Fashionista Prep (and me!) in the NY Times!!!

READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!

NY TIMES ARTICLE
Eric Wilson: Style Section

Those Who Can, Teach

Business has been tough for the dressmaker Kathlin Argiro during the recession, as it has for virtually every small business on Seventh Avenue. Seeing other designers close their doors, she was determined to save her studio by whatever means she could dream up.

“Out of necessity comes creativity,” Ms. Argiro said last week, speaking over the din of a half-dozen teenagers who were sprawled on her floor, cutting pages out of magazines. For four days, she set aside her design work for a venture that taps into the career aspirations of the “Project Runway” generation, basically a stylish boot camp, called Fashionista Prep. For $495, students learn the ropes of design, public relations and styling from Ms. Argiro and her colleagues.

“Purple shoes, I think, might be a bit too much,” Amy Salinger, a professional stylist, instructed Lizzie Borowiec, 15, from Summit, N.J., who had paired a J. Crew navy blazer with a lace dress, two intertwined belts, a pearl necklace on a satin ribbon and fingerless lace gloves, for a good-girl-gone-bad assignment. The outfit was Rachel Zoe worthy, but missing something. “Pointed toe makes it sexy,” Ms. Salinger said. “Round toe makes it sweet and innocent.”

In another corner was Maggie Hemphill, a precocious 14-year-old from Scranton, Pa., who, while in the sixth grade, started her own magazine, called Maggie-Zine. When she was littler, as in 3, she wanted to be a designer. But her career focus has since shifted into editing and styling; and, as a result of her training, she now thinks, “I kind of want to own a publication company so I can work with a number of different magazines.”

Feeding into the interest in fashion careers, LIM College hosted a seminar for teenagers this month, Teen Vogue has its Fashionista University and other summer fashion camps have popped up around the country. Ms. Argiro said that she was somewhat frustrated to hear from potential investors who were more interested in her instructional business than her dress line.

“Everybody wants to get into fashion,” she said. “God help them.”

"Ms. Salinger" Teaches Styling to Teens!

It is hard to imagine that I am double the age of my fashion students from Fashionista Prep. Take this picture for example: I pride myself on the fact that it takes a moment to figure out who the 31 year old is. Add in the blue bow on my head and it becomes a "Where's Waldo" of age. I love this, thrive on it and refuse to believe that you found me right away:)

All that aside, I am 31 and am twice the age of these lovely gals which means I do have the experience to teach them all about the styling world. For 4 days last week, I took 7 lovely young ladies under my wing and taught them the in's and out's of fashion styling. From personal styling to photo shoot styling, each and every one of them showed off their creative skills. I was overwhelmingly impressed with each of their innate abilities to style fabulously! I can tell you this, at 15 years old my style was non-existent. I believed I knew what I was doing, but until around 23, I really had no idea. I look back at pictures with my Doc Marten boots and Abercrombie sweaters and just ask myself, "Why!?!".

So any good styling class is going to have to be hands on. I remember sitting in lecture halls in college thinking, "Who the hell is really paying attention to this overhead slide and monotone teacher?". Well, certainly not me. I believe in bringing students into the mix and actually getting their hands dirty!

One of the challenges for the class was to create a "fashion closet" for the girls to style from. What better way then to have them each bring in their own favorite pieces and borrow a few from their sister or mom. Of course I brought in a ton too. With jewelry, shoes, belts, bags and clothing, we were ready to go!

Before we could dive into the styling, I wanted each of the girls to create an inspiration board for their "photoshoot". Arts and crafts never gets old! Everyone brought in their favorite fashion magazines and began to chop. I directed each of them to not only cut out fabulous outfits that would match their concept, but also to choose a model with the right look for their shoot. They were to create full concepts from clothing to models to set design.

The best part about this little project is that style writer Eric Wilson from the NY Times was there to watch the whole thing so he could write a story. Check him out in the mirror!

And now for the finale! I encouraged the girls to be creative and think outside of the box when creating their outfits. We were not specifically pulling clothing with a concept in mind when we created our "fashion closet", so we had to work with what we had. Luckily, in addition to bringing in our personal wardrobes, the class was held at Kathlin Argiro's design studio so we had tons of couture pieces to choose from!

Jacklyn and Catherine decided to go with an "Alice in Wonderland" theme. They created a gown utilizing different loose pieces in the showroom. As opposed to many shoots where there would be a bevy of gowns to choose from, they had to be super crafty and create their look from what we had. In styling, a lot of times things are technically one thing, but are used as another. Just like the scarf they used to create a skirt, not a usual place for such a thing, but it works!

Overall, the class was a smashing success! Each of the girls individually thanked me for taking them into the world of styling and showing them what it is all about. It is crazy, it is fun, it is often times overwhelming. But, at the end of the day, you are being creative, doing what you love and playing dress up for a living!!!!

Summer Styling Class with Yours Truly!!!

Summer Styling Course for Tweens, Teens

and Young Adults 11yr.-24yr.

Do you know someone who is dying to be a Stylist? Join Nationally recgonized Stylist Amy Salinger and Fashionsita Prep along with Elle Girl Model Search:

Class Starts Aug. 2nd -5th M-F 11am-4pm $495

ONLY 20 students per class!!

Sign Up ends July 15th!!

Students will learn how to style for high fashion photoshoots and how to work with personal clients to develope their individual looks / wardrobe by buying what they need and using what they have. In addition the students will put together a mock business based off their individual interest in the fashion styling industry.

Students will take a trip to Bloomingdales flag ship store to learn how to put together a great outfit at any price and a class photoshoot will let them feel like a real nyc stylist! Students will walk away with a new sense of individual style and the knowledge of how to present themselves in the fashion industry. With Amy Salinger there is no such thing as having "nothing to wear."

www.FashionistaPrep.com

Bohemian Chic Fab Photo Shoot

It is so on. Oh yea, that's right, I am back in the photo shoot game. It is too much fun and my creative muscle is finally being flexed to it's max again! My muscles like to be flexed:) My last photo shoot has already been picked up for publishing which only eggs me on to do more and more and more.... It certainly helps that I have found an AMAZING team of people to work with. We seriously get it done. We did 10 looks yesterday and I still managed to return all of the clothing before the end of the day! For those of you that are not in "photo shoot world", this is completely unheard of. We work so well together that we not only produce incredible shots (of course this is our mutual opinion:), but we grind it out without missing a beat.

See for yourself.... Our model Shannon was nothing short of fantastic. Not only did she look good, but she was incredibly easy to work with and very happy. This is not always the case:) We went with a bohemian chic look choosing anything that the wind could pick up. This means lots of flowy materials, long hair extensions and unbelievable rocky jewels by Brittany Rawlings. Her stuff was out of this world and really was the icing on the cake of every look.



Next up, earthy chic mama from the 60's.... Shannon would have been the most stylish hippie around. The long white dress underneath is actually a prom dress if you can believe it. See how amazing styling can be!!!!



Obviously you know these are working pictures since there is a random hand in the shot! This was such a fun look because it was actually a one-piece bathing suit and long skirt put together! Everything was covered in colorful stones which really brought out the earthy quality of the shoot. What do you think?






















I think this may have been a favorite for the group. It is SO not my style and that is why I was so proud of myself for how it turned out! I loved how laid back it easy and how many thing are going on in one look. It really shouldn't make sense, but somehow it all came together and that is what made it so perfect. This is bohemian chic at its best!!!
































Um, swing in your loft? Yes, please. How cool is this??? Meagan Cignoli, the photographer, literally has a swing in her studio/loft. This makes for phenomenal photo shoot opportunities! Not to mention a whole lot of fun for the team when we are not working:) I was hanging out on that swing for most of the day because I love reverting back to a ten year old.
































