being a little girl include shopping trips and dressing up. This all led to a career in fashion as a buyer for a high-end boutique for 10 years. “I loved knowing what the next trend would be before it hit the stores,” Abby said. During this time, she pushed the envelope with her personal style, and it helped to have such immediate access to the hottest looks. Now that she’s a mom of two, Abby said, “I am a bit more toned down and tend to stick to more of the classics, with a few fun trends thrown in.” Abby has created a tradition of acquiring many of her most treasured items while traveling. She says looking at each piece in her closet brings back memories of the trips and vacations with friends, family and, now, her husband and children. Her favorite? “The Celine bag I got in Monaco while on my honeymoon, or the Valentino clutch and shoes I got in New York while dating my husband.” She will also seek out special items when traveling. “If I know a designer or store is based in a country I am visiting, or if they have a one-of-a-kind item I can only get there (or can get a better deal on), I will look up where those stores are and make sure to put them on the itinerary. A few of my faves are the Louis Vuitton store in Paris on the Champs-Élysées, Harrods in London, and the Dior store and cafe in Saint-Tropez.” Abby admits that this past year has changed everything, as it has for us all. For her, 2020 included quarantining, staying home, being pregnant (her son was born in November) and living in athleisure wear. I had the opportunity to travel a lot with my family growing up and I truly think it broadens your horizons and teaches you so much about life, other cultures and the beauty in our world. “ “ DONATE TODAY whisperinghoperanch.org GIVE HOPE. GET THE CREDIT. Bring hope and healing to children with special needs through the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona income taxes when you donate.

Leadon loves this Celine bag from the Celine store in Monte Carlo. Her go-tos include the Lululemon Align pant and Lorna Jane tops and sports bras. To dress it up over the summer, it was flowy maxi dresses, which Abby calls “always a favorite!” She summed up the situation well: “I often joke that the rest of my wardrobe and shoes must wonder what happened to me this year.” Post-baby, Abby prefers a crisp white shirt or t-shirt, her favorite Mother jeans and pieces to dress up if needed — strappy sandals, a cute blazer and a crossbody purse do the trick every time. Looking forward, Abby can’t wait to travel again. The good news is that she is headed to Maui in April with her husband and children and will be meeting up with friends and family. She said, “I had the opportunity to travel a lot with my family growing up and I truly think it broadens your horizons and teaches you so much about life, other cultures and the beauty in our world. I’m so grateful that my husband shares my love for travel and am excited to continue this tradition with Olivia and Kai.” I can’t wait to see what she comes back with. McKenna Wesley | CONTRIBUTING WRITER When Abby Leadon looks in her closet, she sees memories of past adventures. For instance, this Gucci bag and Valentino and Christian Louboutin shoes conjure a girls trip to New York, while other items recall Christmases and anniversaries. FRONTDOORS MEDIA | 51 | MAR/APR 2021