Some new members of the Facebook Group enter quietly while others splash onto the scene.  I would say Eva Linke’s entrance was more of a strong wave.  It was as if one day, this beautiful blonde just suddenly appeared like a sprite with all this infectious energy and positive spirit.

Eva fell in well with the other members as if she had been around all along and she and I bonded over our mutual love of Stella McCartney. I’m fairly certain I posted at least one “STELLA!!!” gif to her in a comment thread at least once, because, how can you not pass up that joke?  I’m thrilled to feature Eva as June’s Facebook Member of the Month.

Let’s get right to Eva’s answers to my Style questions and check out what she has to say.

Name: Eva Linke

Location: McKinney/Dallas, Texas

Age: 42

Q: What do you like most about being a member of Bridgette’s Facebook Group? 

A: I like that it’s a diverse group of women (do we have any men or other genders?) that are very supportive of each other and love sharing their Fashion wins and failures.

For the record, Bridgette Raes’s Facebook Group does not accept men but welcomes all women who have identified and continue to identify as such.

Q: The biggest benefits you have received from being a Group member 

A: The biggest benefit must be the inspiration I gain from all the pictures. Being more of a safe dresser, I love that the members incorporate color and patterns in a way that looks amazing but that I would not consider.

Q: What would you tell women who haven’t joined The Group yet?  

A: Join the group, if you think your style is amazing, you will be an inspiration. If you need help, we are here for you and without judgment!

Q: How would you describe your style? 

A: For years I went to the office and I loved to explore the business formal and business casual dressing. I had so many office dresses, pants, blouses, jackets, and heels. For going out, I’d have specific fancy outfits. And I used to go out a lot.

Then I transitioned into working from home, not just because of Covid but also because our business has changed and we also moved to the country. My general lifestyle has changed as well since I don’t socialize as much and rarely go out. Other than going to the barn to ride (I am an equestrian), I rarely leave my house and property (and I like it that way). So my style has faltered a bit, and all I need is clothes for around the house (I don’t need to do Zoom calls), riding clothes, and then nice clothes for occasional dinner.

For public appearances aka errands or dinners out, I usually wear jeans with a top, a cute T-shirt, or a blouse. In summer I live in dresses, above the knee or longer. I am not into bright colors or large patterns, so simple elegance is more my thing. I am also not into excessive accessories, so chunky necklaces, scarves, and large earrings are not what I’d normally choose, although I do add large earrings on occasion, usually for going out.

Q: How did you discover your style?  

A: Trial and error mostly. Seeing what colors look good on me and which wash me out, what I feel good in, and what I pick up the most when dressing, as opposed to things that stay on hangers indefinitely. I’ve been following the Minimalism movement and lots of their advice on closet organization and purging has helped me also with my dressing and clothes.

Q: What advice do you have for others trying to find their style?  

A: Don’t be afraid of color and don’t be afraid to try things that are out of your comfort zone. You may end up loving it! But don’t get pushed into trendy and/or uncomfortable clothes just because they are fashionable. I am done suffering for fashion!

Q: What fashion issues are you currently struggling with? 

A: Based on the change in my work life and lifestyle in general, I don’t have much need for “fancy and fashionable” clothes. However, a few times a year I need to attend a conference in NYC or Miami and I am a little lost. I am ready to buy beautiful, trendy, and high-end things but then I realize I would wear them ONLY those few days a few times a year and they would not fit into my lifestyle in the country. I feel like my old office clothes are not nice enough for the high finance world that I’ve been thrown into, between men in very expensive suits. I don’t want to come off cheap and/or frumpy, while I also don’t want to look too sexy or like I try too hard. So this has been a challenge. I’ve been inspired by some of the capsule wardrobes Bridgette has picked out for her clients and purchased a few things from them.

Q: What are the most versatile items you have in your closet? 

A: My black leather moto jacket that I’ve had for years and wear all the time when it’s not hot (I live in TX after all) or when I travel. It goes with everything and gives all my outfits a little edge. Also, my thin dark denim jacket, which also goes with everything and is perfect for summer dressing when going to air-conditioned spaces. Oh and my plastic white Birkenstocks sandals. I wear them literally all summer for all occasions including the beach. I love white shoes and white bags, I feel like white is a great alternative to black, it’s neutral and perfect for summer.

Q: If you could go back and change the way you dressed in the past, what would you change?  

A: I’d wear more comfortable shoes!!!

Q: Is there a fashion purchase you made that you found more useful than you thought it would be?  

A: Yes, high-waisted straight cropped jeans. I bought them because they were in fashion but I thought I’d never wear them. They ended up being my favorite and I wear them all the time.

Q: What about a fashion purchase that you thought would solve all your problems, but didn’t?

A: I borrowed this leather sheath dress from a friend and I literally wore it all the time. It worked for any occasion (from fall to winter). When I had to return it, I decided I’d buy one myself and I think I wore it twice? The one I bought had a different neckline that wouldn’t work with a long-sleeve T-shirt underneath like hers did and was kind of sexy so that limited use for lots of occasions. I still have it but have not worn it for a long time. And also Valentino flats. I thought I needed fancy flats that I could wear for walking as well as for meetings and dinners …well, these have made holes in my feet and I dread to wear them again.

Q: How do you envision yourself when you look your best?  

A: Spare elegance without much embellishment. Elegant, flowy, slightly mysterious.

Q: What are your biggest fashion goals for the year?  

A: Figure out what to wear for my high finance conferences so that I feel confident and look polished and competent without trying too hard. And also nail the casual look for errands, so that I don’t look sloppy and cheap but it’s also easy to put together.

Q: What is the best fashion advice you ever received? 

A: Dress for yourself, not for others. And also wear what makes you feel good and confident, not what others are wearing or the latest fashions if they don’t suit you.

Q: The first thing you take off when you get home? 

A: Shoes, of course.

Q: Favorite color(s) to wear 

A: Any shade of blue including aqua, which is my favorite. White in summer, black in winter. I wear limited colors and that’s why I need to get inspired through this group.

Q: Favorite stores to shop? 

A: Resale (local or The Real Real), Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Target. I don’t shop very much.

Q: What makes you happiest? 

A: Spending time outside in my garden and with my dogs, horses, and roses.

Q: What inspires you? 

A: Reading – blogs, books, articles, social media. Sometimes other people but I’ve been pretty cut off so my inspiration lately is online.

Q: Use One Word to Describe Your Style

A: Simple