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Joy. Glamour. The two things Hotel du Pont hostess looks for in clothes

Eileen Smith Dallabrida
Special To The News Journal

WHO: Sheila Marlowe, 64, of Wilmington, hostess at the Green Room at Hotel du Pont.

Sheila Marlowe wears a Tahari mint-green suit with fitted jacket, rosebud buttons and kick-pleats; white Calvin Klein blouse; and beige, sling-back patent leather Ellen Tracy pumps.

WHY: She was nominated by Linda Cornely, who says, “Sheila is always fashionable, classic and dressed impeccably. Plus, she’s a sweetheart.”

HER STYLE: Joyfully glamorous. “I have a multitude of looks. I really like getting dressed up.”

WEARING, at Hotel du Pont:

FIRST OUTFIT — Two-piece Tahari mint-green suit with fitted jacket and rosebud buttons and skirt with kick-pleats, front and back; white Calvin Klein blouse with a stand-up collar; beige, sling-back patent leather Ellen Tracy pumps; Hanes's Barely There pantyhose; gold Bulova watch; pearl and diamond necklace, earrings and bracelet. “This set is very special to me. It was a retirement gift acknowledging my years of service at Amtrak.”

SECOND OUTFIT — Form-fitting cream Donna Ricci dress with double-ruffled hem and back zipper, sheer cream sweater and Alfani Step ‘N Flex peek-a-boo cream pumps, all from Macy’s; mini pearl necklace and bracelet; and cream string earrings.

THIRD OUTFIT — Red full-length Jovani ball gown with embellished square glitter sequin top; red crystal and rhinestone earrings and necklace, all from Morgan’s of Delaware. Silver high-heel pumps and black satin evening clutch bag with silver rhinestones by Vince Camuto from Neiman Marcus.

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WHERE SHE SHOPS: Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus online. “I go to Charming Charlie for my fun jewelry.”

HOW SHE SHOPS: “When I go shopping, I know exactly what I want in my mind. If I see it, I buy it.”

FAVORITE DESIGNER: Calvin Klein. “His clothes fit me perfectly. I also love Versace and Michael Kors.”

FASHION ICON: Michelle Obama. “I also like Melania Trump’s look. She is very fashionable.”

MOST RECENT PURCHASE: A Donna Ricci dress at Macy’s.

Sheila Marlowe in a full-length red Jovani ball gown with embellished square glitter sequin top with red crystal and rhinestone earrings and necklace, all from Morgan’s of Delaware; and silver high-heel pumps.

OLDEST ITEMS IN HER CLOSET: “A Louis Vuitton bag I bought at Neiman Marcus more than 20 years ago. It’s the original, the doctor’s bag. I also have a gold Bulova watch that belonged to my mother that I treasure.”

MANE, MANICURE AND MAKEUP: To style her tresses, she has relied on Mona Jamison at QB Barbershop and Salon at 4th and Market streets in Wilmington for more than 30 years. “I’ve followed her to every shop she’s been in.” Owner Jeff Lewis cuts her hair. She goes to Relaxation Nail and Spa in North Wilmington for her manicure. “Jenny does a great job.” She doesn’t leave the house without applying a little makeup. “When I walk my shorkie Jackson at 6:30 in the morning, I put on lipstick and earrings. I’m a Mac girl, foundation, lipstick. I like L’Oreal for mascara.”

BEST FOOT FORWARD: Fine footwear is a priority. “I bought a bigger home for my shoes, my clothes, my pocketbooks. Not for me.”

FAVORITE COLOR: Red.

From jeans to gowns for a gala, she likes comfy, striking clothes

FAVORITE FRAGRANCE(S): Tory Burch and Romance.

WORTH THE SPLURGE: “A new cologne.”

NOT WORTH THE SPLURGE: “Something you already have. I have bought boots and then came home and found I already had them.”

FAVORITE FASHION RESOURCE: Vogue and InStyle magazines. “I try to stay away from gossip magazines.”

WISH I HADN’T BOUGHT IT: A long, flowing dress from Nordstrom. “It doesn’t do a thing for me.”

Sheila Marlowe wears a Tahari mint-green suit with fitted jacket, rosebud buttons and kick-pleats; white Calvin Klein blouse; and beige, sling-back patent leather Ellen Tracy pumps.

THE GREAT PANTYHOSE DEBATE: “When I have to wear them, I do. I like Hanes.”

ORGANIZATION TIPS: Store your clothes and accessories according to their category. Keep special items and collections together. “I’m active in the St. Matthews Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation of Delaware. I am a past grand worthy matron, as was my mother. I have a whole closet full of long white gowns, white shoes, white pocketbooks.”

FASHION NO-NO: “When someone wears something that is too small for them, especially Spandex. Did they look in the mirror before they went out? You have to stay in your lane.”

BEST CELEBRITY HAIR: Shayne Williams, wife of former Wilmington Mayor Dennis Williams.

GO-TO OUTFIT ON SATURDAY NIGHT: “A black dress and pumps with silver jewelry.”

Sheila Marlowe wears a cream Donna Ricci dress with double-ruffled hem and back zipper, sheer cream sweater and Alfani peek-a-boo cream pumps.

FASHION EVOLUTION: “My mother dressed me and my sister Pam to the nines when we were little, lace socks and crinolines. I learned early on that there are church clothes, school clothes and play clothes. My parents instilled greatness in me.” 

THOUGHTS ON AGING: “I’m aging gracefully, but it’s hard. I exercise, I drink a lot of water, I eat right and I get my rest.”

INDISPENSABLE WARDROBE ITEM: A little black dress.

ACE ACCESSORY: “I love my pearls.”

PANTS OR SKIRTS? Skirts.

HEELS OR FLATS? Heels.

DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? “Both.”

WHY FASHION IS IMPORTANT: “It shows who you are. Your inner beauty will shine for you when you dress for success.” 

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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