Recently we featured Christine Nelson in our Smarty Pledge to Purge Giveaway and her work in the final product of the Purge. Christine, owner of Simply Sassy Coach is a Professional Wardrobe Stylist. And let me tell ya, Smarties, Christine’s work is amazing!
As a client, Christine will work together with you to build a fresh new wardrobe using existing clothes you already own. She will also help uncover any gaps in your collection and work with you to understand which colors and clothing lines bring out your very best to help you transform your look. Christine oozes style, we adore her and look forward to hearing more from Christine in the coming months as we press on into spring!
Smarties, let’s get cozy with Christine!
Christine’s Smarty Mom Stats:
Mom of: Britta 9, Jack 7
Years married: Jeff and I dated for 4 years and have been married for 12 years.
Years in Charlotte: 3 years in Charlotte, 15 years in LKN
Hood: Lake Norman
Hometown: Barkhamsted, Connecticut
Occupation: Fashion Stylist, owner of Simply Sassy Coach
In your opinion, what is the most important accessory in an outfit?
This is such a hard choice, but I’d have to say a statement necklace. I always advice my clients to view their accessories as “glue” that holds the outfit together. You can pair 2 totally different colors together and make them work with the right accessory piece. One tip is to keep the size of the accessory piece in proportion to your frame so that you are wearing the accessory and it’s not wearing you.
Where is your favorite place to grab a last minute fab outfit?
I would either shop my closet to mix and match items for a super SASSY outfit or hit a local consignment store. I love shopping consignment because you never know what you’re going to find and the prices are incredible. I am also an advocate of supporting local businesses. You do not need to spend a ton of money on your wardrobe, you just need to know how to dress for your body shape and coloring and take a creative approach. I challenge my clients to take one item out of their closest and style it 5 completely different ways. That’s how to truly maximize your wardrobe. I am somewhat of a chameleon with my dress so I enjoy hunting for that eclectic piece that really makes a statement and can be styled a number of different ways. My FAV place to shop shoes is NORDSTROM RACK – They have a huge selection of designer shoes at a fraction of the cost. They also carry a size 5-13 which is a bonus!!
What is your favorite article of clothing?
I have to say that I am a HUGE fan of boots. My absolute favorite boots are a pair of Corral’s (Women’s Kats Natural Westport Boot) from Country Outfitter. They go with everything, are super comfy and feature a side zipper so they are super easy to get on and off. Every time I wear them, I get tons of compliments.
Formal – where do you find fab formal dresses? Cocktail dresses? I am a big fan of Nordstrom, Belk and Macy’s at Southpark. Another great idea is to rent a dress from Rent the Runway.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Too many to tell…shhhh! Even though I wear a size 12, I manage to have a pretty nice shoe collection.
Switching roles here…
What is your favorite thing to do with your family in the spring?
We love being outside enjoying nature and are up for anything from a hike in the woods, a fun run with our golden retriever or a day of gardening or working in the yard. We love boating as well and look forward to the warm weather right around the corner!
What is the last meal you cooked?
I love cooking but don’t always have a lot of time to cook. This is the best recipe and is our go-to whenever we have company over.
Jeffrey’s roast chicken:
4-5 lb roasting chicken
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 lemons
1 whole head of garlic, cut in half crosswise
olive oil
2 onions thickly sliced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 tbs. flour
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove and discard chicken giblets. Pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Cut the lemons in quarters and place 2 quarters in the cavity along with the garlic. Brush the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the chicken in a small roasting pan. Place the reserved lemons and the sliced onions in a large bowl toss with 2 tbs of olive oil, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper. Pour the mixture around the chicken.
Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until juices run clear. Remove the chicken to a platter, leaving the lemons and onions in the pan. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
Place the pan on top of the stove over medium-high heat. Add the wine and stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits. Add the stock and sprinkle the flour, stirring constantly for a minute, until the sauce thickens. Add any juices that collect on the platter under the chicken onto the platter and spoon the onions and sauce over it. If the lemons are tender enough to eat, serve them, too.
Favorite restaurant to take the whole fam?
Kobe Hero Japanese (The kids are intrigued with the talented chefs and the cooking show).
Fav date-night restaurant?
We love The Melting Pot. In fact, we dined there for our very first date 16 years ago and it continues to be one of our top restaurants for date night.
Lunch spot?
EEZ Sushi in Birkdale.
The phrase you’ve said to your children more than any other at home is…
”I hope you dance”
Funniest thing your children have ever said to you?
Our 7-year-old son gets a kick out of hiding whoopie cushions all around the house. Our daughter has perfected the “stink-eye” which she fires off periodically. Both kids are so much fun to be around. They are free spirits and have a great sense of humor about life. It’s so interesting to see their little personalities develop, who know what they will be when they grow up?
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I was voted ‘Class Clown’ in High School
Best book you’ve ready lately?
The Style Strategy by Nina Garcia
Who is your celebrity crush?
Jude Law
Favorite CSP article?
The Smarty Pledge To Purge campaign.
Behavioral trait you hope your kids don’t inherit from you:
I’m a little bit of a perfectionist with certain things. It would be great if I could let things go a bit but if I commit to doing something I give it my all. My hope is that our kids can find a happy balance in life.
Guilty pleasure?
My favorite guilty pleasure is Breyers Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – there’s nothing better!
For more information:
You can find Christine on her Simply Sassy website and facebook.
