Episode #18: The Working Wardrobe that Works for You with Tara Luizzi of TaraStylesDC
In this episode, we talk with professional stylist Tara Luizzi from Tara Styles DC on how to build a working wardrobe when you’re first starting out, navigating changes to your body (helpful hints for dressing the Mom-Bod), and getting the most out of investment pieces. We answer a lot of your (and our) burning wardrobe questions: Should you try out wardrobe styling boxes? Should you ditch the “nylons”? Do yoga pants work for casual Friday?
And last, we talk about how you can create your own style and most importantly, use your wardrobe to help you feel confident and empowered to accelerate your career.
You can connect with Tara on her website http://www.tarastylesdc.com or on any social @tarastylesdc.
The Working Wardrobe that Works for You with Tara Luizzi of TaraStylesDC Episode Recap
In this podcast episode, the hosts welcome Tara Luizzi, a personal wardrobe consultant with a styling service called Tara Styles DC. With over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, Tara has worked for top boutiques in New York, Boston, and Washington DC. The hosts share their personal experiences with Tara, who has helped them create wardrobes that adapt to different life phases and complement their individual styles. Tara emphasizes the importance of focusing on accessories to update a wardrobe without breaking the bank on designer clothes.
Tara discusses her journey of starting Tara Styles DC during the 2009 recession, aiming to help clients have a wardrobe that suits their budget and body at any stage of life. She believes in merging casual and professional elements seamlessly in a wardrobe, enabling clients to feel confident and put together in any situation. Tara stresses considering body types and individual preferences while shopping, recommending investment pieces like a good blazer, quality shoes, and statement jewelry.
The conversation delves into shopping tips for those on a budget, suggesting department stores like Nordstrom and stores like Zara, Club Monaco, Banana Republic, and J.Crew as viable options. While subscription styling services like Stitch Fix and Amazon Wardrobe have gained popularity, Tara expresses reservations about them, emphasizing the importance of trying clothes on and seeking expert advice for the right fit and style.
The episode covers building a temporary wardrobe for women experiencing body changes due to pregnancy or fluctuating weight. Tara encourages clients not to be obsessed with size and instead focus on how clothing fits their body type. The hosts and Tara share personal experiences and advice on navigating fashion trends and investing in classic wardrobe pieces to create a versatile and confident working wardrobe.
Switching gears, the discussion centers on personal style and how to discover one’s unique fashion sense. Kelly shares her journey of struggling to find her style, ultimately settling on a minimalist approach with a small color palette of white, black, and gray. Tara advises that personal style evolves over time and suggests looking to style icons for inspiration.
Tara underscores the importance of incorporating one’s personality into their wardrobe and feeling comfortable and confident in what they wear. She recommends meeting with a stylist to better understand one’s fashion preferences and encourages occasional experimentation to push the boundaries and explore new styles.
The conversation moves on to workplace attire do’s and don’ts, with Tara suggesting dressing smartly even on casual days and avoiding workout gear and flip-flops. The hosts also discuss the significance of makeup, agreeing that a fresh and polished face can enhance overall appearance.
As the episode wraps up, Tara provides valuable advice on rebuilding a working wardrobe after the pandemic, including revisiting one’s closet, being honest about what fits and doesn’t, and making a list of missing essentials. Tara emphasizes dressing according to the day’s activities and knowing your audience, as clothing can serve as a tool to make a positive impression.
The episode concludes with Tara’s poignant quote, “Fashion is our armor against the world,” highlighting how dressing well can boost confidence and provide a shield during challenging times. Tara’s contact information is shared for those interested in working with her as a stylist.
Episode Transcript:
Kelly
Welcome to the Two Marketing Moms Podcast Episode 18 called the working wardrobe that works for you as special guests. Tara Luizzi. Welcome, Tara.
Tara
Hi, good morning. So excited to be on this you guys.
Kelly
We’re so excited to chat with you today. This is going to be one of our more fun episodes because everyone loves to talk about clothes. And especially now since we’ve been wearing sweat pants, I’m wearing sweat pants on the bottom of this beautiful outfit right now.
Ready to talk about some fun stuff for us as we go through here today. So, I just want to give a quick introduction to you Tara. Tara is a personal wardrobe consultant with a styling service called Tara Styles DC . With more than 20 years of experience in the fashion industry working for top boutiques in New York, Boston, Washington DC as a buyer merchandiser manager and top salesperson. I met Tara about 20 years ago.
It was pre kids. I believe it was also pre marriage, and you helped me through as my wardrobe really changed and evolved, from being engaged to getting married to having children to going back to work, and you really have assisted me in completing a wardrobe with all new phases of my life. And the other thing that you really helped me with was cementing my personal style, and you know, each have our own kind of personal style. And I think I prefer a kind of minimal edgy, I guess would be, would be with some classic bones in there. And what I love about working with you is some of the lessons that I recall is you really didn’t tell me to spend a whole bunch of money on designer clothes. Your idea was a real recession friendly philosophy of focusing on accessories to change up a wardrobe. And I now spend less money on shirts and pants and skirts, but more on things like accessories, shoes, bags, jewelry, scarves, and jackets.
