We are back from a lovely holiday vacation and wanted to kick the week off with another graduate interview. Today we are catching up with Kath Duncan. Kath was a shining star at School Of Style in November 2010. She had a eye for style, was super-smart, and easy to get along with. We knew she was going to make it! And make it she did. Kath is now a stylist for a Net-a-Porter like site in Canada called Dealuxe.

Kath went from having virtually zero experience in the fashion industry to being a stylist for an amazing fashion website. She has even made a television appearance or ten as a fashion personality in Canada. Go, Kath!

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

Kath Duncan: I don’t have a traditional path to styling, but everything I’ve done strongly influences my style and my business. After a Commerce degree I got my CA designation (Chartered Accountant), followed by a career in finance in sales. Then I decided to move to LA and start my own celebrity fashion website – WHAT ARE THEY WEARING. Two years later, I’m back in Toronto working as a Personal Shopper, Stylist and Image Consultant. At 31, I’ve been to every continent and 30 countries. I love all-things beautiful, from clothes to cultures, and I draw on this in my work.

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

KD: I’ve taken every School of Style Class, including the previous and current versions of Class 2. Prior to SOS, I had little experience in the fashion industry.

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

KD: I’ve always enjoyed Personal Style, but it wasn’t until I made the connection with Luke and SOS that I realized I enjoy the wardrobe and editorial side of the industry as well. While more functional fashion is great for everyday, true creativity comes out on camera. What’s better than playing dress up for a living?

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?

KD: I took class 3 in November of 2010.

SOS: Which classes did you take?

KD: All of them!

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

KD: How to properly tape shoes! I’m forever teaching people Luke and Lauren’s method. That and what to wear/not wear on live TV (white, prints, etc).

SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?

KD: How many stylists (or those aspiring to be) just don’t have their **** together. It’s shocking, but really paves the way for the rest of us. Work hard, have a great eye, be reliable and accountable, don’t be a tool, and you’re set up for success!

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

KD: I’ve moved back to Canada since graduating from SOS last year. I’m working as the Personal Shopper and Stylist at Dealuxe – an emerging Canadian E-Commerce website. I style the editorial shots for our online magazine, as well as all of the on-body product outfit shots. I’ve done segments on live TV (Breakfast Television – Canada’s Today Show) as a Style Personality. Here are a few … BT Calgary & BT Vancouver .

You can see some other clips of Kath on her YouTube channel.

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:

KD: My personal style is clean, classic and current. Those are my three C’s! As a stylist I use these are rough guidelines, but I’m definitely a lot more liberal with accessories and trendy pieces for editorial work.

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

KD: In addition to my three C’s above, I believe in fashion meeting function. I love a high heel, but as a Stylist I’m forever running around for hours on end so they aren’t practical in my everyday life. My uniform is black skinny jeans, a blouse, blazer, sweater and scarf. I love a big men’s style watch (currently I’m rotating between rose gold and tortoise Nixons, and my signature piece of jewelry – a diamond eternity ring I had made with family stones from my late maternal and patterns grandmothers. Whether you follow trends, or stick to classic looks – I believe everything looks better with your own personal touch.

SOS: Who is your dream client?

KD: I’d love to get my hands on Kate Middleton! I think her style is clean, classic and current. I just think there’s a lot of potential to subtlety take her to another level.

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?

KD: Stella McCartney, The Olsen Twins (The Row, Elizabeth and James), Theyskens’ Theory, Jenna Lyons for J.Crew, Alexander Wang, Nixon for watches, Smythe (Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe) – for the best blazers on the planet, Anita Ko, Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, James Perse for basics, J Brand denim, White + Warren cashmere, Hanky Panky for lace camis that go under everything.

SOS: Favorite trends?

KD: A big men’s style watch on a women’s wrist (preferably rose or yellow gold). The bigger, the better! Waxed / coated denim, a lower price alternative to leather pants and still so hot. Animal prints, when done right – i.e.. More runway than mall rat! Right now I love all-things rose gold, and I’m really into hats, mostly a big floppy style or fedora.

SOS: Trends you wish would die?

KD: Animal prints not done right! Ie. More than one item per outfit, cheap prints. And wearing any trend that doesn’t work with your body. Follow your own silhouette before you follow the runways.

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?

KD: Online! Dealuxe.ca; net-a-porter.com; J.Crew.com; TOPSHOP, Uniqlo, m0851.com/.ca, and any US department store (if it’s in person, preferably it’s in NYC)! I also do really well at Premium Outlets across the US. I scored my YSL downtown croc patent tote for 50% off at Desert Hills.

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

KD: Follow what your learn in the SOS, it pays! Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, and work hard. Show up eager, on time, and asking how you can help.

