Corene Mckinney, Consultant at a Fortune 500 Company, Tells All About Her Celebrity Style Inspirations
Toting plastic heels and a briefcase at the age of five, Corene Mckinney always knew she had a look – and a mind – for business.
17 years later it was a “fresh” pinstripe skirt-suit that she was toting. Except this time, it wasn’t around her house, but to her very first day of work, at her very first “big kid” job.
Today, the 28 year old is an Operations & Controls Consultant at a Fortune 500 Financial Services & Insurance Company in Seattle. Not only is her company high ranking on Fortune’s list, they’re also in the top for women executives, as well as diversity. “I know my friends think I’m boring,” she jokes. “But I love a good nerd session over my job.”
With a passion for textures and sleek lines, Mckinney names Damages’ Patty Hewes and Ellen Parsons, played by Glenn Close and Rose Byrne respectively, as her current fashion inspirations. “Both characters nail the ‘Don’t cross me because I’m smarter than you, faster than you, and pretty’ look so well,” Mckinney exclaims. Blame Patty and Ellen’s “pointed heels, beautiful fabrics and textures” for winning Mckinney’s fashion admiration.
“I like an outfit with layers and depth that avoids being too complicated,” says this consultant. “I know, impossible right? Apparently not for whoever did the wardrobe for the Damages cast.” While the FX series ended in September 2012, all five seasons are currently available on Netflix Instant Watch.
The formidable fashion icon, Jessica Alba, is Mckinney’s other celebrity style crush. “I love her look, especially the skinny-leg trouser and blazer combination. It’s one of my all-time favorite pairings.”
Mckinney’s go-to fashion must is mascara and a “pop” of lip color. “It’s a quick improvement to any look,” she says. This
professional also recommends starting small. “With all the chaotic, multi-patterned and accessory-heavy styles we see these days it’s easy to get caught up in the fun of adding everything at once. Don’t.” Mckinney suggests picking one color or accessory as the focal point and building an outfit around that piece. Feeling overwhelmed? She reminds us, “it’s okay to ask for help.”
An avid reader of political magazines and global news blogs, Mckinney believes that businesswomen are gaining more ground in the media. “I think now more than ever before, women are publicly recognized for their professional accolades.” Which means their style and professional flair is also on greater display. “However, I really wish female politicians would lose the pearls and rock a sleek cuff bracelet, or something,” says Mckinney. “Anything to reinforce that you can still have fun and be you, while maintaining a classy, polished look.”
So, how do you spice up your look?
Photo courtesy of TV.com
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