If you are in the LA area on October 13th, you should definitely stop by Simply Stylist. Our very own Luke Storey is one of the speakers who will be dishing on the styling industry. Word on the street is you get a sweet gift bag too :)

See through the eyes of a stylist at Simply Stylist!

Self-declared fashionistas and aspiring stylists can now take part in the fourth annual Simply Stylist event. On October 13^th, 2010, from 8 PM – 11 PM, the stylish public will have the chance to see the “pop-up” PR showroom exactly as their favorite stylists see it: full of beautiful garments and accessories.

Have you ever hoped to work in the fashion industry?   This event will give you a chance to meet and network with the top tier of stylists and style influencers. You will also get an opportunity to be featured in a viral video on www.simplystylist.com discussing fashion, designers and emerging looks. Included in the ticket price, you will receive a glass of Barefoot wine, a gift bag, three informative seminars and networking opportunities.  The most beneficial part of the evening will be the three seminars featuring top style experts.  The three experts of the evening include Lindsay Albanese, Luke Storey and Monica Rose.  www.lindsayalbanese.com; www.theschoolofstyle.com; www.monicarose.com

Caroline Rothwell will be hosting the seminar.   Caroline is known for founding the company Caro Marketing; a company that focuses on marketing and PR in the fashion world. Caroline is also responsible for co-founding the Simply Stylist event four years ago with her sister and partner, Sarah Pollack.

This week’s graduate interview is from one of our out-of-town students. We first met Brandy in NYC for Class 1.  She then traveled all the way to LA to attend classes 2 and 3. Now that’s dedication! Oh and did we mention that she lives in Texas?! Gotta love a girl who does whatever it takes to make in the styling industry.

Brandy has been busy since graduating from School Of Style. In fact, she has been styling up a storm. Well don’t let us try to tell you about, let Brandy do it in her fun Q&A with us …

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

Brandy Joy Smith: 26 years old nor Cali native currently living in Austin, TX. My favorite color is purple and I have a dog-named Bambi Luv. I don’t have a ton of friends but the ones I do have are some of the most talented, intelligent, and positive people I know… My family rocks and I’m so thankful they believe in me. Words I live by “love the life you live.”

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

BJS: I’ve been in the fashion industry for the past four years in sales, marketing, and PR (The wholesale side) and made the jump to styling full time in 2009.  Prior I did some small time modeling and started working as an assistant stylist in 2006.

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

BJS: I think when I started playing with Barbies. Lol I used to dress them but never really play with them. That was the first sign.

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?

BJS: Just last month

SOS: Which classes did you take?

BJS: All of them! I can’t pass up a discount. Ha!

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

BJS: KIT rental fee. Hello! I was missing out and trust me people won’t tell you about it if you don’t ask. I think that bit of knowledge just paid for all my classes.

SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?

BJS: That no matter what city you work in you rarely get much notice before shoots. I was hoping that was just a Texas thing.

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

BJS: Absolutely. I try and stay busy. Fashion shows, editorials, commercial and films. If I don’t have a job on the books for the day I’m looking for one. And I’m always in touch with my agent. Shout out to Lindsay at The Campbell Agency.

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:

BJS: It really runs the gamete but if I had to definite it I would say high fashion catalog. I know that sounds like a contradiction but think Neimans “the book”.

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

BJS: I would say my personal style has a bit of street wear influence but I like to get girly too. I’m still really feeling the 80’s vibe. I guess that’s because I love gaudy stuff.

SOS: Who is your dream client?

BJS: My dream client is also my nightmare client all rolled into one I would love to style Mariah Carey. I just want to see her in something that doesn’t sparkle.

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?

BJS: Literally this changes from season so I’ll give you some consistent favs and tell you why…
Philip Lim, because he knows how to show off a woman’s figure without showing too much skin.
Alexander McQueen, because he took his fantasy’s and made them wearable art. Isabel Marant, because she creates great shapes in her clothing and has fun with prints and colors.
Peter Soronen, for his amazing construction and fit. Nak Armstrong for his innovation and willingness to take chances against current trends. Dries Van Noten, for his elegant and beautiful designs and amazing uses of texture.

SOS: Favorite trends?

BJS: Capes, Lace up boots, and did I mention the 80’s.

SOS: Trends you wish would die?

BJS: Rhinestones, and bedazzled anything.

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?

BJS: By George, Buy Definition, Complete Clothing, Buffalo Exchange, Feathers, and sales racks. I don’t pay full price ever!