Catch up with Kath online …

On her blog What Are They Wearing

On her What Are They Wearing Facebook Page

On Twitter: @whatwearing

Or on Platform

Happy Holidays!

We are so happy to announce our special Holiday Sale! So many people have been asking for a discount that we decided to go ahead and hook it up. So please enjoy 20% off all class registrations made before New Years Eve 2011.

Our next LA classes are in February 2012 and our NYC classes are in March 2012. To sign up click here.

Our classes always sell out (even when they aren’t on sale) so we STRONGLY recommend early registration. Hit up the family for a School Of Style holiday present, and save them the 20%:) But remember, after the New Year its back to full price so don’t say we didn’t warn ya:)

Here is your discount code. Enter this code at checkout in your shopping cart: HOLIDAY2011

Have a great holiday season, and we really look forward to meeting you all in 2012.

XX Luke+Lauren

A few months ago we styled the Dum Dum Girls for Spin magazine. If haven’t listened to their music yet- you definitely should. Especially their song Bedroom Eyes, its one catchy little tune. We had a blast during the shoot. I mean how can you not have fun with a cool band, a talented photographer, and amazing clothing? We had pieces from Anna Sui, All Saints, Gasoline Glamour, and Betsey Johnson … just to name a few.

Here are a few of our favorite behind the scenes photos. Stay tuned for the final images and some other good ones that didn’t make it into the magazine.

Luke and the girls

On location

Darren the photographer gets low

I hope you all are ready for a really awesome School Of Style graduate interview because this is a good one! Kristen Nicole Macove graduated from School Of Style this past August and has been on a serious roll ever since. There is far too much to tell in this piddly into paragraph, so we are just going to make you read the whole interview yourself. Hint: This girl has it going on!!

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

Kristen Nicole Macove: I’m 23 and originally from Scottsdale, AZ. On a daily basis I enjoy reading different books, fashion magazines, blogs, and trend forecasting. Other things I enjoy are spending time with my family and friends, hiking, dancing, and vacationing. I can never be too old for Disneyland – the happiest place on Earth!

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

KNM: I graduated from FIDM with a major in Visual Communications. During my time there I interned for MarcoMarco where I met some of the most inspirational and influential people in my life – Marco Morante and Ashton Hirota (Ashton Michael) (along with the rest of the amazing talent at House of Infinite Radness) During my time with Marco, I learned how to construct clothes and sew, manage a showroom, interact with stylists, and so much more. I had the opportunity to work on costumes for Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha, and the Black Eyed Peas just to name a few. Through Marco, I met several stylists and assisted on various music videos and photo shoots.

One of my favorite experiences thus far has been getting to work with one of my favorite bands, Panic! At The Disco. This music video was especially fun because the wardrobe consisted of elements from early 1900’s and Steam Punk. I met a dear friend of mine, Lauren “Glasses” Biedenharn while we were both assisting on a job for the band Lights Over Paris and she informed me about School of Style and what an amazing experience and success she had from it. Her enthusiasm toward the School of Style intrigued me that I instantly had to check it out for myself.

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

KNM: I have always had a love for fashion – I believe it comes from my mom who also went to fashion school and has been a fashionista her entire life. From a young age fashion was a big part of my life, in Elementary School my class wrote a newspaper for our school and I started a fashion advice column at the age of 10 (sure it was for youngin’s but I was on top of it!) I grew up being a competitive dancer and always enjoyed when the time came for our costume designer to come in – I would get so excited with the different fabrics and all of the rhinestones! Interestingly enough, I never thought of using my love for fashion as a career.

While attending University of Arizona (majoring in nursing) I had to take an elective class and decided to take a fashion and consumer class. I automatically fell in love and switched my major to Retail and Consumer Sciences. After a while I realized that it was geared toward more of the business side of fashion and not the creative, which was what I was yearning for. That’s when I decided to leave UofA with one year left and move out to California to attend FIDM.

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?

KNM: August 2011

SOS: Which classes did you take?

KNM: Class 1 & 2

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

KNM: The business aspect of styling (contracts, invoicing, etc.)

SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?

KNM: How many tax advantages there are for a stylist!

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

KNM: Yes I have. Most recently I had the opportunity to assist New York stylist Bruce Pask on a photo shoot for Perry Ellis. Such a great opportunity that I was given because of School of Style!! This was my first time on an ad campaign, which was a great experience because up until then the majority of work I have done is with musicians. My resume is becoming rather extensive.

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:

KNM: I love getting creative which I suppose is why I love working with the music industry so much. Leather, studs, spikes, rhinestones, and all of that great stuff. I love pushing limits and coming up with the unexpected! I also really enjoy theatrics and working with different time periods.

