5 minute read
EXPRESS YOURSELF
ASHLEY HERNDON @Ashleyb17
ANNA CROLLMAN @mycancerchic
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Again Express Yourself Compiled by Emily Uhland | Photography by Jonathan Fredin
ALLISON VRHOVAC @allisonvrhovac
CHELSEA JENNETTE @afashionablebeliever
During the year of the sweatshirt, many of us forgot that fashion can be an outlet for self-expression, choosing comfort over creativity in our daily wardrobe. To ignite fall fashion inspiration, we called on Triangle influencers to remind us that personal style is about looking good, feeling great and having fun … and maybe slightly fewer pairs of sweatpants.
Browse your closet with new eyes this fall, revisiting old favorites in different combinations. These style bloggers show us how.
Ashley Herndon
Instagram: @Ashleyb17 Followers: 4,150 Signature style: Combat boots & distressed denim Fashion connection: Nearly two years ago, Herndon and her husband made a “cold move” to Cary from Indianapolis. They didn’t know anyone, so she began sharing her love of clothes and connecting with North Carolina residents on Instagram. “I have met incredible people, and now I have a community in N.C.”
Hints from Herndon:
MENTAL HEALTH IS WHOLE-BODY HEALTH.
“When I’m feeling my best, I’ve taken a minute to put myself together,” Herndon said. “Dressing helps for self-care.” As a marriage and family therapist, Herndon understands that looking good contributes to feeling good, which has a huge impact on how you present yourself to the outside world.
EMBRACE WHAT YOU HAVE, WHERE YOU ARE.
“We have all gone through a lot,” Herndon said, and for many that means shifts in our bodies. Use fashion to feel comfortable and look good now, she says. Approach those changes — mental and physical — with compassion.
If there is a color or fabric or style you are really drawn to, maximize that. … Understand the things you reach for and lean into that. ”
HERNDON’S FALL MUST HAVE: A COZY CARDIGAN — “I LIVE IN THEM.” CHOOSE A CHUNKY KNIT AND LONG LENGTH TO UPDATE THIS CLOSET STAPLE.
RETURN TO BUSINESS ATTIRE WITH A CLASSIC SHIRTDRESS, DANCING BETWEEN CASUAL AND PROFESSIONAL.
Editor’s note: Unless otherwise noted, clothing and accessories are the models’ personal wardrobe.
WEEKENDS ARE EDGY, RELAXED AND READY FOR ANYTHING. EXPLORE FALL’S FESTIVALS, MARKETS AND FAIRS WITH AN EASY, HANDS-FREE CROSSBODY BAG.
Fashion can tell your story. What’s on the outside complements what’s on the inside. ”
Anna Crollman
Instagram: @mycancerchic Followers: 14,700 Blog: mycancerchic.com Inspiring story: Diagnosed with breast cancer at 27, Crollman felt isolated and unsure of how to dress her now unfamiliar body. She founded her blog, My Cancer Chic, to connect with and inspire all women to thrive through adversity, sharing personal style as a cornerstone of her own self-confidence and joy.
Crollman’s Top Tips:
DRESS FOR YOURSELF.
“Fashion is not about how you look to other people, it’s about looking polished for you,” she said. Fashion is an experiment. You don’t have to get it right every time.
GIVE YOURSELF GRACE.
As we transition back to “outward fashion,” start small, with attainable looks that make you feel confident.
A SWEATER AND JEANS SOUNDS BASIC, BUT UNIQUE DETAILS — BALLOON SLEEVES, BRIGHT PINK AND SOPHISTICATED ACCESSORIES — ARE ANYTHING BUT.
BACK IN THE OFFICE? IT’S TIME TO BRING THE HEAT! A LEATHER SKIRT BECOMES VERSATILE IN A NEUTRAL COLOR, AND THIS STATEMENT BLOUSE IS UNAPOLOGETICALLY FEMININE.
LEFT: SHIMMERY FABRIC MAKES THIS DRESS A SHOWSTOPPER, AND THE TRENDY BABYDOLL SILHOUETTE IS FLATTERING AND FORGIVING.
Chelsea Jennette
Instagram: @afashionablebeliever Followers: 20,700 Owner: CharleyMadelyn boutique in Raleigh (named after her twin daughters) Blog: afashionablebeliever.com Signature style: Anything pink, especially dresses and statement pieces
Jennette’s fashion advice:
LET YOUR OUTFIT DO THE WORK FOR YOU.
Choose statement pieces with interesting details, such as smocking, ruffles or a beautiful print. Add accessories and you’re done!
DRESSES ARE A MOM’S BEST FRIEND.
As a business owner and mom of twin 2-yearolds, Jennette has limited time most mornings. A dress (plus accessories) is a one-and-done outfit that looks polished and feminine.
BE BOLD.
“We have one walk — go boldly and confidently,” Jennette said. Find something you love that makes you feel your best.
I encourage women to feel confident in who they are, whether that’s with a devotional or a belt. ”
THIS STATEMENT BLOUSE BRINGS THE SPICE WITH METALLIC ANIMALPRINT FLARE SLEEVES. BLOUSE AVAILABLE AT CHARLEYMADELYN BOUTIQUE.
TRANSITION TO FALL WITH AN EASY AND BREEZY BABYDOLL DRESS. DETAILS INCLUDE A SMOCKED BODICE AND GATHERING AT WRISTS. DRESS AVAILABLE AT CHARLEYMADELYN BOUTIQUE. A MAXI DRESS IS JENNETTE’S FAVORITE ONEAND-DONE OUTFIT. ADDING A BELT DEFINES THE WAIST AND TIES TOGETHER POPS OF GOLD ACCESSORIES. DRESS AVAILABLE AT CHARLEYMADELYN BOUTIQUE.
Special thanks to The Mayton in downtown Cary for location.
TRADING SWEATS FOR SILK JOGGERS PUMPS UP THE POLISH FOR A DAY OF CASUAL ERRANDS.
VRHOVAC ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO STOP SEEING AGE AS A LIMITATION ON THEIR STYLE. FALL’S FAVORITE ACCESSORIES — BOOTS AND A HAT — ARE CHIC AT EVERY AGE.
Allison Vrhovac
Instagram: @allisonvrhovac
Followers: 13,400
TikTok: @allisonvrhovac
Followers: 67,300
Modeling authenticity: “The internet can be so cruel,” said Vrhovac, “In my corner, I’m just being real.” As a mother of three, including two teenage daughters,
Vrhovac strives to be a role model sharing kindness and positivity, knowing her audience includes her daughters and their friends. Vrhovac’s style handbook:
THE AGE-LIMIT DOES NOT EXIST.
In the digital world of style blogging, finding representation over the age of 40 is tough. Vrhovac, 41, wants to break down barriers surrounding fashion and age. “Wear what makes you feel good,” she said.
CASUAL IS STILL COOL.
“We’ve all been wearing tie-dye pajamas for a year,” Vrhovac said. “Take parts of that casual style and kick it up with a bag, cute shoe or a jacket. Keep that casual feel, but dress it up.”
SEEK SOMETHING SPECIAL
A pop of vibrant color, surprising material (like casual joggers in silk) or unique fabric elevates basic to statement. A dash of the unexpected acts like an exclamation point for your outfit, capping off the whole look with a bang.