And so, as a result of that you really gave me a formula that I that I just love. And that made it really easy for me to make decisions on what I should purchase for my wardrobe. And it helps me feel a lot more confident. So, there’s my general testimonial about how I have worked with you. I want to get into it a little bit deeper in terms of how you came to your philosophy. But first, I want to hear your story. Can you tell us a little bit about how and why you started Tara Styles DC?
Tara
Yes, sure. And first of all, the way Kelly just described kind of breaks down exactly what I try to do for all my clients is really excuse me is to make sure they have a wardrobe that works for them wherever they are in life. And that works for their budget in their body at that time. And we’ll get into a little bit of that. But Kelly, that was a great introduction. That’s what I try to achieve with all my clients. So, I’m glad that worked for you. I started Tara Styles DC at the worst time, which is the 2009 recession, because that’s a great time to start a business. But I’ve been thinking about doing something for a while on my own. I ran a great, beautiful boutique called Relish, which is based in Georgetown. I was there for about 10 years. And I loved it because really got to work one on one with so many amazing clients here in the DC area, a lot of working professional women, which I really like doing. But I just decided I was tired of the brick and mortar.
Also, at that time originally thought I’d have my own store. But then the recession had and retail wasn’t doing great for mortar wasn’t doing great. So, I knew a friend, a stylist used to come in and do this with her clients and thinking well I could do this. And I used to go to my clients’ homes from Relish because they didn’t know how to put all these books together. I love that we what we bought, what do I do with it? So, I started doing that for clients. So, I realized, hey, there’s something here. So that’s kind of how it started. And I’m like not the worst entrepreneur but literally how I started my companies. I left Relish, sent an email to my top clients to friends to family and said hey, this is what I’m doing. And thank goodness people reached out like I’d love to hire you, and Kelly was one of those people.
And what I loved about when I started, so many people gave back so actually that person I talked about who is a stylist she literally met me for lunch and gave basically me her business plan like we’re both women in the DC and are being stylish. She’s like, this is how I do it.
Kelly, I remember we met for coffee and you said, what are you doing? I’d love to help you. And I told you .and you basically came up with my name and my tagline. So, who would have thought, right? It was just serendipity. And so yeah, so that’s kind of how I got started. And it’s just grown. From there. It’s been about 10-11 years, and I’ve just met and worked with the most amazing, amazing human beings. And in the end, it’s not really about fashion. For me, it’s about connections with people. And it’s my goal is to make my clients just feel confident and great in their everyday lives.
Julia
I think that’s a great takeaway, because a lot of people do think of it as you know, clothing. But really, it’s about confidence. And I think, when I was starting out in my career, it was not positioned to me that way, it was not about what you wear should be con should help you feel confident, should allow you to feel like an individual expressive, it was much more like just buy these clothes and wear them.
Tara
Right. And I think we’re probably all in the same age group. But our generation was definitely you go by the suit, you go for the interview, you dress a certain way. Now meanwhile, I’m in fashion. So, I had a little bit more flexibility than most. But when I moved to DC, from New York, I was in shock. How people dress, everybody looked like the same as it was the same height as the Ann Taylor days, and everyone was dressed this certain way. And so, my goal was like, okay, we’re going to break the mold here. But I think for the generations behind us, I’m jealous, they just have no flexibility, right, they don’t have to wear nylons, they don’t have to. It’s just different and you can be more creative. So that’s what I try to do with my clients, I basically say to them, I always send a Q&A to new clients. So, I get a feel of who and what you are not just professionally, but in your personal life, because it should, your wardrobe should stretch for both areas. And I’m all about having clothes that work every day, and can work with each other. So, it’s not just a working closet and a casual closet, it shouldn’t merge.
Julia
Well, I feel I eventually found my personal style. And I had the great wardrobe. And then I got pregnant and had three kids. And during that time, I dressed like a frog. And then I finally started to come out of that and really find my personal style and then the pandemic hit. I want you to talk to us about your core wardrobe and your fundamentals.
So, I’ll tell you a story. I when I first graduated college, my first job was in sales. And like you just described with DC and everyone being cookie cutter, they literally took our entire sales team of us who are like 22 years old, to Ann Taylor. And they had a little fashion show for us, there was like maybe 20 of us girls, and they’re like, this is what you need to wear. And they went through the whole thing. And I was like, I don’t like any of this clothing. probably half the pieces I could have made work for me if I had like mix and match with other things I had, but it was so rigid. And also, I mean, it was kind of expensive. I was 22 year old. I was making like no money to spend like $125 on a pair of pants to me was like outrageous. And of course, they did the whole you have to wear pantyhose and, these are the rules. If we come and see you not dressed like this. You’re out of there.
Kelly
Skirts below the knees, right?
Julia
Yes.
Kelly
No open toed shoes.
No, no open toed shoes. How dare you show a toe?
Julia
I mean, can we just talk about that we that people made girl or women wear nylons in the 95 humidity of Washington DC. I mean, again, I never had to do it. But I used to watch people on the hill and think oh my gosh. I still wear them.
When I don’t wear an eyeliner. I feel like I’m living on the edge.
