The newest edition to the “Style File” ranks is none other than my fellow Howard University Bison, Denise Caldwell. When I first met Denise, I was a thirsty freshman trying to get my foot in the fashion door at Howard. Being a young homegirl from the “Lou”, she embraced me, showed me the ins and outs, and hipped me to the politics of how to get things moving and shaking at the “Mecca.” Today, she continues to inspire me, building her successful “fashion personality” brand while staying true to herself, and doing it all with style.
Danie Rae: How did you translate your love for fashion into a career?
Denise Caldwell: I’ve always had a love for fashion. I thank both of my parents for my keen eye to spot luxury, appreciation for all things beautiful, savvy shopping skills and hard work ethic. While attending Howard University, I was able to use all those things to score numerous internships at Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), Essence Magazine, Harper’s BAZAAR and IMG. I used the motto “intern today, CEO tomorrow!” to hustle my way up the fashion ranks.
DR: Nowadays, it seems everybody “does” fashion, what niche have you created for yourself in this saturated industry?
DC: I’ve spent almost a decade working tirelessly in the fashion industry. I was blessed to learn from the “best of the best” working with world renowned fashion editors and celebrity stylists. Almost seven years of stylist assistant and market editor experience helped me hone in on what aspects of fashion and beauty I wanted to pursue. Relationship building, flexibility, keeping a positive attitude and always being open to new opportunities continue to be career cornerstones when it comes to evolving my career in this fast-paced industry.
DR: Give us a head to toe rundown of your staple look (undergarments included)!
DC: I’m a huge fan of proper underpinnings. It only makes you look smoother, slimmer and fab in your outfit. Some of faves include: Fruit of a Loom [undies], Wacoal [bras], SPANX [shapewear & tights], Miracle Suit [shapewear] and Leonisa [shapewear].
DR: What are some of your style staples?
DC: I continued to champion my personal style as a “Curvnista.” Meaning I’ve always embraced my curves and highlighted and concealed them with feminine accents in my clothing.
Five style essentials I think every woman, regardless age or size, should have in their closet include: a great tank, cardigan, structured pant, pencil skirt and great shift dress. Also, a bonus wild card could be a cool leather or faux bomber jacket.
I dabble in the high-low trend when it comes to clothing brands, but also use style secrets of neighborhood tailors and designer sample sales to keep my closet fully stocked with trendy and coveted runway items.
For accessories, I’m a sucker for thick black tights, Celine and Givenchy handbags, caged platforms, black ankle booties and cool statement necklaces.
DR: What are some hot celeb style secrets that we could use in our everyday steez?
DC: What I’ve learned from working behind the scenes with celebrities like Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyoncé, Michelle Obama and Jennifer Lopez is confidence and color! Don’t be afraid to wear color and experiment with patterns. Try brights and subtle hues like cobalt blue, navy, aubergine, heather grey and coral. Also, whimsical patterns like florals, stripes and animal prints will make you look younger and is an instant mood booster!
DR: What are some designers/boutiques that are on your radar?
DC: As a fashion and beauty insider, one of the key perks is getting exclusive peeks at designer collections before they arrive in-stores and online. Although social media does give you a bird’s eye view, there is nothing like seeing it in person. Some of my faves as New York Fashion Week approaches that I’ll be wearing are:
– Pink Tartan
-NeNe Leakes for HSN (new collection)
– Fashion to Figure
– Tadashi Shoji
– Violeta by Mango (new collection)
– Calvin Klein White Label
– Mirina Rinaldi
– Donna Karan Collection
DR: Any other info you want the reader to know?
DC: Feel free to check me out on my newly minted role as style contributor for SEVENTEEN magazine. New page Curve Confidence is in the August issue.
Wardrobe provided by: Fashion to Figure www.fashiontofigure.com, Shoe Dazzle www.shoedazzle.com, Eloquii www.eloquii.com, Spanx www.spanx.com
For more info on Denise’s looks, follow her on Instagram and Twitter @DCFashionista1.
