This past Sunday I had the pleasure of attending a fashion/beauty/spa event at the lovely Amelie boutique in Claremont, CA.  For those of you who don't know, Claremont is a picturesque suburb of Los Angeles, nestled at the base of the San Bernardino mountains.  The town itself is artsy and eclectic, and Amelie is my hands down favorite Claremont shop.  Stocking brands like BB Dakota, Dolce Vita, and Parker among other more elusive names, there's nothing else like it in the local area.  They have a unique selection of accessories and candles to boot.  I've been shopping there for years, and I was thrilled when the owner invited me to hang out  and give complementary style consultations for their annual "Girlfriend Party".  It was a great event, complete with champagne and h'orderves, free mini-massages, and 20% off the entire store.  As the stylist on hand, I consulted with shoppers and offered my advice on some of the top trends and best values straight from the racks.  Pictured above, you can see their lovely merchandising of the spring/summer black and white trend.          

Recently, I had to write a bio/personal statement in relation to a very exciting new styling venture which I'll post more about soon!  In the meantime, I love the statement so much I wanted to share it with everyone here.  I truly believe that finding and embracing your unique style is priceless.  It's absolutely empowering, not to mention that once you understand style, the process is infinitely enjoyable.

My undeniable love for fashion developed at an early age - largely the influence of my mother and grandmother, who are both to this day very stylish women.  I do also believe the inclination was innate within me.  When I was young, I would sit at the dinner table and sketch for hours.  Always women in elaborate outfits, straight from my imagination.  There’s a home video of me at the age of seven…My dad is holding me and he asks, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  I answer coyly but without hesitation, “I want to be a clothing designer.” 

Though I’ve not yet entered the realm of design, I believe style itself is a form of design.  Individual garments are one thing, but the way you put them together (and accessorize) that’s something unique and different.  You either tend to have a knack for it, or you don’t.  It’s a very creative process.   But that’s not to say it can’t be taught!  That’s what I love about personal styling.  I love to teach all the tricks and tips - color pairings, print mixing, layering, the value of a waist belt, the importance of statement jewelry…the list goes on and on.  I also think it’s vital to know what’s best for your body type.  Different bodies favor different fabrics, silhouettes, etc.  For example, I’m exactly five feet tall on the dot - way petite!  I haven’t always loved being so short, but over the years I’ve come to embrace it, because I’ve learned to master my petite frame.  I know exactly what works for my body and what doesn’t, and I keep a tailor close at hand.  Of course I’m not solely skilled with dressing petite women, as a stylist I can help you overcome challenges and highlight assets, whatever they may be.  As a woman, I believe that understanding fashion and pinpointing your personal style is an invaluable part of feeling fulfilled and being the best you can be.               

Sooo I'm super excited to announce my new partnership with Fitness Magazine!  They contacted me out of the blue a few weeks back explaining they were seeking a Los Angeles based personal stylist whom they felt confident recommending to their readers.  Apparently, a lot of women get in shape then don't know how to dress for their new bodies...makes sense to me!  After getting all the facts on my business, the magazine invited me on board, and I of course accepted.  Now you can see the lovely little endorsement (above) splashed all over fitnessmagazine.com.  How cool right?  I can't wait to start working with women who need "new body" style advice...I'm armed and ready with all the tips to help highlight their fab new physiques.  Now great style is another incentive to help you keep that "get fit" resolution!