I Love My Job (Still)

The Grammy's! Every stylist dreams of the moment their work will show up on a red carpet, on a runway or as a Do in any publication. And I get that chance. Again. Yay me! How much fun is this?

You have no idea how much fun it is to style someone for a red carpet event, while retaining their identity in what you dress them in. And there's a wide range of styling opportunities out there, but you have to understand the medium, for lack of a better term. If you're styling hip hop or rap, that's a whole different look than folk, rock or country. Thankfully I get that kind of request from my diverse group of clients every day, so I am well prepared for this.

What are the elements of a stunning Grammy look, you ask? First you start with the jewelry...no, just kidding. As with any other client, I sit down with them to see how their fashion has evolved, what emotion they may be looking to evoke in their outfit (outright glam, toned down class, risky and edgy - you see where I'm going with this) and the most important thing, whether they are willing to sacrifice personal comfort for the best look EVER. You think I'm kidding. How many uncomfortable skirts, pants, shirts, dresses, girdles, or whatever have you squeezed into so you can look spectacular for one of the most important events in your life? Well, part of my job is to make sure you are as comfortable as possible, wearing a look you love, is appropriate for the occasion and that you feel like a million dollars in.

It's often easiest to start with a piece you love and work from there. If you have a color or fabric you love, we'll work with it. In the everyday wardrobe, that frequently boils down to one piece. It may be a piece with a collarless lapel that you love, and you start from there and work the look from there.

Things to think about are what accessories are you planning on wearing? Less important for guys maybe, but with shoes, are you going with mile high heels or ballerina flats? If your look is more eclectic, can you wear anything with your starter piece? These are the things that occasionally cause me sleepless nights. I do think about these things for my clients, whether you are being photographed on the red carpet or you're hanging out with your kids at the park.

End of the day - you still have to love what you do and love what you are wearing.