Top: Lisa Gastineau Bottom: Brittny Gastineau

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Women of Style: Lisa and Brittny Gastineau

Don't judge a Gastineau Girl by her cover. Sure they're rich, gorgeous and all around fabulous. But, would you be surprised if we told you that Lisa is at her most comfortable in sweats (this self-proclaimed jewelry lover would maybe be even more so dripping in diamonds...or not) and Brit is actually a little shy (until you get to know her of course).

We've peered into their oh-so-glamorous lives on E's hit show The Gastineau Girls and fell in love with this mother-daughter duo, although sister's seems more appropriate, much to Brittny's dismay. Hey, if only all of us had those genes....Find out who these girls really are, their incredible fashion tips and what it's like to live their life... Gastineau style. The new season premieres on E, Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 10pm.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: Give us an inside look at what it's like to be a Gastineau Girl. And, how has the show changed your lives and careers!?
LISA GASTINEAU: Lots of maintenance! Brittny’s actually lower maintenance than I am…I think it has to do with age, but when you get to be a “serious adult” you have to look the part. It's time to throw off the rock and roll t-shirt and put on adult clothes. One fun upside about having our lives on television is that now people realize I’m single, which has lead to many more dating opportunities!
BRITTNY GASTINEAU: I’m having so much fun, we both are. Although, I have to make sure I look good when I go out now! That’s a job on its own.

FM: Define the style in Manhattan. What do you think about the style in Chicago?
LG: In Manhattan, it's all about what's in at that moment. It doesn't matter how painful it is to wear, you must be in style.
BG: And for us, we know the minute we leave the house in something less than fabulous, we're sure to end up in the paper the next day! In Chicago, it's a whole different feel-more function over fashion. The women still look amazing, don't get me wrong, but they opt out of the stilettos and tiny tanks. Maybe it's the weather...I don't know. Lisa: Overall, they look more comfortable in their clothes, which I think is the best way to look hot anyway!

FM: According to you, which woman has impeccable style and why?
LG: Oprah! She’s always perfectly turned out. She’s my idol. She is perfectly groomed and has great accessories and always looks fantastic. I am such an Oprah groupie!
BG: Beyonce. She’s such an individual and I love her style.

FM : What women in which city worldwide have the best style? Where is your favorite place to travel and why? LG and BG: New York, absolutely. There’s nothing like New York. I mean, we are the fashion capital!
LG: I love being in the South and visiting with my friends. Of course, Europe… I love the South of France in the summertime and Paris in the Spring. That would be my ideal schedule. Oh! And Aspen at Christmas..and the Carribean in the Winter.
BG : I love LA. It’s so glamorous! And, of course Texas, because it’s so laid back. The most breathtaking city I’ve ever visitied though has to be Rome..hands down!

FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought? Is it something you just have? LG: You see a lot of wealthy women and you wonder if they own a mirror! I’ve been guilty of mirrorless rooms myself. People with real style are born with it. Money just helps you get the better designers, but you can’t buy style. Now money and style, that’s a lethal combination! Brittny has great style, I love her style. I have a hard time getting dressed without her!
BG: It’s really important for me to feel like I look good when I go out, otherwise I can’t have a good time. So I think style is something you just have, something you have to feel. When I like what I am wearing I’m confident and that’s one less thing that I have to worry about. If you have confidence, you have style.

FM : What key fashion pieces do you always have in your wardrobe?
LG: I always have a great black suit and a classic black dress. And in summer, I think it’s important to always have a complete white ensemble whether it be jeans and a top or peasant skirt and cable knit sweater.
BG: Jeans. I always have to have the newest ones. And, winter in the city calls for the perfect coat which turns into your outfit. Throw in a few good accessories and you can be naked underneath that coat!

FM : What is your biggest fashion vice?
LG and BG : SHOES!!
LG: I LOVE my shoes! I was a centipede in my past life.
BG: I don't care how much they hurt my feet, I'll do anything for a great pair of shoes!

FM: What are your favorite shops in Manhattan? What are your favorite shops worldwide?
LG: I love Bergdorf Goodman, I love Saks, Roberto cavallali, Valentino, Etro, Gucci.. and lets not forget Century 21 for the amazing bargains. And a shop called Gito, right out of New York City. He buys collections and picks the best stuff out of them—I would let him do my entire wardrobe. It’s in Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
BG: I like Cavalli too, but also Diane von Furstenburg. All the younger designers, although Chanel’s always a classic. I love to find the newest thing that hasn’t really caught on yet so I’m not wearing the same thing as everyone else.

FM: What's a fashion no-no when attending special events, galas and more? Any tips for getting ready for an event?
LG: Repeating something you were photographed in—you’ll undoubtedly show up in one of those columns. Give yourself enough time! I always underestimate how long I'm going to need and end up being a bit more than "fashionably" late.
BG: Get your hair and makeup taken care of beforehand, that way you have plenty of time to try on different outfits and decide what to wear.
LG: Also, if it's a big event, sometimes it's better to play it safe. No one wants to be on the "worst-dressed" list! A classic outfit with some outragous accessories are a good way to be safe but to show your style. Most importantly, make sure you're comfortable. If not, you'll have a bad time and people can always tell when you're comfortable in your clothes.
BG: It's all about the shoes anyway.

FM: What would people be most surprised to know about you?
LG: Being tagged a “glamourite” people would be shocked to know that I am most comfortable in sweatpants and flip-flops and my rock and roll t-shirt.
BG: That I'm actually pretty shy and people think that I’m just being aloof. I'm not with people I know really well, I just have to get comfortable with someone before I can really be myself.

FM: What are your own personal standards of beauty? And, what are your standards for style?
LG: As I said before, it's all about comfort and confidence. If you have a great presence when you walk into a room, then you've got your own style and personality, no matter what you're wearing. I've always told Brittny that anyone can be pretty, you have to have a good sense of yourself to be beautiful. On the more superficial front, I think if you look put-together and don't try to throw too many trends in the mix then you're okay. I guess that's the Mom in me. I like people to look nice and neat.
BG: I agree with a lot of what Mom said, I guess that's just one more thing we have in common. I think beauty is a package; people who are individuals are beautiful to me. I really admire people who can make a statement with what they wear-take risks. For myself, I think you need to abandon the trends and go by what looks good on you. I never wear anything that I don't think is flattering just because it's fashionable.