School of Style

We caught up with another one of our grads, Jill McDonald, who is out there working as a stylist (they make us so proud. Not only is Jill working, she is working with some of the best. Jill recently styled a shoe campaign for Betsy Johnson and Penny Loves Kenny shoes that will run in Vogue and in Elle! Yep, you read that right — one of our grads styled a campaign that will be featured in Vogue and in Elle magazine. Amazing!!

Learn more about Jill and her path to becoming a working stylist in our interview with her below.

School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Jill McDonald: I was raised in Santa Monica; my fashion influence began early in my life, my mother sewed most of my clothes for me. I had hand made hip huggers, triangle tie tops, dresses and bikinis. My grandmother took me to major departments stores at a very young age. One of my first jobs was in a clothing boutique. I graduated from Venice High and was influenced by the Venice skate era. I spent years in Hawaii, surrounding myself in arts, culture and music. Topanga is my home, I love to hang with my family and the animals. I get lost in my office dreaming of fashion. I adore magazines and my favorite days are spent downtown with friends in the fashion district. Inspiration for me can arrive at any moment, I am inspired by nature and any new situation where the energy of people and places is unique and late night conversations with friends always leads to inspiration and ideas.

SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?
JM: Yes, selling, buying, managing boutiques, repping lines and working in showrooms.

SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?
JM: 3 yrs ago I started my business, but I have been styling for pleasure since my late teens.

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?
JM: August 2009

SOS: Which classes did you take?
JM: 1 and 2

SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?
JM: I was on my path; I was in the right place, with amazing people who shared visions. Having a relationship with Luke was the most valuable asset to me. He has been kind enough to mentor, share, teach and expose all of his amazing knowledge and resources.

SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?
JM: How much credit line you need when you are rolling with jobs.

SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?
JM: Yes, I styled a shoe campaign for Betsy Johnson and Penny Loves Kenny shoes that will run in Vogue and Elle, I worked on a Lucky Brand runway show and ad campaigns, I styled a shoot for Box Eight Studios for L.A. Fashion Week that is published in LA Confidential, I have also been busy with album covers, look books, editorials and building my portfolio of clients for personal shopping.

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:
JM: My work reflects whatever the clients needs are. I enjoy collaborating and most of the clients have some sort of idea that leads me to a concept that works for them. It’s important to understand and create different styles and genres, most of my jobs have served the commercial arena. I am not one to only offer “my style”. I know if I can do “basics” well, in time the opportunities for high glamour, edgy punk, pop, etc… will come.

SOS: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:
JM: It is different, if I was styling solely for myself everything would be black and grey. I lean towards, distressed, worn, rock, hippie, influence adding lounge-wear and sportswear into the mix, I luv luxury fabrics.

SOS: Who is your dream client?
JM: Eddie Vedder

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?
JM: Gregory Parkinson, Karl Lagerfeld, Jennifer Shon, Karen Zambos, Norma Kamali, Barbara Bui, Ralph Rucci, Helmut Lang, Stella McCartney, Andrea Lieberman, Martin Margiela, Christophe Decarnin, Vivian Westwood, The Olsens, Armani, Irene Neuwirth, Marc Jacobs, Rick Owens, Cynthia Vincent, Mara Hoffman, Nicholas Ghesquiere, Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant, Leticia Garcia, Tom Ford, Jeremy Scot, Alber Elbaz, Betsy Johnson, Jutta Neumann.

SOS: Favorite trends?
JM: Military, sheer, shimmer, shine, boots, menswear, distressed

SOS: Trends you wish would die?
JM: Ball gowns on the red carpet, there are so many amazing designers and options, the runway looks should transfer to the red carpet and the gowns and celebrity looks should be modern and current.

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?
JM: Madison Malibu, Foley & Corina, Kiki de Monteparnese, Nation LTD.com, Sigersen Morrisen, blaec.com, adidas.com, lesportsac.com, Maxfield, Barneys, Lulu’s Manhattan Beach, Ron Herman, Patricia Field, netaporter.com.

SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?
JM: Keep being creative and serve your clients, create alliances with models, photographers, make up artists, hair stylists and designers. Work in a boutique, it offers a great hands on experience and you learn designers and labels and how to dress real people with body issues.

