New York model's casual style transfers to home

New York is well-known as the fashion capital of the United States. Many top models use the city as their base while traveling to Paris, London, Germany and South Africa to work.

I recently spoke with Ford model Ashley Graham, who has been living in New York since she was 15. What a big change for a small-town girl from Nebraska who was discovered in a shopping mall and later went on to become a top plus-size model for Lane Bryant, Nordstrom's, Bloomingdale's, Old Navy and Liz Claiborne, to name a few.

Graham, who is known for her style off and on the runway, recently was asked to give style advice on the MTV series "Made” and in Vogue's "Shape” issue. She also has been featured in Glamour and O magazines.

After meeting Ashley in California recently, I was betting that the style of her apartment was casual and comfortable. After working all day, she came to dinner with me and my family dressed in a casual and comfortable black two-piece pants set with a long black jacket. But what impressed me the most was the fact that she wore no or little makeup.

I asked Ashley what her decorating style was and she said, "Simplicity and gold.”

She described her New York apartment, indeed, as casual and comfortable. She said the focal point in her home is a large gray sectional sofa. It sounds perfect for relaxing after jet setting all over the world. She loves jewel tones as well and said she incorporated dark maroon, beige, purple, black and gold into the space.

Like many of us, her casual personal style reflects the decor in her home. So when it doubt, go to your closet and think about your style before you start your next design project.

Now go out and create your own unique comfort zone!

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