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

BJS: Get to know everyone, stop and listen, and don’t take yourself too seriously. We’re not saving lives it’s just clothes.

Be sure to keep up with Brandy on her sites: www.brandyjoysmith.com and www.brandyjoysmith.tumblr.com

Exciting news … School Of Style’s Big Book of Fashion Contacts is finally available online. What was once reserved for School Of Style students to buy in class only, is now something that is available to the world (after 2 years of constant requests from our students and blog readers).

If you are getting started as a stylist yet lack the crucial industry contacts necessary to advance your career? Or if you are already a working stylist, and experience the frequent frustration searching out designer showrooms, tailors, and costume houses at the last minute? Then you are the perfect candidate for our contact book!

This is the missing link that separates the novice from the professional. We have compiled a complete book of all of our personal fashion industry contacts, spanning the last 12 years of networking in the trenches of celebrity styling.

With over 900 contacts from LA to Paris and everywhere in between, this book includes direct email, phone, and address information for the following:

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Last weekend we had a fun Class 3 with some really talented SOS students. We can’t wait to show you the final images but for now, you are just going to have to settle for the behind the scenes pics!!

Jillian, Brandy, our fab model, and Leah

Jillian adding the final ingredient to her awesome outfit

Gotta love those shoes

Jillian sorting through her rack of clothes

Leah watching her model

Marissa watching her model (who is wearing a fantastic Balenciaga dress)

That dress was NOT easy to get on but man does it look good!

Myranda (our SOS grad and current intern) adding a little “help” to the dress

Maria helping her model get into her outfit

Luke giving Marissa some helpful hints on watching your model on set

Marissa and her model at the accessories station

Luke helping Evelyn get her model ready for shooting

Picking the shoes … always the most fun and the most challenging part of the day

While surfing the web we came across an article listing the Top 10 Dream jobs. Guess what job made the list? Yep, Hollywood Wardrobe Stylist! Make your dream a reality at School Of Style. We make stylists, you know!

Check out the article below or read the full article here>

Laura Morsch, CareerBuilder.com writer

Hollywood Wardrobe Stylist
Wardrobe stylists rely on their keen fashion sense to create outfits for on-screen characters in commercials, TV shows and movies. This means staying on the cutting-edge of fashion and plenty of shopping.

Jessica Replansky, a freelance assistant stylist who has worked on productions that include “Sex and the City” and the soon-to-be-released “The Devil Wears Prada” movie, has had duties ranging from shopping and setting up fittings for actors to handling payments. Even her shopping assignments are diverse: Sometimes she’s sent to Prada for a specific pair of silver shoes, and other days she is told to pick out whole outfits that fit a certain style.

While the job is glamorous, it can be inconsistent. “The downside is you never know where your next job is coming from,” Replansky said. Wardrobe stylists can be offered multiple assignments at the same time, or could go through long stretches without work. Still, you’ll always be fabulously dressed: Wardrobe stylists get to keep some of the clothes.

Salary: Ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 per week, depending on duties, experience and type of production.

Are you ready to start your stylist portfolio but have no idea where to begin? Do you know where to begin but lack the funds to produce a test shoot? Well have no fear because School Of Style is here for you with our Class 3 Portfolio Shoot!

School Of Style provides you with everything you need to start your portfolio; models, photographer, hair and makeup, the location, and the clothes. The only thing you have to do is show up and style.

Our next Class 3 is Saturday, November 13th. Sign up today to reserve your spot in class!

In a sea of leggings and latex it’s hard to stand out in a crowd but when you produce quality pieces that have a fashion forward twist to them … you tend to get noticed. That is why David Lerner is a Label We Love.

David Lerner’s DL Collection has captured the interests of celebrities such as Halle Berry, Megan Fox, Nicky Hilton, Gweneth Paltrow, and Miley Cyrus. The DL Collection takes your basic leggings, tees, dresses, and skirts to the next level by updating them edgy details like heavy metal zippers, hook and eye closures, lace, and sequins. I mean, who doesn’t love a good sequin?

Here are some of School Of Style’s DL favorites:

Shop the collection here>>

Whenever we go to Red Light PR, we always head straight to the Trash & Luxury rack. There is just something about those tees, tanks, and tunics that gets us every time. Maybe its the fun prints or the fact that they makes us think of a Nylon magazine editorial. Whatever the reason, we love Trash & Luxury! Here are some of our favorites:

To see the entire collection, visit their website>