Stylish women often take cues from a well-known character or personality who represents an approach to dressing that can be translated to their own lives. We asked members of The Honolulu Advertiser's Fashion Forum to tell us about their fashion icons, and member Toby Portner chose Annie Hall.

Diane Keaton's iconic Annie Hall, from the 1977 Woody Allen movie of the same name, was quirky, intelligent, a little ditzy and neurotic, yet somehow always comfortable with herself. Her unique layering and pairing of unexpected wardrobe elements drove a style that went from runway to reality during the late '70s to early '80s.

The whole layering thing is back in 2007, big time, and Portner, a fashion designer, stylist and teacher herself, draws inspiration from Annie Hall's now-classic look.

TOBY PORTNER

Age: 38

My fashion icon: Annie Hall

Why I chose her: "Annie Hall has a comfort with menswear that has always inspired me. She is a carefree dresser — switches from one style to another and is willing to take risks by wearing her favorite pieces, even if they don't seem to go together."

The key elements necessary to channel Annie Hall: "Layering pieces, mismatched patterns, neckties, hats, trousers and long dresses."

Where I found the key pieces: "Blouse and vest are from Anthropologie; tie is from my dad when he retired and I started teaching; pants are my own design from the toby p. collection, and clogs are from candcsweden.com."

What handbag would Annie Hall carry? "She and I love the Betsey Johnson Lotsa Luck Hobo."

What would she have in her handbag? "Sunscreen, lipstick, cell phone, pocket GPS, a novel or the latest New York or New Yorker magazine."

Where would she go for coffee? "Town in Kaimuki."

How to update her hair and makeup for 2007? "Simple, clean, low maintenance. She would love Aveda's 'uruku' tube that can be used for eyes, lips and cheeks."

What would she drive? "A cream VW Beetle, converted to electric."

What would be on Annie Hall's iPod? "Spanish flamenco, Cajun zydeco, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, India.Arie and Putumayo discographies from the world over."

Fashion notion: "Above all, remember that the most important thing you can take anywhere is not a Gucci bag or French-cut jeans; it's an open mind." — Gail Rubin Bereny

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.