Style Times Two

Though their surname suggests otherwise, there’s nothing ambiguous about Linda and Harold Gray—each has a style role as defined as black and white.

As they weave their way toward a table at Ameritage Bistro in Wilmington, one can’t help but notice.

Linda, the stylista, strides through in equal parts conservative and cutting edge, gorgeous, self-made bijoux dangling from her neck and ears.

And Harold, the self-described pragmatist, applies measured logic and reasoning to his look based on his agenda: a bike ride to work, an afternoon of sailing, or an interview with a fashion editor (for which he is properly attired, of course).

But logical isn’t lackluster if one’s wife moonlights as a personal shopper.

“I inject quirkiness and glamour into his clothes,” Linda says.

“She is the style part of this relationship,” Harold agrees. “She adds to my functionality.”

A permanent fixture on Delaware’s social circuit due to Harold’s role as veep of United Way of Delaware, the Grays know dress up.

“Linda is a very, very nice woman to escort,” Harold says. “She really pulls it together.”

She does so with help from Morgan’s of Delaware Avenue and Blue Streak Gallery in Wilmington and seasonal trips to New York and Washington, D.C.

“You’d be amazed at how many shoes she’s transferred over state lines,” Harold says dryly.

“I like to keep up on what’s hot,” Linda says, elbowing her husband’s ribs. “Then I keep basic pieces stocked for when that trend dies.”

Though Harold shakes his head in bemusement as Linda chronicles her great loves—shoes, jewelry, belts, etc.—it’s really his fault.

“My former job required extensive travel around the world,” he says. “Linda would join me, and she really took an interest in the style and cultures, which has developed into her worldly, sophisticated look.”

Linda cocks her head and, with analytical skills honed as a magistrate judge, considers “sophisticated.”

“More like eclectic,” she says. “For example, when we were overseas, I was amazed at the many styles of walking shoes. So I came back looking for funky, fashionable walking shoes, but couldn’t find any.”

That’s because, as a true fashionista, she was years ahead of the trend. Nowadays there’s nary a woman’s foot that hasn’t sighed in contentment after snuggling into an adorable, bejeweled flat in lieu of demanding high heels.

Nicknamed “Judge Jewelry” by Harold, Linda has her own line, Bootsie Baubles & Beads, showcased at Morgan’s.

But the Grays’ personal style transcends mere accoutrements.

“We have a broad palette,” Harold says, acknowledging food’s role in style.

Their favorite places include Hong Kong Takeout, Mikimotos and Corner Bistro.

Judging from the toned shoulders that peek out from Linda’s chic blouse, they count physical fitness as a style essential.

“The root of style starts with fitness,” Harold says. “And a lot has to do with how one carries himself.”

Linda agrees. “Harold could show up in ratty jeans and be stylish.” —Amy Kates

Page 2: Be a Model | Or learn how to act like one–at this new school.

Be a Model

Or learn how to act like one—at this new school.

Tennille Shepherd knows all about the world of fashion. She’s been in the runway biz for more than 20 years. “I started modeling when I was around 11, and my mom would spend thousands and thousands,” she says. “But you don’t have to do that to break into this business.”

So the owner of Newark-based Steel Model and Talent Agency did what any intelligent cover girl would do: She launched All Modeling Workshops, cost-friendly, three-day classes that help turn the average Jane (or Joe) into a modeling pro.

Shepherd’s students run the gamut. Her staff of three teaches the finer points of runway walking and posing.

“We keep the classes small, from eight to 10 students, and we create mini fashion shows,” Shepherd says. “I’ve seen the dark side of this industry, and I want to do what I can to show people it is possible to make it.”

All Modeling Workshops offers something for high-fashion-editorial, informal and child models. One course offers tips on how to stick those model turns while shimmying out of a designer jacket or whipping Gucci sunglasses off your face.

“These things sound easy, but some people truthfully just don’t know how to walk the runway,” she says. “We teach that the posture and technique is much different than how you walk down the street.”

If you’re a newbie, you’ll want to check out The 12 Keys of Modeling. “We’ll teach them everything they need to know to get into the business, step by step,” Shepherd says. One of the focus points is modeling terms.

“We’ve had girls go on, move to New York, become fit models,” she says. “We get all types of positive feedback. People who have gone off to do bigger and better things in the industry come back to thank us and tell us how much they’ve learned.”

Check out allmodelingworkshops.com for more. —Amy Kates

Page 3: Look Again | Makeup artists can help you put your best face forward.

Look Again

Makeup artists can help you put your best face forward.

Looking for a new look? Several Delaware establishments offer makeup lessons, makeover appointments and special occasion makeup.

