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Sierens' Style Sense: It's All In The Jeans

Tribune photo by JAY NOLAN

When she's not on camera, mother-of-three Gayle Sierens says her style is comfy-casual.

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By CLOE CABRERA

ccabrera@tampatrib.com

Published: November 28, 2008

Updated: 11/28/2008 03:22 pm

Tampa Bay is used to seeing News Channel 8 anchor Gayle Sierens in businesslike blazers and turtlenecks. But when she's not on camera, the mother of three says her style is comfy-casual.

She loves jeans and flip-flops. Shoes aren't a weakness, but she does have an extensive collection of white blouses.

She's not afraid to admit she's a true believer in the therapeutic powers of shopping.

And it's OK when eager viewers tell her how pretty - or not - they think she looks.

After her anchor duties, we got Sierens, 54, talking clothes, shopping secrets and the one fashion piece she yearns for.

Does the station have any rules or guidelines for on-camera clothes?

No, not really. You just don't want to wear anything that's too busy or too memorable on air because every time you wear it, people are like, "Didn't she just wear that the other day?"

Do you get a lot of comments about what you wear on television?

I do get some. But most of the comments are usually about my hair. They want to know where I get it done and who cuts it, things like that.

How do you feel about being a local fashion plate?

I'm more the local fashion paper plate (hearty laugh). There are so many different sides to the looks that I like. I like tailored suits, but I really like funky stuff, too. I probably express myself more off-camera than I do on.

What's your biggest fashion vice?

It used to be shoes, but for whatever reason, I've calmed down. I would say these days it's probably white blouses. I can't seem to get enough of them.

What woman - past or present - has impeccable style?

I remember thinking as a child that Jackie Kennedy was it. She always looked perfectly put together. I think her style was a statement then, and in many ways is timeless.

What's your signature style?

I'm not sure I have a "signature" style, because I love so many different looks. For work, I definitely lean toward classic, but for me there's nothing I'd rather have on than a pair of jeans, a T-shirt and flip-flops.

How would you describe Tampa style?

What I love about Tampa style is there's no real rule book. Overdressed ... underdressed; I really do think it comes down to the person pulling it off. You can go to formal events with lots of very informally dressed people, and they look great. I love that.

What's your biggest fashion peeve?

Clothes that are too tight. It really looks terrible. You shouldn't be able to see all those rolls and back bulges; it's just not attractive. People should make sure their clothes fit properly.

Do you have any favorite local places to shop?

I get most of my work clothes through Etcetera, which is home-based sales. For fun stuff, I love Anthropologie and for the party stuff, Georgette's.

What's the one fashion item you lust for?

A pair of perfect-fitting jeans.

If "What Not to Wear" got into your closet, what would they make you get rid of and why?

My jean jacket, because it's a jean jacket.

If you know someone who has a great sense of style, shoot me an e-mail or call me at (813) 259-7656. Keyword: Hot Pursuits.

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