HER STYLE

ALWAYS ON TREND

Wardrobe stylist Elyse Johnson trusts her fashionable instincts when dressing herself and others

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY

As a wardrobe stylist, Elyse Johnson’s innate sense of style comes in handy when dressing herself and her clients to feel comfortable and confident. Johnson draws inspiration from fashion icons like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the 1970s era, always paying attention to effortlessly cool trends. “Classics like a silk top or a cashmere sweater paired with a pair of on-trend distressed denim and some kind of edgy accessory like a leopard belt or shoe is my signature look,” she says. A fashion lover from a young age, Johnson’s style isn’t about spending a million dollars – it’s about looking like you did. “I love to mix high- and low-priced pieces to create looks that turn heads but don’t break the bank,” she says. This season, you will find Johnson wearing and styling her clients in rich jewel tones, thanks to the flattering shades on most skin tones. She’s also currently loving flared jeans with tall heels. Agolde is Johnson’s favorite brand for denim and she always counts on Aritzia for monochromatic looks. “Lack of Color and Rag & Bone are my preferred hat brands because they carry my favorite fedora,” she says.

How does your career influence your style? I pursued wardrobe styling because of my love of fashion and style, and my career has shaped me because I’m always studying the trends. I don’t believe you have to follow every trend that arises, but it’s always good to be knowledgeable and incorporate some.

What trend are you currently loving? Puff sleeves – they add a feminine, romantic touch to any outfit and, when worn correctly, can be really flattering. I like to pair them with a little masculinity to tone them down.

What is your must-have fashion item? A hat to compliment and complete a look. There are different styles, from a cowboy to fedora to a bucket (that style just made a resurgence and I couldn’t be happier).

Passion Polofor A

Julia Kline makes her debut at the upcoming 10th Annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships

BY KAYLOR JONES / PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE

Amateur polo player Julia Kline may be new to the sport, but she comes from a rich tradition of equestrianism. Growing up in Virginia’s hunt country, some of her first memories are of watching her father, an airline pilot, training and riding their thoroughbreds and thoroughbred crosses. “When my dad wasn’t flying, he would fox hunt or ride around our small farm,” Kline says. “Seeing how he enjoyed working with and training them inspired my lifelong love of horses.” When she was 4 years old, Kline received every little girl’s dream gift – a pony of her own. “Her name was Buttons. She used to take off and run back to the barn while my brother and I were riding double, which terrified us! Several ponies followed, and I probably fell off over 100 times, but I would never stop getting back on.” Within a year, Kline participated in her first horse show, and by age 14, the talented young rider was competing against adults in the bigger jumper classes. Just as she showed a natural aptitude for all things equestrian, Kline has been able to seamlessly apply her eclectic talents in a variety of areas throughout her career. While in college, Kline decided to take a break from studying political science at George Mason University and work as a flight attendant, reveling in the freedom the job afforded her. “That break ended up being eight years,” says Kline, whose passion for horses is rivaled only by her passion for travel. After returning to school and finishing her degree, Kline worked in government relations in Washington, D.C., before moving to a small investment advisory firm in Virginia. And, as fate would have it, returning to her home state resulted in more than just a good job – Kline also met her husband, Scott, at an investment banking conference she attended while working for the firm. In the years that followed, Scott became not only Kline’s partner in life, but in law. “Personal or professional growth requires courage and stepping out of your comfort zone, and when I was 36, I decided to go to law school.” Since 2016, Kline has practiced business law with a focus on startups and early stage companies. She took a year off in 2018 to travel with her family, and has since practiced part time with Scott, who has been in corporate and securities law for over 30 years.

Pride of the Valley

The following year, the duo made the move to Arizona. “We had traveled to Scottsdale for business a couple of times and were blown away by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert,” she says. “We loved how it had a relaxed atmosphere while offering worldclass restaurants, art galleries and cultural events. It just felt right for us.” It wasn’t until the pandemic that Kline first experienced the world of polo, and she knew she was hooked as soon as she finished her first chukker – or period of play – in 2020. “It was just too much fun – and outdoors, socially distanced and a great way to enjoy the camaraderie of a team sport.” A lifelong rider, Kline’s amateur polo career took off fast after buying her first polo pony. Today, she’s a member of both Arizona Polo Club and Skull Valley Polo Club. Among her many prized memories is playing on the Queen’s Ground at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor, now the largest polo club in Europe six decades after it was founded with Prince Philip as president.

PHOTO BY DAVE SEIBERT

The Polo Party

This month, Kline will add another unforgettable experience to her trophy hall as she competes with Jet Set Polo at The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Talking Stick Resort, taking place Oct. 23 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Known as one of the Valley’s most iconic events, this year marks its 10th anniversary. To celebrate a decade of The Scottsdale Polo Party, attendees will be treated to a festive milestone event with American polo star Nic Roldan, who will represent former champion Aspen Valley Polo Club against La Mariposa Argentina Polo Club in the featured match of the day. Other teams include the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, the Wales Polo Team, and the largest polo club in the nation, the Grand Champions. Guests can take in the action from a variety of DJ-infused party tents or VIP lounges, including the Barrett-Jackson Champagne and Jazz Lounge. And it wouldn’t be the same without some returning fan favorite events like the Canine Couture Dog Fashion Show and the World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show, produced by Phoenix Fashion Week. Other happenings viewers won’t want to miss include a preview of BarrettJackson’s 2022 Scottsdale Auction and halftime performances by the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. New to the lineup this year is the inaugural Morning Beer Festival, the best way to kick off a day chock-full of unmatched polo playing.