Tara
Oh, that’s so funny.
Kelly
We need to take you to get you some help somewhere.
Julia
Yeah, we might.
Tara
I mean, if you were in finance, if you were in sales, if you were a lawyer, there was a certain uniform that you had to go by. It’s amazing in the past, probably, what, five to 10 years. It just blew up even for men. So, I deal with men as well. Men’s dressing has changed, too. But with this, and I’m going to be a little snarky here. It was around when I moved to DC was casual Friday, just casual Friday started. And I remember, at the time, I was like taking the metro being like, what is happening because no one knew how to do casual dressing. And it was just a disaster. And so, I think thank goodness in the past 10 years, we’ve all merged into how to dress casually and professionally, and I think that’s very important. To still look professional while being casual. No coming out of this pandemic, is going to be fascinating. It’s already fascinating to watch on the fashion front right now. I think everyone’s confused, which they have every right to be because who knows but I do think it’s going to, it’s going to swing the other way. I think people are tired, right? Of being stuck in your house wearing sweats, pajamas, whatever it is you’re wearing and start like getting dressed with like zippers and buttons and things like that. So, I think fashion, I think fashion is going to go What the I think it’s going to get dressed here again, I hope that’s what I like. So just be put together and give a thought is very important.
Julia
Yeah, what’s the core wardrobe?
Tara
The core wardrobe basically it’s almost like let’s say your house or your kitchen, you should have the main ingredients and then you can add to that. I know a lot of people don’t wear suits but I think you should have at least one good suit in that closet that fits your body. Because you never know when you’re going to have an interview or an important meeting or something else like you. Everyone should have a good suit. I love a dress. I think a dress makes you feel great and confident. I always say to my clients, obviously the little black dress but a couple of more. You know like a color or a pattern in there as well. And especially address you don’t have to think about it you put it on your body and you’re done. You have to worry about the top the bottom. The jacket also speaking of Jackets, Blazers, I love a blazer, I think everyone should have a good black blazer maybe one like with a pattern or tweed. Even one with you know, a jean jacket. I love a jean jacket. I love the leather jacket. Those are important things and when I say leather, there’s so many amazing faux leather for like $99 so no one has to know and some people don’t even want real leather. So, I love that on top of the dress. Some great fitting t-shirts, white. black pants is important.
Kelly, I know you just talked earlier before I was all about like oh go cheaper in the pant. Now I’m a little bit more like maybe spend a little money on the pant. So, a good black pant, navy gray. Also, you know crisp white blouse. I also love shells and blouses like what I have on right now just add a pop of color. I love color in the wardrobe. Jeans. I’m all about three good jeans that should be a black Jean, a dark denim and a white or a color or maybe like a boyfriend and shoes and you know shoes are super important people kind of skimp on that. But it completes the look so great black heel a good flat. I love a fun sneaker now that’s a super trend happening. And yeah, so I think those are kind of the cores you should have and then from there, you can grow it out.
Kelly
I think that’s really helpful. I think one of the things that I would love for you to talk about is what about those people that are just starting out, like you talked about earlier, who don’t have a big budget, how do they start to build a professional wardrobe when they’re stressed about not having to wear the same thing twice a week?
Tara
Right? Well first of all, top that’s where tops are great and come in and I always say to people — people don’t really remember your bottom but they remember your top, and I think there’s so many so many great shops now.
Kelly
Tell us your favorite shops.
Tara
So, what I’m going to start with the department stores- I am a Nordstrom’s girl meaning I have taken clients there forever what I love about Nordstrom is you can go high or you can go low, you can get anything there. There’s all different price points. And what I also love is you can set up a styling appointment. So, if you can’t, you know afford a stylist, you can call them up, give them a budget, and you get to meet with a stylist who can help you walk you through — because I know a department store is intimidating.
I love Zara for kind of a fun trend. I mean, they basically watch the runways and make it out a less expensive version of H&M. Sometimes I walk through them like Oh, that’s cute. Cos is another basic. There’s one in Georgetown, and those are that’s a really great store. Club Monaco. And Cub Monaco has kind of come back. And that’s been an interesting for clients. You know, and Banana Republic and J cCew are still good on the basics. I mean, you can’t go wrong. Again, it just depends what I’m walking into when I find anything anywhere. But I think you just you know, try to find some fun pieces and you don’t have to spend a ton. I know I say to clients, the less you spend, it’s probably not going to last you, as long so it’s cotton. Okay, it’s not going to last you five years. But just to get your wardrobe going. I think those are all good places to start.
Kelly
My other favorite is All Saints.
Tara
Yes, actually, I do love All Saints and that if you want what you were talking about Kelly, like more minimal edgy look. I love All Saints. Their leathers are great. Their bags are great if you don’t want to spend a ton on a bag.
Julia
I haven’t shopped in Georgetown since I was in college. I went to GW so I went to Georgetown every day to have brunch on the waterfront and shop like I wasn’t in college.
