Our Best Dressed features highlight local people who were nominated because they have a sense of style that makes a statement: fashion forward, professional, effortless or dramatic … their looks let elements of their personalities shine through. We were granted an opportunity to take photos on the campus of Mott Community College, which celebrates their centennial this year. Our thanks to Marketing & Communications Manager, Bob Campbell, for his assistance with access to the locations.
Marissa Pierce
Director of Development & External Relations, Flint Institute of Arts
Finish this sentence: “To me, style is …
… all about what makes you feel the most ‘you’, no matter how it may look to someone else.”
What accessory item do you reach for most often?
I collect Hermès scarves – they add a little something extra to my looks. I wear them as bracelets, hair accessories, or as an addition to a handbag.
Tell us about your favorite piece of clothing in your closet.
I actually have two! One is a tartan officer’s coat by Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply. That line has been discontinued, so it’s somewhat a collector’s item. I usually start wearing it right after Thanksgiving and through the holidays. I love a “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” look, and that coat definitely gives off that vibe. The other piece is a sundress of my mother’s – I have a few clothing items of hers, but I just love wearing that dress!
Is there a wardrobe item you hope to own soon?
I’ve recently been on the hunt for a leather dress from North Beach Leather, which went out of business some time ago. I remember looking at their catalogs when I was a kid and planning how I was going to have one of their dresses one day.
Who is your style icon?
I have a few: Dorothy Dandridge, Diahann Carrol, Audrey Hepburn, Andre Leon Talley, and Samantha Stephens from “Bewitched.” I like classic looks but with a twist!
Have you ever made a memorable fashion faux pas?
Even when an outfit has been super “out there” or a little crazier than I planned, I still made it work. If you’re wearing something you love, I don’t think it can ever really be a fashion faux pas.
Susan Philpott Preketes
Attorney, Specializing in Family Law
The C.S. Mott Library was completed in 1960 thanks to a $1 million donation by Charles Stewart Mott. It was shared with UM-Flint until the mid-1970s when the University moved to Downtown Flint.
“To me, style is …
… a reflection of myself: serious and competent, but also fun.”
What accessory item do you reach for most often?
A great pair of shoes or a belt.
Tell us about your favorite piece of clothing in your closet.
My black leather shift dress by Chloe – it’s classic but sassy.
Is there a wardrobe item you hope to own soon?
Yes – a classic, camel cashmere trench coat by Veronica Beard.
Who are your style icons?
Tory Burch and Carolina Herrera
What current fashion statement do you dislike, and why?
Anything too trendy – crop tops, for instance.
Have you ever made a memorable fashion mistake?
I wore two different-colored shoes to court one day. (That’s what happens when you get dressed in the dark.)
Tiffany Stolzenfeld
Vice President, American Machining, Inc. | Vice President, Cygnet Automated Cleaning | Co-Owner, SHIFT Boutique
Finish this sentence: “To me, style is …
… an outward expression of your personality, mood and outlook on your day.”
What accessory item do you reach for most often?
I keep my accessories pretty consistent, I’m a creature of habit. For everyday, I wear a simple pair of earrings, a small necklace, bracelets that I never take off, and my Hermes double-wrap Apple Watch band.
Tell us about your favorite piece of clothing in your closet.
I treasure my collection of unique handbags and scarves. They are very special to me.
Is there a wardrobe item you hope to own soon?
Someday, I would love to own a vintage Chanel bouclé suit.
Who is your style icon?
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, for sure! Classic, chic and timeless.
What current fashion statement do you dislike?
The super-duper, oversized clothing looks messy and is unflattering. It reminds me of COVID quarantine days – and I would rather not look back on that.
Have you ever made a memorable fashion mistake?
Yes … ten years ago, I attended my husband’s high school reunion in a cocktail dress, and it was a super-casual event hosted in someone’s hunting cabin – BBQ, beer kegs and a campfire!
Marcus Randolph
Regional Sales Manager, AT&T Business
Housing MCC’s sports programs, Ballenger Field House was completed in 1954 and named for William S. Ballenger, Sr., who was a very prominent member of the Flint automotive community.
“To me, style is …
… a vital part of your personal branding, just as important as your handshake or how you verbally communicate with others. Image is power. Having style doesn’t mean wearing luxury brands; you can find all kinds of gems everywhere if you know what works for you. But there is one caveat, and it is this: find a good tailor.”
What accessory item do you reach for most often?
I love my bracelets. Every one of them has a story behind it.
Tell us about your favorite piece of clothing in your closet.
I would have to say it is a lilac paisley print handkerchief that belonged to my father and is at least 40 years old. I also love to wear his gold pocket watch.
Is there a wardrobe item you hope to own soon?
I would love to have a bespoke suit straight from Savile Row in London, England.
Who is your style icon?
That’s an easy one – my father, without a doubt. He was known across the country for his custom suits and shoes.
Have you made a memorable fashion faux pas?
Well, I did wear a yellow suit to my high school sweetheart’s prom! Hey, it was the late ‘90s and she was wearing a yellow dress, so why not match?
Troy Slivka, Jr.
Sales Manager, Randy Wise Motorcars
Regional Technology Center opened in 2002 as a center for high-technology education. It was created to prepare students to enter the workplace with the knowledge needed to be successful in high-tech careers.
Finish this sentence: “To me, style is …
… clothing that matches the personality of the person wearing it.”
What accessory item do you reach for most often?
My pocket knives go with every outfit! I have a workday knife and a weekend knife. I also like a bow tie with a suit.
Is there a wardrobe item you hope to own soon?
I’d like to get a whole new collection of current suits for this fall/winter.
What current fashion statement do you dislike?
Giant T-shirts with skinny jeans – I prefer traditional casual clothing. Some of the trends are getting out of hand these days.
Tell us about your favorite piece of clothing in your closet.
Sweatpants – love my comfy clothes.
Have you made a memorable fashion faux pas?
I am color blind, so mixing the wrong color pants with jackets is probably my most common mistake. I rely on Craig Ryan Menswear to match up my outfits when I buy them. Craig is responsible for me being considered for this ‘Best Dressed’ feature.
