Allisa Romanini

Owner, Base Boutique in Chagrin Falls

What’s the most recent piece of clothing you bought, and why?

I recently got a brown knit polo from Paige. I love its feminine take on a classic polo shirt with the puff sleeves and cropped length. Since early- Cleveland falls can be warm (especially this year!), I tend to wear a lot of short sleeve knits as transitional pieces into sweater weather. The sleeve length is perfect for the warmer fall days, and these will become base layers under jackets once the temperature drops.

What’s your favorite piece in your closet right now?

Currently it is probably my Annette jeans from AMO. They are the perfect long, straight leg jean in the perfect dark wash for fall! I love wearing them slouchy with a t-shirt or sweater and sneaker during the day or with a cute bodysuit or top and bootie for a night look.

Do you have an item you’ll never part with? What’s the story behind it?

Oh yes, I have a lot of those! One of them is this pink distressed Zadig & Voltaire t-shirt I got from a sample sale in NYC. I spent a year studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in college and frequented the designer sample sales while I was there. I will never get rid of any of those pieces because they are all very unique and cool. I especially love this t-shirt because it is one of my go-to elevated, oversized t-shirts for when I am wanting a super casual look.

What’s your everyday go-to look?

A plain t-shirt tucked in a pair of jeans (straight leg or wide leg) with a belt, sneakers or flats, and a sweater or jacket overtop for chillier days. Basically a simple, classic outfit with accessories and a piece overtop to add interesting detail and texture!

What’s the most surprising or unusual item in your closet?

I used to work for a suit company so I got to design a handful of custom suits during my time there. One of them was a bold orange two-piece suit in a lightweight summer fabric. I wear the oversized jacket and slim straight pants as separates a lot, but the two pieces together is quite a statement!

If you had to describe your style in three words, what would they be?

Classic, Casual, Accessorized.