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CJ Styles
Interview with Chelsea Tyler 
Where did you grow up? What influences did you have growing up that made you become a stylist? Did you study fashion? Where?: Yes, I studied fashion at Parson’s School of Design earning my business degree from the Design and Management program. This program gave me the knowledge to take my creativity and fashion sense and merge them into a business. Living in New York City also helped in learning how to self-express through fashion. When surrounded by so much creativity and originality it is only a matter of time before it inspires you to pursue your own dreams. 
How long have you been in the fashion business? 10 years. It all began during my first internship at Jill Stuart when they handed me a needle and thread and put me to work sewing sequins onto chiffon fabric. Tell us a bit about your business: While working at French Connection and Nicole Farhi, in their public relations department, I was exposed to various and numerous opportunities to style. I loved being able to work one-on-one with editors, stylists, and celebrities. However, when there was down time, I craved more interaction with fashion as a whole. I have always been extremely independent and ambitious, so the drive I had to develop and create my own business was at top speed. After moving out of the city and back to Connecticut, I was seeing and meeting women everywhere who didn’t have time to shop, had no idea what to wear, didn’t fit into their clothes anymore, had put on baby weight, etc. I thought to myself, ”I can really help these women.” Women today hold a strong place in society. They deserve to look (and know how to look) their very best at all times. CJSTYLES is a private fashion and wardrobe styling company that gives women a second chance at fashion. My focus is solely on transforming the client’s look into their vision of beauty while keeping in mind: trends, age, and lifestyle. By using the client’s personal taste and combining it with the trends of today, I transform their look and ‘renovate’ their wardrobes into age appropriate and timeless closets. I offer various packages such as: wardrobe edits, personal shopping, event styling, and much more. I specialize in maximizing the closet to avoid spending more money on clothes the client doesn’t need. I teach the client to learn how to wear what they already have-differently. Sometimes, this isn’t always the case. There are many times when the client is in desperate need of certain staples that make a wardrobe. However, making these purchases will add longevity to the wardrobe and lessen future unnecessary shops. I wanted to re-introduce the idea of a stylist as someone who doesn’t have to be expensive and for the elite only. In all reality, you will be saving money in the long run by only purchasing what you need, what fits, and that will last. Women have hair stylists, makeup artists, and now a fashion stylist. It’s the third and vital component that should be used at the beginning and end of every season. 
What would you consider your design style? My personal design style entails a collaboration of sophistication and edge. I like to look fresh and hip - yet classy. Again, this reflects my personality and take on life. Everyday is a new look and new form of self-expression. I lay in bed at night and fall asleep to what my look will be the following day… What are some questions you ask your clients before you help them find the right clothes for an occasion? Are there any trends you see around that you love/hate? What part of your body do you have the most/least confidence in? These questions help give me an idea of what areas of themselves they believe are their best asset. I will then decide how to style them based on the occasion. The most important part of styling someone is making them feel beautiful. If they do not feel beautiful, no matter what they are wearing, they will not look good. Confidence is key. 
Please tell us some “must haves” that women should have available to them in their closets. A fitted black blazer, dark denim, black skinny pant, LBD, fabulous statement bags (these can be expensive-but worth EVERY penny), basic black heels, and plenty of white and nude tank tops! . 
What can you tell about a person when you walk in a room? That’s a tricky one. I usually read someone by what they’re wearing. If their outfit has an edge to them (ie, an ankle boot, funky jewelry, trendy belt) they are most likely into fashion and want to show that their personality has fluidity and imagination. If someone is covered up in a basic suit or skirt suit, they are probably on the more conservative side or just do not know how to express themselves through clothing and trends. 
Who are some designers that have influenced your work, and how? Alexander Wang, Nicholas Guesquire, Alber Elbaz, Ashley Olsen, Kate Moss to name a few. They all have taken fashion into their own hands and given society a new way to look at style. They are all effortlessly chic. What are some trends we should look out for in clothing design? Any particular colors or styles? Florals for fall, strong shoulders, edginess, pops of color, and the shoe bootie once again. It is important to add different elements to a look. Depending on what it is, it can make or break the outfit. A fabulous belt, stunning bag, or indescribable shoe can all add a ‘wow’ factor to the entire look. I feel very strongly in keeping up with trends. Holding onto out-dated clothing can destroy ones fashion sense. ‘Keeping up with the times’ is a mantra of mine that I will never fail to remember! Who is your dream client and why? Michelle Obama. She is a woman of inspiration and class. She is not afraid to take risks and displays a style definitive of grace, confidence, and stature. |
