Great style has never been about chasing every new trend. At Ballin’s LTD, we’ve always believed the best wardrobes are built thoughtfully—with pieces that suit the woman wearing them, complement her lifestyle, and continue to earn their place in her closet season after season.
That philosophy is at the heart of “Building a Wardrobe Just for You,” featured in the September 2026 issue of The Pearl.
The article explores how women can create wardrobes that feel current without losing their individual sense of style. Ballin’s founder Wendy LeGardeur joins other style experts in sharing advice on understanding what works for you, investing in longevity, and approaching trends with intention.
Personal Style Should Evolve With You
One of the most important ideas in the article is that personal style isn't static. Our lives change, our tastes evolve, and what makes us feel our best today may be different from what worked ten years ago.
Wendy shares that while her preferred hemlines and silhouettes have changed through the years, she remains consistent in what matters most: dressing in her color palette and choosing clothing that feels comfortable. She also notes that she now gravitates toward more solids and a bit more coverage, while still adding a few standout pieces each season.
It’s a wonderful reminder that evolving your wardrobe doesn't mean abandoning your personal style. It means understanding it better.

Invest in Pieces With Longevity
The article also encourages women to choose clothing that can be worn repeatedly and styled in different ways.
Wendy points to classics such as a little black dress as pieces that can work throughout the year—especially in our subtropical Southern climate. She also recommends investing in a beautiful black cashmere sweater or blazer, a great pair of jeans, and a crisp white shirt.
These aren't clothes destined to be worn once. They're the foundation of a wardrobe.
A well-chosen piece should work hard for you, moving from casual to polished and pairing naturally with clothing you already own.
Trends Should Complement Your Style—Not Define It
Fashion should still be fun.
Wendy encourages women to embrace trends that genuinely excite them while considering comfort, wearability, body type, and personal style.
And when a trend doesn't quite feel like you? There’s no reason to force it. A current accessory can provide just enough of the moment without changing the way you like to dress.
That balance between timeless and current has been part of the Ballin’s philosophy since Wendy opened the first Ballin’s LTD boutique in New Orleans in 1981.
A Wardrobe Built Around You
Perhaps the most valuable takeaway from The Pearl article is also one of the simplest: there is no single formula for a great wardrobe.
The right wardrobe is the one that works for your body, your personality, your lifestyle—and the life you're living today.
For more than four decades, helping women discover those pieces has been at the heart of Ballin’s LTD. Whether you're refreshing a few favorites, searching for an investment piece, or ready to rethink your wardrobe for a new season, our associates are here to help you find clothing you'll love wearing now and for years to come.
The Pearl: September 2026
Visit your nearest Ballin’s LTD and let us help you build a wardrobe that feels unmistakably yours.