Our True Beauty series features the most influential and stylish women in Texas. We take a peek inside their closets, their minds, and their hearts to find out what makes them truly passionate. Today’s post features Ellie Leeper, one of San Antonio’s darlings in both the professional and social realms. There are few women in this world who can simultaneously command a room and light it up. Ellie is one of those women, and her style is just as classically wonderful as her personality. She is currently the Associate Editor of The Society Diaries magazine, of which her mother, Rossana, is Associate Publisher. Ellie is also the Public Relations Manager for the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute of Teleton USA, and as if that’s not enough she and her fiancé Dan have just launched a couples blog called Sequins and Suspenders! You simply must go and give them a follow immediately, I expect big things from such a savvy yet sweet couple!
Haute in Texas: Thanks for having us out to your adorable apartment! Tell us about your name, Ellie. Where does it come from?
Ellie Leeper: My full name is Eleanora Maria Leeper. I am named after both my great-grandmother Eleanora Benedetta Storti Lavieri, and my grandmother Maria Carmen Lavieri Sollitto. My great-grandmother went by Nora. When I was born, my parents were either going to call me Ellie or Nora, and they felt I seemed more like an Ellie. I treasure my full name, but I am certainly fond of my nickname!
HIT: Your mom, as we know, is a fabulous woman herself. How did she influence your style growing up?
EL: Yes. My mother is effortlessly beautiful and chic. She is my role model in so many facets of my life, but I have always emulated her timeless personal style. Mom grew up in Connecticut, which I know influenced her classic taste. She is the queen of recycling outfits, throwing on her signature red lip, and running out the door–always to an event or meeting for Society Diaries. In my eyes, she is our San Antonian Anna Wintour. She is committed to her look as a reflection of who she is; at the same time, she is not afraid to take risks and make statements, in the most elegant NYC street style type of way. She taught me to always feel comfortable in the basics: black, brown, white, and navy blue. She also taught me to never be afraid of looks with masculine elements, and that jewelry makes an outfit.
My grandmothers and my aunts have also been influencers of style in my life, and I love to use everyone’s clothing and accessory hand-me-downs as little repurposed gems in my wardrobe.
HIT: In what ways has your sense of fashion changed as you’ve gotten older?
EL: I feel that as I have matured both in age and in personal taste, I have gravitated less towards what is trendy and more towards what is timeless. I strive to wear clothes and practice beauty trends that make a statement about who I am and what holds meaning to me. At this stage in my life, I have owned that I prefer to stand out rather than to fit in. I prioritize investing in well-made pieces that will last me for years, and that are versatile. I tend to jam-pack my days from 5am to 10pm, so I need a wardrobe that can take me from the office, to the coffee shop, to the Board Room, to social events, to the restaurant/bar, and everything in between. I have also noticed a shift in my casual style to be more brave and fun, which I think is a reflection of my creative side. I tend to take (tasteful) risks more often now than I used to.
HIT: What motivates you professionally?
EL: The hunger to do big things. I have always envisioned my life without limits, and I continue to revisit my goals to make sure I am never comfortable. I am constantly striving to achieve what is out of my comfort zone, both personally and professionally. I see a spark in an idea or a project, I pour my passion into it, and I follow through to ensure its success. This is a formula that keeps me motivated and fulfilled in my adult life, because I apply it to things both big and small. I call them my little and big wins. I have found that during the little wins I sometimes learn the most.
HIT: When did you know Dan was the one?
EL: I am not certain that there was ever a singular moment in our relationship when I saw that neon sign telling me “PULL OVER HERE.” I think it was a combination of small, meaningful moments that made me feel the most real, secure, and grounded I had ever been. We are both deeply rooted with family values, artistic and cultural practices and appreciation, a vision for a life without limits, a growing curiosity for learning about the world, and we practice compassion, love, and kindness with each other and those around us. Dan has challenged me from day one…literally. He pushes me to be the best version of myself that can exist. And I know I have done the same for him. Challenging each other comes with the practice of compassion and forgiveness, patience and encouragement, and fierce loyalty. I think we have brought that out in each other. When I reflect on our journey thus far, I am confident that we see the world through the same pair of lenses, and for that reason, I know Dan is the one.
HIT: What was the inspiration behind Sequins & Suspenders?
EL: Dan and I have been mulling over the idea of a joint creative project for a few years now. Sequins & Suspenders is the convergence of our personal, professional, and social lives through a voice that we feel is different than what we were used to seeing online: we both do the writing. We felt that we were at a point in our young adult lives where we had some thoughts to share with the world, and we also wanted to champion San Antonio as the special place it often doesn’t get credit for. We are having so much fun chronicling our adventures publicly, and we look forward to seeing where the blog takes us together.
HIT: If you had to eat at just one San Antonio restaurant for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
EL: All things considered, I think I would have to say Il Sogno. I am Italian–as if it wasn’t obvious enough with the explanation of my name, so I can’t be denied of my comfort foods if we are talking about forever. Il Sogno’s coffee, omelets, citrus water, salads, and (of course) pasta and wine would certainly keep me satisfied for the rest of my life.
HIT: What movie has been the biggest influence on your life, sartorially or otherwise?
EL: It’s funny…the movies that had the most affect on me, by far, were all of the Rogers and Hammerstein, Disney, and other movie musicals I watched repeatedly as a child. Sound of Music, Cinderella, Oklahoma, Annie, Shirley Temple, Wizard of Oz, Aladdin, Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies—the list goes on and on. I think those movies had such an influence on me because they gave me my inner music. I have always danced to the beat of my own drum, very secure with who I am and where I came from. I learned strength, kindness, bravery, family values, poise, grace, and a bit of silliness from those movie musical characters, and I still carry those traits with me in my adult life.
Finally, an Haute in Texas tradition, pancakes or waffles?
Fluffy homemade pancakes.
Isn’t she just the cutest thing? Add in Pudge, the latest addition to their family, and I think it’s safe to say Ellie and Dan are headed for exceptionally adorable married life. Follow fashionable and fun adventures on Instagram here!
XO,
A