We really hate to play favorites but Abi happens to be one of our favorite grads. Why? Well Abi has worked her tail off for us as an intern. Abi has driven all over LA for us, has steamed clothes for us, has carried pounds and pounds of garment bags for us, and the list goes on and on …

All of Abi’s hard work has paid off though, as Abi has been working (paying jobs) non-stop lately.  From commercials to music videos — Abi has proven that being driven, hard working, and willing to bite the bullet and work for free for a bit, really pays off.

Check out our interview with Abi and find out how she got her start and what she is up to today …

School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Abi Arcinas: I’m obsessed with fashion and have been since the very first time I flipped through the pages of my older sister’s ELLE magazine (back in the early 90’s)!

I never thought I would actually end up working in the fashion industry though, it wasn’t really an option when I was growing up. My life plan was to become a doctor. I was never really into that whole world, but went along w/what my parents expected me to do. I worked as a Phlebotomy Technician while attending college for various Medical degrees, but I never actually ended up following through with anything.

Fast-forward to 6 years ago. I moved to LA with the intention of transferring into a Medical program for Radiology.

Long story short. The school ended up not accepting me as a transfer, so instead of pursuing other Radiology schools,

I started looking for fashion schools instead. And I ended up at the Art Institute, and graduated w/ a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Marketing and Management.

SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?

AA: Yes, I did. During school I interned at showrooms and fashion PR firms.

I also worked as a clothing boutique manager.

SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?

AA: I have no idea…. I guess I’ve always wanted to do it. Ever since I can remember, people have always told me that I have a great eye for style.

But I probably didn’t start thinking seriously about it, until I started attending fashion school.

I’ve done the personal shopping thing for awhile, not “professionally” but I’ve done it for friends and family forever, they always ask me to go shopping with them, or for them, or help them revamp their closets, etc.

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?

AA: Either February or March of last year.

SOS: Which classes did you take?

AA: Class 1 and 3

SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?

AA: The most valuable thing I learned, was that working as a styling intern is very important. You have to start somewhere. It was difficult for me to adjust to this, since I’ve been in the workforce for a long time now, and it kind of felt like I was going backwards to have to be an “intern” again. I interned while I was in school, but only b/c I had to do it to count towards school credit.

But I will say that interning pays off, and if you’re a dope intern, then you will become a paid assistant in no time!

SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?

AA: I don’t know that anything was necessarily shocking to me, but I definitely learned a lot that I didn’t know going into the class.

SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?

AA: Yes, I have! I had a full time desk job when I actually took the classes, so I really didn’t have any free time to intern.

But I got laid off from my job in January of this year and have been assisting ever since. It started off kinda slow interning here and there, but I quickly became an assistant and the past few months I’ve been super super busy! I’ve worked on a couple of music videos, TV appearances, a short film, concert tour, and commercials….

I just finished assisting on a commercial for Virgin Mobile.

I also just booked my own gig, styling a look book for a boutique.

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:

AA: I love the whole rocker vibe…. Black, Black, and more Black!!

SOS: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:

AA: I wear a ton of black, but my personal style isn’t very rock and roll.

I like to mix California casual w/the whole streetwear/urban vibe.
I own an extensive collection of NIKE sneakers, it’s kind of an obsession.

I’m also obsessed with jackets and jewelry. Jewelry plays a huge part in my personal style, I think I have about 100 rings in my collection!

SOS: Who is your dream client?

AA: This is a hard one for me, I would love to style anyone who is down to take risks with fashion.

Even though neither of them really need any help in the styling department, I’d love to work with Rihanna or Kelis.

Not sure if Kelis works with a particular stylist, but Rihanna’s stylist is amazing.

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?

AA: Another hard one….

There are so many amazing designers out there, but to name a few: Marc Jacobs is great, love what he does with his own lines, as well as LV. Also love Alexander McQueen [RIP], Alexander Wang, Viktor & Rolf, Rick Owens, Christophe Decarnin (Balmain), and Nicolas Ghesquiere (Balenciaga)

SOS: Favorite trends?

