A Style of Her Own

Anna C.'s look featured on her new site, StyleBy.Me

Hey guys and dolls! As you've probably gathered by now, (probably because I've been pounding into your brains every day for the past 2 weeks), I'm on my way to Nashville today for the NeedToBreathe show at the Ryman! I can't wait to share all the pics and stories of my little road trip with y'all next week.

Did you guys enjoy Kelly's post yesterday? Oh Lordy, after reading that, I'm so game to get my hair highlighted using the ombre technique! The girl has skillz and I can't wait for her to get ahold of my crazy strands...

Today, I wanted to introduce you to a new friend of mine, Anna E. Chatelain. Anna is a fellow NWA girl and a lover of all things fashion and style related. Obviously, we have a lot in common : )

Anna also has her own styling business, Tulip Louise, where she offers MANY styling options, including ones for Wardrobe Revamp, Seasonal and Events & Travel Planning. If that doesn't keep her busy enough, just yesterday she launched a brand new website StyleBy.Me, an exclusive online look book for Northwest Arkansas.

I recently had a chance to pick Anna's brain about her style, her inspiration and her thoughts on fashion at the moment. Enjoy.

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*italics= Anna

1. What inspired you to start a personal styling business?


I’ve always been aware of the demand for one-on-one styling, but I really woke up to the need when I became a bride last year! There are so many events throughout the engagement period when women need assistance; such as engagement parties, e-sessions {engagement photos}, bridal showers, bridesmaids dresses, grooms’ attire and not to forget your wedding gown… just to name a few! I remember times that I was so exhausted, the last thing I had the energy to think about was… “what am I going to wear for engagement photos” OR “how do I want to pose for engagement photos?” There just aren’t enough hours in the day. At times, the planning becomes overwhelming and that’s where I step in to take some of the pressure off. Ring Ring Ring “Hi, I need to make an appointment with Tulip Louise please!” Done.

Once I started styling brides, word of mouth spread and I expanded the scope of my business to helping all women. So often, clients ask that I rework their closets to gear them up for the upcoming season and this is how it works - once we schedule a convenient time, we meet to discuss their specific needs {work apparel, packing assistance, casual outfit building, first date, etc.}… then I get to work! The beauty of this is that we are working with what is already in the closet, yet bringing new life to the items!!

2. Who are your favorite designers?

Oscar de la Renta = dreamy.

3. Favorite stores/places you like to shop? (Both locally and otherwise)

TJ Maxx and Neiman Marcus.

4. What are some staple items that every girl needs in her closet?

Dark denim, classic black pumps, black pencil skirt, neutral heels, black fitted blazer, some sparkle.

5. How would you describe your own personal style?

Romantic chic? I’m all about dresses and wide skirts, with the focus on the waistline, feminine blouses, tailored jackets and blazers, shirts and obvious classics such as denim and T-shirts.

6. What trends are you loving this fall?


1. layered leather bracelets
2. antique lace, especially in daring winter white
3. stacked wedges
4. zippered driving gloves
5. ‘80s color block
6. tight leather pants
7. sequins
8. thigh-highs
9. leopard {consider it a neutral}
10. thick strappy camel heels + tights

7. Building a wardrobe can sometimes be an expensive and daunting task. What advice would you have for young women just starting to build their wardrobes?

-Start with the basics {refer to Q4} and keep it simple, with a dash of fabulous. Two pros to this method: a. not going to break the bank b. not going to look like you’re trying too hard.

-Never pick something you’re not comfortable in. Only buy what you absolutely adore or it will hang in your wardrobe f-o-r-e-v-e-r. {questionable? sleep on it!}.

-Build up a few key accessories that are your staples, every day. Soon, you will have a “signature” which is undeniably cool.

-Take the time to research - the few extra minutes it takes to google, you may find a drastically better deal! Trust me.

8. What was the best fashion advice you’ve ever been given?

“Just try it” – mom

"Fashion is nothing permanent and at the end of the day, if it didn’t “work” you’re not committed… so just experiment and have fun!"

9. Who are your personal style icons?

{Now} : Alexa Chung.

{Forever} SJP.

{Always} Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. May seem cliché, but revisit her photos… just brilliant.


10. If you could raid any one woman’s closet, (celebrity or otherwise), who would it be and why?

Jenna Lyons, Ashley Olsen, Jane Aldridge, Alexa Chung.

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Thanks again to Anna for holding down the fort here today! I'll actually be blogging from Nashville tomorrow (or at least attempting) so come back for seconds.

Be blessed, lovelies-