YourHartford.com

YH Magazine Meets Tom & Holly

This month YH Magazine talks fashion with local movers and shakers Thom Sargent & Holly Kosovay.

Who are you wearing? Thom: The t-shirt is "Lines Blur" by Hause of Howe, the jeans are "Henley" by Rock & Republic, the seersucker blazer is by Ben Sherman. Holly: "Grammy dress" by iisle

Whats hot this season? Thom: Continuing from last season, anything that is "slim fit" is a must from over coats to jeans. Check-in with your favorite tailor and make what was once considered old - new again. Holly: I've found myself really attracted to designs centered around a few colors this season: a "Dick Tracey" yellow, a cantaloupe orange, and a soften royal blue. I see myself picking up something in those colors really soon.

Looking back. What is the craziest thing you ever wore? Thom: I was just reminiscing with my co-worker the other day about wearing a shiny silk shirt with a silk tie to my 6th grade dance. I know it was fashionable then, but that was way too much silk for such a young age... Holly: When I was younger, I really took accessories way too seriously - clip on earrings, big necklaces. Since then, I have really stuck to the "less is more" maxim. I also use to pair stripes with patterns - I guess I was way ahead of my time!

If you could be a designer who would you be? Thom: Kenneth Cole, because I love the smart style, practicality, and work-to-life versatility of his pieces. I think his mid-level pricing allows even the most budget minded individuals the ability to look great. Holly: Diane von Fürstenberg - her timeless classics and great colors keep me coming back each season. I like that her straightforward style appeals to fashion-conscious women of all generations.

Can fashion save Hartford? Thom: Yes - I think so. This may be insurance city, but a well-dressed downtown pedestrian crowd would do wonders for Hartford's image and help it attract more of the attention it deserves. Holly: I wouldn't mind seeing a more fashionable Hartford. There are definitely areas of the city that have a sort of "shared" style; I wish there was more being done to promote those areas and their styles. Ultimately, if we can better promote or expand Hartford's sense of style, I believe we could better compete with the neighboring cities. While I do not see Hartford unseating NYC as the fashion capital of the United States anytime soon, it would be one less reason for people to leave the Hartford area.