On Trend with Lydia Shafer
You know how there are just some people who just make you stop and stare? Real head-turners? Lydia Shafer, owner of LOCK Boutique, LOCK Bridal, and the LOCK Boutique Valley Girl Collection, is one of those people.
From her light and bright blonde bob, to her impeccable fashion sense, Lydia always has something going on that makes you feel inspired. Something that makes you want to do some digging into your own wardrobe. Something that makes you think, “Hmmm… I could really use a coat/sweater/dress like the one she’s wearing.”
So, we went straight to the source and asked Lydia her thoughts on trends, her personal style, and overall fashion in the ‘Fonte.
What has shaped your personal style, and the style that you bring to Lock Boutique?
I would say my style (and LOCK’s style) is always evolving. I love to travel and get
inspiration from seeing what other people are wearing. I also have very fashionable friends
who influence me.
Winter in Pennsylvania can be gorgeous. But let’s get real– it’s also cold! How do you find a balance between fashion and function when you want to look put-together, but stay warm even as snow starts to fall?
Add accessories to any outfit and suddenly you look much more put-together. If you are
wearing the classic winter girl uniform a crew neck and jeans, layer a few gold necklaces
and earrings to spice up your look. I am also a big fan of accessorizing the simple winter
coat with a fun scarf, hat and gloves.
Let’s talk trends. What’s a trend you can’t get enough of right now? What’s a trend you can’t wait to see end?
I am loving all the matching sets; it makes getting ready so easy! I’m also here for all of the
oversized sweaters + jeans. As for the low-rise jean trend (think Brittany Spears in the
early 2000s) that is a trend I will not be participating in again.
How should shoppers balance buying what’s trendy with buying staples that will last if they want to stay in style?
At LOCK we like to describe our style as “classic with a modern twist”. We are big fans of
styling classic staple pieces with something trendy to give a modern/updated look. When
building a wardrobe, I would recommend 70% should be classic staples and then each
season add a few trendy pieces to keep your style current.
What’s the one thing in your closet that you simply cannot live without?
It’s fall, so I’ve been living in oversized chunky turtleneck sweaters and my UGGS. It’s
#PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) season. What can I say?
What is the most underrated clothing piece/accessory a person can put in their closet?
Everyone needs a camel colored top coat.
Wear it over a mini dress with heels and you are ready for a night out.
Wear it over a hoodie, leggings and sneakers and you are ready for the weekend.
You’re getting dressed up for a date night out in Bellefonte. What do you wear?!
Fitted black midi turtleneck sweater dress, gold hoop earrings, black high heel booties and
that camel top coat. Classy and cozy.
We’re loving the Lock Boutique Valley Girl collection! What inspired you to create Valley Girl? Do you have a favorite collection item?
Thank you for the compliment! Athleisure is a huge part of American culture. High schoolers, college students and now the work force (thanks to more people working from home) live in athleisure. I wanted to offer an athleisure collection that expresses the #lockgirls culture. Sweet with a little sass.
Sometimes it feels like “wedding season” is every season. What should guests wear to a winter wedding?
I think the wedding industry is still trying to catch up from Covid, and as a result, every season is now a wedding season. I love a good party dress so I’m here for it! For a casual winter wedding, you can’t go wrong with a sweater dress and a tall boot. If you are attending a formal winter wedding, it’s the perfect time to break out the little black dress and a simple high heel.
You recently announced that Lock Bridal will be partnering with the Sara Alouache bridal collection! That’s so exciting! What made you choose Sara Alouache, and what can brides expect from the collection?
In previous years, there were a small handful of huge design houses that dominated the industry. But now thanks to social media, there are a lot of smaller designers breaking into the market and offering more unique options. This shake up is what got me excited to dive into the bridal industry. I spent many hours scrolling Instagram searching for a designer who not only designed beautiful gowns but one who also shared the same message. Sara Alouache Instagram biography reads “A breeze of fresh air for the modern bride. For the effortless bride. Let’s break the rules together.” Once I read statement and then looked at her classic/modern designs. I knew she was the designer for LOCK Bridal.
