Today is "Get to Know Your Customer Day" so what better way to celebrate Couture USA’s amazing customers than by highlighting them on our blog. First on the spotlight is Lora Griffith, a Tampa resident and loyal Couture USA client for more than 10 years. A former intelligence officer for the U.S. government and currently an adjunct instructor for an online university, Griffith prefers a more laidback style, which reflects her active lifestyle. "I am active on tennis leagues in the Tampa Bay area and enjoy spending time outside with my husband, our dog and our grown children when they are home," she says. In this special client profile, Griffith recalls how she first discovered Couture USA, talks about the oldest designer bag in her closet and why she thinks it’s practical to buy at a designer resale shop.   How would you describe your personal style? My personal style is casual when I have a choice. I love a quality pair of jeans and a T-shirt, not just any pair of jeans and T-shirt, but something that fits well and is stylish. I love a comfortable pair of heals or sandals and a classic designer bag.   Who is your idea of a fashion icon? Kate Moss and Heidi Klum are my idea of contemporary fashion icons. They can be casual, but always classy.   What’s the biggest fashion faux pas you’ve had and what lesson have you learned from it? When I first moved to Washington D.C., I tried to follow the local professional fashion norms. Washington D.C. is not known for its fashion scene and considered very conservative. In any case, I wore what I would now call frumpy suits and skirts that were too long for my frame. I have learned to wear what suits me and what I am comfortable wearing.   Who are your top three favorite couture designers of all time? Chanel (of course!), Dolce and Gabbana, and Prada.   What's the one fashion item you will never be caught wearing? A wide belt. I am short-waisted and it isn’t a feature that I would want to accentuate.   Griffith's wish list is packed with her all-time favorites, including (clockwise): a gorgeous pair of Mimi So 18K diamond Jackson drop earrings, Louis Vuitton ombre Monogram Empreinte Lumineuse PM bag, Louis Vuitton Spike It bracelet, David Yurman crossover earrings and a Louis Vuitton white gold diamond Empreinte ring.   What tips can you share to other fashion-lovers wanting to invest in their first-ever designer brand purchase? I recommend buying a good quality, authenticated resale designer item that resonates. That provides an opportunity to step into the designer world without paying retail prices. Sometimes you can actually find unused designer items at resale prices.   How did you hear about Couture USA and what do you love most about shopping in the store? I learned about Couture USA by walking by the store when I first moved to the Tampa area more than 10 years ago. Since then, the store has grown and it is one of my favorite places to shop. I love the personalized service and the selection!   Can you still recall what your first-ever designer brand purchase was from Couture USA? I don’t recall exactly, but I love designer bags and shoes. I have made many purchases at Couture USA. When I grow tired of a designer item, I resell it and buy something different! That is the beauty of resale. Some things remain in your closet forever as one of your favorite pieces; other things you love for a time, and then you want a change and you can have it!   What is the oldest designer product in your closet right now? An initialed Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, which I will never resell.   In your opinion, what is it about fashion that often inspires inner confidence? Quality and timelessness.