Tara
Right now, the beauty of where we live just even Tyson’s there’s so much to choose from, we get out there. And I just try to say the clients like it shouldn’t be a chore it should be fun. Don’t go in and be miserable, you’re going to come out miserable. So just try to give especially for moms, I’m going to say this. I feel they just give for everybody else. Like I’ve so many clients who are moms and working moms. And they’re like I shouldn’t be doing that like the guilt that they come in with is amazing to me and I’m just like, no, you deserve to look good. You deserve to have this time to get it together like so give yourself an afternoon. Not an hour not a morning like a true afternoon just schedule it out. And I think that really helps with shopping too. Don’t shop for when you need something because you’re never going to find it so it’s better to have a plan when you shop.
Julia
So okay, so we just talked about the basics. So, what are things that you might splurge on or like you consider investment pieces?
Tara
So, an investment piece to me is definitely a good blazer, I just you want something that fits you great and it can take you miles it really can like throwing a jacket on anything makes a difference. Again shoes, maybe because I’m a little older and my feet are ruined from years ago were cheaper shoes. Invest in decent shoes, like in a great black heel and a good flat and it again can pull the outfit together. Jewelry, you know I’m not saying like $1,000s but maybe spend a little bit more on a couple of you don’t need a ton just great earrings you love some necklaces, again can pull the rest of the outfit together. And actually jeans. I know so many people who spend like $29 on jeans and then they give out and then hate them and my clients freak out because I say we’re going to spend maybe 100 or more on a jean but it looks great on you and it’s going to last you and you’re going to what you wear jeans more than anything so why not invest in that shoe. I do like a fun bag. And now with like The Real Real and consignment store you can get great stuff. I mean the Real Real is another one if you know what you’re looking for. You can find some really great pieces on that.
Julia 1
I mean I’ve done Beg Borrow or Seal and I will rent a purse for a month to see if I like it. Before I go purchase it. Like I recently just got a Gucci one because I was like, I love this for the long term and I really enjoyed having it for a month, it was such a cute purse, I don’t think I would buy it, because I don’t think I would rotate it as often. So, I do love renting a purse for a month.
Tara
Also Rent the Runway, you know, in the beginning, right? They were really smart; it was all about the dress. And I’ve done that for clients, if you don’t want to invest, you have a wedding or a party, I think Rent the Runway is great, and then now have clothing that you can, you know, do Rent the Runway. And it’s amazing. clients who were younger, and they’ve said to me, like, can you help me pick stuff on Rent the Runway? So, I’m like, sure. I mean, it’s not the way I would shop. I think you should build a wardrobe. I do. I believe in that. But you know, if you’re just starting out, it’s a great way to get there and you’re not wearing the same thing every day. You don’t have to be stressed about that.
Julia
I have another question. So, this is unscripted question. So, tons of moms that I know. I’m subscribed to like Stitch Fix. And I did Stitch Fix for a while. And now I do Amazon Wardrobe. Because they send me like the most random ideas, like stuff I would never buy, and I love it. Sometimes it’s a total mess. Sometimes it’s a total win. So how do you feel about those styles? Oh, I’ll ask I’ll add that someone said a mom literally just said to me about Stitch Fix. She’s like, I feel like I know I’m getting like the same stuff, just in different colors, or just a slightly different fit.
Tara
So, I have a love hate with both those companies you just brought up. I actually have gotten clients because they did Stitch Fix and did not like it. Like, that’s how I found out about Stitch Fix. I this was years ago, someone’s like, I did Stitch Fix, like, I have no idea what that is. And it was just when it started out. Exactly. It’s an algorithm. So, in the beginning, they’re going to send you that box and you’re going to love it, then you’re going to be selected and then you’re going to do another one. And then by the third box, it’s the same stuff. And it’s or like, they didn’t even listen to what these clients wanted. I think the clothing is cheap. Personally, I would rather have somebody go to a consignment store and buy clothes, which I’m fine with that to Amazon again.
It’s so random. And I am like my friends make fun of me. I’m just the old fashion girl. I like to go to a store. And I just think Amazon is just taking over the world a little bit. And it’s you know, there’s a lot of stores that are losing their businesses because it’s just easier right to click. And I think a lot of lot of mainstream stores are seeing what Amazon is doing and Stitch Fix. So, a Nordstrom and Macy’s Saks a few everyone’s now doing these little like boxes, and you can like they call it the silver box.
But that was a company on its own. I mean, Nordstrom’s was super smart. They bought that. And that has been big for them. So, I do think that obviously, you’re going to do what’s easier for you. And I’m not saying don’t do it, but I have just had so many people. So, what happened more with Stitch Fix the Amazon want to, you know, I don’t know as much about but I did when that came out. Like my heart was like, oh, gosh, here we go. And you know, an Amazon is brilliant, and that it knows exactly what we all want and need. But I do think this is my feeling, especially with online shopping. You’re getting that home, you’re putting it on, and you’re staring at yourself in the closet, excuse me in the mirror. And as women, all we do is beat ourselves up. And I know this because I listen to every client I have. I hate this about my body. I hate that. So, you’re focusing on the negative. So instead of having a salesperson or a stylist who can help you see how that fits in what fits correctly. That’s what I think is the big disconnect now. And that’s why I think it’s 50% of online purchases are returned probably even more than 50% I’m sure. So, like if you’re in a bad mood, like take an afternoon and go to a store. And don’t be intimidated and find someone who can help you and that’s what they’re there for to help you in sales. You know, so anyway, so that’s my thing with those.
