Dressing Well Doesn't Mean Huge Expenditures, She Says

WHO: Brenda Heckert, 55, of Wilmington, actress, comedienne and motivational speaker.

WHY: She was nominated by Kerry Doyle-Shannon, who says: “Brenda always looks like a million bucks without spending anything close to that on her classic and stylish wardrobe. Brenda exudes both confidence and fun.”

HER STYLE: Conservative and spare. “I don’t think you need a ton of clothes to be well dressed. Just a few good basics you can dress up.”

WEARING, in the lobby of the Devon in Wilmington:

FIRST OUTFIT – J.McLaughlin dress in a swingy A-line shape in matte Bainbridge crepe. “It shuns wrinkles. It's the perfect traveling companion.” Black leggings by Hue; Garber snakeskin flats with black leather-tipped toes from Peter Kate in Greenville. Gold hoop earrings and gold dome ring

SECOND OUTFIT – Garnet Hill light gray cashmere cable turtleneck sweater; Banana Republic long-sleeve white cotton crew neck; dark denim James jeans from Ellie Boutique; Paul Green dark brown suede high-heel booties from Nordstrom; brown leather Lancaster bag from Ellie.

THIRD OUTFIT – Sam Edelman plaid top in red, blue, black and white from Marshalls; light denim American Eagle Jeans; and light tan Ugg lace-up boots with fleece detailing.

picture: http://www.queenieaustralia.com/bridesmaid-dresses

WHERE SHE SHOPS: Ellie, J.McLaughlin and Peter Kate in Greenville; Talbots; American Eagle; Banana Republic; Marshalls; TJ Maxx; Nordstrom; “and little boutiques wherever I travel,” including Aquamarine in Lewes.

HOW SHE SHOPS: She looks at high-end catalogs and then buys similar pieces to replicate the look. “You don’t have to buy everything from one place. Take a pair of very good jeans and mix it with a little top from Marshalls.”

FASHION ICONS: Lauren Bacall, Katherine Hepburn, Diane Keaton.

FAVORITE LABEL: James Jeans.

MOST RECENT PURCHASE: The J.McLaughlin swing dress with three-quarter length sleeves she is wearing in her first outfit. “Adorable. You can wear...