Stylin' & Profiling: Cheryl Leahy
Name: Cheryl Leahy
Profession: FT mom of two, lifestyle blogger at all dressed up with nothing to drink…, contributor to 6 additional lifestyle/travel sites, and style expert on ChicagonistaLIVE!
Favorite Color: Black…the chicest color of them all, and my go-to monochrome when I have “nothing to wear.”
Least Favorite Color: Yellow, because very few blondes (including bottle blondes!) can pull it off well
Style Description: Chameleon. I change outfits about 3-4 times/day depending upon my activity and mood. I love edgy looks that take a risk like leather pants + a cutout shirt with heavy jewelry, but you can just as easily see me in a full midi skirt and feminine top with simple studs.
Style Icon: Blake Lively! She is one of the few celebs who doesn’t have a stylist and she always looks on point.
Favorite Designers/Brands: I wear a lot of fast fashion from stores like Zara, but most of my staples come from Banana Republic. I usually have a vintage coat in rotation from a thrift store, and a designer piece (DVF!) here and there if I find a great deal. I recently purchased a pair of Borris Powell leggings that I LOVE from his Fashion Showroom. I don’t discriminate- I have shopped everywhere from the boys department at Old Navy to Bloomie’s to boutiques. As long as it fits and I love it, I don’t care what the label says.
Least Favorite Designers/Brands: Those that rest upon their reputation or logo instead of design and quality
Favorite Shoe Style: A d’orsay pump- still formal enough for work meetings, but sexy enough for a night out.
Least Favorite Shoe Style: Ballet flats. I always feel frumpy and no matter how many times I try them on, I always end up changing out of them.
What You Love to Wear: Something one of a kind, unique, or a traditional item styled in an unexpected way. I usually wear dresses or skirts, you will rarely see me out and about in jeans.
What You Hate to Wear: Honestly, most brands of jeans. I have a crazy long torso, and have only found one or two pairs of jeans that fit me well.
What You are Afraid to Wear: Nada! I have nothing to lose by taking a fashion risk. I do try to dress for my age, so I guess I would be most afraid of looking like I was trying to re-live my teenage years!
What is Work Appropriate/Your Typical Workplace Attire: For my mom gig, anything goes obviously, but I don’t sit around in sweats or workout wear. I usually wear fleece tights and a dress during the winter, and a maxi dress during the summer. As for media events, I LOVE to take a new style for a spin. I have worked with a few designers/boutiques and it is exciting to test drive the latest trends.
Do You Like to Accessorize (Jewelry, Scarves, etc.)? I am really into statement earrings at the moment. Statement necklaces have had their time on stage, and the earrings are where it is at now. As for scarves, I have a whole drawer full that I never wear. I always feel like I am covering my outfit with them!
Favorite Stores/Boutiques: My absolute favorite boutique is Ella Louvi in Glenview. Grace, the owner, has an incredible eye for style and a constantly updated inventory. Plus, most items are under $100.
Style/Fashion Tips and/or Advice: A lot of people swear by the capsule wardrobe theory, but I am the opposite. As a creative person, I need to have options and dress for my mood that day. There are no rules in fashion, it if makes you feel good and fits, wear it!
Stylish Aspirations: I would love to make my own clothing, or at least alter those pieces I currently have. Things look so much better with a nip and tuck to make them flatter your figure!
Winter Must-Have: Sorel Boots! These are an investment that last forever, and every winter I look forward to sliding my feet into this heavenly footwear.
Holiday Wish List: I am a total magpie- I should invest in more practical pieces, but am always drawn to those shiny objects. I have secretly always wanted matching gold cuffs like Wonder Woman…classic yet such a statement.
Follow this babe on Instagram: @Cjalldressedup
Stay Stylish Chicago,
Katie