Nancy Klompus is like the James Bond of fashion. She's lives for classic elegance, is charming but reserved, always knows the secret before you do, and is usually the best-dressed person in the room.
She's Dallas' most sartorially fashionable personal stylist. Though she was busily sourcing fall finds for clients at Cabana, she was lovely enough to fill us in on her Labor Day packing strategy, what she's loving for fall, and where to buy it.
"I'm wearing a vintage, dark-lavender, Jackie O.-style dress paired with Rupert Sanderson kitten heels," she said of her key, Labor Day ensemble.
Other must-pack items for Klompus include linen dresses and favorite sandals because, "It's the last time my feet will be free for a while now that summer's over!"
Not that she minds too much. Her buys for fall include the Alexander Wang "Beatle" boots, Current/Elliot jeans and cords, patterned tights, and any soft-but-tough motorcycle-inspired footwear. "And I'm accessory swapping with friends! I just traded for a vintage, Donna Karan belt that I love," said Klompus of what else she'll need for next season.
Her clients are ready for cooler temps as well, and she tells us they are all wanting skinny cargo jeans, blazers, and boots with major hardware.
As for her biggest recommendation for them - belts.
"Belts are everywhere. On or over every look from casual to dressy," she said of her advice to women updating their wardrobes.
Klompus' other buy-it-now pieces are shoes, boots, and cardigans.
"Spend the bulk of your shopping budget on shoes this year. So many amazing pairs, and they last! But go cheap on cardis. There are a million styles and you can, literally, find them anywhere," she said of how to spend this season.
Where to find some of this fabulosity - "Go to Cabana. Their style is 'sexy ragamuffin,' and it's a favorite of mine." And no wonder, Cabana specializes in French brands like IRO and Antik Batik, and they're the only place in town to buy Koch. Other frequent haunts for Klompus are Vintage Martini and Ahab Bowen.
Need a stylist? Find Klompus' info on her website. And if you're planning a visit to Cabana, make a note that their hours are limited to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doesn't work for you? Make an appointment, and they will see you any time.
