Go shopping
To contact Stickford for help with style, shopping or “closet editing,” contact her at clstickford@gmail.com or 423-580-3894.
Name: Connie Stickford
Age: Is just a number
Hometown: Chattanooga
Occupation: Switchboard operator and personal stylist
Ever since she was a little girl, Connie Stickford has been interested in fashion. As she was coming of age in the 1970s, she began experimenting with the styles of the times. Being versatile is a key to fashion, she says. Her own style has been through the cycles: from the long, sleek locks of her youth falling just short of wide-leg hip huggers, to a pumped up short ‘do capping off a sophisticated look.
She’s been helping others find their best looks for almost as long. So she decided to make it more than a hobby. It’s something she feels called to do. After all, looking your best translates to feeling your best, and Stickford is a people person.
* I’ve worked with HR specialists, CPAs, a pharmacist, some very professional people; people that have changed careers and people that don’t like to shop or don’t have time to shop.
* A lot of people may think they can’t afford my type of service, but if they really thought about it, they couldn’t not afford it. It’s an investment in themselves.
* I try to be conscious of the money, so it’s not something people just can’t afford.
* Once they know their colors and what looks best for their body shape, I can shop with them or they can let me know a specific outfit they need for a specific event. Or if they just want to add accessories to enhance their wardrobe, I’m willing to do that and meet their needs.
* Accessories can help you to have a fresh new look and give you an increase in wardrobe options.
* One big thing is are some people wear a lot of black and white and are afraid of colors. Once I help them determine their best colors, it does brighten their persona and show their face and eyes more.
* Some people, because of their body shape, are not sure about their style. When I help them with that then they can shop for themselves.
* I’m not afraid of colors or to help others find their best style.
* I think Chattanooga does have a specific style: I think we’re really known in this area for outdoor adventure and there seems to be a more laid-back kind of style. But there are a lot of opportunities for events, and style changes with the event.
* Fashion is continually changing, but class never goes out of style.
* My favorite accessory is jackets, because they go with straight-leg jeans, pants, skirts and dresses and can change the look of each outfit. They’re also functional. You can wear them in the cool of the evening or in an office with air-conditioning. I also love, love, love my boots. They’re knee-high, low-heel riding boots. They’re very functional and comfortable, and also stylish.
* Knits are great for packing. They don’t wrinkle and they pack very well; you can roll them up. Jackets are very versatile and functional. You could go with basic-colored shoes for packing. For women, a wedge-heel shoe normally goes with pants, skirts and dresses. And just accessorize to pull it all together.
* I’ve always had an interest in fashion, colors, designs and textures.
* Having an eye for fashion, design, style and texture has overflowed to various things. Somebody also hired me to redo their living room, and somebody asked me to help with their professional portrait.
* I used to golf on weekends for enjoyment, now this is where I want to invest my free time.
* Most people have a banker, a financial advisor, their own physician, dentist, attorney, those types of things. But it’s also important to have a makeup artist, master tailor and shoe repair store – these specialties that are important for everyone to have to have the look that they need and to look their best.