Since we launched Silhouettes of a Woman we have been spotlighting the beautiful women that make up the movement. This month we'd like to share a group of amazing women who participated in our Silhouettes of the City fashion show, multiple Queen Anna House of Fashion photo shoots and so much more. Please say hello to these incredible ladies!
Name: Nicole Brown
Occupation: Software Engineering Program Manager
The Makeup of your Silhouette: Me, then daughter, sister, friend, mentor, multi-$M detail manager, and artist
How would you describe your ideal style?
My ideal style is imperfectly me...
Now, what’s your style actually?...
My actual style is an imperfect representation of my mood at any given moment that takes me from the gym to a gala and everything in between. So, whether I'm in my J's or 120 mm designer pumps, I'm comfortable. It displays creativity and attention to detail.
Tell us, what’s one thing you love about you?
I love that I embrace all parts of me, which allows me to love from a place bigger than me and be authentic in all situations.
What’s your favorite purchase from Queen Anna?
What I'm currently wearing...
Name: Tara Stone
Occupation: Banking
The Makeup of your Silhouette: Mom, encourager, singer, teacher and business woman
How would you describe your ideal style?
I would describe my ideal style as sleek, tailored, crisp, edgy and business couture.
Now, what’s your style actually?...
My actual style is a mix of edgy and tailored.
Tell us, what’s one thing you love about you?
I love my height!
What’s your favorite purchase from Queen Anna?
Everything!
Name: Pam Milliren
Occupation: VC Operations Manager
The Makeup of your Silhouette: Mother and friend
How would you describe your ideal style?
I would describe my ideal style as Jennifer Aniston mixed with Victoria Beckham and a bold edge.
Now, what’s your style actually?...
My actual style is super casual with a Queen Anna House of Fashion twist.
Tell us, what’s one thing you love about you?
I love my personality! I'm very easy going.
What’s your favorite purchase from Queen Anna?
All of my purchases! One of my favorites is my grey ABLE jumpsuit.
Name: TaMica Tody
Occupation: Project Coordinator and Manager
The Makeup of your Silhouette: Mother of five (5) human beings, daughter, sister, boss-babe and artist
How would you describe your ideal style?
I would describe my ideal style as unique, sexy, comfortable and stylish, of course!
Now, what’s your style actually?...
My actual style is all of the above. I definitely wear what speaks to me and what I feel good in.
Tell us, what’s one thing you love about you?
I love that I am comfortable in my skin and with myself.
What’s your favorite purchase from Queen Anna?
Everything! Shoes, a Fifth Label dress, and lilac coat. Up next, a white jumpsuit and a silk, lilac wrap dress - I hope!
Name: Hillary Kline
Occupation: Senior Public Relations Specialist, On-Air Host, Emcee, Beauty Expert
The Makeup of your Silhouette: Curvy, Tall and Genuine
How would you describe your ideal style?
I would describe my ideal style as classic and minimalistic. I really love flowy pieces with statement accessories, too.
Now, what’s your style actually?...
My style is a mix of colors and prints, but my signature style is and always will be, accessories. I feel out of sorts if I'm not rocking some sort of accessory. I'm a big believer of the phrase, "The bigger and bolder the better!"
Tell us, what’s one thing you love about you?
I really love my tenacity and my willingness to branch outside of my comfort zone. We oftentimes get stuck in our own ways and get complacent and I vow to myself to not do that. I continue to try to break the mold and crush stereotypes, all while being (and staying) authentic in who I am.
What’s your favorite purchase from Queen Anna?
Definitely my new Rachel Zoe bag from One Posh Closet. It's so hip and stylish.
Name: Karen Preston-Cornelissen
Occupation: Nutritionist, Hospital Business Manager Nutrition
The Makeup of your Silhouette: Wife, mom, employee and self-employed
How would you describe your ideal style?
I would describe my ideal style as J-Lo. I love her entertaining and daring fashion sense that's fun and fearless.
