Closet Raid
special feature
Story by Cassie Graham • Collin M. Smith Photography
Leigh Collins
Looney for Lilly
For Leigh Collins, the old adage rings true: Grandma knows best. “She has impeccable taste, a true lady. She taught me that buying clothes that were better quality
would last longer and always be staples in one’s closet.” As a child, Leigh and her
grandmother went out on shopping sprees and continue to do so now (her grandmother is now 86!). In fact, they just recently purchased Lilly dresses for Leigh’s
daughter. Like mother, like daughter! To be honest, you could say Leigh has a
fashion-forward family. From her grandmother’s high-end clothing store job to her
brother’s employment at Gucci, her family keeps her updated on the latest trends.
However, Leigh doesn’t need motivation to update her closet. “I have always had a
love affair with clothes. I LOVE clothes!”
“Lilly has a way of making you feel
like a woman while looking amazing.”
Leigh is known for being a Lilly Pulitzer fanatic. From school to weddings, Leigh
has had her fair share of opportunities to wear Lilly outfits. “Lilly has a way of mak-
Leigh Collins resides in Florence
with her husband Cliff and their
three children: Hoyt (3), Graham
(2), and Gillian (1). She is a full
time stay-at-home mom and
student at Florence-Darlington
Technical College in pursuit of a
nursing degree.
ing you feel like a woman while looking amazing. Wearing it requires a sense of confidence and boldness. It says a lot about the type of woman you are when you have
it on - bold, sassy, confident and always classy.” Just like every Southern lady, Leigh
remembers the first magical time she used her own money to buy a Lilly dress. Her
first purchase was for recruitment at College of Charleston. She recalls being complimented over and over on her dress at all of the parties she attended. There is
just something classy and magical about being in Lilly. It makes one feel perfectly
put together. According to Leigh, there is also an “ease” to the clothes. They feel
good, look good and last forever. “I often hear people talk about the price of a shirt,
but the Elsa top is fabulous and amazing in every print. If you take care of it, it will
last forever.” While every lady loves a good dress, Leigh’s go-to style is jeans paired
with a great top. Of course, the Elsa top is a staple for Leigh because it goes with
everything.
Lately, Leigh has been training for her first half marathon. Because she constantly runs and works out,
Where there are quality clothes, there is quality service. Leigh admits that if sales-
her body is perfectly fit for the latest trends. “Being fit and losing weight was a major game changer be-
women treat her well, she will be back again and again. “The girls at The Pink Ca-
cause now I can actually wear the clothes I want and the rock the trend.” Her hot picks for this seas on are
bana are awesome, especially Hailey Sumner. She is so sweet and adorable! They
coats, especially leather jackets. This fall, she will be seen around Florence in her tall boots paired with
know their products and their clients. If something comes in, they automatically have
skinny jeans. For a fresh look, Leigh recommends oxford shoes. “I think that the Cole Haan Jagger Weave
people in mind.” Leigh’s brother also assists her with outfit choices while influencing
Oxford is adorable! Pair it with a boyfriend jean, a tee and a blazer, and you have a classic every day chic
her fashion sense and updating her on current styles. As general manager of Gucci
look.” She is waiting to get her hands on the new Lilly Pulitzer Puffer Vest set to debut this season.
in Houston, Texas, clothes and fashion are his life! “Whatever is happening on the
Leigh explains, “Shopping stirs something in me that triggers happy times, it makes me feel good. When
runway gets relayed to me, and I love it!” In addition to her family, close friend Made-
I get a new shirt or outfit, I immediately relate it to Saturdays in Florence with my mom or weekends
line Smith influences her style. She is hip and trendy! She loves to shop and inspires
with my grandmother. It is a sense of euphoria. Nothing makes a woman feel better than a new outfit or
Leigh’s fashion sense by sending her photos of cute tops. The two ladies have a lot of
someone telling her how well she looks in that outfit.” Leigh’s fashion-forward wisdom reminds us that
the same pieces in their closets. As they say, great minds think alike!
an outfit can make or break a day and that you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
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September 2014
shemagazine.com