Adorable Whitney of Couture Next Door is a sweetie with some swagga in her style, which is why she’s this week’s 

Style Crush!

 Turns out she was nice enough to give us a glimpse into what rings her fashion-bell, if ya know what I mean.  (umm, no – we don’t know what you mean, actually. And the way you said that was creepy.) (A fashion bell is a thing though, right guys? It’s gotta be cuz mine be ringing all the time, know what i’m sayin? K I’m gonna just stop talking now.)

Check it out below!

1. How would you describe your style? Constantly changing.  I love to dress up, but I also like wearing cargo pants. I love feminine and edgy.

 2. Who are your fashion icons?– Zoe Saldana, Gwen Stefani, Kate Middleton, Wendy (Wendy’s Lookbook)

3. Where do you go for fashion inspiration? – Photos of real people that brands share, Instagram, Blogs (I follow so many!), Pinterest, Project Runway

4. What are the top three places you shop?– J. Crew, H&M, Sale sites like ideeli, Sole Society, LOFT, Zara, small local shops

5. What’s your ‘Go-To’ outfit for when you need to get ready in a flash?– Skinny jeans absolutely — regular denim or any color with ballet flats, a blouse and pretty jewelry.

6.  What do you seek to achieve when you dress? To feel good about myself and comfortable with what I’m wearing. To feel pretty. 🙂 Doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

7.  Would you say you have a ‘signature’ style?  If so, what are the main elements?  I have no idea.  I guess mixing classics with trendier pieces.  Staying feminine, but with an edge. I LOVE accessories and you can frequently see me with a stack of bracelets on my arm or wearing a statement necklace.  I’m a stylist with Stella & Dot, so I have the benefit of getting tons of free jewelry, so I take advantage by trying new things with jewelry and accessories. 

8.  How do you think others can achieve a truly individual/unique style?  Wear what makes you feel happy.  Don’t worry about what others think. Style is so subjective.

9.  How would you say your style has changed over the last 5 years?  I’ve become more sophisticated I think. 

11.  Do you follow trends?  If so, what trends excite you at the moment?  I love pattern and texture, I love peplum, I love the bold collars on blouses (with metal, rhinestones), I love leather!

12.  What are some challenges you feel like you face in dressing the way you *want* to dress? I work at a college (conservative), but I work in marketing (not as conservative). So, I take the creative liberty afforded to me for being in the design field and run with it, while keeping to the dress code.  I am not the black suit kind of girl. But, sometimes, I look in the mirror and think, “Is this too bold for work?” and have to edit.  In general, the challenge I face in dressing how I want is my budget.

13.  What fashion or styling tips would you give to women who want to improve their sense of style?

1.Spend your money on quality shoes, bags and accessories as those can be worn in many different ways and you get more for your money that way.  So, while my sunglasses might be Versace, my shirt might be from Target.

2. Try things you normally wouldn’t.  I challenge you to walk into a store and pick out something you like but would never try on. You have nothing to lose. The thing I hear the most from women in my work with Stella & Dot is something like this…I love your necklace, but I could never pull that off.  Hearing that always makes me feel sad, like the women think they aren’t beautiful enough to wear beautiful things.  Just give yourself a chance. You might be surprised that that necklace can make you feel like a million bucks. 🙂

14.  Anything further you’d like to add…

I think Shannon is amazing and funny and such a breath of fresh air in fashion to not take herself so seriously. I’m so happy to have found her blog and so honored to be featured here!

 

Isn’t she a sweetie? Be sure to check out her blog Couture Next Door.

Thank you Whitney for letting me Crush on You!

 

Have a Funnel Cake Friday!