And to wrap it up, here is my favorite shot of the day!:) Shannon, post hair extensions, love it. Aminah, my fabulous assistant and myself. Of course I am the ass who decides to actually hang off of the swing. What else would I do? Just stand there???? Nope, not me. Hope you enjoyed the shoot!!!!

Help Me Pick My New Headshot!!!!

I was lucky enough to work with Amy Fletcher last week and have some new headshots taken. Since I have had my "long hair" (I fully admit they are extensions) for a year now, I think it is about time! I walk into auditions and hand them a headshot with my chopped 'do and they always look thoroughly confused. Usually they have already seen my website and webseries and my hair is completely different in everything you look at! The greatest part is I am about to make my hair shoulder length after the new year.....:) As a final note, I know that some of these look very similar, but the differences are enough that I need your help!!!








PHOTO ONE: I am so accessible, stylish and fun:)

PHOTO TWO: Ah, this is my sexy look and mischievous look. Is it working?:)

PHOTO THREE: I am a bit more business up front, yet there has to be a party following me in the back......






















PHOTO FOUR: A proper headshot, I am sweet (at least I appear to be:) and "the girl next door".





















PHOTO FIVE: Another "sexy" shot, I little bit of cleavage never hurt anyone's chances. My only fear is I kind of look like I have a pole up my tush.

Personal Style: Think Outside of the (Gift) Box!

MENTION THIS BLOG POST AND RECEIVE 10% OFF ALL SERVICES!!!!

Ah, it is that lovely time of year again when we get to spend our hard earned cash on lots and lots of gifts for those we love. It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Thinking about what to get everybody (I have 8 days of Hanukah, oy vey) can often times hurt my brain. I like to be creative and different, but sometimes a leopard snuggie just seems like such a good idea. It is simple, it is easy and the people look so cozy in the commercials.

Ok seriously, am I really going to buy a damn snuggie for anyone ever? Hell no. Go put on your bathrobe backwards and call it a day. I am not spending my hard earned cash on a re-vamped creation that has been around for years. Who the heck is buying those things anyway?????????

So here comes the plug... Wait for it..... Pause for anticipation....... That's right folks, I am the most creative and interesting gift you could possibly give! Am I being full of myself? Kind of, but I am laughing because I am so ridiculous so it is worth it:) Seriously though, I have had many a husband and a wife thank their significant other for doing something different and thinking outside of the box. They get to live like a celebrity by having an expert save them from the overwhelming strife that getting dressed, not to mention shopping, can cause. Plus the gift giver usually thanks me because they never have to hear their partner or friend complain that they have "nothing to wear" ever again! With a look book filled with up to 40 outfits, it is hard to say you don't own anything and you don't have anything to put on.....

So go on, be creative! Bring my style tips home by having myself or a Sass N Style expert show you that personal style should not be that difficult! At least it isn't when you hire one of us......:)

Feel free to contact me at info@amysalinger.net.

Sass N Style Workshop

Waiting for Fame....Filming "One Hour Photo"

I have never tried to hide the fact that my true goal in life is to spread fashion goodness across this great and vast universe. My Sass N Style episodes are certainly a good start, but I am looking for the grand television vehicle to bring me to the masses. Doesn't everyone deserve a little Amy Salinger in their lives? A little funny fashion knowledge to get them through their otherwise monochromatic day? Not that there is anything wrong with monochromatic, but we all need a little flashy every now and then!

People have joked with me my whole life that I was born with a spotlight on me.... Unfortunately, sometimes I am the only one who sees it:) Well fashionably challenged people of the world, I invite you to watch my one woman show!



Last Friday I spent the entire day filming a teaser for a new show called, "One Hour Photo". Pretty much it is a makeover on crack. Here is the concept: 2 stylists are pitted against each other in a "mall makeover" that must get done in only one hour. Are they serious? Apparently so:) Each of us ambush an unlikely candidate for a quickie pick-me-up look that will have them looking and feeling fabulous. We have one hour to pick out an amazing ensemble, get them into hair and make-up and take a few snappy and sassy photos of their new looks. It is then up to the mall audience to decide, after looking at the before and after photos of each participant, who has the better transformation. And voila, one of the people is crowned with a prize and I or my fellow stylist receive bragging rights for our "quickie" talents.




















