Meet Our New Stylist, Katey Preston!
I’m so excited to announce the addition of a new stylist, Katey Preston, to the Effortless Style team. Meet Katey, who will now be helping out with client consulting. Welcome Katey! I thought I’d share a quick Q&A I conducted with Katey to provide insight on her fabulous sense of style and the unique talent she brings to the table, or should I say, closet?
How did you get started in helping others find their personal style?
For as long as I can remember I’ve had a passion for fashion and an addiction to shopping. I blame it on my mom. She was the utmost fashionista, and was a personal shopper for Marshall Field’s for many years. I helped her shop for clients on State Street in Chicago, and I am grateful she taught me everything I know. I’ve always loved helping friends piece together outfits, and after enough of them told me to pursue this as a career, I finally listened!
What is your educational and professional background?
I graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. I have a degree in public relations, and remember dreams of either being a Rockette or Katie Couric. Instead, I spent 15 years in the Hospitality industry working for hotels, and event planning. I was Director of Meetings for 8 years for a trade association in Chicago, and traveled to beautiful 5-star resorts all over the country. I worked on everything from an intimate board dinner for 40 people at a private vineyard in Sonoma to a 4,000 plus attendee annual convention taking over a city such as Nashville. If I had a dollar for every time I received an email asking “what is the appropriate attire for this event?” I’d have Vera Wang as my personal seamstress!
How would you describe your personal style?
Classic. I love the elegant lines of Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy, but like to throw in a trendy piece here and there to keep up with the Joneses. And I’m a sucker for accessories. Bring on the chunky necklaces and the catch-all totes!
Who are your favorite designers?
I’m not so much of a label shopper – I buy what I like. I love Michael Kors’ accessories and I enjoy boutique shopping and off-kilter brands.
What is a common mistake many women make when it comes to style?
Not dressing for their body type. You have to know what clothes work best with your body type – for better or for worse. Once you learn that, you can rock any style, and do so with confidence.
What is the most rewarding part of your line of work?
Seeing the women I help style exude confidence! I love teaching while I shop – showing a client what lines work best for her, and how to accessorize a simple black dress for every occasion. It’s so rewarding when I receive text messages months after a personal shopping session from a client who has pieced together the perfect outfit on her own!
What is your fashion pet peeve?
Visible bra straps! I love a good bralette with pretty lace peeking out under a summer tank, but bra straps showing make me want to tuck them in on a random stranger. Another pet peeve is when someone doesn’t cut the “x” stitch off the slit on the back of a new coat or pencil skirt! That just screams “I just cut the tags off this before I walked out the door!”
What’s the one item of clothing every woman should own?
The perfect white blouse neatly ironed and lightly starched, sleeves rolled up and collar slightly popped. Wear it with skinny jeans, with a pair of Lily Pulitzer shorts or with black leggings and accessorized differently every time. The white blouse is a must!
If you would like to contact Katey to book a personal shopping session or one of our great packages, email her at k8preston@gmail.com or call her at 312.771.1961!
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