Number of years in real estate:
2.5 years.
Describe your look:
Classic with an edge.
What do you consider a “fashion don’t”?
I honestly think being adventurous with fashion is a great way to express yourself, and very few things that are hard NOs. There might be things I’m less inclined to wear, but that doesn’t mean they’re not absolute perfection on someone else with a different vibe. Fashion is truly in the eye of the beholder and anything worn with confidence is worn well.
If I had to choose one “don’t,” though, it’s Dansko clogs. If you are not a chef or a nurse on your feet all day, they should not be on your feet.
What style has come back into fashion that you think shouldn’t have?
Without a doubt, low-rise jeans and micro-miniskirts. They look good on almost no one, let’s leave them in the ‘90s/early 2000s where they belong.
What item of clothing gets you the most compliments?
I try to mix it up all of the time, but if I had to choose one of my absolute favorites, it’s a pair of wide-leg, navy Ganni dress pants that are ribbed and have silk pockets. They are as stunning as they sound!
What is a fashion crime you have committed in the past?
When I’m going to the gym, I typically don’t care what I look like and will wear two prints that absolutely should not be together. That’s when you’ll get me undone. Otherwise, I have a clean record.
Where are your favorite clothing stores or brands?
I’m the biggest proponent of high-low fashion. I’m a regular at Nordstrom Rack, Saks OFF 5th and, every once in a while, will add in pieces from Aritzia, Abercrombie, Zara, or Reformation, etc.
My current obsessions are brands that do my style to a T: Vince, Staud, Ganni, FARM Rio and Veronica Beard.
What fashion accessory do you feel naked without?
I’m an absolute sunglass QUEEN! But the one thing I wear everyday is a tourmaline David Yurman ring that was gifted to me on my 18th birthday.
Who is your style icon?
Morgan Stewart — she is effortlessly chic and yet always in style. She doesn’t subscribe to trends and if you ask me, she is the Audrey Hepburn (fashion-wise) of our generation.
What decade or time period had the best fashion in your opinion?
The forties! It was sexy, but understated and not gimmicky at all.
What’s the most expensive or meaningful accessory or piece of clothing you’ve ever acquired? Do you still have it?
I have a high-low answer for this one: I have a T-shirt that I wear to bed with the logo for Sluggo’s hotdogs, hotdog stands that my grandpa used to own in Chicago. He passed away while I was in college and it reminds me of him every time I see it,
On the higher end, when I used to work in public relations, I got a promotion and finally was making enough money that I could treat myself and wanted to buy myself a designer handbag. I’m a bargain shopper, so I obviously wouldn’t buy full price and one day, a shopper I follow on Instagram posted a beautiful Yves Saint Laurent camera bag for a great deal. I purchased immediately and it is the perfect accessory for any outfit.
What item in your closet do you wear the most?
I’m a rare bird who prefers jeans to anything else, so my denim collection definitely gets the most action! I’m particularly fond of a pair of Abercrombie boyfriend jeans and pair of FRAME flare-leg jeans.
Does your style reflect your personal brand? If so, how?
A million percent, as I said, my style is classic with an edge and that’s exactly how I present for business. I am even-keeled, reliable and always agreeable, but I’ll go to bat and have that edge for my clients when needed!
What is your style advice for other people in the industry?
Dress to suit the clients you have! I mostly work within my sphere and they would be put off if I showed up to showings in business suits. They want the Ilana they know — the one they go to brunch with in off-time. That Ilana is always stylish, but not fancy or overdone, so Realtor Ilana is the same. Dress genuinely, be genuine.
Dress: Vince, shoes: Schutz, necklace: Adornment and Theory, ring: David Yurman