Tell us why you consider the Lydia in ivory a timeless piece of clothing and how does it replenish your wardrobe?

When I shop, I look for pieces that are timeless, versatile and fit with my current wardrobe. The Lydia in ivory fits perfectly with what I own already. It can be paired with a sweater and boots in place of denim to elevate my winter look or be thrown on with a t-shirt and flat sandals in summer. 

Explain the three looks you have styled with the Lydia in ivory? 

Look 1
This look with a sweater from the Frankie Shop, Saint Laurent leather jacket, Dear Frances boots and a Celine bag is great for fall or winter in NYC. I would normally wear this look with jeans but the Lydia elevates the situation tremendously. It’s nice to add an elegant and feminine element.

Look 2
Styled with a white t-shirt by The Row, classic suede Chanel mules and with a Blazé Milano blazer this is a great summer look. My jewelry is all vintage from my grandma mixed with some pieces from Turner & Tatler. I would also do this look during the day with flat sandals. It looks so effortless and easy… Because it is.

Look 3
Worn with a Re/Done t-shirt, vintage sequin cardigan and embellished Manolo Blahnik mules this is more of a night out look. I like the addition of the sequins it makes it a bit more rock and roll while still being sophisticated.

What are other wardrobe staples of yours and your go to brands for such?

Denim is a major wardrobe staple for me. I wear jeans nearly every day. I love flared ones by Agolde and Re/Done and like to mix my denim with softer silk basics such as blouses and camisoles (like the Kate). I love to pair the more stiff and rigid denim with the softness and fluidity of silk. 

What do you do if a client wants to wear something, that in your opinion, just doesn’t suit them well?

I tell them! Being honest and straightforward is a really important part of my job. That was one of the hardest things to learn for me - I used to get nervous to speak up if I didn’t think something was working, but in the end my opinion and feedback is part of the reason they hire me so it is really important to be straight up. I would want someone to do the same for me!

With the current oversaturation what is your tip to navigate through all the input and impressions we are getting and finding what truly works for oneself?

It is such a struggle to remember who you are when you are constantly being immersed in other people’s worlds via Instagram. I have often fallen victim to an Instagram ad or buying something because it looks good on someone else (and then realizing it absolutely does not work for me). I have two tricks for combatting this. 1. We all have a style icon. Let’s say yours is Jane Birkin. When you see something that you want to buy, ask yourself if Jane Birkin would buy it? Sort of lame but it works! 2. Try to describe your style in three words. For me I would say classic, 70s, polished. When I’m seeing something I like, I try to think if I could describe it using any of those words. It works for me. I think it is important to curate your closet so it feels like a capsule collection and when you are shopping you ask yourself if that piece works in your collection. 

In your opinion, how important is consistency when dressing a celebrity?

I think it is super important. I think nowadays a lot of celebrities will dabble in everything, wear a ton of designers and experiment with a lot of different styles because they can. I like a more edited approach. I want to create a really clear and distinct personal style for my clients. That doesn’t mean we can’t mix it up, but I really want each of my clients to have their own style.

And for you personally? Has your style been consistent or changing over time and if yes, how?

I have had the same style for as long as I remember. It has evolved a bit as I have gotten older but I have always been a fan of basics with a 70s twist. 

How do you keep uniform dressing interesting?

I love coats and jackets. I often wear jeans, a t-shirt, sweater or tie neck blouse and then mix it up on top by either adding a blazer, a trench or a leather jacket. I find that can change a look so much!

What tendencies are you excited about at the moment?

I am excited that women are dressing (and shopping) more consciously! I think we have become such smart consumers and we want to invest in a few good pieces that are versatile and timeless… this makes me very very happy! 

Who are your style icons?

I grew up obsessed with Kate Moss and those 90s looks still inspire me. I also love Diane Keaton - talk about consistency!

Your first memory of fashion?

I used to love dressing up in costumes! My mom had an entire trunk of “dress up clothes” with everything from vintage pieces (like fur stoles), wigs from the Halloween store, and fun finds from travels (I remember in particular a really cool embroidered kimono). I loved to dress up and try on outfits and I realize now, I was practicing for the job I have today!

A memorable red carpet moment?

I think everyone references it, but to me nothing is better than Lauren Hutton’s rainbow gown and fur coat look. 

Who has shaped your sense of style?

My mom was so amazing because she always let me choose my own clothes. When I was in grade school, I would come to school in really wild combinations (ballet tutus over pants, halloween costumes in May... That kind of thing) and she always supported my expression and let me experiment. I think it shaped my sense of style because I was shown that there is no “right way” to dress and that there are no rules. 

Explain the process of dressing a celebrity for an event? 

For me, the way my clients FEEL in an outfit is important and therefore the starting point of a look. For example, if I am dressing someone for a press junket, I want them to feel powerful and I think about what colors, cuts, styles make them feel strong and in control.

Do you use the same approach for every client or do you have individual ways of working with each of them?

Every client is different! Getting dressed (even just for daily life) is so deeply personal and I love observing the process that each woman has.

How much of your own taste do you bring into styling your clients?

I never want to have a heavy-hand when I am styling my clients. In fact, do not want it to look like they were styled - I want everything to appear effortless and as if they just reached into their closet and came out with a great look. That being said, the things I choose for my clients are things I like so in that sense, there is a bit of my personal taste in there. 

In terms of trends. How do you consider them when dressing a client?

I would say, I am pretty classic so when I’m introducing a trendier piece, I usually balance it with something elegant or basic. It is all about balance and making sure that you have classic elements that anchor a trendy piece so you still look like yourself. 

Any particular color you would like to see the Lydia skirt in?

I would love a bronze color!

What are your favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration?

@fashi0ninfilm, @70sbabes and @metcostumeinstitute

What is the most treasured piece in your wardrobe? 

My black classic Chanel bag. I bought it for myself about seven years ago and have worn it just about every single day since. I was so proud of myself when I got it and it was such an amazing investment. 

Is there something that’s persistent on your wish list and you are planning to buy one day on a special occasion?

I really want a classic black Chanel tweed jacket with gold buttons. 

Timeless beauty – what’s your routine?

I am the worst - I wash my face and use a serum and lotion both from Omorovicza. I also put some Lauren’s All Purpose Salve on my face when I am really dry but that is about it!