Kelly
That’s a good lead into body types, because you’re buying stuff online that may not fit your body type. And that’s really hard to tell from a picture of a size to model online.
Tara
Correct. And I also, just because something looks great, again, we’ll get into body types on one body isn’t going to look good on another. And people will say to me, like, I’ve had clients too, you know, online shop for my clients, obviously, during the pandemic, that was all we could do. But it kind of killed my soul. Because I was like, even for me, and I do this for a living, to say, oh, that’s going to look great on you, I don’t know, you know, then it’s, I know my clients, I know what’s going to work. But it could look completely different once you get there.
So, for the body type, that is my number one thing, and this is something I was trained on years ago is to be able to look at a client and know basically what size they are, and what their body type is. And that makes life so much easier.
So, there’s kind of three main body types is the banana, the pear and the hourglass or basically straight, athletic does that and I can get into a little bit of what each of that is. But the straight is basically you’re pretty narrow, meaning not a lot of hip, narrow in the shoulder, someone who’s a little taller, the pair is usually smaller on top, but a little you know, a little bit more hips are a little bigger at the bottom.
And then curvy is obviously a little more chest and you know, a little skinnier, weighs a little bit more behind. So those are kind of your three basics. There’s also I won’t get into this as much, but there’s high waisted, there’s long waisted, and that’s for pants, is huge. Because if you’re short waisted, you can’t be wearing all these high waisted pants, it just doesn’t look right. And if you’re long waisted, like I could never wear, I’m long waisted and I can never wear like low riding pants. It’s weird on me. So, these are, again, things that are important. And the other thing I stress with my clients is get away from being obsessed with your size, especially coming out of the pandemic, I have more clients say to me, I gained weight again, great. Like if that’s the worst thing that happened to you during the pandemic, then God bless you, because we can lose weight, it’s fine. And sizing isn’t important. It’s how the clothing fits on your body type and on your body than if it’s a two or an eight, in my opinion. And I think as women we get caught up in size. Everyone’s just obsessed with the size.
Julia
Well, yeah, and especially moms who you know, have kids and or have had a child and are different size because of that. And they’re going to go, you know, like this, as they, you know, go through motherhood? Um, what do you do? Like, how do you do that? Do you just buy a wardrobe for every size? That you are like, how do you work with clients through those?
Tara
And yeah, I have. I’m what’s interesting what Kelly was saying earlier, how I met her and what I’ve worked, what I’m excited about with my clients, as I’ve worked with them through so many aspects of their life, like, I’ve met some of these women, when they were single, and I’ve helped them like get a wedding dress rehearsal dinner dress, then like I’m pregnant, help them get close at a professional maternity, and then post baby, right, so they took the time off. So, I’ve helped people transition and life as a transition and things like that. So, with that, I always say just buy a temporary wardrobe.
So, let’s say like when your kind of at that post baby, going back to work, and that’s where you go to like banana, gap, even old name, I don’t care what it’s like just buy pants that you’re comfortable in, but still look good. Maybe you have to go up a size or two. And then blouses again, things that you can throw in the wash to make your life easier. Button downs are obviously important. And just things again, that you’re comfortable but still put together. And this is where blazer is great because you throw on like whatever, a white blouse and then put a blazer over that and like oh, I look at I look together even though you might not be feeling together because you didn’t sleep all night the night before. And you have the big meeting. And so yeah, I do. I do encourage my clients and it’s okay, like you can throw that stuff out. Once you’re done. I also have clients who have had 1,2,3 children and they kind say that are you get very personal when you’re in someone’s closet, very personal and I’ll have that conversation with the client like are you thinking of having others? And then like Yeah, maybe in two years like okay, let’s keep this aside because you know, you might just pull it out again for that eight months that you need it. So, I do don’t wear maternity clothes put just put those away like don’t wear maternity clothes to work after you’ve had the baby down, go out and buy pants.
Kelly
I did that. After I had each of my kids, for some reason, continuing to wear the maternity clothes really, really bothered me. So, I literally like right after birth went to the Gap. And my size was unexpectedly large, but I wouldn’t I’d rather buy the really large gap than wear maternity it for me. It was psychological, I had to like get out of the maternity mode and into the regular mode. And that’s how I dealt with it. And my kids and my husband laughed at me because that’s what I just started my all black wardrobe. What I would wear and I could hide whatever it is that I need to and finally I’m pulling myself out of that and wearing a teeny bit of color, but not much.
Julia
I was just going to say I think the gem that you just said about when you are, you know fluctuating weight because you’re either a mom or maybe you’re not a mom, you are fluctuating weight, like, just by the temporary wardrobe. don’t convince yourself it’s the forever wardrobe. Yeah, just buy the temporary wardrobe maybe go a step lower in cost. I like that advice. I like that advice. Really good.
