Living Classrooms’ Maritime Magic

When it came to fashion, business. Literally. The “40-something” Pasadena resident spent years making her living as a professional fashion model, living in Baltimore and Philadelphia and traveling to New York and Italy. She worked as a runway, showroom, television and print model for designers that included Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein and Carolina Herrera. Russo still takes the occasional modeling gig. But, in her full-time job as a spokesperson for the Maryland State Police, she said she still puts to good use some of the lessons she learned from her time in the fashion industry. “Being a fit model for some fashion houses for several seasons, I probably look at some garments for their fit before I look for their pattern or texture. Because if it fits well, it’s going to look good on your body,” she said. “I’ve also learned how to take something — like a long skirt — and make it a top by pulling it up and adding certain accessories, like a belt or a jacket and creating a whole new look,” she said. “And I think it goes without saying that you can always buy a basic and jazz it up with something that’s a specialty piece.” HER ENSEMBLE: Alexander Wang black blazer with sleeve-shaped tie-front from Ruth Shaw. True Religion jeans with patches she bought in Las Vegas. Gabriella Michel black sneaker bootie from Gregory’s at Fred Segal in Los Angeles. Tan suede crossbody bag from allsaints.com. Gray threaded teardrop earrings with tassels from now-closed The Little Shoebox. Silver beaded cuff made by her mother, Bobby Russo. Elena Russo made it her