Style (Smile) For Any Occasion

Britt Bardo is a stylist to the stars, but still pretty down to earth in what it is that makes a girl stylish and hip.

Susan Cernek from glam chic interviewed her:

 Hometown: I was born in Lima, Ohio, moved to Indiana when I was 13 and then To Detroit, Michigan when I was 18
 Current residence: Los Angeles, California
 Years in the business: 6
 First job in fashion: Helped run the G Star New York Showroom.
 Biggest Break: When I was an stylist assistant and Jennifer Lopez asked me to stop assisting and be her personal stylist.
 Favorite stylist trick: Take Polaroid pics of yourself in outfits so you can compare and see what looks best on you.

Five items every girl needs in their wardrobe:
1. A pair of sexy but comfortable shoes
2. A great-fitting, sexy little white shirt. It is classic and chic and goes with everything.
3. Bold accessories. Give an outfit some ammunition with bold accessories
4. A pair of great fitting dark jeans with a touch of stretch for comfort. They can be dressed up or down for day or night.
5. Lastly, every wardrobe needs a natural and effortless touch. Smile! It’s so simple yet so effective. My secret weapon is Aquafresh White Trays Revive. It’s a touch up for previously whitened teeth. In just two days, you’ll have a brighter smile.

Favorite summer trends: I love that any length is a go on dresses these days. Easy, comfortable Maxi and mini dresses are perfect for summer. Combine with a great gladiator sandal or high heel. Also I am really into accessories with light and delicate feathers right now. I have seen tons of earrings and bracelets that are incorporating this beautiful natural touch.

Most treasured item in your closet: I have a small collection of chiffon vintage dresses from the 20’s and earlier which I LOVE and have helped inspire me when designing my own collection ROSE.

Biggest inspiration: So many things but probably first and foremost my handful of super close girlfriends whom are so creative and have such beautiful spirits. We are constantly bouncing thoughts and ideas off of each other. Nature, the Ocean and the unconditional love and devotion I receive from my two dogs.

Favorite vintage stores: The Way We Wore (Los Angeles), New York Vintage (NYC)

Describe your own personal style: MOODY. A lot of black, definitely always an underlying tone of a harder edge there but pretty simple. I tend to focus on simple great silhouettes and add an amazing shoe and I like to pile on tons of delicate jewelry.

Biggest mistake women make when shopping or getting dressed: Not buying or wearing the right undergarments. Also check out what you look like from both front and back.

Favorite spring runway shows? Fall shows? Sonia Rykiel Spring 2008, Preen Spring 2008 Sonia Rykiel Fall 2008, Alexander Mcqueen Fall 2008, Alexander Wang Fall 2008

Favorite city & why: It’s a tie between New York and Paris. New York for its electric energy that you feel the moment you arrive and Paris for its breathtaking old buildings and the sense of history, romance and magic the city puts out and of course because they are both fashion capitals.

I am going to try the Polaroid trick. It can be used very effectively during throw-out time: anything you haven’t worn in over a year put in the “bye bye pile”. Try on the rest of your clothes in different variations and combinations, make a Polaroid for each each combo and see what works. Clothes that don’t work with anything else in you wardrobe go in to the “bye bye pile” - or in the “shop for me” pile.

In this way - your wardrobe becomes a good useful stylish wardrobe, and your shopping expiditions more focused and effective.