Our True Beauty series features the most influential and stylish women in Texas. We take a peek inside their closets, their minds, and their hearts to find out what makes them truly passionate. Today’s post features Cassandra Yardeni who is the Senior Marketing & Events Director at Euclid Media Group, which owns the San Antonio Current among several other publications around the country. She also happens to be one of my best crunchy mama friends, and we first met through a local play group when Cora and her daughter Lily were barely crawling! Cassie’s now expecting her second little one, and I’m so excited for her to join the mom of two club. She’s been a true friend over the years, constantly supportive and a beam of sunshine when motherhood gets tough. I admire her for her sense of style and self, and I think you’ll find her just as lovely as I do!
{A retro-inspired cocktail dress Cassandra wore to her engagement party. She says, “This was a favorite of my fiancé, Michael. I found this at Tres Mariposas, an El Paso boutique.”}
Haute in Texas: How would you describe your style?
Cassandra Yardeni: I’d describe my style as feminine and playful, without being too twee. I like classic silhouettes in interesting colors or fabrics, and am partial to a good dress or jumper– one pieces make dressing so much easier!
HIT: How did becoming a mother change your style?
CY: Motherhood changed my style quite a bit. I’m much more conscious of what I’m spending now (gone are the days of a whole paycheck spent on a single shopping trip), so I take the time to find versatile pieces at a good price. Even with “investment” staples, I usually try to choose more classic bags, jackets and shoes that I’m going to spend a lot of money on so they’ll last more than a couple seasons. I enjoy thrifting with my daughter, so I find some gems this way, too. I became a mother and a true career woman around the same time, so my style naturally matured, but I am fortunate to work in an industry where I don’t need to be overly conservative and can still have fun with fashion.
{Cassandra says, “I love this mint gown that I purchased from a second-hand boutique on Instagram. Lily has already claimed it for when she’s ‘a grown up.'”}
HIT: Where’s the best-kept secret place to shop in San Antonio?
CY: I can totally lose myself thrifting. I’m not exactly one to wear the trendiest outfit, but I do keep up with current fashion (I still devour my monthly Vogue), so I like to mix and match newer pieces with items I find from “the junk.” I love Family Thrift and the Goodwill on Austin Highway, but don’t always leave the stores with good finds. I was so sad when the Buffalo Exchange here turned into an outlet– I used to trade my clothes on a near bi-weekly basis. If I feel like treating myself, I’ll go by a designer consignment store like Otra Vez or that consignment boutique in the Boardwalk on Broadway.
HIT: How does your “crunchy” lifestyle influence your fashion choices?
CY: Honestly, not much. When I was nursing my daughter (Lily, 4) often, I tended to wear looser fitting tops or tops with, um, “easy access,” but she’s been weaned for a while now. Now that I’m pregnant, I’m shopping a lot of Gilt Groupe in the maternity boutiques, and I’m sure I’ll go back to the same style of tops once this baby is born.
{Cassandra says, “This is the 60s-style dress from Goodwill. The find that keeps on giving!}
HIT: What’s the best treasure you’ve ever found shopping?
CY: Both my treasures are from second-hand stores! I found this really beautiful 60s-style dress from Goodwill for $6 in a vibrant salmon color with these dramatic silver tinsel-lined bell sleeves. I get compliments on it every time I wear it. Another great find were these Prada platform shoes in mint condition for $50.
HIT: If you could only shop in one city for the rest of your life, what would it be?
CY: I know most women would cite big, metropolitan cities like LA or New York, but honestly, all of that selection is overwhelming to me! Okay, I did love to shop when I lived in New York, but I was a single college student with no expenses. If I’m perfectly honest, I think I’d say in my hometown of El Paso. There are like, six locally owned boutiques that each carry unique, affordable and super stylish lines that I love. The limited selection makes it easier for me to peruse.
{Cassandra says, “I love this retro swimsuit from J.Luxe, another El Paso boutique. Since becoming a mama, I’m most comfortable in high waisted bikinis, and feel that they really suit my sense of style.}
HIT: What’s your biggest hope for Lily as she grows up and develops her own personal sense of style?
CY: Great question! My biggest hope for Lily as she develops her personal sense of style is she does just that. She is this vibrant, expressive being and I want her to feel confident in her body and her choices. My wish for her is that she lives and dresses with grace and a sense of humor.
HIT: Finally, an Haute in Texas tradition, pancakes or waffles?
CY: Pancakes, with cinnamon and fruit.
{Cassandra says, “This photo was taken last Fall at Lily’s and my favorite San Antonio spot, Landa Library and Park. My super talented friend Kat Carey of Darkroom Foto snapped this. The Kate Spade jodhpurs are from Nordstrom Rack, the cognac boots are Dolce Vita from Gilt Groupe and the sweater is from Ruby Lola, yep, a boutique in El Paso.}
She’s fabulous, right?!
XO,
A