Now, what’s your style actually?...
My actual style is sexy, elegant, and/or feminine edgy.
Tell us, what’s one thing you love about you?
I love that I believe in myself.
What’s your favorite purchase from Queen Anna?
My favorite purchase is my Allen Schwartz striped set and fun shoes too!
Continue reading
Which fruit shape are you? If you are a woman over 25, you probably know what I’m talking about.
For years, the shape of fruit has been metaphorically used to describe the shape of a woman’s body. While I’m sure at the time, this was useful and effective, but eventually, we found ourselves wondering, “Must my body be compared to a fruit?
About a year ago, our team was preparing for an event where we were teaching clients “how to dress for your body type.” As we were preparing the content and imagery we hit a snag. While we wanted to provide visuals of varying body types, we certainly didn’t want to use fruits! 🤣 Our founder said to the team, “I don’t want to be a fruit. There has to be a better way to describe our bodies. How would you want to describe your shape? What do you love?” Then someone shouted “Geometric shapes,” that’s not it. “Precious stones,” mmm that’s not it either, “Pearls!” close but not it, then Nicole shouted, “DIAMONDS,” and then there was a simultaneous, “YESSSSSS That’s it! Diamonds!”
Diamonds are rare. Diamonds are precious. Diamonds are beautiful yet incredibly strong. This was our way to shift the narrative of how we describe our bodies. For us, this felt more empowering, more graceful, more encouraging. So, we quickly realized that there were various types and shapes of diamonds that we could use to visualize the varying body types and the rest is history.
With that, we are excited to share with you, our Diamond Silhouettes. Below, you will find our version of “body shapes” described by diamonds cuts. Please keep in mind that this is a GUIDELINE.
You may find that one diamond silhouette is more relatable to your body or you might find you are a mix of two. Just know that your body is beautiful and so unique that it cannot be fully described by any fruit, shape, or even diamond. This guideline is meant to help you to visualize your body shape as close as possible.
Radiant Diamond
With this silhouette, you have more of an athletic shape. Your shoulders may be wider than your hips but you also have muscular legs and thighs.
Trillion Diamond
With this silhouette, your hips are typically more voluptuous than your bust & chest area.
Heart Diamond
With this silhouette, your bust and chest area is typically more voluptuous than your hips.
Princess Diamond
With this silhouette, your bust and chest area measures at about the same as your hips but your waist typically measures smaller.
Emerald Diamond
With this silhouette, your measurements are fairly even throughout your bust, waist and hips.
And there you have it! Those are our FIVE diamond silhouettes to help you identify with your body shape. Now, tell us, which diamond are you?
Continue reading
Anyone that has been following Queen Anna House of Fashion knows that a preeminent part of our business is our clients. We had our very first celebration of our clients with the launching of Silhouettes of a Woman during Fashion Week spring of 2019. "Silhouettes of a Woman" is our community of clients, who I believe to be the invisible thread of our brand. SOW connects women on levels that race, color, or religion cannot, and that is by having the same vulnerabilities and experiences as women and having a love for QA clothes.
As we continue to celebrate our third anniversary, it would only be fitting to do so by giving my muse an honorary SOW profile. It is through my memories and life experiences with her that I use to choose the brands and styles we sell and even the experiences we offer in-store. It is her ambiance that is allowing me to positively impact all those that experience Queen Anna House of Fashion. So without further ado, here is the SOW profile to my life's inspiration and the inspiration of Queen Anna House of Fashion (from my vantage point).
Name: Anna L. Whitten
Occupation: Community Outreach Activist but a Health Department Nursing Assistant by trade.
The Makeup of your Silhouette: Being that she isn't physically with us in person, I like to think of her doing what she did when she was here, as being an angelic hand of support to all she encountered and loved.
How would you describe your ideal style?
Feminine and Refined.
Now, what’s your style actually?...
