DORÉ

We’re so excited to introduce you to Janell! She is a is a seasoned fashion and beauty writer, editor, and branding consultant with the coolest style, an obsession with turtlenecks, and the brightest spirit! Stay tuned for some more words from her on beauty–her true love–in the coming weeks!

Can you describe what you’re wearing and how it reflects your personal style (specifically your love of turtlenecks)?
I am wearing an oversized & Other Stories sweater (I’m obsessed with that store!), an A.L.C. leather skirt with a slit that’s a bit risqué, and old-school Reeboks that I love. My boyfriend teases me about my weird quirk of only liking white sneakers–I usually wipe my shoes off with a Clorox wipe before I leave the house. That whole dirty sneaker wave is not my jam. And yes, I am always wearing a turtleneck come fall. Once the temperature drops below 50 degrees, I’m definitely reaching for one. They make me feel polished, pulled together and cozy—like a stylish turtle haha.

What’s your definition of style versus fashion?
Great question—style is someone who wears their clothes and looks comfortable in them. Like even if they are overdressed by “regular” standards, they are acting as if they are in a pair of sweatpants even if it’s an insane gown. You know what I mean? Fashion is definitely important, but not always the most accessible. It can be really alienating or clique-y. You don’t need money to have personal style, that’s for sure.

How does New York impact your style?
NYC has definitely brought out my casual side. In college and when I first landed in the city, I loved wearing heels—I had so many pairs. But, I was on a MTA vs Uber budget then and I quickly learned the best way to get around is to walk, especially living in Brooklyn. Another thing the city has taught me is to dress for the whole day. By that I mean, you never truly have time to “go home and change” so you need to make your outfit transitional from work to dinner and possibly even the club. The cool thing is there’s no dress code, the bad thing is you feel a bit lame when you are undressed by chance.

You write a lot about beauty, so which comes first, the outfit or makeup?
Always the outfit! Only because I traditionally like a bold/deep/bright lip, so pending on what I’m wearing it can look nuts. If my outfit is chill, I try to be a bit bolder—and if it’s a lot going on, I’ll typically wear a sheer or nude color. Recently, I’m not mad at an old-school clear M.A.C. Cosmetics lip gloss (remember that?) It’s very high school, but oddly sophisticated with a groomed brow, touch of blush and few swipes of mascara. I can’t even begin to tell you what my favorite lipstick is because I have 5 to 7 options in my purse at all times. For instance, right now I’m rotating between BECCA Glow Gloss in Chocolate Geode, Maybelline Vivid Hot Lacquer in #74 Retro, Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Zinnia, Elizabeth Arden New York Lipgloss in 02 Nude Oasis, and FRESH Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Balm—it’s crazy I know, but that’s honestly what I carried around all this week.