Fashion Tips from Stylish Chicago Women
Secrets from five ladies who dress to the nines
Rochelle S. Trotter
Owner, R'Culinaire Consultancy
In three words Feminine, fun, flirty
No-fail uniform Black Armani pant suit, white Oscar button-up blouse, black pearls, black Louboutin pumps
The trend I wish would disappear Capri pants. I’m short and shapely – they simply don’t work with my shape!
I feel confident in fitted suits or dresses! A simple fitted skirt with a sleeveless shirt (my husband loves my arms) and high heels is always a winner.
Shopping favorites For jewelry, Van Cleef & Arpels. Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Barney’s are my favorite department stores for clothing and shoes. La Perla is my most favorite shop for swimwear and lingerie. LuLu’s at the Bell Kay is by far my most favorite vintage spot!
Brand recognition Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen, Gucci (for those fitted numbers) and of late I’ve been introduced to both Giambattista Valli and Graeme Black, who produce amazing unique pieces. In terms of bathing suits (which is an addiction of mine), I love La Perla!
Every woman should own a sexy black dress.
Who influenced my style My now deceased mother was a critical influence in helping me understand confidence with my size while focusing on teaching me the Southern Belle feminine aspects of dressing – which is one reason I love to wear hats!
For honest advice My personal shopper, Heather Farley at Saks Fifth Avenue Club. She knows what I like, but isn’t afraid to tell me when something ‘just doesn’t work,’ even if I think it does! So far she has never steered me wrong. She isn’t one who just wants to make the sale – she understands that my style is a marketing tool for her services!
Style icon Coco Chanel. A woman who knew how to make black look amazing regardless of the item.
Most prized item Excluding my wedding ring, Cosmos earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Favorite thing I’ve worn I had the honor of wearing the Van Cleef Dentelle collection earrings, ring, watch and necklace on my wedding day. It was magical.
Splurge v. Save I splurge on shoes, jewelry, bathing suits and handbags, in that order. I tend to conserve on casual everyday wear. I will shop at off department stores like Marshall’s or T.J.Maxx for those types of items; I’m not a very casual dresser, so I put less priority on spending large sums of money for those things.
Chicago scene I love the Chicago fashion scene. The women here are progressive, yet there’s a mix of old-fashioned elegance here, which rounds everything out. I love all of the young new designers coming out of Chicago and the uniqueness of their styles.
Fashionable Chicagoans First lady Michelle Obama has a wonderful personal style of simple elegance that is seemingly timeless. Toni Canada for her impeccable elegant taste whether formal or casual; Sherry Lee Holson for her one-of-a-kind shoe collection.
Getting-ready routine I’m a very spontaneous dresser – even for formal events! I like to have a few options in mind relative to outfit, shoes, jewelry. I then check my mood to see how I’m feeling and that determines what I wear. For instance, if I’m not feeling as confident as I would like, then I might opt away from a fitted number and instead choose something a little more flirty. It really is all mood dependent.
Biggest fashion faux pas The early years of trying to ‘find my style’ included me Mohawk styling my hair, wearing orange palazzo pants with black polka dots and a tight black bodysuit.
Closing thoughts While living in Paris, I must say I gained a new appreciation for everyday dressing. Even on a run to the market I now think about what I’m wearing. The women in Europe have a sense of confidence and femininity that’s magnificent and no matter what they’re wearing you ‘feel’ their confidence. Style to me represents as much about confidence as it does the actual pieces you’re wearing. I’ve done things like wear a dress from T.J.Maxx with a six-figure piece of jewelry and felt just as gorgeous as if the dress were from the Gucci collection. It’s about confidence.
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Readers' Choice: Best of Chicago 2010
