Dress for Success

Sometimes style and practicality collide in unexpected places -- or people, as is the case with the elegant Noelle Ward -- stylist,  wardrobe consultant  and one of the nation’s top sellers for the Carlisle Collection.

“It’s an incredibly personalized approach to shopping,” says Noelle of her by-appointment-only business. “Women in Fairfield County are very time-poor. Whether they’re mothers, executives, philanthropists or a combination of all three, my clients don’t have the time to shop without a purpose. That’s why they come to me.” Polished and poised, Noelle embodies the Carlisle woman-- active, stylish and focused. Splitting her time between her thriving business and mothering three children, Noelle somehow manages to appear unruffled. In fact, it looks as if she’s having fun.

“I’m a merchandiser, not a designer,” she says.  “A designer creates the product. A merchandiser makes sure that everything is in place to create the most looks with the fewest pieces. I take the individual pieces in a collection and put them together in a way that makes it all about your personal style. I love what I do.”

Billed as couture style for the accomplished woman, the Carlisle Collection is marked by high-end design, luxuriuous fabrics and superior craft. “Quality, design, attention to detail, these things are all incredibly important to my clientele,” says Noelle.  “And all of this is prevalent in the Carlisle line.” Noelle should know. She’s spent her entire career in fashion, first in retail, then as a buyer for Lord and Taylor. She started with Carlisle in 2000. “With the kids, this was a perfect fit for me.”

Noelle’s commitment to your looking your best doesn’t stop in the studio. In fact, her work mirrors Carlisle’s detail-oriented line. “I also provide wardrobe services for my clients. We’ll go through your closet, weed out what you haven’t worn for several seasons, make our list of holes to fill, or make adjustments if there’s been a weight loss, whatever your needs are. We can spend between one and three days, going through everything to identify a woman’s wardrobe needs.” That service alone is reason enough for most women to call her.

Perhaps most importantly, Noelle stands behind everything she does. “ If my clients don’t come back and say ‘Noelle, I’ve gotten 10 compliments on what you sold to me,’ then I’m not doing my job. I take it very personally.”

If you’re ready for your wardrobe overhaul, get in touch with Noelle at noellebward@yahoo.com. She’ll whip you into shape in no time, and have you looking -- and feeling -- like a million bucks. Better.

Have you shopped Carlisle lately? Share your favorite looks here, or email me your style tips at mmorelli@mainstreetconnect.us.

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