Classic Edge
Anthony Farinacci puts a modern, tailored spin on timeless menswear
By Mandy Holmes / Photo by Beverly Shumway
For Anthony Farinacci, great style has always been about looking confident and put together – without needing to chase every trend.
After 28.5 years in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff and FBI agent, Farinacci now serves as the COO of Evolve Public Relations and Marketing. His career spent in suits and ties shaped his appreciation for classic menswear, but today, his wardrobe has evolved into something a little more relaxed – and with more personality.
Farinacci’s fashion sense strikes the perfect balance between timeless sophistication and modern edge. His signature combination always includes a tailored sport coat or dinner jacket paired with jeans or slacks and a crisp dress shirt. Inspired by Italian and European menswear, he appreciates sharp tailoring, thoughtful details and pieces that transition easily from business to social settings.
Fall is when Farinacci especially enjoys stepping up his style. V-neck sweaters, richer colors, scarves and pocket squares bring personality to his Arizona wardrobe. A great watch is another non-negotiable.
His best style secret is surprisingly simple: buy quality clothing at a bargain, then invest in tailoring.
What is your favorite brand? SuitSupply offers a modern fit while still maintaining a classic, professional look. The quality and versatility work well for both business and social settings.
What fashion era needs a revival? I would like to see the polished style of the 1960s make a revival. Men and women took pride in dressing well and looking put together, and the Rat Pack captured that timeless sense of sophistication. Tailored suits, crisp dress shirts, pocket squares and careful attention to detail made the era memorable.
What’s the best outfit compliment someone has ever given you? Each New Year’s Eve, I try to wear an exciting or unique tuxedo jacket, and year after year I receive so many compliments on the look. Of course, that may also be because I’m standing next to my always well-dressed wife!
Polished yet playful
Leena Hasbini embraces timeless style, thoughtful staples and a little overdressing
By Mandy Holmes / Photo by Beverly Shumway
For Leena Hasbini, founder of The Little Play Avenue in Phoenix, style and hospitality have something important in common: both are about how you show up.
With a doctorate in educational leadership and an eye for design, Hasbini created every detail of her imaginative children’s play space – from the floor plan to the paint colors. That same thoughtful approach carries into her wardrobe, which she describes as “classic, neutral and slightly overdressed on purpose.”
Her signature formula is refreshingly simple and includes a navy dress, Valentino Rockstuds, a Cartier Love bracelet and oversized sunglasses. Navy, cream, camel, chocolate, and bone dominate her closet, with Ralph Lauren providing inspiration and Aritzia supplying many of her everyday staples.
Motherhood and entrepreneurship transformed the way Hasbini shops. Gone are the one-time outfits. Today, she chooses fewer pieces, better fabrics and clothing designed for the life she actually leads. “I stopped chasing and started repeating, and it has made getting dressed a pleasure again,” she says.
For fall, Hasbini shifts colors, such as chocolate suede and deep navy, and accessories, including closed-toe shoes, rather than piling on layers.
What is your favorite fall trend? Oversized sunglasses, and I say that as someone already deep in it. I am wearing Celine and Dior on rotation and the frames keep getting bigger.
What is the most underrated fashion staple? The everyday dress. We file dresses under occasion wear, when a good one is the easiest thing you will ever put on. One piece, zero decisions, and it looks like you made an effort before you have had coffee.
What is your favorite local store? Muse Apparel at Uptown Plaza. Someone in there always knows what came in this week and will tell you plainly whether it suits you, which is a lovely thing and getting rarer.