Ulta in Concord Mall (4803 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 479-9917) offers a soup-to-nuts makeup application for about $30. (Prices are subject to change, so call first.) In the retail area, consultants will help you match colors and demonstrate how to apply products. Don’t expect a full, free makeover. You can, however, get more personalized attention when artists for the various lines visit the store.

Houppette (3842 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 421-9036) occasionally features guest makeup artists who represent its most popular lines, including Laura Mercier, Paula Dorf and Dauphin. Make an appointment for a complimentary consultation with the visiting artist. The boutique has four makeup artists who will apply the latest colors. For $60, the staff will apply makeup for a special occasion.

“I do your makeup so you can go out and look fabulous,” says artist Sarah-Louise DiIenno, who, with owner Cristi Miller, is trained in Laura Mercier and Paula Dorf makeup application. Schedule a makeup lesson for $65.

Ooh la la—the Makeup Studio in Trolley Square (1700 N. Scott St., Wilmington, 622-9425), which features owner Tonia Marisa’s own brand, offers in-studio makeup applications from $55 to $60, and bridal makeup application for $85. The shop specializes in bridal parties—Marisa has traveled as far as Key West to make brides beautiful—and makeup for photo shoots.

Boscov’s (Concord Mall, Wilmington, 478-6800) offers free makeup consultations at the counters of its many cosmetic lines. You can schedule an appointment or walk up to the counter. —Pam George

Page 5: Not Your Kindergartener’s Papier-mâché

Not Your Kindergartener’s Papier-mâché

Remember making papier-mâché in elementary school? Probably nothing you made could compare to the beautiful works Micha Seelye creates from paper and paste.

In one of Seelye’s three-dimensional pieces, a family sits together, the mother brushing her little girl’s hair and the father eating watermelon. Seelye, of Wyoming, also makes two-dimensional pieces that she frames or sends as cards. “I enjoy putting a picture on a card and sending it to people—sick people, or whomever I’ve just met,” Seelye says. “It’s a piece of my imagination I can send to them.”

Seelye learned papier-mâché art in Korea, where she lived until she was 27. She holds eight certificates in paper art. She is interesting in teaching the medium to others but believes that design skills are essential. “If someone has a design in mind, and they draw it on paper, I can instruct them,” she says. “It’s fun once you get into it, but it’s hard to make.”

Seelye rarely sells her work, though she occasionally sells custom pieces such as nativity scenes. She exhibits at art shows and recently attended the Delaware Division of the Arts Summit. She guards her time so she has enough to be creative.

“With papier-mâché, every layer requires a separate piece of paper, so it’s time consuming,” she says. “To complete a project, you have to endure and persevere. The length of time it takes depends on the picture in your mind, what size your project is, and how much time you have to invest. I always have to decide which project is my priority.” —Katie Ginder-Vogel

Page 6: Good Jeans | Looking for denim flatterers? These places really can improve nature.

Good Jeans

Looking for denim flatterers? These places really can improve nature.

Searching for perfect jeans is one of life’s greatest challenges. We’ve scoured the state for the brands and styles you want. Start here if you’re looking for:

TRENDY LABELS Check South Moon Under (120 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-3806) for brands like 7 For All Mankind, Hudson, True Religion, and Citizens of Humanity. Bonus: The staff is expert at matching jeans and bodies.

MOM APPROPRIATE At Aqua Marine (205 Second St., Lewes, 644-4550) there are two exceptional labels. Delta Blues offers all-cotton jeans in two styles, including a missy cut. Indigo Palms, brought to you by Tommy Bahama, is perfect for the laid-back, relaxed look.

ALL AMERICAN “Variety” is the operative word at Lucky Brand Jeans (Christiana Mall, Newark, 455-1947). There are extra-long inseams for the guys, in addition to regular, long and short for men and women. There’s nothing fancy or overly trendy about the place, but its knowledgeable staff will help you find any style you’re looking for.

COWBOY It’s all about Wrangler at Bunny Junction (103 S. Dupont Hwy., New Castle, 328-8404) a Western (and English) tack and apparel shop that carries men’s and women’s denim for the cowboy and the urban cowboy. Why Wranglers? The heavy seam goes on the outside of the leg, not on the inside where it can chafe riders in the saddle.

TRENDY YET CONSERVATIVE Stay traditional and still be fashionable in brands such as Joe’s Jeans, J Brand and AG from L Boutique (3801 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 655-8403). L Boutique stocks all styles of jeans, including wide leg, boot cut and skinny cut, and it can make special orders for any size. —Deanna Candeloro

Page 7: Crossover to Luxury | These stylish vehicles have it all: the room, the ride and the ritz.