Woman of Style: Anne Arcenas-Gonzalez shows us the closet that Havaianas built

MANILA, Philippines - When Anne Arcenas-Gonzalez vacations, the destination often involves Honolulu or New York. “My sisters live there,” she says. Both places serve as a useful metaphor for her style — a mix of easy-breezy, casual, tropic-friendly gear and part bohemian, part glam wardrobe. As managing director of Terry S.A. Inc., the exclusive distributor of Havaianas in the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia, as well as David & Goliath, Anne travels frequently. “I maximize my trips,” she says, “and shop whenever I visit a new place.”

The result is a closet packed with tasteful, tailored pieces and wispy, ethereal separates.

A frequenter of Brooklyn “The shopping there is so good,” says Anne, “that Manhattan is no longer a necessity” she often inhabits shops with a good selection of curated apparel. “I’m not interested in hunting for stuff. I want to enter and be able to find something that suits me immediately.”

One of her favorite places to shop, aside from Barneys Coop, Intermix and Scoop, is Bird. The Brooklyn-based store, which can be found in Cobble Hill, Williamsburg and Park Slope, carries her preferred mix of Isabel Marant, Alexander Wang and Philip Lim.

Young, contemporary lines are what draw her attention. “I’ll go to Barneys for a bag,” she says, “but I’ll head to Barneys Coop for the clothes.” Like the labels she loves — Chloe, Miu Miu, Alice + Olivia — her personal aesthetic is an easy mix of uptown (DVF button downs, khaki paneled trousers, Chloe bow-embellished purses, Breton tees) and downtown (J Brand skinnies, Century 21 finds).

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gravitated towards things that are more tailored,” she says. “I appreciate understated pieces. They last longer and look just as good a few trends later.”

STAR walks a day in the Havaianas slippers of Anne Gonzalez and gets the lowdown on her favorite things.

THE PHILIPPINE STAR: What’s your favorite time of day?

ANNE GONZALEZ: Early morning makes me look forward to the day ahead and gives the feeling of a fresh start.

What never fails to make you cry?

The movie I Am Sam.

What do you like most about living in Manila?

The people. The more I travel abroad, the more I appreciate the warmth, optimism and resilience of Filipinos.

What gives you a sense of fulfillment?

Being a wife and mom; making a genuine impact on the lives of people who work for us; enriching myself through travel and meeting new people.

How would you define your personal style?

Casual chic for day, fuss-free feminine for night or formal occasions.

What trends do you wish could stay forever?

Leggings because they are really so practical.

What trends do you wish would go away?

Skimpy clothes on older women.

First thing you spent your first paycheck on?

A nice dinner.

What was your first designer purchase?

Miu Miu bag.

What do you never leave home without?

BlackBerry.

What is your no-fail outfit?

Button-down shirt from James Perse, J Brand jeans and Repetto ballet flats.

Whose closet would you most like to raid?

The closet of Vogue magazine in New York.

What do you feel best wearing?

A swimsuit, tunic and Havaianas — I wish every day was a day at the beach.

What’s your most recent purchase?

A tweed jacket by Isabel Marant.

Your fave place to shop?

New York. From the street vendors, neighborhood shops to luxe stores, the finds are endless.

What is your latest purchase you are in love with?

A jumpsuit from Hindy Tantoco. It’s a timeless, easy and pretty piece.

Priciest bauble you acquired?

Earrings from my husband for our fifth wedding anniversary.

What three pieces define your everyday style?

Hoop earrings, various bangles or a cuff, a watch.

Local designers you admire?

Tina Lirag of New Yorker for the timelessness and workmanship of her pieces. Hindy Tantoco for her fun, flirty and feminine designs.

Foreign?

Diane von Furstenberg because she designs for the woman who lives a dynamic life and her fashion comeback is inspiring. I also admire Stella McCartney’s philosophy on ethical fashion.

Bags or shoes?

Both!

Is there an item in your closet you cherish the most?

My wedding gown. It’s so simple yet meaningful. I would probably wear it again one day.

Do you have any fundamental rules of dressing?

It’s all about the fit. It should fit who I am, what I do and it should literally fit my body well. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the piece if the fit is all wrong.

What was your style as a kid?

I wore a lot of jumpers as a kid. As a teen, grunge was all the range so I wore the flannel top with boots for a while.

How has it progressed?

Now I prefer clothing that makes me feel and look feminine.

What do you regret buying the most?

Anything ill-fitting and not “me.”

Most unforgettable present you’ve received?

I consider my engagement ring a present because it was truly a gift of love.

Who, in your opinion, is emblematic of classic style?

I don’t have a single style icon. I am most inspired by people who really own their look. Authenticity is classic.

What would you never be caught dead in?

Anything screaming with logos.

Your beauty musts?

Moisturizer, bronzer and lip gloss.

What’s your signature scent?

Santa Maria Novella cologne mixed with Para Mi Bebe.

Who would you like to trade closets with?

Kate Moss or, if she were alive, Grace Kelly.