Feminine and Refined. She was very consistent with this vibe, even on her comfortable days and even when she grew older. It is what reminds me to never leave the house without my earrings or ask my daughters if they have on theirs every single day.
Tell us, what’s one thing you love about you?
Even though she never really said this, I have to believe she thought she had a really nice neck and chest area because the more that I looked at images of her, a lot of them were of her wearing v-neck style blouses or dresses.
Nicole age 10 and Anna posing for a picture at the Ecumenical Senior Center where Anna worked as the Volunteer Coordinator amongst other things.
Nicole standing at the podium giving a heartfelt Happy Birthday to Anna at her 95th birthday party.
Continue reading
Say hello to the fabulous, Vanessia! Vanessia is a dear friend to us here at Queen Anna. She modeled for us during our Silhouettes of the City fashion show and has provided her exceptional makeup services for countless photo shoots. We're thrilled to be able to share the makeup of her silhouette with you.
Name: Vanessia Norris
Occupation: Massage Therapist, Esthetician and Makeup Artist
The Makeup of your Silhouette: I'm a healer
How would you describe your ideal style?
My ideal style is anything that Janelle Monáe wears.
Now, what’s your style actually?...
I would have to say that my actual style is a little more sporty and athleisure.
Tell us, what’s one thing you love about you?
I love my ability to remain calm and grounded in most situations.
What’s your favorite purchase from Queen Anna?
My favorite Queen Anna purchases are those that have been gifted to others!
Say hello to Kayla! Kayla is a fellow North Loop business owner and someone we're thrilled to have as an amazing client. She was also a model in our Silhouettes of the City fashion show during FWMN last spring. Learn more about this boss lady's silhouette...
Name: Kayla O'Rourke
Occupation: Owner of The Bar Method. A barre studio in the North Loop
The Makeup of your Silhouette: Mom, wife, business owner and friend
How would you describe your ideal style?
My ideal style is classy and chic, but most certainly not boring! :)
Now, what’s your style actually?...
I would say my style is actually the same as my ideal style. I like my outfits to be a mixture of classic and chic pieces.
Tell us, what’s one thing you love about you?
I love my perseverance and work ethic. I never give up!
What’s your favorite purchase from Queen Anna?
My favorite piece is what I wore in the Queen Anna Silhouettes of the City fashion show! Along with the amazing Wish Australia duster vest in a beautiful bronze color that I purchased in the fall.
Say hello to Tenzin! Tenzin is one of our fabulous clients who participated in our spring fashion show, Silhouettes of the City. Learn more about her silhouette...
Name: Tenzin Chokey "Chuki"
Occupation: Dental Hygienist
The Makeup of your Silhouette: Daughter, Mother, Career Woman
How would you describe your ideal style?
My ideal style would be if I could dress up everyday!
Now, what’s your style actually?...
I don't get to dress up every day, as I have to wear scrubs on the weekdays, but I enjoy dressing up on the weekends (when possible!).
Tell us, what’s one thing you love about you?
I love my spontaneity!
What’s your favorite purchase from Queen Anna?
My favorite piece is the "Simone" asymmetrical top by Allen Schwartz. It's fabulous!
Are you a pear shape or an apple shape? Have you ever heard that question before to describe your body shape? While it’s understandable and even relative, I think it’s time to move on to a different way of describing the unique shapes of our bodies.
In 2019, Queen Anna House of Fashion launched a movement coined “Silhouettes of a Woman." This movement was created to celebrate womanhood at every stage of life continually. Our mission is to help women positively embrace who they are and every silhouette, while also exposing societal imposed barriers and breaking-free of the mental limitations we place on ourselves as women.
We aim to empower, embrace and encourage one another to be comfortable with our authentic self regardless of shape, size, race, and roles we fill every day.
To move forward with our mission, on Thursday, September 19th, we launched our very first Silhouettes of a Woman Style Masterclass: How to Dress for your Body Type, to help shift the perception & relationship we have with our bodies. By using empowered language, kind adjectives, and diamond shapes as our new body type descriptors, we hosted an intimate group of women to share our evolving journey and how we can continue to stylishly dress our bodies.