Tara
Yeah, no, I think it’s important. And again, I’ve been doing this for years and watching every I’ve heard every story under the sun. I’ve heard every excuse, you know, and it’s okay. And I just think again, it’s all about women giving themselves a break. And I think with clothing, there’s a pressure of fashion. Definitely. I think the fashion world puts pressure on us. And that’s why like the trends, I’m not all about the trends. I mean, I’m Yes, you should add them in. But just because of the attraction of my client, just because it’s a trend doesn’t mean it’s going to look good on you. So, you got to think about that, too. You know, definitely you’ve got to bring things into update your wardrobe. But you don’t have to be on every trend just like essentially like you kind of bought a bag Gucci is hot right now. Everybody’s buying Gucci as crazy as this is and post pandemic. Yeah. I don’t know if I need to invest like all of this money into this Gucci. But you had it for a little bit. It was fun. So, yeah, I just the trend is, you know, it’s what fat is how they make their money. I mean, been doing it long enough, right? They have to bring in the new and they exciting, though, right? That right now? It’s 90s. So, it’s funny for us like yeah, I mean, I got to tell you…
Kelly
I am wearing this side part and skinny jeans and I’m sorry, but that’s the way it’s going to be.
One of the big questions that I struggled with, for the longest time is just how do you create your own personal style? How do you figure out what’s it for you? And so, for me, when I find something that I like, I’ll buy it in three colors. And my color palette is very small, it’s white, black and gray. I do not wear patterns. You would very rarely catch me wearing patterns. I mean, in a scarf, maybe in something else. But most of the things that I wear, I prefer solid, it’s just my preference. And that’s my minimalist style that I created for myself, based on what I’m most comfortable and I want to look like I just slipped it on. You know, not like sloppily, but, you know, like I’m not trying too hard. So how do you advise people to figure out what their personal style is? And or is it just something that evolves over time?
Tara
I think it evolves over time. When I do send the Q&A to my client, one of the questions is I asked who is your style icon? And what I mean by that is like, who do you look to and like, God, I would like to dress like that or I love the way they put themselves together. So that helps me as a stylist kind of know where we want to go. Are you more classic? Are you more edgy? You know? So, it’s interesting the answers for that. And, you know, I know I’ve been doing this for a long time but I have clients like I want to look just like you I love your style. And it’s not like I went out and it just kind of evolved over time. I mean, I think as you get older you like you said Kelly but you’re comfortable in and what you feel confident in so I think you know when you’re in your 20s. Do you have time to figure that out? Right like life and even into your 30s but I think as you hit a certain point like 35 up you can really like no I don’t want to follow trends. I want to dress like me and I want to be me so it I think it is over time. I think it’s trial and error sometimes.
But I think as you get older, you realize what works for your body. Right? So, hippie dippie, might look amazing on your best friend, but you’re more classic. So, and that’s the other thing. I think so many people look to their friends, maybe like, oh, I love the way that person dresses. But I think your person, let me step back here. I think your personality should come out in your wardrobe and in your clothing. And that’s another thing I why I love to meet with clients before I go shopping. I like to meet them in their home, because I think it really helps me see who are they and what do they want to achieve? And what are they going to be comfortable in? So, I do think that I think it’s your personality should come out. And that’s where the creativity comes. Right? Like have fun with your wardrobe. I mean, if you’re more comfortable in black, white and gray, great. I mean, I might now send you some links for a little pattern in there. Not all will see the subtle patterns for you. But, you know, things to work on. Yeah. And I and I never want to put anyone in something that I’d like to push the boundaries with my clients and say, I know what you’re like, Kelly, if you say that to me, I’m like, Alright, I’m going to pick three things that aren’t those colors. And I’m, as long as you pick one of them. I’ll be so excited. So, I think you got to push the boundaries occasionally.
Kelly
I will work on that. Well, what about we move into the fun do’s and don’ts? Julia had some questions in that area, too.
Julia
Well, I mean, there’s so many, right, there’s the what it what is what is appropriate for work, and maybe that’s based on your work environment? But like, what’s acceptable on a casual Friday or a dress down day? In your opinion?
Tara
Okay, in my world first, it’s got to be this is one of those — What is this world going to look like? It’s going to be interesting. I think there’s going to be a lot more casual dressing than just a casual Friday. I just think that’s the way the world is. Pandora’s box has been open. So, but for me, just because it’s casual Friday or casual day, it does not mean you get to wear your workout gear to work. Okay, so that’s from working out. putting it together, so they’re like, no, yoga pants to work. No, Lululemon, please. Hey, and I’m not going to lie, on my days off in my work running around in Lululemon and maybe didn’t quite hit the gym when I was supposed to. Yes, I’m for that that’s running errands. That’s not going to work. For me, like I have to dress casually a lot with clients. I’m in closets I’m running around. So, I think like, again, finding that great jean, a white t shirt, a black blazer, a fun scarf and a cute shoe. That’s great for casual Friday, or casual dressing. That’s the way I see it. Now, if you don’t want to do a blazer, maybe you put on a fun blouse. Or that’s where you put the leather jacket on. But it’s casual but pulled together. And I think about it like, what can I wear to maybe meet a friend for lunch? And that to me should be how you dress for like a casual. If that makes sense.
