Bursting with colour and pattern, Dee Dee DiSanto's Instagram page is a wonderfully joyful oasis. A delightful place to land for a mood boosting dose of fashion inspiration. Dee's style feels so thoughtful. Each colour, each print and each texture is beautifully layered and entwined. All singing together in a spectacular ode to joy.
To think that aesthetics is the only role Dee's clothes play is to do them a disservice. They are not just fancy confections to be looked upon with delight. This is a hard working wardrobe designed to keep up with Dee's busy lifestyle. There is no primping and preening here. Dee's clothes have comfort and quality at their heart. They move and breathe with her as she works her way through the day and we must say, they do so in the most spectacular way.
The Expressionists - An interview series celebrating amazing individuals who express themselves through fashion, uncovering their connection to their clothing and discovering their inspiration.
At Billie Boots we believe style is creativity, a way to experiment and play with what it is to be you. It has little to do with trends and even good taste. As Diana Vreeland said 'Too much good taste can be boring, independent style on the other hand, can be very inspiring'.
We hope this series inspires you to express your authentic self through your wardrobe. Why? Because it's a daily opportunity to be yourself on purpose and unapologetically share that with the world. Step into your skin and stand in your style.
It's time to meet Dee.......
1/ How did your love of clothes start?
As far back as I remember I have loved clothes, color, fashion and art.
2/ How would you describe your style?
Someone on Instagram recently described my style as 'Museum Auntie' and I have to say, I've completely adopted that term as my own.
3/ What is your philosophy when it comes to style?
Getting dressed and what we choose to wear is the most personal and intimate expression of who we are. For me, joy and comfort are the catch words. I dress for my own personal enjoyment.
4/ Who or what influences your style and why?
I find inspiration in so many places. From friends on Instagram and real life, from small brands that I follow, from nature, from art and the work of artists I admire.
5/ How does dressing make you feel?
Well it depends on what I'm wearing but mostly I would say I feel confident and uniquely me in the outfits that I choose.
6/ How do people respond to your style?
In real life I get virtually nothing but compliments, maybe some funny looks depending on what I'm wearing, but I often have (especially) women come up to me and tell me that they love my style and wish that they could be more bold in their fashion choices. On instagram as well it is mostly positive but certainly some people have a negative reaction to my very colorful and eclectic style. I just take that like water off a ducks back.
7/ Where do you search for clothes?
I look at resale sites like The Real Real and Poshmark and directly from brands. I used to shop quite a bit with individuals on Instagram, following hashtags for particular brands, I don't do much of that anymore though.
8/ Do you follow trends?
I do not.
9/ What does your style say about who you are? What do you hope to communicate through your wardrobe?
I think my style says I love color, I love texture, I love life and I'm confident. But honestly I'm not trying to send a message with how I dress. How I dress is for me and me alone.
10/ How does your style fit into your lifestyle?
Comfort is absolutely key for me. If it's not comfortable, I won't wear it. I have zero interest in fussing with my clothes. They need to move with me and the busy pace of my life. It's also important to me to support and wear brands that put sustainability and ethics at the forefront. I'm happy to pay more for clothes that represent a certain set of values that I want to emulate in my life.
11/ What pushes your style boundaries? What would you love to wear but haven't quite plucked up the courage?
Honestly I can't think of anything, if I want to wear it I wear it.
12/ What advice would you give someone who is wanting to express themselves more fully through their wardrobe but feeling insecure?
I would say start small. Choose one or two pieces or colors that are outside of your comfort zone and start to integrate them into a more typical outfit.
But honestly the work needs to start within. If you struggle with feeling insecure think about ways that you can develop your sense of self that go beyond clothes. For me, being strong and athletic is an important part of who I am and how I feel day to day. I exercise because it makes me feel good and it makes my body feel strong, not because I am trying to achieve any particular shape.
I also spend a lot of time investing in my close friendships with people who help build me up and act as a support system when I'm struggling. Mental health and well being is a critical part of overall health. Take care of your mind and body and you will start to see how much you deserve to wear exactly what you want and let go of expectations that other people have about how you should or shouldn't be.