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

KNM: I would describe my personal style as being a chameleon. My style varies on my mood for a specific day and why my plans entail. One day I might be wearing leather pants and boots with a band shirt and the next classic jeans, a tailored blazer and heels. I guess I could say I’m all over the place! Two things that are always constant with my style – I love layering jewelry and have a hat obsession!

SOS: Who is your dream client?

KNM: Foster The People .. I’m kind of in love with them at the moment!! I would love to work with a client who is just getting started in their career and help them mold their style. Eventually I would LOVE to work in television and movies, one of my dream clients would be the contestants on American Idol.

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?

KNM: Alexander McQueen, Rick Owens, Proenza Schouler, Elie Saab, Diane Von Furtsenberg, Pucci, the list goes on!

SOS: Favorite trends?

KNM: Right now I love the tailored take on menswear for women and the fashion zeitgeist (everything old is new again!) I also like the colored denim, boots with everything, and mixing metals.

SOS: Trends you wish would die?

KNM: The whole feathers thing. I thought it was over but lately I’ve been seeing a lot of people still rockin the look. Not a fan. Guys trying to look like they are on Jersey Shore with their Affliction and Ed Hardy shirts. So not cute!! Juicy jumpsuits, and people putting effort into looking like you just rolled out of bed are also no-no’s in my book!

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?

KNM: Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Urban Outfitters, Bebe, stores on Melrose, Victoria’s Secret online, and I have an obsession with the website hautelook.com – I find such great deals!

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

KNM: Intern, assist, pay your dues. When I first started out I had high expectations and didn’t realize there were so many people that wanted to be stylists. Make sure you always have your phone on – if you are working make sure to answer calls, emails, texts right away! Know where you stand and don’t try to act above the key stylist.

Always be early to work, be professional, and take A LOT of notes. I cannot stress that enough, your key stylist that you are interning or assisting for do not want to repeat instructions so make sure to always have a notepad and pen with you – jot down everything and if you have any questions make sure to ask so you don’t end up screwing something up!

Network, network, network.. NO ONE is going to come looking for you – trust me! Oh, and don’t complain… sure schlepping lots of garment bags and steaming clothes on set may not sound glamorous but everyone has to pay their dues! Just remember everyone is replaceable so if this is something you are interested in make sure you are always on top of your “A-game.” It’s tough work but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life!

PS – get the Big Book of Contacts! It will be extremely helpful!

Follow Kristen on Twitter!

We just wrapped our latest portfolio/shoot class and it was a huge hit! We had a studio full of student stylists who clearly brought their styling A-game with them to class. We can’t wait to see the images of their hero looks. In the mean time, we are enjoying the heck out of these behind the scenes pictures that one of our students was kind enough to take.

Luke and Lauren on set

SOS student Sarah and her model

Luke helping a SOS student dress her model

In the hair and makeup room

The view from the clothes

SOS student accessorizing her model

Luke and Lauren critiquing the looks

More Luke and Lauren action!

Last week we shared the behind the scenes photos from our shoot with Casey LaBow for Fault magazine, now it’s time to breakout the final images from the magazine.

We are really happy with how the images turned out. The location was amazing (thanks to our School Of Style grad, Jill who hooked it up), the clothes were great, and our friend and photographer Dove Shore is always a pleasure to work with.

Check em out …

A couple of months ago Luke Storey styled Casey LaBow for the UK fashion mag, Fault to promote her appearance in the upcoming Twilight movie. Casey was totally down to earth and looked amazing in everything we put her in. We actually just received the final images and they look awesome! We will show you those in a later post but for now check out theses behind the scenes pictures.

Photographer Dove Shore shooting Casey

Jacob our hair stylist petting a wolf!

Casey

Hair fix!

The return of the wolf

Don’t you just love that dress?

Lauren kicks it with the wolf

More wolf time

For the past two months Lauren has been zipping all around the west coast to work on the Westfield Style Tour with Stacy London and her fellow Style For Hire stylists. The tour was non-stop fashion fun with plenty of client consultations, makeovers, and fashion show styling. Lauren started in San Francisco, then hit Seattle, Escondido, Roseville, and ended the tour in Topanga. She had a blast and definitely got to flex her personal styling muscles.

Take a look at some of the behind the scenes pictures below and then head over to Lauren’s blog to see all of the pictures!

PS- A million thanks to all the SOS grads who assisted Lauren on the tour. You all were great!

Stacy London takes the stage for the fashion show

Stacy with all the fashion show models

Lauren hanging out with fellow stylist, Kate Powell

Lauren with Kate and one of our fab assistants

Lauren and her fellow stylists in the style closet

Lauren and Lauren hard at work

Lauren and Laurie keepin it real