So what do you think of my participants makeover? It is obviously hard to make this lovely lady look bad, since she is hot, but I still think I did a good job getting her "date ready". Alright, truthfully because this is a teaser and we are pitching the show, not actually ambushing anyone, this is an actress. Her name is Kiki and she was a great sport. We made her up to be a mother of 3 who has no time for herself and doesn't feel comfortable with her post-mother body. She hides behind her clothing and never takes any time for herself.

Post Amy, Kiki was ready for a night on the town with her hubby to show the world that she still has a sexy, curvy and womanly body! I even made sure to bring out her "cougar side" with the animal print pencil skirt. She is classy and still says Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!! The oversized necklace was a great statement piece that made her look trendy and still age appropriate. I had the hairdresser sweep her hair back to show off her fab cheek bones and keep the look extremely sophisticated. Too bad we forgot to take her before picture so she had to take it all off and go back to doubty mom for the shot on the left! Oops.

My stylist counterpart, Kathy, had the lovely job of making over a model. I always love people who look good no matter how much you try to make them look bad! Unfortunately I don't have a before shot of the "college student who doesn't care" look, but I do have this fabulous "night on the town" ensemble created by Kathy. Fun, funky and completely age appropriate. I really wish I had a full body shot because the shoes were to die for. Guess you will just have to imagine her silver booty black lace tie up's by Moschino. So pretty!

So that was my big day of filming! I do enjoy those days where other people can see the spotlight.... I will let you know how it goes and if networks are fighting over the show! Keep the Sass N Style word out there and be a part of speading Amy Salinger's funny fashion knowledge to the universe!!!!!!!

Closet Case: The Terror that Lurks Inside.....

I have seen some crazy things during my days as a fashion stylist, but the occasional closet has really petrified me. Often times this space for beautifully organized clothing and glorious shoes, becomes a hub for what people don't know what to do with. The "stuff it away and I will get to it later" space. The "my mother-in-law bought that for me so I can't throw it away even though there is no way in hell I will ever wear it" area. Well folks, it is time to dive in, let it all spill out, and climb in to organize your brand new life. Having a visible wardrobe can actual change your style not to mention your mindset about getting dressed.

My wonderful NYC junior stylist and I had the extreme pleasure of re-doing an overwhelming space that used to be known as a closet. There were definitely clothing somewhere in there.... Along with Christmas decor, baby gifts (apparently never sent), and a rug among other things. Now let me be very clear, this is NYC and there is not a lot of space to keep everything you would like to. After living in a house all summer with my boyfriend, I realized pretty quickly that with more space, you acquire more things. As a New Yorker, I do not have that option. I am forced to clean out my closet twice a year without fail otherwise I would not be able to find anything and therefore would have no idea what I owned. This is truly a blessing in disguise.

And then there are the others.... The people that do not have the time to EVER go through what they own so it just keeps building and building and building... These people have two options: One, find and set aside 3 hours of your time twice a year to keep up editing and organizing your closet. Two, hire me. The second option seems much easier and logical:)

So here again, for the second glorious time, is my Sass N Style episode on closet organization. Enjoy and get ready for fall with your very own closet consultation!!!!

Sass N Style: Save V.S. Spurge

Fashion's Night Out in NYC: I am Hosting a Party at Rebecca and Drew!

I must be big news now! I am hosting an event at Rebecca and Drew in the meatpacking district of NYC for Fashion's Night Out! If you haven't heard about this extravaganza, let me be the first to tell you all about it! In thirteen countries around the world including the US, Greece, Spain and Japan, among others, the fashion industry is coming together to promote a big night of shopping! Stores will be open late and many are having special guests including yours truly at Rebecca and Drew to create buzz and publicity. Although Charlize Theron will be at Dior and Sienna Miller will be at Intermix, I am sure that the crowds will be flocking downtown to the meatpacking district to hang out with this very famous stylist. Charlize is so last year.

