Phoenixville’s Theresa Brewer Shares Her Fashion Favorites

The owner of TC House of Style in Phoenixville dishes on everything from fashion icons to her most-beloved fragrance.

Her style: Eclectic. If I wake up feeling bougie, I’ll pull out vintage Chanel and stiletto Louboutins. If I’m feeling grunge, I’ll throw on hand-painted Carhartt coveralls and Dr. Martens. I love jewelry, so I’m heavy on accessories.

Fashion roots: I’m one of 14 children. My mom had amazing style, and she taught us that if you bought well, the clothing would last. Eventually, my love of fashion led me to collecting vintage and used clothing, even though I never imagined I’d want anything used after wearing hand-me-downs during my childhood. My mother was right. I was drawn to the beautiful line and fabric I found in vintage and thrift stores.

Fashion icon: In 1986, I worked at Bamberger’s, later acquired by Macy’s. An incredible woman, Marion Freese, was the head of the fur salon. Every day, she came to work in the most magical, amazing outfits. She mixed and matched patterns and textures, and she looked like a million dollars. I was in awe. She worked there well into her 90s, and I’ve never forgotten her.

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Brewer

Best fashion buy: I bought the most glorious vine leaf belt from Chanel’s 1992 collection in the original box for $400 at a tiny shop in Virginia. I just saw one sell for $8,400 on 1stDibs.

Thoughts on aging: Who’s aging?

Favorite Main Line stores: Rachelle Boutique and Designer Consignment, G. Marie Vintage, Revivals Boutique.

Makeup tip: I don’t personally wear a lot of makeup, but I love a vibrant lip on my models when we have fashion shows.

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Favorite fragrance: Gabrielle Chanel by Chanel.

Why fashion matters: It allows you to be an artist and use yourself as the canvas. Everyone says something in the way they dress. My motto is: You wear the clothes—the clothes don’t wear you.


Get the Look

Timeless fashions for the eternally stylish mature woman.

tan coat
1. Classic in camel with a stitched attached scarf, the TOTEME wool-blend jacket features wide, dropped sleeves and patch pockets. $1,130. Available at Boyds, 201 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 726-0036, boydsphila.com.
Pants
2. With a high waist and wide legs, these Alexander Wang black wool-twill pants are an updated classic. $795. Available at Boyds.
Metal earrings
3. Crafted in brass or sterling silver by Pennsylvania artist Carolyn Keys, the Luz earring features a radiant arc suspended from a hammered wire. Starting at $120. Available at Dandelion Jewelry, 31 Coulter Ave., Ardmore, (610) 649-8303, carolynkeys.com.
woven tote
4. The Arden woven tote is made from hand-cut, hand-sewn leather in custom combinations. Starting at $320. Available at Arden+James, inside worKS, 432 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square, (484) 467-5327, ardenandjames.com.
ballerina flat

5. The napa goatskin Chloé Marcie ballerina flat combines a Mary Jane silhouette with Parisian style. $750. Available at Boyds.

Related: Realtor Alex Ercole Stackhouse Shares Her Main Line Area Favorites

Main Line Today Restaurant Week runs October 13-26!