Leila Yavari Loves Sleek Stilettos, Vintage Levi’s

As the buyer and fashion director of luxury e-commerce site Stylebop.com, Leila Yavari is constantly on the hunt for investment pieces that make a wardrobe. Here, she reveals her favorite accessories, day-to-night pieces, stores, and more.

Define your style in three words: Pared-down plus.

Daily uniform: There are definitely key pieces that I return to over and over again: a button-up silk blouse, tailored trousers, stilettos, and an oversized handbag that doubles as a work bag. With my schedule, versatility is always key, but I also love the challenge of finding subtle updates and twists within the parameters (this might be the lingering influence of my primary school uniforms). These days, I begin with the essentials and let intuition do the rest.

Greatest hits: Jil Sander white tees, vintage Levi’s, well-worn leather jackets from a handful of my favorite designers, and the Chanel handbags given to me by my mother.

Preferred footwear: I do have a weakness for a sleek stiletto, but off-duty I opt for some more down-to-earth options—thankfully, spring offers a bounty of choices. Valentino gladiators or Pierre Hardy’s colorful, geometric-detail sandals are current favorites.

Finishing touches: Lately, I have been keeping my look pretty minimal, gravitating toward subtle pieces from Sophie Bille Brahe or Diane Kordas that you can wear around the clock. For handbags, I always carry a Fendi peekaboo or a Celine Luggage tote because they work at the office, on the road, and after hours.

Nighttime look: I’m definitely not the kind of girl who dresses to the nines (unless, of course, the occasion calls for it). A crisp blazer and my vintage Levi’s are usually in heavy rotation. More often than not, I just add a pair of heels and red lipstick and hope for the best.

Best recent discovery: The artist Evan Halloway, who shows with David Kordansky in Los Angeles. I love how he recycles everyday materials—like used batteries—to make these brutalist, poetic sculptures.

Favorite stores: Coqui Coqui, the beach resort-cum-boutique in Tulum, for its signature fragrances and mellow atmosphere; and Librairie 7L in Paris, for its amazingly curated collection of art and design books.

Style icons: Charlotte Rampling for her smart sex appeal and fearless aging, Francoise Hardy for her free-spirited cool, and my mother who taught me the importance of propriety.

Last purchase: Last download was Tink and also some of her collaborations with Future Brown. The sound is so unique, but also has some of the energy of ‘90s and early aughts hip-hop and rap, which I love.

Lusting after: I’m too well behaved these days—so lusting for an opportunity to be less so. Maybe a regrettable make-out story…?

Favorite haunts: I love the Matisse in Paris. It’s a laid-back bar in a great neighborhood and the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two after a long day of appointments or shows. In New York, I love the Bowery Hotel. It’s my absolute favorite. The accommodations are great—posh but not stuffy and service is excellent; it’s close to all my friends and also walking distance to the Lower East Side galleries. Currently my favorite dining spot is Chez Camille in Ramatuelle: it’s like your grandmother’s kitchen taken up a notch (or two). I love the homemade Bouillabaise—especially in the springtime. Pure bliss.

What’s always in your bag: ____ My iPhone 6; Céline sunnies; Sensai Cellular Performance Total Lip Treatment; and red lipstick, for an evening out or a little pick-me-up.