Laney Caradonna: ‘Just wear it’
"I love bringing joy and comfort to my patients and their loved ones on their toughest days," says Laney Caradonna, an ICU nurse at Mayo Clinic who moved from Long Island, New York to Rochester a year ago to assume her current role.
"People often ask if I like the area because they think it's boring. I always say the place I live is only as boring as I am," she says.
Her spare time is typically spent with her friends and she has a penchant for antiquing and thrifting. "I love finding hidden treasures for both my apartment and wardrobe."
How would you describe your style in one sentence?
If Vivienne Westwood and Morticia Addams had a baby.
What do others tell you about your style?
People who I am close to often say they appreciate that I am unashamedly me both in what I wear and how I present myself. It's the ultimate compliment.
Inspiration for how you choose to dress?
I'm constantly online shopping but never purchasing, scouring thrift stores for clothes and accessories that speak to me, and looking for inspiration around me in everyday life. I love movies and cinematography and visually beautiful things — and I like to incorporate those visuals into my life. I am a huge fan of "RuPaul's Drag Race." I love how all of the queens are so unapologetically themselves and always strive to showcase that. It inspires me to do that, too.
What influences your purchase decisions?
How much money is in my checking account.
Best secondhand find?
A patent leather binoculars case that I wear as my everyday purse.
Describe your standard approach for picking out your apparel each day.
Playing dress-up. Trying a million things on in a million ways to make sure it feels just right for the occasion. And making a mess of my apartment in the process.
What message do you think your style conveys to others?
I hope my style inspires others to "just wear it."
How has your style evolved in the last five to 10 years?
I used to wear mostly black, but now I love to incorporate color into my wardrobe. I think the more I discover about myself, the more I'm comfortable taking risks with my outfits and being true to my personal style.
Best style purchase you've ever made? What made it so great?
Knee-high platform leather boots (that were half-off I might add). I wear them year-round and bring them wherever I go. They are definitely a recognizable staple in my wardrobe. I will wear them until they implode.
Any sentimental items you own or coveted hand-me-downs?
Most of my everyday jewelry has been passed down to me from people I love. It is so special to me to be reminded of my loved ones each day in what I'm wearing since I am so far from home.
Staple purchases?
Eyebrow pencils and Korean skin care products. I love practicing self-care through taking care of my skin. It's a great way to wind down from the day.
Items you just won't part with?
Any thrift finds. It feels like they are one-of-a-kind and I want to give them a new life. I don't think I could ever re-donate a thrifted item.
Fill in the blank: I feel best when I am wearing ____.
Makeup. It is a huge part of the process of getting ready for me. I feel so empowered when my makeup looks good. I never leave the house without filling in my eyebrows.
Favorite season as it relates to clothing?
Definitely fall/wintertime. For me, any item of clothing can be used any time of year so nothing goes in storage. I love to keep my options open.
Parting thoughts or advice for others?
Your outward appearance is a celebration of who you are. Wear what you want ... you deserve to feel good about yourself.
