I can’t tell you how many women have told me, “I’ve always wanted to work with a stylist… I just never did it.”

They thought about it for months — sometimes years. They followed stylists on Instagram, saved outfit ideas, even promised themselves they’d do it one day. But something always got in the way.

Sometimes the simplest way to get dressed in the morning is to rely on an outfit formula—a style shortcut that always works. Think of it as your go-to equation: a combination of pieces that can be mixed, matched, and repeated, while still feeling fresh and polished. For fall, these formulas become especially useful when layering, transitioning, and making sure you feel chic but comfortable.

We’ve all done it: bought something because it looked amazing on someone else, or because it was on sale, or because it was “good enough” for the event on your calendar. And then—there it sits in your closet, tags on, never worn.

Here’s why: you forgot to ask the most important question when you tried it on.

What would you wear to a vineyard for a wine tasting on the North Fork of Long Island? For me it’s a breezy summer dress, a wide-brim hat, the perfect oversized tote, and a little gold jewelry. And I feel amazing.

Sometimes, a shopping experience surprises you—in the best possible way. That was exactly how I felt after visiting La Source, a boutique with locations in Darien and New Canaan, Connecticut that I’d been meaning to explore. I’d heard great things, but let me tell you, it exceeded expectations.

We often rush through the act of getting dressed as if it’s just another task to check off our list. But what if we paused and saw dressing for what it really is—a creative expression, a personal art form?

Just like any artist, your wardrobe is your palette. The pieces you choose to wear each day are brushstrokes that say something about who you are, how you feel, and what you want to project to the world. And like any meaningful piece of art, cultivating a wardrobe that feels uniquely you takes time.

Growing up in a family of seamstresses, I’ve always known the magic that tailoring can bring to a garment. I watched my mother and aunts transform pieces with just a few tweaks here and there—nipping, tucking, hemming, and adjusting until the fit was just right. It’s a skill I’ve always appreciated… but I’ll admit, even I get a little lazy when it comes to taking my own clothes in for alterations.

As a personal stylist, I’ve worked with women who have incredible closets filled with beautiful pieces—yet they still struggle to pull outfits together that feel fresh, flattering, and effortless. That’s where I come in. And over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern: there are a handful of pieces that I consistently reach for because they always work.

Fashion has been woven into my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up as a first-generation American in Queens, NY, I was immersed in a rich blend of cultures, creativity, and, most importantly, the art of fashion. My mother, originally from Greece, and her three sisters, who were all expert seamstresses, introduced me to the magic of a beautifully made garment. It was in their homes, watching them work with precision, that my passion for fashion was born.

There’s something magical about dressing for a special occasion — especially when there’s a theme involved. From black-tie galas to destination celebrations, themed dinner parties to iconic events like the Kentucky Derby, these are the moments when personal style can truly shine. And for many of my clients, these events bring both excitement and a little bit of pressure: What do I wear? How do I make it feel like “me”? Where do I even start?

When Sarah reached out to me, she was in the midst of a major life transition. After years of thriving in a fast-paced executive career, she had decided to take a pause and focus on her two young boys. Her days looked different—less boardroom, more playdates, school events, and weekend getaways. And she wanted her wardrobe to reflect that shift.

There’s something so joyful in the air this time of year—it’s graduation season! The energy is full of excitement, accomplishments, and new beginnings. Whether it's high school, college, or beyond, this milestone brings with it a flurry of events: ceremonies, dinners, parties, and those memorable photo moments.

After styling hundreds of clients — from CEOs to philanthropists to women who run the world behind the scenes — I can confidently say this: