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.