AA: So happy that platforms came back sooner than later. I love a great black platform w/a 5 inch heel, paired with super skinny jeans.

SOS: Trends you wish would die.

AA: Juicy sweatsuits.

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?

AA: I’m a total budget shopper, even though I have expensive taste. That’s why I tend to do a ton of online shopping. Gilt Groupe is AMAZING!! They are an online sample sale, with real designer stuff for up to 75% off of retail prices.

And I love eBay! I just bought a pair of brand new, never been worn, JBrand jeans, that retail for about $215, for 60 bucks on eBay, last week.

SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?

AA: Like I said before, interning is sooooo important.. Just get out there and do it!! I know it’s hard to rationalize working and not getting paid, especially if you aren’t in school.

But put in some time and hard work and it will pay off.

Also, jump on Luke and Lauren’s requests for interns! If you help them out and you are on point with whatever job they give you, they will definitely help you out in return.

I speak from personal experience : )

When we found out what School Of Style graduate Kristen Turner was up to, we got pretty darn excited. Why? Because Kristen has not only been out there working as a stylist, but she has a fabulous blog AND an even more fabulous vlog. This southern girl knows her stuff!

Take a look at our interview with Kristen and be sure to check out her latest video … It’s SO cool!

School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

KT: I’m a 26 year old, born and raised in the South. I can do two things really, really well.. shop and spend money! When I’m not working then I’m usually using my glue gun to create something cool or filming another episode of my weekly fashion vlog, Vainglorious! I love watching New Orleans Saints football and baking cookies!

SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?

KT: Right after graduating from Loyola University New Orleans, I moved to Los Angeles and worked for a boutique fashion public relations firm. After I left PR I spent two years working in the personal shopping department at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. Working at Saks lead me to styling.

SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?

KT: I’m not not sure that there was a turning point or an exact moment that lead me to becoming a stylist. The roads I’ve taken in my life have just sort of lead me here as well as my love for fashion and art. However, I do remember at a young age my mom telling me that I had a gift for spending all her money at the mall. I’m sure that was a sign of some sort.

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?

KT: I took one of the first SOS classes. I’m forgetting the exact date, but It was about 2 years ago. I’m a SOS original!

SOS: Which classes did you take?

KT: When I was a student day 1 was the only class that was offered. In that 8 hour class I got a very detailed overview of the industry and I learned a lot.

SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?

KT: How to set up a rolling rack! I was on a set assisting a stylist at a celebrity photo shoot and she was impressed that I knew the correct way to put together a rolling rack without smacking myself in the head or loosing a finger. I guess she figured that since I knew how to set up the rolling rack I must know what I was doing. She was impressed she asked me to assist her on another job the following week. We’ve been working together every since then.

SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?

KT: Yes! For the past two year I’ve had steady work in the industry. I’ve been doing a lot of assisting, but have managed to get a few gigs on my own throughout the years. I’ve working on almost everything… music videos, editorial shoots, cd packaging, print ads, red carpet, commercials, infomercials and even stage productions.

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:

KT: I think my style as a stylist is much like my own personal style. I enjoy projects that call for classic and clean looks with a little bit of drama. That’s my style in my everyday life and I think I gravitate to jobs that have the same feel. I helped on advertising print jobs for Range Rover and Mercedes Benz. Both jobs wanted a very clean and classic look and those were probably two of my favorite jobs.

SOS: Who is your dream client?

KT: Michelle Obama

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?

KT: I go coo coo for Coco. Chanel is prob my favorite designer and brand of all times. It’s so classic, but yet modern. It never goes out of style in my book. I also love that it’s a brand that I can wear from head to toe and everywhere in between. I wear Chanel Mademoiselle perfume and Chanel Mascara on my lashes. I love the entire brand. I’m also a fan of Marchesa. Those dresses to me are a dream and true pieces or artwork.

SOS: Favorite trends?

KT: Maxi dresses

SOS: Trends you wish would die?

KT: Tie dye

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?

KT: I actually love to shop at the Sherman Oaks Antique mall for all my fun jewelry and vintage accessories. I love to mix the old with the new and that’s where I go to find great pieces. They even sell amazing vintage Chanel jewelry (shhhhhhh it’s our little secret!)

SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?

KT: This industry is probably the exact opposite of everything you thought it would be. Dive in, head first and don’t let uncertainty stop you. There is no other job like being a fashion stylist. It’s demanding and lots of hard work, but if you’re focused and work hard this industry is filled with endless amounts of possibilities for success.

It’s that time again … Time to catch up with one of our awesome grads that is out there making it happen in the fashion world. Today we are playing Q&A with Amanda Lalique. Since graduating from School Of Style, Amanda has been working her little tail off on a variety of styling jobs. From commercials to editorials, celebrity styling to personal shopping — Amanda has been keeping busy since her days at SOS.

Find out what Amanda has been up to in our interview with her and also be sure to keep up with Amanda’s styling antics on her awesome blog.

School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Amanda Lalique: My name is Amanda Lalique and I am originally from New York.   I have had a strong connection to fashion for as long as I could remember.  I love putting things together and helping people find their own true style.  Most of all I love being creative and express myself partly through fashion and art.

SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?

AL: Yes.  I had done some freelance wardrobe styling on television shows, commercials, and editorial photo shoots.

SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?

AL: About 5 years ago.

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?

AL: December a couple years ago….

SOS: Which classes did you take?

AL: I took Luke’s first introductory class about styling

SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?

AL: I learned many, many useful tips about styling.  It is hard to narrow it down to the one most valuable, but overall I learned that styling is a field that’s more tangible than people think and that it’s better to share information with others!

SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?

AL: (hmm not really anything was shocking) sorry…..

SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?

AL: Yes I have found some opportunities and have created some on my own through my fashion blog and Facebook account.

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:

AL: My style is to listen to what a client wants and combine that with some new ideas to create their own personal style.  I  like a hands on approach with clients like personal shopping or helping them with their closet and teaching them ways to rock what they already have.  Also my philosophy is “I like what I like” no matter where it’s from, true style comes from within.

SOS: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:

AL: My personal style continues to evolve everyday as I do as a person.   It’s laid back, bohemian, chic, classic.  I prefer easy pieces with a bohemian flavor, neutral tones, and simple silhouettes.  Less is more most of the time :)

SOS: Who is your dream client?

AL: Someone who is open minded and not afraid to try new pieces and have fun with fashion.

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?

AL: I like many different designers such as Alexander Wang, Jenni Kayne,  Rag & Bone, Stella McCartney,  Alexander McQueen, and vintage finds by numerous designers.

SOS: Favorite trends?

AL: I love loose tunics, denim jeggings, lace, dark nails  (always have loved lace).

SOS: Trends you wish would die?

AL: Prairie skirts

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?

AL: LF boutique, Crossroads, Rose Bowl, Forever 21, Madewell, and Shopbop.com.

SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?

AL: Be open, network, and don’t give up!  Go beyond your comfort zone and you will be surprised what great things can happen for you.

It’s time for another awesome School Of Style graduate interview! This time we caught up with SOS grad, Ashley Hefner.  Since graduating from School Of Style, Ashley has worked as a freelance stylist on music videos, films, look books, television commercials and editorial shoots. We just love it when our grads get out there, apply what they learned in class, and have the determination to make things happen!

Read on to learn more about Ashley and how her career as a stylist is taking off!

School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Ashley Hefner: I grew up in a small farm town just outside of Baltimore, Maryland. I was fortunate enough as a child to travel with my grandparents on corporate business trips and vacations. I spent my summers in England, France, Canada, Alaska, etc.. I believe that my love for all things creative stems from being exposed at a young age to many different cultures. From downtown Baltimore city to the streets of Paris, I’ve always been surrounded by art and fashion. I currently work as a freelance wardrobe stylist to various photographers, production companies, and designers. I enjoy variety in my work, so I don’t limit myself to one type of job. I style everything, including but not limited to; music videos, films, web content, look books, animated television, and more recently, television commercials and editorial photo shoots.

SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?
AH: My experience in the fashion industry began when I moved to Los Angeles to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising(FIDM) as a Fashion Design major. While at FIDM, I interned for a junior manufacturer and gained some insight into the side of the industry that goes unseen in the public eye. This experience helped me on the few small styling jobs that I worked on after graduating from FIDM, but I still didn’t really know what I was doing… so I attended SOS.

SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?
AH: I’ve always known that I wouldn’t work a desk job and I’ve always known that I wanted to do something hands-on, creative, and challenging; but if someone had told me 5 or 10 years ago that I would end up working in the fashion industry.. I would have thought they were insane. I didn’t have any interest in fashion until I finished my first year of college studying Fine Arts at York College of PA. I became obsessed with sketching clothing designs (very poorly, I might add) and let my curiosity guide me. I was accepted into the Fashion Design program at FIDM in L.A. When I graduated, I fell into the styling world using my friends and contacts to advance my career. During that time, I found Luke’s SOS and after taking the class, my career search was over. That’s when I knew that wardrobe styling was the career for me.

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?
AH: I graduated from SOS in September of 2009.

SOS: Which classes did you take?
AH: I took the Day 1 “Classroom” class.

SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?
AH: The most valuable thing I learned at School of Style was how to deal with talent and directors. I learned how to keep everyone happy and how my get myself hired again. Repeat business is my number one goal with every job and knowing “set etiquette” is what keeps people coming back for more.

SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?
AH: The most shocking thing I learned at School of Style was about the paperwork that goes into styling. Most people think that it’s all shopping and just “having a good eye” for style. It really helped to learn about all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into dealing with production companies, magazines, and designers. I refer to my SOS workbook on almost every job to make sure I’m filling out all my paperwork properly. It really is a life saver!

SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?
AH: Yes. It took me a little while to really get things moving because I didn’t apprentice under other stylists, but I used my contacts and put 100% into every job (whether it paid or not) and it’s really paying off now for me. People that I worked for when I first started are now calling and asking me to style BIG shoots! I started off doing student films and helping photographers build their portfolios and now that they’re doing well, they are returning the favors.

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:
AH: My “style” as a stylist varies immensely. I pride myself on being able to create ANY style that a client asks for in a tasteful way. My favorite styles are always contemporary and simple with an edgy twist. I also really love to work on commercials because I get to style all different types of people and use my knowledge of marketing and trends to help sell a product.

SOS: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:
AH: Yes and no. I like dress “contemporary, simple, and edgy”, but comfort is much more important to me because I’m always on the go and I need to be comfy when I’m working 12 hour days. My personal style icon is Tabatha Coffey of “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.” She dresses very modern and wears all black, which is similar to myself.

SOS : Who is your dream client?
AH: The band H.I.M. I love their current style and I would love to expand on it!

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?
AH: My favorite designers are Kris Van Assche, Ann Demeulemeester, and Rag & Bone.

SOS: Favorite trends?
AH: My favorite trend right now is military inspired everything! I’m also really excited about the 60’s silhouettes that are coming back in for fall.

SOS: Trends you wish would die?
AH: Gladiator Flats!!! Yuck!

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?
AH: I love finding all the little hidden boutiques around Los Angeles. Recently I’ve been bingeing on thrift stores as well. My favorite store right now is Iguana Vintage in Hollywood(but I’m sure that will change next week!)

SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?
AH: Every contact is equally important! You never know who someone may know or what they can do for your career. NETWORK!

See Ashley’s work on her site and follow her on Twitter today!

This week we are interviewing the very talented and very awesome School Of Style graduate, Natalie Yuri. We just knew that Natalie had the talent and the personality to make it in this crazy world of styling and boy were we right. Natalie has been, in her words, “faking it til she makes it” in her killer heels since graduating from School Of Style in July 2009.  We say, fake it no more because Natalie already has it going on with her career as a wardrobe stylist…

School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Natalie Yuri: LOCAL, Born and raised in LA. I live and breath fashion – working even when I’m not working. I work mostly as a freelance stylist for celebrities; with networking and booking editorials, my clientele is still growing. I have a certain insight in understanding an individual’s personal style and adding my touch to it. Currently, I am involved in the development of a company devoted to the fashion industry, solely focused towards creating lookbooks, catalogs and websites. My day-to-day routine consists of waking up and blogging for two different sites and prepare for any shoots or red carpet events for clients, then lunch (if I remember) and taking time to elaborate on ideas and future plans; I am always planning.

SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?
NY: None! My first retail job was somewhat fashion related; I worked at Fred Segal and would use any opportunity to shmooze at the weekly fashion events that they would host. “Fake it to make it”… I was a personal shopper, overnight!

SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?
NY: I have always been asked, “where did you get that…” or people would tell me, “You need to help me shop.” So my boyfriend struck a light bulb and told me I needed to get paid for styling people. Sure enough, I Googled “styling” and SOS came up. Since then, my path has just laid itself out. Immediately after my first class at SOS, I started by interning at a showroom in Downtown L.A. and was so pushy about being a stylist they gave me my own position as “Stylist Liason.”

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?
NY: July 2009

SOS: Which classes did you take?
NY: The first class – most vital class I have ever sat in.

SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?
NY: “Fake it to make it” –Luke. Those words left an imprint in my attitude towards styling.

SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?
NY: That I’d be dealing with egos and as fun as it looks it’s very hard work… The pulling, the schelping, all of it.

SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?
NY: OH YES! And not just as a stylist. I have also had the opportunity as a buyer/merchandiser for a few companies.

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:
NY: To each their own. I listen to what my clients want and add my personal touch, whether it be within their comfort zone or completely out of their box.

SOS: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:
NY: YES! I love wearing black- leggings, statement heels, oversized tees and a motorcycle leather jacket, hiding behind some vintage shades.

SOS: Who is your dream client?
NY: Britney Spears. (Don’t judge me!)

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?
NY: Alice + Olivia and Chanel. New school meets old school.

SOS: Favorite trends?
NY: Heels! Statement, crazy, tall, heels. Wearing them out with a casual outfit or a basic black body conscious dresses with faux fur coats.

SOS: Trends you wish would die?
NY: Overdone vintage.

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?
NY: LF, Antique jewelry shops, Lisa Kline, Madison/Diavolina, Barney’s and shopstyle.com

SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?
NY: Be aggressive (politely), but not too pushy. What’s the worst someone is going to say, no? Intern and assist as much as you can and leave your pride at home. Email any stylist you wish to work for, be persistent. Don’t give up and be hungry for it because you get back exactly what you put in.

Ever wonder ‘What are the School Of Style grads are up to? Are they out there living their dream and working as wardrobe stylists?’ Well, we wonder that all the time so we try to keep in touch with our grads to find out what they are up to.

Today we are interviewing School Of Style graduate, Danielle Stein. Danielle took our first class WAY back in 2008.  Since completing School Of Style, Danielle has been working her little tail off.  She has worked on music videos, editorials, look books and has even done shoots for an awesome designer handbag company!

Awe … Our students make us so proud :)

Keep reading to learn more about Danielle Stein the stylist and what she is up to these days.

School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Danielle Stein: Well my name is Danielle Bianca, born and raised in Orange County, school was not my thing at all! and fashion is what I love, so I decided to go the Fashion Institute after high school and graduated from there in 2008 and wanted to take on the industry like non other. I took every opportunity, internship, unpaid gig to get myself out there and now I have a buying service, buying clothes for clients internationally and out of state, and I am also a Stylist just enjoying every bit of it!

SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?

DS: Yeah I did, I have been working in the fashion industry since I was 17 and decided to go to FIDM to further my interests and knowledge about fashion.

SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?

DS: I have always loved dressing up my friends and myself in funky cool clothes, so since I was little I always knew I’d get into something like Styling. It wasn’t until I went to FIDM that I knew I wanted this is to be my career and is my passion.

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?

DS: I graduated from school of style I think in the summer of 2008.

SOS: Which classes did you take?
DS: I took the first day 10 hour class (which is amazing) and the actual shoot day class. I worked on an amazing editorial spread with Luke.

SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?
DS: To be your own person, have your own style and establish yourself.

SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?
DS: Since I had experience styling a little bit before taking school of style I don’t think any thing really shocked me. I just learned a heck of a lot more :)

SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?
DS: Yes I have! I networked a lot since graduating from school of style and have worked on music videos, editorials, look books and done shoots for a designer handbag company called Cleobella! Check them out! to die for bags!