Julia
Yeah, for sure.
Kelly
I mean, I have some pet peeves, and I know you do too Julia. So, let’s just throw them out there.
Well, two big ones are first, I don’t think it’s really appropriate to wear sandals or flip flops to work. That’s just me and I know a lot of people do wear sandals, but I feel that that’s too I don’t want to go as far as saying don’t show your toes. But to me, I feel like that’s too casual. And that’s a personal issue. My first that’s my first one you guys can give feedback.
And my second one is the white t shirt. The white t shirt is the toughest nut to crack for women. A to find one that fits, and B to find one that’s opaque, not transparent, very difficult to find a shirt that is opaque and you don’t see your bra straps and things hanging out and that’s where a lot of women get in trouble because then it looks like you’re not put together or like you weren’t meant to go out in that type of environment/ I may have more pet peeves but those are those are my top two.
Tara
So just to address what Kelly brought up and then we can get into your is Julia, but I’m okay. With a sandal, just get a pedicure. Okay, so if you’re going to show your toes, make them look pretty. And I think that there’s a lot of sandals that are appropriate. There’s, like a cute little wedge, something that’s not maybe showing up the whole foot. You know, something that’s even a peep toe is really cute but I think in the summer, and if you’re doing a casual day, I’m okay with that flip flops I’m with you know, flip flops just are horrible for work. The T shirt, I agree with you, if I could be the brilliant person who came up with the perfect white t shirt, I’d be like, you know, the girl came up with Spanx, right? So, I’d be a millionaire, great white t shirt
Kelly
That’s why I won’t buy them online because you get them and you’re like, okay, I can see through this.
Tara
So, some of my secrets I was just at a client’s closet the other day and you know you can spend again $200 on a T shirt or $16 on a T shirt. But I will tell you three that I’m loving this season one is right these one is Madewell. I the past couple seasons have bought theirs and they’re not too sheer. They’re cute, and they’re not too tight. They’re boxy, but they have like a little something. Another one is a line called ATM. And they’re kind of famous just for t shirts. I love their black t shirt. They’re great. So, I actually buy that and three colors. And I have a client and I mean she’s stunning. So, everything looks great on her but she would buy Hayes medium boy t-shirts, and that’s what she wears and they’re fit so they’re fitted enough and yeah, so she just goes to Target and buys them and buys like two packs. And that’s that.
I will say this, a white t shirt is only going to last you a season so you don’t have to go spend it and then get rid of it after you know after six months or this summer because nothing’s more disgusting than like what I called pitted out under the arm or you get the stains. So those to me have been really great though to white t shirts.
And then on the other thing and we can talk about which to me is the most important is the bra and a nude bra should be worn under a white t-shirt. So not a white one but a nude one. And even if it’s sheer, it’s not as bad and I’m all about updating your bras I know we’re getting personal here but it’s all about the foundation and our bodies changes women continually and every six months. I my friends make fun of me. I reinvest in my bras now I don’t buy a ton, but I think everyone should have like two nude, one white and two black. And then if you want to go sexy, that’s fine. But those are like the basics everyone should have because if the bras fitting You’re right, the tops are going to look so much better on you. So that’s a thing. A lot of people I have clients who have had the same bra for 15 years. Yeah, they stretch out we can’t do that. Exactly.
Kelly
You really have to regularly go through your t-shirts and throw them out. Julia Do you have any do’s and don’ts?
Julia
No think my only real pet peeve is makeup. And I’m not saying that people should go to work with a full face of makeup. Like I don’t do eyeliner every day. But like I would appreciate a nice fresh face some lip gloss maybe a little bit of mascara. I’m not saying that people that don’t wear makeup are inappropriate. It’s a very hard conversation to have but I do think that paying attention to your face and giving it a little bit of care in a work environment is probably the way to go versus the I’m not going to worry about my makeup today and look like I just got out of bed.
Tara
Yes and again it kind of comes back to looking polished and I think hair and makeup are an additive or yeah additive to that so makeup to me is also very important. And this is where again if you go into any department store and go up to one of those counters that’s what they’re there for now that were post pinned I keep saying post but don’t like but we’re coming towards the end. And you can now go the I know during the pandemic. but now you can go and they will do your makeup and they will tell you like what colors are right and you can say to them I don’t like a lot or can you keep it neutral? And they will teach you and they’ll give you a piece of paper that shows you like the eyes were this cheeks were that the lips or that? And it’s important. I also changed my lip in eyeshadows every six months as well again, so you should refresh and not. I’m jealous of women who like I don’t need to wear a foundation. That’s never been me. So as long as you invest in like a good lip color mascara is huge. Right? It just, that’s all you really need if you don’t want to wear foundation, but I think it’s important, it just gives you a more polished look. But I think a good lip color, and a great mascara can get you far.
Julia
Yeah, I mean, I even feel like a little dab of blush or cream blush and like a clear lip would be better than nothing.