So stop by between 6pm and 11pm and visit moi for personal styling tips. Stop just reading my blog and come meet me in person!!! It is also a great opportunity to buy a shirt dress or button down that actually buttons from Rebecca and Drew. As I have posted before, these little gems are God's gift to any woman that has any sort of a bust. They create shirts based on your bra size!!!! Halleluya.

Watch the Fashion's Night Out Video!!!



REBECCA & DREW
Thursday, September 10th
6pm-11pm
342 West Thirteenth Street (between Eighth Avenue and Hudson Street)

New York, NY 10014
(212) 647-8904

www.rebeccaanddrew.com

One Outfit, Two Ways: Casual to Dressy.

I realize you may be doing a double take right now, but yes, those are different outfits. Apparently I need to work on my supermodel poses because I have only mastered one. What is with the bent knee? I will keep practicing....

This past Saturday night I was torn on how dressy I wanted to go. It was a "nice dinner" type of night, so I wanted to look good, but not like I was trying TOO hard. Sometimes changing up your ensemble to make it appropriate for that day's activities is as simple as changing one or two things. You don't necessarily need an entirely new outfit.

Take my chic yet comfortable dinner date look. Option number one included my straight leg dark blue earnest sewn jeans, paired with a black tank top as the foundation pieces. Option number two was just my simple black American Apparel tube dress. Both are comfy and basic, yet give different levels of sass. By keeping the top layer and accessories the same, the foundation items are really the changing force.

I always promote that your brain does not need to overwork in order to create a fabulous outfit. We all have "go-to" looks that work every time, well what if you changed them up by switching out even just one item? You may have a completely different outfit without trying that hard!

There are two ways to easily create new outfits with just a quick switch. The least complicated is to keep your foundation the same and change out your accessories. Choose a necklace instead of your favorite earrings, change your bag (maybe go bigger or smaller), put some funk in your shoes. ... These are easy and simple tips to create ANOTHER favorite look. The other route I would take for changing it up would be to follow your leader (me:), and switch out the foundation items while keeping the same general feeling. It is your top layer and accessories that really give any look its flavor. For example, this outfit was a bit earthy with a twist of funk and sophitication, the foundation items I chose only made it a dressier or more casual version.

So stop pounding your head on the wall and understand that it does not have to be that difficult! Use your head and your ability for logic, change can be simple and still have a killer affect...

Host Your Own Sass N Style Workshop!

Do you have a closet full of clothes but just don't know what to do with them? Do you find you buy things in the store, but once you get them home they look and feel differently? Do you ever wish that you could just open your closet up to a professional stylist and have them tell you exactly how to use what you have and buy what you need? Now you can!!!



My lovely Sass N Style team is ready and waiting to come to your home, office, women network and beyond to show how style and image can improve your confidence. My team's goal is to provide event attendees with recession-proof style options that fit any budget or body type. Your personal stylist also shows how branding yourself through your look can promote a strong sense of self in the boardroom and can command respect from your colleagues. We accomplish this by helping women better use items in their existing wardrobe and identifying sensibly priced additions that can help their style evolve. Learn how to utilize "work" clothes for leisure and "leisure" clothes for work. Make the most of your wardrobe!



Event attendees are encouraged to bring with them an item of clothing that confuses them or that they love so their personal sassy stylist can show them multiple ways to wear it. Attendees will also receive a 12-page booklet with Amy Salinger's style tips and advice. It is like having your very own personal stylist teach you the tricks of the trade!

Booklet Outline:

(1.5-2 hours)

• Identify your style
  
  
• Mark your territory: Style exercise to develop your current look
• Accentuate the positive: Insider tips to showing off your best assets!
• "The Rules": The do's and don'ts of styling and shopping
• Foundation pieces: What to own to build your wardrobe properly

What People Are Saying:

"The OSU Alumni Association recently hosted a Sass N Style workshop led by stylist Amy Salinger and we are thrilled with the results! Amy was extremely engaging and very knowledgeable. Her style tips and demonstrations were a huge hit- with attendees receiving tips that won't bust their budget, but will surely improve their look. The Sass N Style workshop is great for all sizes, shapes, budgets and ages!"

