1. Who is Shanté Thompson?
Good question! I am a busy wife, mother (boymom- 3 boys), professional, and entrepreneur. Regional Director of Business Development with 20 years of experience in Senior Living and Founder and CEO of my own company DossCouture – statement tees giving a proud voice to women and girls points of view.
2. How do you define fashion and or style?
I define fashion as what we see currently via trends, etc. and what is being offered. Style is a state of mind. It reflects where and who you are as an individual and at a particular moment in time. We each have our own sense of style – and it is not dependent upon current fashion trends.
3. What influences your style? ie travel, work, movies, magazines, social media trends, celebrities, color, etc.
Current fashion does influence my style; however, my busy schedule, work, and being a mom take the lead. I don’t have to break the bank with my wardrobe, but I do have and keep a few statement pieces.
Pre-pandemic I was a suit and heel wearing professional. I changed my purse daily to match my ootd and could walk in heels all day with no problem. During the pandemic, while I was very aware of fashion, my style became very casual as I was working from home. Upon returning to work, ‘comfortable chic’ has become a staple. I of course include a DossCouture statement tee with a suit, pant, or skirt when appropriate. I get excited and jump at the chance to now dress up and go out on the town. In fact, I am attending a gala soon and look forward to wearing a formal gown.
4. How has your style evolved?
I have always been very aware of who I am when it comes to my style; however, as my boys got older and started to take up more time with their sport/ activities, I definitely had to develop a #boymom style being easy and comfortable. Being hands-on with my own company and running operations I have to be comfortable also.
Additionally, now that I am 49 I realized that I had to transition my wardrobe so that I am not the ‘mom who wants to dress like a 20 year old.' I can still wear my favorite stilettos and be a trendy fashionista without being overly revealing and at the same time not looking like a ‘mom.' Because us moms like to be and feel sexy sometimes too!
5. What does your dream wardrobe consist of?
I love a great pair of jeans! Jeans in all colors and styles. Can’t leave out my DossCouture tees. I love shoes and bags that make a statement but don’t break the bank. I am a firm believer that you can be fiscally responsible and still look good. Some of my favorite dresses I bought at Target! Or Targe’ (Tar-jay)
6. If you were to give fashion advice to your younger self what would it be?
Hmmm, fashion advice. I would probably tell myself not to follow the trends. Develop your own sense of style.
7. How important is it to be body positive and to appreciate the skin that you're in?
Oh my this is super important. I am not only a woman but a curvy black woman. I was always thin until I hit my 40s, and I bloomed into the curvacious woman that I am today. It took me a while to get used to it but I am loving the skin I’m in. I have learned to love myself. I think many women struggle with that…
8. What do you love about jewelry? What is your absolute favorite is it earrings, necklaces, etc.
I absolutely love everything about jewelry… ask anyone. I am always wearing earrings and a necklace. I love them both equally.
9. How do you incorporate accessories and jewelry into your daily looks?
With work, many times I don’t get to carry a bag so accessories are my statement pieces. I may wear a blazer and plain blouse but a beautiful necklace or earrings will make the outfit. In addition, I am constantly demonstrating Doss tees with accessories.
10. What are your non-negotiables... What must you have / wear / do? and what are your, “I’m never ever doing or wearing that”?
I must have a great pair of jeans, stilettos, a statement bag, and a necklace. I once sprained my ankle wearing Ferragamo kitten heels! So definitely not ever wearing kitten heels. They aren’t functional for me in my everyday activities.
11. Tell us why you choose fashion and style. So what we mean by that is, we don’t have to dress up, we don’t have to adorn ourselves with jewels and embellish with accessories, but we do, we choose to… why do you?
My sense of style and love for fashion was influenced by my mom. She was and still is a fashionista. Being from Tyler TX, a small town in East Texas, no one ever shopped at Bergdorf Goodman. Well, my mom did, and I remember looking through the catalogs and watching my mom wear the clothes she ordered. She had the best sense of style and encouraged myself and my sister to have pride and never go out without looking your very best. I can also remember wearing a pair of chocolate brown riding boots to school in the 5th grade. That’s fashion and style!!!
12. What’s your favorite fashion/style quote or mantra?
Fashion is what you buy. Style is what you do with it. Wear what makes you feel good!
13. How and where can people connect with you?
Email us at: .
Website: https://dosscouturedesigns.com/
Instagram: DOSSCOUTURE LLC (@dosscouture) • Instagram photos and videos
Personal Instagram: Shanté Michelle (@taytayrtee) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: (5) Shanté Michelle Thompson | LinkedIn
Accessories can definitely be statement pieces for your overall look, Shanté. Thank you for sharing a little bit of your story with us!
XoXo
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