James St style queen and former WAG reveals wardrobe tips
Calexico boutique founder Nicky Charman says there is one item of clothing that all women should own, because it feels like a form of ‘armour’.
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As the founder of Brisbane’s fashion boutique Calexico, Nicky Charman is the golden girl of Brisbane’s James Street. But when it comes to her personal style, a lot of the credit sits with her mum Catherine.
“My mum is pretty cool. Growing up, I didn’t realise I was going to get into fashion but looking back she had every copy of French Vogue from as early as I can remember and that was a really big inspiration for me,’’ she says.
Charman describes herself as “eclectic … a style chameleon” but there’s a definite low-key French vibe to her outfits with blue jeans and black blazers on high rotation. Among her favourite pieces is her black Cartier watch, a gift from husband Jamie to celebrate the birth of their daughter Lenny, and her ‘Nicky’ belt.
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How would you describe your personal style?
Style is a form of expression; I like to think I’m eclectic, a bit of a style chameleon and change my look depending on how I feel that day. I definitely love a rock chic glam look and my go-to outfit is jeans, boots, a cool blazer, t-shirt and a belt. I’m not really a dress girl but if I have to, I love putting on a frock for a wedding or Melbourne Cup.
Who are your style icons?
As well as mum, I love author Caroline de Maigret (international model, music producer author of How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits); I think she’s pretty awesome, and I can’t go past Giselle, she has great natural style, which I love. I love the look of not being too overdone.
What’s the story behind this belt?
My husband teases me all the time, we called it the Nicky belt and it is based off an old vintage belt I found in Paris about 15 years ago, before Calexico even started. I was wearing it on one of my first buying trips in Italy and I was ordering belts from a guy and I asked if he could make it. It’s vintage, but every time I wear it people ask if I can recreate it, so we did. It’s a little bit equestrian, but also a bit rock and roll and, for me, it completes any outfit.
What was your first big splurge?
I was still in school and I saved up all my money and bought a crisp white shirt from a store called Cactus Jam in Melbourne. It was expensive at the time, probably about $180 which is still a lot of money. I had realised less is more when it comes to buying quality and really appreciating the workmanship of how things are made. The shirt still stands out in my mind, and I ended up wearing it heaps and heaps.
What’s your most sentimental accessory?
A Cartier watch my husband Jamie bought me when our daughter Lenny was born. He also engraved the back of it, which was a really nice touch. It’s black, quite masculine and looks like a guy’s watch, which I like.
What’s the newest addition to your wardrobe?
I just added a new Blazé Milano Linen Silk Savannah Charmer Blazer in Chocolate Brown. Blazers are a girl’s suit of armour. You can put one on and no matter how crappy or tired you feel, or what kind of day you think you’re going to have, it gives you that push to feel awesome.
What’s another of your wardrobe staples?
Blue denim jeans. You can’t get me out of them and nothing feels as good as an awesome pair of blue jeans. I have so many pairs that every year I go through and cull give them to be sisters or besties.
What’s the oldest piece in your wardrobe that you’ll never throw out?
I have a beautiful old leather jacket that’s so worn it’s nearly had its day but I’ll never get rid of it. I can take it any where as it’s foolproof for making me look just that little bit edgier.
Heels or sneakers?
Sneakers by day (because I’m running after my kids or running up the store stairs 100 times a day) and definitely heels by night for sexy date night or girl time!
