COVER STORY | Vanessa Trelford of Jeans and a Cute Top Shop in St. Charles

Vanessa Trelford Shares Her Petite Perspective on Style

ST. CHARLES/WHEATON–As the Manager and Stylist at Jeans and a Cute Top Shop, Vanessa has learned so much about styling, fashion merchandising and buying from owner Jill Card.  She loves all the shades of green for Spring 2024 -   mint, sage, lime, kelly, and seafoam are all the rage; as well as bright and muted corals, porcelain white, hot pink, lilac, sky blue and navy.  Denim is also trending in long skirts, straight leg, wide leg, cuffed, and raw hems.

At only 4’11” tall, she shares Petite Perspective fashion advice, backed by 29 years of personal experimentation.

“Say yes to monochromatic outfits.  High rise denim elongates the leg line.  Pair cropped denim with a nude/neutral shoe.  Front/French tuck your tops/sweaters.  V-neck and scoop neck tops lengthens the neckline.  Vertical patterns and small prints are flattering on a small frame.  Lastly, embrace your petiteness! Once you learn how to balance proportions and style your silhouette, shopping is easier and enjoyable.  I personally wear what makes me feel good, because confidence never goes out of style.”

When Vanessa is not working at JCTS, she is working on her own small jewelry business, Wild Apothecary & Market, specializing in polymer clay earrings and crystal sun catchers.  With the help of her sister, they sell at local artisan markets, Midwest Nice in Geneva, and will have a booth at Firefly Market on May 11th in Wheaton!

Fortunate to live in the heart of downtown St. Charles, Vanessa and her husband love eating dinner at El Puente Mexican restaurant and walking to Town House Books & Cafe for brunch. She feels blessed to live and work in such a vibrant community.

-Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara