By Joy Kraft
The Cincinnati Enquirer

"Different is good."

That's Shelia King's lesson for her fifth-graders at Whittier Elementary in Price Hill, and it's her fashion motto as well.

"It's important that you have your own style," says the teacher, 48, who says she knew early - "in about the third grade" - what she liked in clothes.

The savvy shopper relentlessly follows sales to get a favorite item at the right price and acknowledges that shopping is like therapy.

When not browsing malls and shops, or teaching, the Colerain Township resident can be found on the front lines of the Praise Team, singing at Word of Deliverance Church in Forest Park. Her group was nominated for a Grammy in 1998 for work on a recording made by gospel musician Timothy White.

You can be found shopping: Everywhere, consignment stores, Lazarus, Express, Wet Seal and out-of-town shops.

Earliest fashion memory: My mother broke her back ... and I remember going shopping with my aunt. She'd hold up something plaid or striped and ask if I liked it. I'd say `no,' not to be difficult, but because I hated stripes and plaids. I picked up this colorful jumper and everybody liked it. I knew what looked good on me.

Sentimental clothing: Clothes my late husband bought me. I won't give them away. He knew just what I liked - shoes, boots, watches.

Fashion philosophy: I don't want to look like everybody else. It's all about coordinating, about how you put it together. You don't have to have the finest clothes, but learn how to change up what you have.

You can never have enough: Accessories. I am a fanatic about accessories - shoes and purses. They make an outfit.

Describe your style: Clothes that are nostalgic, something that stands out.

If you had big bucks you'd buy: Probably more shoes, more boots, more bags.

Favorite designers: Donna Karan, because she's different, not real flashy, but something about her clothes stands out.

Best bargain: A Donna Karan silk wrap blouse with bell-bottom sleeves. It was $600 and I got it for about $150. I watched it and waited for the price to go down.

You wouldn't be caught dead in: Plaids, stripes, corduroy and pleather.

Send nominations to Joy Kraft by mail: c/o Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202; fax: 768-8330; or e-mail jkraft@enquirer.com. Include their name, age, daytime phone and why they should be featured.