A Family Legacy

For Kline, polo is more than a hobby – it’s a way to connect with family and forge strong relationships with her horses and fellow players. She’s even combined her love of polo and experience in business law to start a company of her own. JetSet Polo is an online retail boutique that offers attire, accessories and lifestyle gear. Ever the traveler, Kline also plans to host curated polo adventures to iconic destinations like Argentina, Spain, England, and Morocco, allowing players to experience the local culture and participate in tournaments with polo professionals. The team behind JetSet Polo (www. jetsetpolo.com) is also hard at work developing an innovative technical polo white for women players, the fastest-growing demographic in the sport. With breathable, moisture-wicking fabric and a modern inseam that flatters more than the typical polo white, JetSet Polo’s gear is a longawaited refresh that stays true to tradition. In Kline’s family, the tradition of riding has been honored by her children and husband, who rides and enjoys polo lessons on occasion. And Kline won’t be rolling up to her first year at The Scottsdale Polo Party alone – she’ll be joined on Jet Set Polo by her 14-year-old daughter, Chiara. Just as Kline’s parents encouraged her love of equestrianism from a young age, Kline strives to be a strong example for her three daughters, fostering in them a love of riding and the belief that with a little bit of bravery and a healthy dose of perseverance, anything is possible. “Polo and other horse sports have taught me to not be afraid of failure,” Kline says. “Every mistake you make leads to more practice, more commitment to your goal. This is what I tell my girls when they come away from a competition feeling like they could’ve done better – mistakes are a part of the journey to success.” To learn more about The Scottsdale Polo Party and purchase event tickets, visit www.thepoloparty.com.

SCOTTSDALE’S

WOMEN

This city is full of single people wherever you look, from bars and fitness studios to restaurants and countless apps. So, why is it that finding love has never been more difficult? We scoured Scottsdale and found five women who are truly ready for romance. These talented, ambitious and beautiful (both inside and out!) singles are dishing on love, dating and everything in between.

ASHLEY

FORD

REGIONAL MARKETING AND PHILANTHROPIC MANAGER, KENDRA SCOTT

Age: 30 Instagram: @ash.ford Originally from: Harker Heights, Texas Three

words that describe you:

Independent, passionate and loyal Signature drink: Filthy Tito’s martini with blue cheese olives Favorite song: Mr. Jones by Counting Crows Love means: Being excited to talk to someone even when you have nothing to say Something unexpected about you: I have a three-legged cat I accidentally won at a charity luncheon. His name is Butters and he thinks he’s a puppy. You’re currently loving: I’m still on the true crime train Your ideal partner is: Fun, thoughtful and ambitious Always craving: Crumbl Cookies, I’m addicted

NICOLE J SMITH MAKEUP ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER, THE NICOLE J SMITH COMPANY; MODEL, THE ROSS AGENCY

Age: 27 Instagram: @thenicolejsmith Originally from: Phoenix, Arizona Three words that describe you: Bubbly, loving, hilarious Ideal date: Catching a baseball or hockey game Favorite singer: Dustin Lynch Guilty pleasure: Rewatching Vampire Diaries even though I’ve seen it 100 times Key to your heart: White and pink flower bouquets and back scratches make me melt You can’t get enough of: Diet Coke Your ideal partner is: Loyal, loving and fun Favorite hobbies: Working out, trying new restaurants, making TikToks and movie marathons Part of the body you notice first: Smile and eyes Longest relationship: 2.5 years

DULCE

BADILLO

FOUNDER, WARDROBE STYLIST AND ENERGY COACH, HIGHER SELF STYLING

Age: 43 Instagram: @dulcebadillo_ Originally from: Mexico City, Mexico

Three words that describe

you: Free spirit, magnetic, spontaneous Biggest aspiration: Inspire women Ideal date: Wine tasting and food or a cooking class Signature drink: Old fashioned Favorite song: Essence by WizKid Guilty pleasure: Key lime pie Love means: Compassion and acceptance Something unexpected about you: I love astrophysics and looking at planets with my telescope. Just the thought of of every galaxy housing a billion solar systems fascinates me Favorite hobbies: Swimming, pilates, weightlifting, hiking Your ideal partner is: Funny, creative, thoughtful Always craving: Dark chocolate, deep connection, epic conversations

CLARISSA ARELLANO

INSIDE SALES REP, PCA SKIN

Age: 26 Instagram: @clarissaa95 Originally from: San Diego, California

Three words that describe

you: Determined, family-oriented, charismatic Signature drink: Spicy skinny margarita You can’t get enough of: Laughter Your ideal partner is: As they say “tall, dark and handsome” Guilty pleasure: Italian cheesecake or Butter Cake from Mastro’s Key to your heart: Honesty, respect, and communication

Something unexpected

about you: I’m trilingual. Love means: Someone you can count on to always be there. Ideal date: Good food, stiff drinks, and great company – a scenic view probably wouldn’t hurt! Always craving: A new adventure Favorite singer: Giveon Longest relationship: 1 year

ELIZABETH

LANSDALE ENTERPRISE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, SNOWFLAKE

Age: 29 Instagram: @Lansdaleee Originally from: San Francisco, California Three words that describe you: Considerate, curious, ambitious Signature drink: Red wine (petite syrah) or gin and soda with three limes Ideal date: Surprise me! Guilty pleasure: Jeni’s Ice Creams (you’ve been warned) Love means: Trust, teamwork, and always having each other’s back Biggest aspiration: To make a significant social impact by either starting a company or through philanthropy Favorite hobbies: Fitness (currently Pilates), cooking, tennis, traveling, live music You can’t get enough of: Laughing so hard you can’t breathe Your ideal partner is: Thoughtful, communicative, honest Always craving: More knowledge! Key to your heart: Fitting in with my friends and family

Find Yourself

4151 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale AZ 85251 www. CornelisHollander.com 480-423-5000 800-677-6821 PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A. CUSTOM DESIGNS AVAILABLE