Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Styles.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the practice, why don’t you give our readers a few quick bullet points about you and your story.
-At 16 years old I modeled for the Magic Convention in my hometown of Las Vegas for a jean company, LTD Jeans, and on my lunch break, I drew some women’s clothing designs.
The owner liked my designs and said I should look into being a fashion designer as my career. After a few conversations with the owner about the fashion industry, I approached my parents about the idea of opening a women’s clothing boutique. I am fortunate by having probably the most supportive parents in the world so after many, many details were discussed and a plan was established by my mother and I opened the Miele Boutique.
Miele Boutique was open from 2004 – 2006. I closed in 2006 because I was accepted to the University of San Diego and my mother had no interest in running the boutique.
-Attended Academy of Art University in San Francisco and earned a Masters in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Fashion Design (2010- 2013)
-During 2010 – 2011 I assisted a local and well-known personal stylist, Shea English, who taught me the robes of being a personal stylist and the social circles of San Francisco.
-Summer of 2012 I interned with Zanna Roberts Rassi at Marie Claire Magazine. Best internship and experience of my life thus far. Looking back I should have stayed in New York. Every day was a dream and being on set is where my heart beats the fastest.
I assisted Zanna on photo-shoots for: – Assisted in editorial styling for Victoria Secret, Grazia Magazine, Nylon Magazine and Marie Claire Magazine USA, UK and France/ – Worked with model/ socialite Poppy Delevigne, Behati Prinsloo, Claire Danes, Blake Lively, make up artist Tom Pecheux and photographer James Houston/ – Worked closely with Rassi styling the White and Warren Fall 2012 LookBook/ – Researched information used for Project Runway and style segments on The Today Show and Fashion Police / – Shopped for clothing and accessories to be shown on 6 different style segments for The Today Show
-Upon returning to San Francisco and earning my MFA, I knew it was time to step up efforts for editorial print work. I began networking in Los Angeles and spending more and more time working.
– Relocated from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 2017.
– Currently, I work with both men and women for their personal styling needs as well as styling for fashion editorials, corporate styling and commercials.
– The way I find work is old-fashioned networking like attending fashion events, fashion shows and social media marketing. Instagram is more powerful for work than I ever imagined. I started organizing test shoots twice a month in February of this year to market my style as a wardrobe stylist for fashion editorials and this has immensely helped to grow the work that comes my way.
Agents, designers, photographers, make up artists, hairstylists and models are now my growing network for word to mouth marketing. “Your current job gives you your next job” is my motto this year. For growing the personal styling side for men and women blogging has been great for SEO so my website can eventually appear on page 1 of Google (fingers crossed – https://www.amandastyleslosangeles.com/)
– Turning 31 in November, my five-year goal for my career includes styling for red carpet events, film and strengthening the consistency of fashion editorial work. I have my eye on the prize of being listed in the Hollywood Reporter’s 25 Top Stylists in Hollywood Issue.
Has it been a smooth road?
No road to success is without its obstacles. I had an idea to the only style virtually and created a platform to style men with the clothing they had hanging in their closets. I thought, “Why not shop from the store that already knows your style? Your own closet!” I worked on this for 4 years while working full-time styling clients in-person and for fashion editorials.
The platform is a dream for any stylist, however, I did not have any additional funds to hire a full-time website developer; so the developed platform is now run locally on my spare laptop. This program is only used for my personal styling clients to keep a digital inventory of their entire closet. My clients and new clients love that I know exactly what’s in their closet so they can call me last minute for outfits to wear for any occasion. So it wasn’t a total waste of time, but my goodness it was such a challenge playing a game of constant catch up with the technology industry.
I even had the unfortunate experience of a scam website developer steal $6,000 from me to never be heard from again. On top of working full-time styling clients in person, I worked nights for 4 months as a hostess to pay myself back. I learned so much about programming and how a website is built and run which is valuable knowledge since our lives are run by our phones and laptops.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have been a stylist for 8 years going on 9. Due to this, I have developed great relationships with luxury boutiques, designers and luxury online retailers. I am in constant contact with my trade secrets and due to my volume of sales I provided over the years, I am able to receive and request for inventory a season ahead and special order specific items for my clients.
Additionally, I have access to the top clothing rental houses in Los Angeles. Celebrities and influencers often rent clothing they wear for many reasons. These clothing rental houses are not open to the public and only stylists are permitted. For couture and one of a kind pieces, I am able to offer to my clients to rent for a few hundred dollars compared to several thousand.
What also sets me apart from other stylists is the platform I developed where I have a digital inventory of my clients closet(s). My client can call me during lunch, tell me about the event or occasion and run home and change into the perfect outfit because I emailed them their outfit before 5 pm.
Bio on me/ personal styling business:
Specializing in luxury ready-to-wear, styling for special occasions and wardrobe management I align my client’s essence with the clothes I dress them in.
Through color, fabric, texture and accessories I create an organic truth, bringing to the surface and demonstrating the aspects of your character that you want the world to see. Having cultivated relationships with up-and-coming designers, luxury boutiques and clothing rental houses has provided an endless inventory of clothing, shoes and accessories.
I also create an organized wardrobe that inspires you, advise on current trends, know exactly where to find clothing, shoes and accessories for your style needs and the list goes on…
Getting dressed should be simple and enjoyable and not time-consuming. For milestones in life, celebrating a special occasion and attending an event wearing the perfect outfit makes these timeless moments in life even better.
Having a Masters in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Fashion Design custom clothing is available for exclusive clientele. As a professional personal stylist of 8 years for both men and women, I meticulously style clients in handpicked pieces making sure everything is perfectly tailored and heightens your self-confidence.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes and No. Los Angeles isn’t for those without a thick skin. Competition is tough and many doors stay locked for a long time. However, I am passionate about what I do and couldn’t image doing anything else. If you have that kind of undying passion then yes Los Angeles or New York is where you need to be if you are truly serious about this career. Go big or go home, right!?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amandastyleslosangeles.com/
- Phone: 415. 987. 7895 [STYL]
- Email: AmandaStylesLA@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/massistyles/?hl=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/amanda-styles-la-personal-stylist-beverly-hills
Image Credit:
Hannah Novak, Mysterious by NPN, Jaclyn with Look Models, Emily Hall, Crys, Lauren Pastorius with Vision Agency
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
