Originally from Lawrenceburg, TN, Catherine Sheffield came to Chattanooga for college, fell in love (with her husband and with the city) and never left. A wife, mother, and FMLA manager at Unum, Catherine's sense of style can be best described as southern classic with a modern twist. We had a chance to learn more about Catherine's inspiration and familial influences during our interview.
In a world of fast style trends, how do you stay true to your personal style while staying fresh and current?
Some clothes I’ve had for years and still love and wear. I keep them current by adding accessories such as scarves, shoes and jewelry. For my home, I love family heirlooms. I am fortunate that my family for generations has treasured and passed down timeless pieces. I have many things in my home that belonged to my great-grandmother who also inherited them. My home stays fresh by switching out pillows, lamps, frames, vases and art. My husband was an art major and his influences and pieces are evident throughout our home, especially in the nursery. He painted a collection of watercolors from some of our favorite places in the city which hang over our son's bed. We also hung hubby's bubble suits from 38 years ago. They all add a creative, loving and meaningful touch to the nursery.
Style is often seen as a form of self-expression. How does your style reflect your personality and values?
I want to feel happy, relaxed and comfortable. I love expressing myself through fun dresses, ruffles and layers. Happy, relaxed and comfortable are also how I want people to feel when visiting my home. It is intentional that the rooms throughout my home are both warm and welcoming.
How did you develop your unique sense of style? Were there any particular influences or experiences that shaped your style choices?
I take inspiration from the generations of strong women in my family who have always appreciated good style. I come from a family where three generations were all women. These women have all furnished their homes with pieces passed down by their families. So many come with stories. For example, I have my aunt's pictures in my guest bedroom. She traveled to Panama as a member of a U.S. travel delegation. In recognition of the ongoing travel relations between the two countries, Panama presented her with the artwork as a token of appreciation. She gave them to me when I was rummaging through her house looking for stuff. My family members frequently "shop" through each other’s homes. I plan to pass these and many more pieces and stories down to our son when he grows up and gets a place of his own.
How do you approach mixing high-end pieces with more affordable finds? Any tips for achieving a balanced and stylish look on any budget?
Yard sales, estate sales, and antique malls are great places to find wonderful things at affordable prices. I love spending my Saturday mornings grabbing a latte and roaming the neighborhoods looking for unique finds. My grandmother and great-grandmother both had antique shops they enjoyed during their spare time. My mother, in her spare time, created “The Merry Market”, an event filled with artists, potters and designers throughout Middle Tennessee. So, you could say I inherited a love of antiquing and mixing my finds with modern pieces.
Style can be empowering. How does your style empower you, and how do you hope it inspires others in your community?
I try to wear things that make me feel positive and confident. If you feel it, others will feel it, right? I truly believe empowerment can happen regardless of size and trust my choice of clothing reflects this.
What do you look for when choosing new pieces to add to your collection?
Versatile pieces so you can always change things up. When I make a purchase, I make sure it is a conscious one. Impulse shopping almost never ends well for me.
What are some share some of your favorite places to shop? Any local hidden gems you can share with our readers?
I adore items at Sophie's Shop, Cochran Furniture and Charlotte's Web. For clothes, I love stopping by Belle Rive, Savannah Taylor, and North Star Boutique. They have the sweetest employees who have always welcomed me with a warm smile! Other, bigger places I love to shop include: Belk, Loft, Target, and Grand Millenial Buy, Sell, Trade on Facebook.
I inherited a love of antiquing and mixing my finds with modern pieces.
I want to feel happy, relaxed and comfortable.