Q: Whose closet is bigger?
Abnous: Well, I wish I could say mine, but we have his and hers closets that are the same size. But I have to admit I monopolize both of the guest bedroom closets upstairs!
James: And you have some things in my closet.

Q: How would you describe your personal style?  Any style influences?
Abnous: I think my style is hard to describe because I wear so many hats. As a mom, my style has to be practical, so I usually find myself in leggings and tunic tops. But as someone who loves fashion, for a night on the town, I love to push the boundaries a bit and wear pieces that are somewhat unpredictable. Ultimately I would describe my style as “girly prep meets bohemian chic.” As far as style influences go, I am drawn to women that seem put together, but never appear as though they’ve put a ton of effort into their look. I think Rachel Bilson, Nicole Richie and Sienna Miller all have great style and never let trends overwhelm their natural beauty.
James: If you had asked me this question before I knew Abnous, I probably would have laughed. But I guess I have developed a sense of style over the years and now feel more confident incorporating more modern pieces into my wardrobe. I think a bit of juxtaposition is always good, like a classic blazer over a cool t-shirt. My style influence is my wife, of course! 

Q: Any favorite designers/brands?
Abnous: I like mixing higher-end designers with everyday stuff. Right now, I am loving 3.1 Phillip Lim, Brian Reyes and Elizabeth & James. I also love Urban Outfitters, Topshop and Forever 21 for fun, trendier pieces.
James: I generally don’t look at labels, I just try to buy clothes that look good and are comfortable. But Diesel jeans have a great fit, and I like Ben Sherman’s unique take on the classic button down.

Q: Where do you usually shop?
Abnous: There’s nothing better than strolling through a boutique and spotting a piece that was just made for you! Over the years though, I have become quite the pro at finding great things online. Now that I have an infant in tow, I rely on the internet for shopping now more than ever! With sites like Gilt Group, Hautelook and ShopStyle, it’s easy to find exactly what you want at a price that doesn’t hurt your wallet too much. I also love Shopbop, they have a great lookbook where you can get ideas for any season.
James: Saks, Gus Mayer, and Banana Republic are my staples. I like Urban Outfitters and Lucky for graphic t-shirts.

Q: What is the attire at your practices, Hoover Vison Center and Double Oak Mountain Family Densitry?
Abnous: My office style is professional and comfortable, which usually translates to slacks and a button-down shirt. But I do get my fashion fix by carrying a wide variety of designer eyeglass frames in our optical department, like from Juicy Couture, Kate Spade and Gucci. I love hand–selecting our frames...it’s almost like shopping!
James: For the first three years, I ambitiously wore a lab coat, shirt and tie everyday. But after a long, losing battle over the thermostat setting with my office team, I finally gave up and resorted to wearing scrubs in order to keep cool.

Q: James, has your style changed since you married Abnous?
Definitely. She whipped me into shape! I used to just throw things together and now I actually put some thought and effort into what I wear. That seems to be a characteristic that, for guys, comes with age and maturity.  
Q: So, you have a little girl who is almost a year old. Is she a style icon, too?
Abnous: Of course! Shopping for her is my latest obsession. She has it all, from Feltman Bros. dresses to skinny jeans and UGG boots. My taste in her clothes is pretty eclectic. While I love the traditional dresses with the smocking and monograms—they’re so girlie and Southern and always look adorable—I also love the more contemporary clothes that are available for babies these days. A lot of well-known designers now have lines for babies. It’s hard to resist a miniature version of an outfit I would wear myself!

Q: What is your favorite clothing item for your spouse to wear?
Abnous: I don’t like flashy designer clothes for guys. I think a good-fitting pair of jeans, a nice button down and a great watch is the perfect outfit for James and any guy.
James:  She looks great in everything...wink, wink. Seriously, I like her in dresses. I think every girl looks great in a nice dress.

Q: So does James really like everything you wear?
Abnous: Ha! Hardly! He often thinks my outfits are too “over the top,” when in actuality he doesn’t realize that styles have changed since the days of floral sundresses. So every time I ask his opinion on an outfit, he says, “That’s hideous.” But then we go out and I get a bunch of compliments on it, so by the end of the night, he’s like “Well, I guess it wasn’t so bad.”

Q:  OK, so what are some of your least favorite clothing items of his?
Abnous: James has these awful house shoes that look like elf booties that he refuses to throw out. He sports them all. Winter. Long.
James: Let me add that her Florida Gator attire is pretty obnoxious.

Q: Do you remember what you and/or each other was wearing when you first met?
Abnous: Probably some frat boy t-shirt with light-washed jeans and Birkenstocks...it has been 10 years! Look how far he’s come!
James:  All I remember are the shoes, some black strappy sandals.

Q: Abnous, what would be your “dream” Valentine’s gift from James?
A trip back to the Greek Isles, where we spent our honeymoon. It’s such an amazing place...the food, the sites and the people are hard to beat. We love to travel and have always talked about going back.

For Style Icons and everyone else, Cafe Dupont will be offering a special Valentine’s Day menu on February 14.