In lawyer Julie Landau's closet, you won't find a sea of pinstripes or rows of sensible pumps.
Envision instead aqua blazers, hot pink dresses and hand-painted scarves -- clothes and accessories that pay homage to this Baltimore divorce attorney's eclectic style.
Part of the credit for her taste belongs to her husband, Peter Kaizer, a potter whose work will be featured at this weekend's American Craft Council Craft Fair at the Convention Center. Ms. Landau will be there, too, perhaps with the couple's two daughters.
Although she'll be searching for "suit-like outfits" for work, she's uncertain whether she'll buy anything.
"I wait for things to jump out at me," says Ms. Landau, 40, who lives in Mount Washington. "With me, it can be a shopping extravaganza, or I can come away empty-handed."
How would you describe your style?
Understated yet unconventional. In terms of the craft clothing I like, I don't go toward loud colors or offbeat styles. I stick to clothes that say something without yelling. If I'm going to make a fashion statement, I want to do it subtly.
What are your favorites?
I have two hand-painted dresses that I bought at Gazelle. I feel like a million dollars in either of those. One is blue with big flowers. The skirt has a flounce that makes it kind of sassy. Another is a red two-piece outfit. I used to be a partner in a big firm, and I wore it to a meeting once. The managing partner said I looked like a hot pepper, but that was OK. It's fun to dress like that in a conservative, male-dominated environment.
How do you blend two very different wardrobes -- professional suits and craft clothing?
It depends on what image I have to project at the time. If I'm going to court or a power meeting, I'll wear the strict business suit. If I have more latitude, I'll choose something that says more about me. I'll go for one-of-a-kind clothes that are feminine, softer and more welcoming.
Have you ever realized too late that you've dressed in the wrong style?
I try not to take chances. People judge your credibility in part by how you appear. I've always thought that if I looked too unconventional, I was not going to be taken seriously. I'm more likely to err on the side of being more conservatively dressed. But there are times when I'll wear something artsy to work and have to go to court unexpectedly. At this point, I have enough confidence to do it.
If image didn't matter, what would you wear to work?
I'd wear handmade sweaters, silk T-shirts, jeans and cowboy boots.
What effect did your husband's work have on your appreciation of craft clothing?
He has helped my interest. Because of what he does, I'm aware of more craft shows. He's also introduced me to craft people whose clothes and accessories I now wear.
Have your interests shown up in your children's wardrobes?
Our oldest daughter, Hannah, 6 1/2 , is very artistic. Isabel, 4 1/2 , is in a period of transition. She's now into wearing things that are very tight-fitting. If her belly hangs over the waistband, she's happy.
Where do you shop?
Aside from craft shows, I'll go to Gazelle in Cross Keys. For professional things, I'll go to Ann Taylor or Saks Fifth Avenue.
What fashion lesson have you learned the hard way?
You shouldn't buy a party dress unless you have a party to go to. Years ago, I went to a Nan Duskin formal-wear sale and bought this black party dress with a fuchsia bow. I totally fell in love with this dress. I was 38 at time, and I decided I'd wear it to my 39th birthday party. I never had the party, and I've never worn the dress.
Is there anything in your closet you've vowed never to wear again?
One very earth-looking, hand-woven dress. It looks like a potato sack.
How would you finish this sentence: "I'll know I'm a great dresser when . . ."
I can accessorize an outfit without asking the salesperson to do it for me.
Do you know some dressers? Let us know. Write to Mary Corey, The Baltimore Sun, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore 21278.