For those of you who missed our first NYC class and to those who were sadly turned away … don’t worry because we are coming back to NYC really soon!!! In fact, registration is open for our next class right now.

NYC Class 1 (Classroom)

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.

And some great pictures she snapped during class …

Today is day one of Class 1 at School Of Style in New York and we are soooo excited! There are tons of students here (50 to be exact) and they are all pretty darn fly. New York fashion is on another level because all of our students look like they themselves could be in a magazine.

All sweet fashions aside, all our students are very eager to learn. Everyone is alert, paying attention, and are all asking great questions.

Well, we better get back to class. We just wanted to give a quick update because in case you didn’t get it … we’re freaking excited!!!

Over and out,

SOS

Such a great group! The energy was up and we had a super fun weekend with our last batch of School Of Style students at Smashbox Studios.

Our next Class 1 at Smashbox is August 28-29th. Register today to secure your spot. Our classes tend to sell out during the hot summer months.

Our latest batch of School Of Style graduates from our June 5th-7th class. Don’t they look great!

The next School Of Style class 1 at Smashbox Studios is filling up FAST! Register now to secure your spot.

Class 1 (Classroom)
Date: Saturday and Sunday July 10th-11th, 2010
Time: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Price: $375
Location: Smashbox Studios, West Hollywood