Asheville Fashion Profiles: Emily Peele

Asheville Fashion Profiles is a new series by local photographer Sarajane Case. Sarajane is hitting the streets of Asheville and interviewing locals to highlight current fashion trends. This series will give you a glimpse into the eclectic portrayal of local fashion and culture as well as offering hints, tips, and tricks on what best fits you and your wardrobe. First up in this series is Emily Peele of High Five Coffee Bar, located downtown.

Name: Emily Peele

Job: Operations Manager of High Five Coffee Bar

Fashion Icon: Kate Hudson or Chloe Sevigny

Where do you shop in town? 

The J. Crew Outlet

What’s your current color palette?

Mixing shades of blue. Navy and slate

New or Used? 

Used; almost exclusively

Do you build your wardrobe in pieces or in outfits? 

Definitely pieces. I play fashion challenge games that help me to see the holes that are in my wardrobe and then I create a collection of rules for shopping. Usually, the rules have to do with silhouette, proportion, or color. Right now, I’m not allowed to  buy any pants that are not up to my belly-button or higher in rise. Because, I’m still really honing in on what silhouette makes me  feel best in my body.

What’s one tip you have for someone just starting to explore fashion?

Pick a color for your outfit and let everything you wear be a shade of that color. Preferably, a neutral. It keeps the interest focused on the cut and textile of each garment instead of being progressively distracted by each element of
an outfit. I always notice someone who is head to toe in monochromatic.

Best fashion advice you’ve received? 

I believe it was Coco Chanel who said this, but, “Look in the mirror before you leave and take off one accessory.”

How does your shape play into what you wear, or does it?

I’m always really fascinated by the way a woman’s natural figure defines her sense of style. Because, I always wonder if I were a more voluptuous woman if I would have a more ‘sexy/flirtatious’ sense of style. But, I think it took me probably until after college to just give up on bras that are structured or padded. Because, it’s obviously not necessary. It’s just better for me to wear things that are thin and have a more androgynous upper half. Which I’ve come to love; but, it took some time for me to accept those limitations of my body. Also, I’ll be pretty daring with hem line and a short inseam because I’m petite enough and look young enough that most people don’t feel uncomfortable with an overt display of skin.

How does living in Asheville effect your personal style?

All I really know to compare it to is Richmond, VA which is a very very hip town. I would say here I wear more whimsical things and more colors then I would if I lived in a larger city.

View all of the photos from this weeks fashion shoot below:

[Show as slideshow]