It was an evening of raw vulnerability, wardrobe liberation, and creative inspiration on how clothing can positively impact how we feel & decide to show up in the world. Finding what works for our body does not have to feel like a daunting or overwhelming chore. The combination of understanding personal fit, preference and style provides clarity that will save you time and money daily.
We look forward to continuing our style masterclass series and breaking barriers, one stylish session at a time.
If you are interested in learning about our next style class send us an email at contact@queenanna.co. Limited spaces are available.
Learn more about Silhouettes of a Woman and check out our recent Silhouettes of the City Fashion Show.
Continue reading
Say hello to Shalaun! Shalaun is one of our fabulous clients who owned the runway at our Silhouettes of the City fashion show this past spring. Learn more about her silhouette...
Name: Shalaun Newton
Occupation: The co-founder of Emerald Gems Foundation
The Makeup of your Silhouette: I'm business savvy
How would you describe your ideal style?
My ideal style is both classy and modern, timeless style is key for me.
Now, what’s your style actually?...
I tend to stick with pieces that are casual and comfortable to accommodate my everyday life as a wife and mom on-the-go.
Tell us, what’s one thing you love about you?
I love my height and that I'm intuitive.
What’s your favorite purchase from Queen Anna?
A long bright marigold jacket by Moon River, the perfect layering piece for when I want to make a bolder statement with my look.
The backstory is that in two years, I gained about 30 pounds. While it did not happen overnight, once I recognized the change, it had an immediate effect on my state of mind. If you’ve ever gone through something similar, you’ll be familiar with how quickly a weight change can impact your self-esteem.
NOTHING in your wardrobe fits your body.
So, you avoid leaving the house. Then, the tears flow when you stand in your closet, which is now chock-full of clothes that no longer work for your body type.
It’s FRUSTRATING.
We often punish ourselves when our body shape is not what we want it to be. We don’t go to the beach because we don’t think we’ll look great in “beachwear.” We don’t buy that amazing blouse because we want to lose 10 pounds first. We believe we deserve stylish, fashionable clothes only after we’ve achieved a body type that we may, honestly, never have.
Trust me, I’ve been there. However, what I've learned is that this kind of behavior only hurts YOU. I’ve realized that all you can do in the present moment is to learn to love the shape you are and dress for the body you have today.
Embrace yourself today, which includes your shape and size. Love on your shoulders, arms, waist, hips, thighs, and ankles. When I did this, I finally felt like myself again. Is it perfect, no and I'm okay with that.
Even if you still intend to lose weight or change your body, this is an important first step to style your body type. Making changes that start by embracing where you are today.
There is something about getting dressed in clothes you feel GREAT in. You feel unstoppable. You feel free. You feel…beautiful.
Here are three quick ways to help you start:
Look in the mirror and say, “I like my…” (insert thighs, legs, smile, hair, eyes, wrists, waist and hips…you get my drift) You may not truly mean it on the first try, but you will over time. Your body is a beautiful creation, so show it some love!
No matter where you are in your body journey, there are items that will work for your shape! A pencil skirt, sheath dress, statement jacket, bootcut jeans, or shoes will never steer you wrong. If you find that you need to add some flavor to your look, these are tried-and-true classic pieces that can work at any size.
Weight fluctuates, especially as we get older. But never let a weight change convince you that you’re no longer beautiful, or no longer worthy of stellar style. There are tricks to the trade on learning how to dress for your body type no matter what size you are. Find out what fit and style works best for you and repeat it.
In fact, we are hosting an upcoming Style Masterclass on How to Dress for your Body Type, you can click here for more details.
After attending our Style Masterclass, you are guaranteed to have a better understanding of your specific body type, learn ways to dress for your body type, make getting dressed in the mornings a lot easier, and new style tips on how to take your look from day-to-night. We hope to see you there!