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:
DS: I am very edgy, rock n roll, glam, but at the same time I’m obsessed with bohemian chic and the hipster/hippie look.

SOS: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:
DS: It’s funny you ask that, because my personal style is pretty similar to my “stylist” style. I have two completely different looks. I either wear edgy black, rocker stuff-with studs, zippers and chains or I wear my denim cut offs with a floral shirt and hippie headband, or my zebra leggings with something weird!

SOS: Who is your dream client?
DS: My dream client would definitely be Nichole Richie or Mary-Kate Olsen. They both have that versatile style like myself. Edgy Rocker or Hippie and Bright.

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?
DS: My favorite designers are: Marc Jacobs he is a fashion genius, YSL, and Heatherette they haven’t be around for too long but they are just so fun and wild I love it!! for Shoes definitely Christian Louboutin- every pair they make I die over! their heals and their flats are just insane!

SOS: Favorite trends?
DS: Favorite trends, SKINNY Jeans! who doesnt wear them? they make you look awesome! Crop tee’s how amazing is it that midriffs are back in action? who woulda thought? skinny jeans and crop t’s make for a perfect outfit. Throw on a pair of heals and a rad chunky necklace and your totally set for a hot night out!

SOS: Trends you wish would die?
DS: That’s a hard because a lot of things I say I hate then they come back with the same thing just re-vamped and much cuter! but those sandals with that ugly short half wedge wood heal in the back thats a hideous trend!

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?
DS: I love love LF, Urban Outfitters, Metropark, and boutique stores like in (Laguna, San Clemente, LA)
I’m a Loehmans girl! gotta love designer stuff for cheap.

SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?
DS: Take any and every job you get, paid or unpaid. You can network where ever you go and have to start somewhere so get your feet wet :) Network, network, network. You never know where you will meet someone important or who has contacts, you might be at the right place at the right time!!

Sarah Nearis graduated from School Of Style less than a month ago and has already started her own personal shopping business. We have to say … that’s pretty darn impressive. So we played Q&A with Sarah to find out what she has been up to since she graduated and how School Of Style helped prepare her for her career as a stylist/personal shopper.

School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Sarah Nearis: I’m 20 years old from Boston, MA. I have a undenying love for fashion and styling. From a young age I was told …”Style, you have it or you dont”, and I know that I’ve been blessed to have an artistic and visual eye for fashion. I’m a freelance wardrobe stylist and hope to one day have A-list clients, a thick portfolio of editorials and countless commercials under my belt. I plan on moving to LA/ or NYC in the near future.

SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?

SN: Prior to attending School Of Style, I had done some runway & promotional modeling, & I also worked at the largest FCUK in the United States, located in Boston. Not only did I see the retail side of things, I saw the chaotic fast paced side of the business, many do not get to witness.

SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?

SN: When I was younger playing in my grandmother’s closet. Styling myself and my sister could occupy me for days.

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?

SN: Jan 31, 2010

SOS: Which classes did you take?

SN: Class 1

SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?

SN: The most valuable thing I learned at School Of Style is the importance of drive and want to succeed. There ARE thousands of people who think they want to do your same job, so inorder to survive and succeed, you must WANT it the most, and you must have a strong conviction for what you want. That will take you far.

SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?

SN: That besides double stick tape, a GPS will become your best friend.

SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?

SN: Yes. I have done some personal shopping!

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:

SN: Classic, glamorous, chic and trendy

SOS: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:

SN: No way! “YOU MUST DRESS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE “adDRESSed”

SOS: Who is your dream client?

SN: My dream client(s) is Kim Kardashian & Eva Longoria. Such glamor style icons.

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?

SN: Oscar De La Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, Alice & Olivia, Chanel and Michael Kors

SOS: Favorite trends?

SN: SEQUINS!!!, Jeggings, the boyfriend blazer and skinny jeans.

SOS: Trends you wish would die?

SN: Peasant …ugh.

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?

SN: Forever21, Topshop, LuLu’s, Bobbles & Lace, Neiman Marcus & Barneys

SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?

SN: If this is really what you want to do. DO IT! Network, intern, assist!!! Make it yours!

Keep in touch with Sarah online: