116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Co-owner of Iowa City boutique encourages women to keep their look current, yet be true to themselves
Katie Mills Giorgio
Oct. 20, 2017 6:00 pm, Updated: Oct. 27, 2017 2:41 pm
Catherine Champion is the kind of woman who is comfortable in her own skin, and thereby makes the women who stop to shop in her boutique in downtown Iowa City feel comfortable as well.
'At Catherine's, we have long relationships with both our customers and our brands,' she said, noting that some of the core brands they carry are Joie, Equipment, Theory, Velvet, Eileen Fisher and Citizens. 'Shopping at Catherine's is a lifestyle, which means that anyone 20 to 100 can come in and find things that are relevant to them.'
Catherine Champion and her team, including longtime employee Kara Schares, stand ready to share relatable fashion advice. 'Kara has, honestly, the cleanest and most sophisticated eye I've ever met.'
We asked Catherine Champion to share her advice to women looking to update their wardrobe.
'Buy what you like is the first piece of advice,' she said.
'I also tell customers to buy classics that last years,' Champion said, noting that camel, gray and black are excellent choices so you aren't constantly replacing items. 'Plus, going monochromatic for a base is a great idea. It creates leanness and makes it simpler to start your day. I'm a big proponent of keeping it simple.'
But simple doesn't have to mean boring, she added quickly. 'Don't be afraid to go a little crazy once a season,' she said. 'We aren't all meant to look alike. Show your individuality. My favorite pieces are the ones that show my creativity.'
And finally, Champion said sometimes fashion and shopping are not simply about the clothes but how one feels about oneself. 'Love yourself,' she said. 'Everyone can wear whatever they like. Don't be hemmed in by social constraints or rules. At Catherine's, we truly advocate for this. Come visit us. The doctor is in!'
*This article was originally published in the fall 2017 issue of The Gazette's HER: Women in Business magazine.*