, and I was always busy. But now that everyone is grown up and healthy and doing well, I can focus more on what I’d like to portray and represent to the world. So now current fashion is relatable for me, and I’m sure I’ll continue to change as I go through my years.

If I could splurge on one fashion-related item, I’d buy…a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. Just once in my lifetime, please. Those red soles...how can you not smile at those red soles?  

Fashion item I own that I could not live without: Leather pants. They’re timeless and stylish; under a big cardigan they’re a classic piece. You don’t have to be a size 4 to wear leather skirts or pants; you just need to find your size, put them on, and walk in like you own the place! 

Rachael Romig, 32 (daughter)

Occupation: Special Programs Coordinator, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance & Owner, Events & Wedding Planner – Just Breathe. Weddings & Events

Town of residence: Wyomissing

How would you describe your style? I dress for how I feel that day and for what I have going on in my schedule. Some days I’m classic chic for special events I’m attending; other days I’m a bit eclectic with my choices because I’m feeling funky, and then other days I’m laid back casual but with a bright pop of color. You might also see me in a full bones bodysuit and skirt around Halloween — because  why not?

If I could raid the wardrobe of one famous person it would be…Michael Kors, but a woman’s version. I’m constantly finding MK pieces that suit my style — from accessories to shoes to dresses and tops. I love neutral colors — whites, blacks, greys and tans — but I always seem to find a bright-colored Michael Kors piece that I just have to have. 

Style decade I most relate to: Definitely the 50s. Through that 10-year span you see women’s fashion, in my opinion, accentuating the curves of their owners — from tailored dresses that go below the knee, pencil skirts with blouses, and then my fave, pinup girl styles. I think it was all so sexy. 

If I could splurge on one fashion-related item, I’d buy: A full- length, jewel-adorned ball gown. My mom is going to be stunned that I replied like that, but it’s no joke. I don’t know where I’d wear it, but I would create a situation where I had to wear it all day, with a glass of champagne in my hand.

Fashion item I own that I could not live without: My ever-growing Sorrelli jewelry collection. Anyone who knows me knows that I have a bit of a Sorrelli “problem.” I have jewelry from back when they were still making the pieces by hand at the Oswald homestead, and I will never part with them. The newer Lisa Oswald collections are abstract in clean colors, and I can’t get enough of them. I’ve been a huge supporter since the beginning!

Geoff DeWire, 38 

Occupation: Veterinarian & Practice Owner, Douglassville Veterinary Hospital, Douglassville  

Town of residence: Wyomissing

How would you describe your style? Conflicted. I wear scrubs on most days, so I enjoy the opportunity to dress up when I can, but on the flip side, I used to be a drummer in a punk band, so I can also appreciate rocking a thrift store gem. 

How would you describe your friend’s style? Curated. Whether it’s gym shoes matching his t-shirt, or his tie clip matching the finish on his belt buckle, he’s purposeful and discerning with his wardrobe.

How did you meet/become friends? We met at the Valhalla gym in Exeter Township. It started out as talking about cars, medical cases and sports, and we ended up as workout partners. 

If I could raid the wardrobe of one famous person it would be… Tom Hardy. He has impeccable style whether he’s dressed up or dressed down. It’s edgy and not overly preppy. 

Style decade I most relate to: The current decade 

If I could splurge on one fashion-related item, I’d buy: Sunglasses from Warby Parker

Fashion item I own that I could not live without: My Thomas Pink sports coat. It’s ideal for formal situations or casual social gatherings.

Robert Mandel, 34

Occupation: Board Certified Family Physician, Penn State Health St. Joseph, Practice location: Robesonia

Town of residence: Wernersville

How would you describe your style? Experimental. I enjoy the opportunity to try various looks that say something different about what I am attempting to express at that point. Whether I wish to convey confidence, innovation, being a daily professional or just comfort, dynamic style affords me that interchange.

How would you describe your friend’s style? Intentional. He takes very good care of his general health and it shows through his clothing selection. He will make great, purposeful choices for material, pattern and fit, appropriately showing this effort.

How did you meet/become friends? At the gym, where we later learned that we are both healthcare providers. We enjoy bro-ing down to our affinity for cars [and] sports and enjoy talking about our infant daughters, McKinley and Isabelle.

If I could raid the wardrobe of one famous person it would be…Tom Ford. He is the benchmark designer who is synonymous with men’s style. It is easy to take note of his obsessive attention to detail, evident in everything he wears, from finely tailored suits to his signature sunglasses.  

Style decade I most relate to: Any. I like to mix classic with current without chasing trends. 

If I could splurge on one fashion-related item, I’d buy: An Omega Seamaster Diver 300M timepiece. The design is appropriate for any occasion, no matter my stylistic preference for the day.

Fashion item I own that I could not live without: My pair of Cole Haan wingtip derby shoes in camel colorway. They will always be fashion-forward and appropriate for any event.

Carlytta Camper, 30

Occupation: Owner and Lead Pet Stylist of Oasis Dog Spa & Shoppe, Muhlenberg Township

Town of residence: Reading

How would you describe your style? Old Hollywood Chic with Arabian Drama! Most of the time I wear neutral, structured pieces like a sheath dress or straight-legged trousers. Being a business owner, I’m always on the go, so my clothing choices are usually simple. I LOVE makeup! This is where the drama comes in. My signature look is a copper smoky eye with a nude pink lip gloss by NARS called Turkish Delight. It goes with everything! 

How would you describe your sister’s style? Eclectic Bohemian with an Africana flair! My sister loves to dress comfortably, so she wears a lot of loose-fitting garments but invests time with her hair! She enjoys putting her hair in many different twists and braids and loves wearing her hair natural. It shows her personality: easygoing, bubbly and fun. I love that she loves being herself! 

If I could raid the wardrobe of one famous person it would be…I would raid designer Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel’s wardrobe, of course! Everything I would need would be right there because she created it! From the little black dress to Chanel purses, it gets no better than going to the source herself! 

Style decade I most relate to: 1940s

If I could splurge on one fashion-related item, I’d buy: My dream bag, the Hermes Birkin 

Fashion item I own that I could not live without: My very first Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 shoes in Nude. They were a gift to myself for my 27th birthday when I was back in Southern California. What a special day that was; that’s what makes them priceless!

Lydia Katzenmoyer, 28

Occupation: Pharmacy Technician at a CVS Pharmacy located in Target, Exeter Township

Town of Residence: Lower Alsace Township

How would you describe your style? I consider my style laid back and comfortable. Most days I am wearing scrubs for 8 to 10 hours. When I get to put together an outfit, I want it to be something I can live in through the entire day.

How would you describe your sister’s style? I would call Carlytta’s style classy chic. She is always so coordinated and put together. You expect her to be going to a shoot for a magazine – like this one! 

If I could raid the wardrobe of one famous person it would be…Zoe Saldana. She always is so put together, from the red carpet to being headed out shopping on a sunny day. Her clothes just seem so perfect for every occasion.

Style decade I most relate to: The current one! 

If I could splurge on one fashion-related item, I’d buy: Christian Louboutin suede ankle boots.

Fashion item I own that I could not live without: Definitely my boots. Rain or shine, they’re always ready to go – fashionable and purposeful.