Stylist believes clothes should be fun, and form-fitting
WHO: Lori Weldon, 53, of Bear, stylist at White House Black Market in Greenville.
WHY: She was nominated by Michele Webb, who says, “No matter where Lori goes, she looks amazing, like a celebrity. She knows how to dress and she knows how to carry herself, what every woman should aspire to.”
HER STYLE: Joyful and initiative, with a little funk. “I totally love to dress up and mingle with the crowd when my husband Tim is out playing guitar. I’m a breast cancer survivor and my husband and I have made a conscious decision to live every day to the fullest.”
WEARING, at Schaefer’s Canal House in Chesapeake City:
FIRST OUTFIT — Turquoise midi dress from Bebe; silver beaded tasseled necklace with silver oblong earrings and white and silver bangle bracelets from White House Black Market; silver embellished Swarovski watch; metallic silver heels from Nine West.
SECOND OUTFIT — Long ecru sleeveless vest; ecru skirt with front slits; beaded embellished ecru V-neck sleeveless top, all from WHBM; pearl and silver necklace with silver pearl earrings and chunky silver bracelet; Aztec beaded belt; taupe beaded and pearl heels from INC International Concepts.
THIRD OUTFIT — Ava Leggings from Lucky; white woven sleeveless tank from Eliza J; Ink/Ecru polished textured peplum blazer; pink with gold embellishment belt and pink patent leather heels with gold accent on heel; long gold circular necklace, gold oblong earrings and stretch gold circle bracelet from WHBM.
WHERE SHE SHOPS: WHBM, South Moon Under, Bebe online. “I’m also a big fan of Nordstrom and Lucky.”
HOW SHE SHOPS: “On Tuesdays, I shop with my daughter and my granddaughter and it’s a social thing.”
FASHION ICON: Grace Kelly. “She wore things that are back now, like off-the-shoulder shirts.”
FAVORITE DESIGNER LABEL: Bailey 44. “Also, I wear quite a lot of White House Black Market.”
MOST RECENT PURCHASE: A long, white WHBM vest.
OLDEST ITEM IN HER CLOSET: A Calvin Klein business suit.
MANE, MANICURE AND MAKEUP: She has relied on Michele Webb at Nicole Lee Hair Design in Price’s Corner to care for her tresses for more than 20 years. Occasionally, she will get a manicure but she typically does her own nails. For her makeup, she consults with Joni Wallace at the Chanel counter at Macy’s at Christiana Mall. “I wear their foundation, eyeliner, mascara and blush. I have had people ask me if I have had my makeup done professionally before I go to work.”
When he decided to upgrade attire, he embraced color
BEST FOOT FORWARD: “I wear heels all the time. I am at the point that I trip if I wear sneakers because I’m not used to flat shoes.”
FAVORITE COLOR(S): Cream and beige.
FAVORITE FRAGRANCE: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. “I’ve worn it for years. I don’t even smell it on myself but I know I am wearing it because people give me compliments.”
WORTH THE SPLURGE: Great foundation and fine perfume.
NOT WORTH THE SPLURGE: Expensive jewelry. “I have more fun spending a minimal amount and layering necklaces.”
FASHION INSPIRATION: Journalists and breast cancer survivors Amy Robach and Robin Roberts. “I watch them on Good Morning America every day.”
WISH I HADN’T BOUGHT IT: A black leather miniskirt. “I bought it and thought, no, that’s not me.”
THE GREAT PANTYHOSE DEBATE: “I’m against them. When I worked for a law firm, I wore them all the time. Now I don’t, although I do believe in Spanx.”
When he wanted to up his game, he turned to color
ORGANIZATION TIPS: “Because my daughters have moved out of the house, I have acquired their closets. What is in my closet right now is what is in season.”
FASHION NO-NO: “I hate to see women in running shoes and jeans. It gives the impression that you are too busy to put on a cute pair of flats. Wear them when you are in a race running but otherwise put the running shoes away.”
She picks clothes to show off her legs
BEST CELEBRITY HAIR: Kate Hudson. “I like that she cut off her hair and just let it go. I also relate to Joan Lunden when she was younger.”
GO-TO OUTFIT ON SATURDAY NIGHT: “A tastefully form-fitting shirt or dress with high-heel shoes or boots. Something edgier than an office outfit.”
FASHION EVOLUTION: “In corporate life, it was shift dresses and blazers. Now I’m having more fun with my outfits.”
INDISPENSABLE WARDROBE ITEM: Wacoal’s Red Carpet bra. “It helps me to carry the off-the-shoulder look.”
THOUGHTS ON AGING: “I am trying to do it gracefully, to embrace it. People don’t think that I’m 53 because of the way I carry myself.”
ACE ACCESSORY: A Swarovski crystal watch that was a gift from her husband.
This retiree picks clothes to show off her legs.
PANTS OR SKIRTS? Pants.
HEELS OR FLATS? Heels.
DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? “Both, according to the outfit.”
WHY FASHION IS IMPORTANT: “Fashion represents a change of life for me. Surviving breast cancer and working with women to help them look and feel good is a joy for me. Whenever I see a woman come in with her head down, I care about her. Fashion, dressing to look our best, helps to heal us.”
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Style Files runs weekly in Sundaylife. To suggest someone stylish to feature—your coworker, teacher, friend, relative or even yourself—please send information to stylefiles@delawareonline.com and include contact information. Pictures are super, too. Reach Eileen Smith Dallabrida at esmith@smithreports.com