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/stīl/ /kyo͞o/ noun 1. a sequence of people with a distinctive appearance 2. A style column for The Sound whereby sustainable style blogger, Jennifer Moore (a.k.a recovergirl), interviews locals with unique style
This week, we talk with Anthony R. Conti, a 30-year-old resident of Newmarket, about suits, family, and teas. This interview has been condensed and edited.
What is your occupation?
I work at a bank. Other than that I socialize, and I do some charity work. I like to give teas and dinners, too.
What is your dream job?
I would love to create a private income so I could do charity work and have more time to read (anything by P.G. Wodehouse, Van Dine, Christopher Rice, or Hawthorne). Owning property is the gateway to creating financial independence. In the next little while, I hope to have enough seed money for a down payment on a multi-unit.
How would you describe your personal style?
My sense of style is eclectic. I tend to mix formal and relaxed pieces with vintage touches. A sash-collar sweater can go with jeans and sneakers just as nicely as with slacks and loafers.You could say it’s a relaxed American “Downton (Abbey)” type of style.
What are the staples of your wardrobe?
I am a fool for gingham come summertime. I have a lot of two-piece and three-piece suits. Well, not a lot, but more than necessary for most people because of my job. In summer I like linen pants or light slacks if I’m not in shorts. I have a great linen suit with peak lapels that I wore to Gatsby on the Isles of Shoals last year. It is one of my favorite suits and I got it at JCPenney! I rarely wear short-sleeve shirts, as I prefer the rolled long-sleeved look, even in summer.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
Oh, I don’t know. Is Marcello Mastroianni still alive? Anyone who would be at home with cocktails, and tea, and sitting with the old people at a wedding would be ideal. When he portrayed James Dean, I would have thought James Franco, but ever since “Pineapple Express” I just can’t see him playing me.
What musical artists are you listening to a lot lately?
It depends on what I’m doing. If I’m driving during a thunderstorm I’ll listen to Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.” If it is a gorgeous sunny day, I love blaring Glenn Miller out the window. My favorites list on YouTube is telling. You’ll find Rixton right next to FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt speeches along with Bessie Smith, some doo-wop, and Handel. And Queen. I love Queen.
Describe something you love in your wardrobe.
One of my favorite pieces is my grandfather’s smoking jacket. His sisters had it made for him when he was in the Korean War. It is a crimson satin smoking jacket from 1954/1955. I borrowed it in high school for a play or something and it fit — and it still fits. It is one of my favorite pieces because of its quality and it being a family heirloom.
Who do you think has great style?
A lot of my style inspiration comes from past eras, men like Fred Astaire and Gary Cooper. A contemporary chappie would be the violinist Charlie Siem. He is one of the best-dressed men in entertainment today. Very urbane.
What is something you love about your body?
I love that I grew into my nose. Also, I love that I have the same eyes as my grandfather; several of my cousins do, too. That grandfather has passed, but we still see him in each other.
How do you practice sustainable style?
I love thrifting. I buy quality classics and I’m not averse to having things mended. In many ways, we live in a throw-away culture and I prefer to make do and mend. You only buy quality pieces once.
Top of page: Anthony R. Conti. photo by Jennifer Moore