Anita Benner isn’t one to settle. By day, Benner is a premier account manager and music programmer at Mood Media, but by night she moonlights as a singer-songwriter and voice over artist.
When she’s not busy discovering new musicians and giving them a platform at Mood, which reaches more than 150 million people a day, she’s making her own music. Her songs have been featured in over a dozen television shows and video games. Most recently Benner’s work appeared in Coco-Cola’s 52 Songs of Happiness campaign. Her song for the campaign, “Destapa La Felicidad” has since been sampled by the producer duo, Rock Mafia.
“The secret to my sanity,” Benner jokes, “Is to maintain a balance between my corporate and creative aspirations.” And, with a schedule as busy as hers, a comfortable style is of the utmost importance.
“I’m all for comfort and love pulling on elastic waistband leggings on those days where I need some extra breathing room,” explains the multi-talented professional. “But I’m constantly reminding myself that I can still be comfortable without looking frumpy.”
Another fashion must is that her clothing should reflect both her creativity and femininity. Two of Benner’s on-screen fashion icons include her fellow Latinas, Sofia Vergara and Eva Longoria. “I recently discovered Cache, which I refer to as my favorite Latin women’s boutique. When I shop there I’m definitely channeling Sofia and Eva.Those ladies always look amazing!”
Coincidentally, Cache does a lot to support professional women. “With our ‘best at dress’ mission we offer a variety of styles for different shapes and sizes, with coordinating sweaters and jackets to support your dress code and your mission to feel fabulous,” says Cache EVP and Chief Stores Officer, Jane Land Inman. “We also work within the communities we serve to partner or lend a hand to support local efforts.” Inman, speaking for all of Cache was honored to be named by Brenner.
As for other women in television, Benner admits that she misses HBO’s beloved, and well syndicated, Sex In The City. “It’s the only TV show I’ve watched that featured a cast of female professionals with careers and fashion sense worth aspiring for.” So inspiring was the show, that Inman also references Carrie Bradshaw as a fashion icon, along with the “polished, trend right Emily VanCamp of Revenge.”
Unfortunately, Benner believes that there are few likable businesswomen on TV today. “Peggy on Mad Men and Claire on House of Cards are both successful working women, but they’re portrayed as cold and short tempered – and, in Claire’s case – downright evil. I enjoy watching women professionals who are strong, while still being feminine and caring.” However, Reese Witherspoon, specifically her character in 2012’s This Means War, is another well-dressed, Hollywood lead whom Benner appreciates. “Reese’s character has a cool career as a product testing executive and she has a killer fashion sense. But, she’s also instantly likeable, warm, and approachable.”
So how does this high-spirited professional achieve her perfect feminine, comfort-meets-creative look? By “dumping the frump.” Her biggest fashion tip: “only wear one baggy item at a time and balance it with a form fitting piece,” she explains. “If I wear a loose or baggy top I’ll pair it with tight pants or leggings, and vice versa.”
Inman offers her own style tips, as well. “Determine your best asset and highlight it! At Cache, we offer a variety of styles and silhouettes that enhances your best features. I also recommend embracing color. It gives me energy and pink is my favorite accent, especially when paired with metallic, texture or black and white.” Inman also recommends accessorizing well and loving whatever it is you do. “It’s so important to wake up hungry to win and go to bed feeling like you made a difference. I also think it’s important to keep learning every day as that’s what makes you grow as a person. We’re each different and special and can positively influence each other.”
Photos courtesy of ABC Media & Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
TAGS: dressing like the stars