Tara
Yeah, yes. And I think again, yeah, and then going back. We’ve all been stuck at home. And we’ve all been on zoom calls and all of that, but I’m just like, I think everybody wants visit their lipsticks again. Yeah, wear makeup. You know, I personally, just on a side note, I went to dinner Tuesday night in downtown DC. And it was so nice to see people dressed up into like, I were dressing my friend wardrobe makeup, you know, it’s like, that’s what we crave. And that’s normal to want to look pretty, right? So, and I think makeup, just it does. And I’m not a heavy makeup person, I like to keep it super simple. And this is what I say to the person I’ve worked with years and like, get me, I’m not going to spend hours on my face. So, give me something that within 15 minutes I made up, I am not that person who you know. And I think the generation behind again behind us. They’re so into the YouTube and the contouring. I mean, stuff that I’m like, I can’t do that. But you? Yeah, I mean, you can get it done within, if you go see someone, even again, you can watch a YouTube video, right? The world is just such a different place. So, there’s ways to figure it out.
Kelly
Well, do you have any final points or final thoughts for us to kind of recap in terms of rebuilding your working wardrobe, as we’re moving out of the pandemic, and really focusing on your personal style and how you can make that unique?
Tara
Well, I think in what I do, and I do it with all my clients, I think you need to go into your own closet. So, you got to start there. And I think you need to kind of pull out every piece, especially post pandemic, okay, so if you’re going back into the ward, to the working world, go through that wardrobe, be a little honest with yourself, see what fits, see what doesn’t and make a list and I do it section by section. So, I start with pants, skirt, dresses, tops, and see like, what you really feel good and what pieces are missing. It’s like going grocery shopping, when it’s the worst when you’re starving, right? You just buy all the stuff. But if you go in shopping with a plan that really helps, you know, when I guess try to figure out your casual because I do think there’s going to be more casual. So, try to find out your casual look. You know and think about again, what are you comfortable in? What do you confident in, I think that is just huge. And also, now that we just discussed the bridesmaid to go through the process the booking, if we make an appointment with a specialist there. But I always say that, you know, your wardrobe or clothing could be used as a tool. And that tool is to get you ahead in life, right? So, know your day and know who you’re going to see. And that’s on the working side, if you know you’re going to have a big meeting, then dressed for the big meeting. If you’re going to have a more casual day, that’s fine, but know that maybe you might get called into a meeting. So still go to work with that mentality. And I think a lot of people just don’t always think about their day. And I think that’s very, very important to do. And I think you know, for those just starting out, don’t feel the pressure. But you know, find things that make you smile to I really, like I’ll be in the shower, I’m like, okay, what do I feel like? Who do I feel like today? So, think about that. And you know, kind of what I like to just feel walked out the door and feel good. And I think that’s important. And I think a lot of women don’t take that moment for themselves. To do that, you know, there’s like, his cup of coffee. You know, we don’t traffic right now. But that’s going to happen to and just take a moment while you’re in the shower and just be like, okay, one of my rounds. And if you have the right closet, it’s easy. You should be able to walk in that closet and be like, oh, I have the basics. I’m going to add like a scarf or a necklace and pull it out to them.
Kelly
Tara, there was this quote that you told me and I just want you to explain it a little bit. You said “fashion is our armor against the world”. What do you mean by that?
Tara
What I mean by that so when I started my business, it really wasn’t a personal great time for me. I was going through a divorce, you know, scared, I’m like starting a company. It’s just so much. And here I am meeting in a meeting strangers daily. So, I’m, and I’m starting a business. So, there was a lot of pressure. And I remember being like, okay, as long as I look like I have it together, people will think together. And it works, right people like, oh, God, you look right. And oh, I want to look like you and I had to keep it together. And I had to, this is what I do, I’m selling a styling business. So, I think that you cannot feel great or maybe because sleep the night before, maybe stressed or something. But if you’ve got it all together on the outside, it’s okay. And people, you can fudge it, let’s put it that. Make it to you make it and that’s what I that’s how I feel, you know, I’m not saying hide your feelings. But I think sometimes, especially in the professional world, we just have to get it together, even if our life isn’t together. So, I think that’s what I learned at that time. Is that, okay? It’s like my shield, again, against the world. And it works. I mean, on a side note, like, who doesn’t love to like go get a coffee and maybe you’re sitting in line. So, it’s like, I love your dress, or I love your print, this start to do great. And, I don’t know kind of continues so I always make a point. If I see someone to say like, oh, my God, I love you. It’s amazing. If you compliment a human being just the smile on their face, like, oh, you notice me, you know? So, and I think that’s important for as women to kind of be noticed. Um, you know, so that’s my, so that’s my why I have that quote.
Kelly
I love that. How can people find you to work with you or learn more?
Tara
So, you could email me at Tara @tarastylesdc or go to tarastylesdc.com, I am also on Instagram with the same name. I have a Facebook page. You can direct message me on Instagram. Correct.
And thanks to Kelly, that is how I have literally…I was going to say I just have on a marketing note because I know we like you and I sat there like that one day and we listed out all those names and I forget why that one stuck, but it did.
Kelly
I’m glad it’s worked for you. And you’ve obviously helped me so it was a win for both of us, for sure for sure. Thanks for being on the show and we’ll talk to you soon. Thanks, guys. Have a great day. Bye. Thanks, Tara.
