My love affair with fashion began at a young age, when I was living with my grandma. She had EVERY. SINGLE. VOLUME. of Vogue ever published, and as a young, poor kid back in the '90's, before the internet, I didn't have much going on in the way of entertainment. I probably read through the vast majority of them before I went to live with my mom. Okay so I probably didn't really READ them at 7 years old, but I remember ogling over all the pictures of beautiful women in sharp, edgy, fantastic clothing. My grandma was (and still is, even in her 90's) incredibly stylish. Always wearing faux fur, designer shoes, jewelry and of course, a Chanel bag. The last time I saw her she had her hair and makeup done, wearing leggings with a fur vest and knee high boots! She's also the person who taught me how important eyebrows are...which we all know...are extreeemely important.
Flash forward to living with my mom for the majority of my life. She was a single mom and we were BROKE. Clothes weren't, and still aren't important to her at ALL, soooo I was incredibly lucky if I got to get a couple items from Wal-Mart once or twice a year. I was never, ever stylish to say the least through school; mostly a tomboy living in jeans and hoodies. But I always WANTED to have lovely clothes, and when I finally turned 14 and was able to start working, I could start buying a couple nice things for myself from American Eagle..instead of Wal-Mart (no offense Wal-Mart...you have some cute stuff now..but back then...). But...I didn't know what looked good on my stubby torso and long limbs...so try as I might...still looked pretty awkward and would resort back to jeans and hoodies.
Flash forward again to graduating college. I was FINALLY able to work full time, get caught up on bills, save a little and SHOP! As my career advanced, I was able to afford more and more and nicer and nicer pieces. However...I still didn't quite have dressing myself down. My closet was packed full of super cute things, but I still ended up frustrated and felt like I had nothing to wear. Or place or occasion to wear things to.
I started really diving into styling: capsule wardrobes, YouTube videos, Pinterest and Instagram inspiration, you name it. My style got better over the years and my wardrobe slimmed down. I got an office job where the dress code is business casual. I started getting random compliments DAILY from co-workers, customers, friends even complete strangers stopping me on the street or while shopping. Friends would ask me for fashion help or advice. And I LOVED it. Not only do I love clothes and fashion in general, but I love talking about it, discussing looks and styles and more than anything I LOVE being able to help my friends feel good about how they look. It truly, truly shows when someone is wearing something that brings out their confidence. They turn into a whole new person.
I had a couple calls with a life coach, and while personal coaching really isn't for me it turns out, I am so incredibly grateful I at least had those couple calls because she was the one who actually turned me onto personal styling as a...thing I could do. More research ensued. I took a few styling classes and LOVED them. Learning about body types, what colors and cuts look best on different shapes and skin tones is fascinating to me! Let alone FUN! I have a few different hobbies, but nothing lights my fire like styling does. I could talk about it all day every day if I could (can't yet because, ya know, full time work and whatnot).
While I'm not officially working, I would love to continue to work with and help others find their own sense of style and confidence. Even if we can't meet in person, get in contact with me by any means to ask questions and I will do my damn-dest to help in any way possible whether that be advice, providing resources or even just encouragement. We could all use more encouragement in today's world to really own our sense of confidence.
All my best!
-Rachael