Hannah Ochocki, 26, North Royalton
Sales manager at Nordstrom Rack in Westlake
Tell us about working at Nordstrom Rack. Did you study fashion?
I love it! I get to work at my favorite hobby, every single day. I used to work at Nordstrom. I've been promoted a few times. As for fashion, I actually studied clinical psychology. I thought I wanted to be a psychologist but I've been reading Vogue and W religiously since I was 13 years old and I always thought being a fashion designer or working in fashion would be great. At 26, I went back to fashion.
What do you hope to do with your love of fashion?
I absolutely love working for Nordstrom and I love the sales aspect of the work. I want my customers to look and feel good and I will offer honest opinions and assistance whenever I can. We have very independent shoppers and we have some who like to ask for help. I love putting looks together and getting people to consider colors that they didn't know can work for them. I would like to become a project director for Nordstrom and maybe run one of their brands or product groups. Some of the brands are BP, Caslon, Treasure & Bond, Halogen and several others. I just want to continue to learn more about fashion.
How do you describe your style?
My style is a little bit of everything and it definitely depends on my mood. I love to layer and to mix different colors.
What else influenced your early love for fashion?
Besides reading fashion magazines, when I got to my 16th birthday all I wanted was a Burberry bag. I got one, it's the only thing I got and it was the tiny Pochette shoulder bag. After that I saved all of my allowance and went to Saks Off Fifth and bought Christian Dior sunglasses. As long as I can remember, I wanted to be part of that designer environment. Fashion and sketching became a big creative outlet for me. I still do fashion illustrations to this day.
Dare I ask, where do you like to shop?
I love Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. They have a good balance for all ages and all style types. I like Zara, though it can be hit or miss. I like the value Zara provides. I like to shop for some of those high-end things on Poshmark. I have expensive taste and when I can find an Alice & Olivia sweater that retailed for $358 for $40 that's a sweet deal. As for local resale, I like Avalon Exchange in Lakewood and Cleveland Consignment Shoppe in Woodmere. I also shop at my roommates online boutique called Noir Blanc, I get first look at everything that comes in.
Do you wear the bright green T-shirt at Nordstrom Rack?
I don't always wear it but I grew up wearing a school uniform and for those times when I'm not feeling my best, throwing on that green T-shirt is a great feeling. I'm able to help customers a little better and faster because they will recognize me quickly. I find it fun and challenging to make that green T-shirt look better with a great necklace. I often wear business casual. I love to wear jeans with a V-neck and a blazer. I'm always out on the floor and I love talking to customers. That's where business happens and where I learn what people like. I like to show off the clothes that we have, that's why I don't wear the green T-shirt everyday.
Are you good at cleaning out your closet?
I've been working in retail since I was 16 and have accumulated a lot of stuff. I decided that I really like to wear my clothes so I do clean out my closet and don't hold on to things I don't wear. My grandfather always said "Don't sell, donate." I give mostly to the Salvation Army. I like knowing that people will find the pieces for low prices and love them.
Seems like your building a smart wardrobe.
Yes, I'm keeping the things I love and have focused on investment pieces and I'm getting away from buying a lot of fast fashion. I still buy things, but I really consider what I actually need. I don't just buy things every week with no purpose. There is something to be said about having too many options. It's too much to sift through and you can't possibly feel good in every single thing. If it's not right, don't keep it.
What does your look reveal about you?
It says that I'm not afraid to try things and that there is beauty in casual clothing. You don't have to wear an evening gown to feel your prettiest. There is beauty in great everyday outfits.
Do you have any fashion icons?
Rachel Zoe is my favorite fashion person alive. I like her vintage, Boho look and that she takes trends to a new level. She asks if things in your closet "serve you" and I think about that. I always ask if items make me feel good and can I wear them with multiple things. That's how I determine whether to invest in things.
What inspires you?
Fashion is a part of my day. I give myself time in the morning to look up fashion in Pinterest and Instagram. Visual cues really help me put things together and try new things. That's how I discovered my love for combing gold and gray and bell sleeves. Fashion is my job; it's what I love. I follow a lot of blogs that inspire me. I get ideas and inspiration and first I think about what's in my closet and how I can use things to make similar looks. I keep track of the few things I could buy throughout the season to help fill in the blanks in my wardrobe.
Do you have any fashion advice?
As women, we have a lot of societal pressures on us and there are some days when you don't have any glow and you feel awful and you know that everything you put on will feel awful. You should know your wardrobe and keep in mind a few looks that you know are really good on you and make you feel good. Then you don't have to think about it. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help from a friend or a specialist. At Nordstrom, we love to help. Work on building an entire wardrobe of things that make you feel good. Invest in you. Feeling good in your clothes should be a priority so that you can enjoy life and not worry about your clothes.
What are your fashion pet peeves?
Sometimes you'll see an item, let's say a shirt and it has too many trends or details on it. Project Runway mentor Tim Gunn likes to point out when things are "over-designed." Sometimes I over-design an interior space and I have to stop myself. It's good to know how to edit yourself.
Do you have a favorite season for fashion?
I love winter. I love to layer and to be able to wear that sort of sleek winter clothing. I have a fair complexion and I like the colors of winter better than summer. I love the metallics and glitter. It's festive.
Do you have any favorite designers?
I love Chloe. They're a great bag designer and there's something simplistic with a hint of bohemian style. I love anything with that 1970's style. I also love brands Elizabeth & James and Alice & Olivia. I shop a lot in all kinds of stores. I don't buy a lot but I do look.
Has your style changed over the years?
Yes. I went through phases as my friends and I called it. I had my French Revolution phase. I wore a little skater skirt with combat boots, black opaque tights and a frilly collared shirt. I was about 20. It was a style. I did a rocker-chic phase, too with leather leggings and a band T-shirt with a cargo jacket. I'm sure my style will change as I get older.
Do you have any rules for yourself?
I go back to that theory of over-designing. If I feel that I have too much on with jewelry or even makeup. I take something off. I'm much better at recognizing when I'm about to do it. There is beauty in being able to edit things down. Clothing transforms you. It goes back to that quote, "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have."
How do you stay fit?
I do three miles a day on an elliptical and I run all over Nordstrom Rack almost every day.
Where do you get your sense of style?
I get it from Vogue and W. When I was young I read articles that I wasn't even sure what they were about. I also get it from Ohio in a weird way. There is something very Midwest Americana and Bohemian and small town about growing up here that translates into my style. Fashion is my form of creative expression. Clothing transforms you.
What would you like to see for Cleveland fashion?
Our city is expanding rapidly and our fashion scene is following suit. There should be more events celebrating people who enjoy fashion.
Do you recommend any skincare?
Yes, I love Image Skincare Vital C Anti-Aging Serum. It's great. It smells like clementines. You put it on at night after you wash your face and your skin feels clean and wonderful for the next day. It helped my skin a lot. I buy it online and it's not expensive.
Tell us, what's trending for spring?
- Embroidered Denim
- Bell Sleeves
- Uncovered Shoulders
- Ties and knots at the wrist of shirts
- Embroidery in general
- Softer, broken-in, cozier fabrics
- Yarn details
- Shirts tucked in the front, not in the back, showing off a cool belt
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Fashion Flash is always looking for Clevelanders with a fresh take on style. If you or someone you know has a great fashion sense click here for the submission form or email me at acarey@plaind.com.
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