-Erin Essak Kopp

Director of Alumni Programs

"I wanted you to know that I felt the two hours I was at the Sass N Style workshop, listening to your ideas/suggestions/hints, was probably the most informative and enjoyable 2 hours I have spent in a long time. I found the information that you shared was interesting and valuable. You are truly well suited for your chosen career. I actually put things into practice this morning getting ready for work. And by the compliments I have received today, I fell like you have taught me well."

-Alissa Amidon

Sass N Style attendee

Please contact me for pricing details at info@amysalinger.net. Small and large groups are welcome! Workshop details can be altered to fit the parties needs.

Sass N Style: 5 Minutes and Fabulous!

Fox News in Columbus: Sass N Style Workshop

Sass N Style: Summer Layers

My First BIG Sass N Style Workshop!

Finally, I have a REAL audience listening to me! I held my first BIG Sass N Style workshop on fashion and style at Ohio State University Alumni Association. Over a hundred women showed up to hear yours truly chat about everything from recession proof style to looking skinny All the time. They handed me a microphone and I was off!

Coming from New York City to Columbus has made me into something of a big fish in a small pond. There aren't many people who do what I do out here so I am lucky because I seem famous:) I was able to be connected with the OSU alumni association by accident and I blindly pitched myself and received a gracious invitation to speak. Why am I here you ask? I am living with my boyfriend for the summer who resides here so I decided to do something besides clean his house everyday:) A self-starter I am.

I have recently developed the Sass N Style workshops and they are being done as an at-home party. Basically a reason for women to get together, drink wine, chat fashion and learn from an expert....me! A tupperware party, but way better:) The facts are simple: Pull together 10 or more of your fun friends and receive 15% off of all of my initial services. We are talking closet consultation, shopping and styling. Pretty good deal:) Each lovely lady can attend for the bargain basement price of $25. If you know anyone in NYC, Chicago or Columbus, send them my way! I am expanding to other places so let me know if you want me in your town.....


And ladies, don't forget that I can speak anywhere and anytime about everything fabulous and fashionable. For those that are involved in conferences or womens networks, I am always ready to provide fun facts about looking and feeling great for all shapes, sizes and ages. In this world where we seem to take care of everything but ourselves, it is always nice to know that putting on the right ensemble can take you right out of that rut you are in. Take my blog from the written word to the stage with a simple phone call.... I will be hearing from you shortly:)

Sass N Style: Office Chic

Sass N Style: Over 40 and Fabulous!

Personal Styling at it's Best! Shopping with Someone Else's $

Sometimes I have to pinch myself. Everybody has their good days and their bad days, but overall, my life is pretty ridiculous. Let's be honest, I designed it that way. Here is a basic fact: I get paid to shop with other people's money. Now here is the way I read that: I get paid to shop until my heart is content feeding off the thrill of the hunt and loving beautiful clothing, enjoying the rush AND actually making money to do it. Isn't buying it more than half the fun anyways?

When you love all things fashion related, shopping on someone else's dime really does help feed your addiction. Example number one: Do you see the ten pairs of shoes pictured that I bought, but didn't personally pay for? From Louboutin to Prada, they make me salivate just looking at them. I often joke that I have not made it until I am actually able to shop like one of my clients. No, my closet is not full of Louboutin's:(yet).

Now although shopping at Barney's is always a treat, I do shop mostly at the more realistic stores on a more realistic budget. My speech goes something like this, "I shop anywhere from Loehmann's to Neiman's, it just depends on the client's budget". Truthfully, the best shopping is done when you mix it up. Why do you think high powered celebrities love to hit the flea markets? They have all the money in the world and even they love to get a good deal.

So, if ever you are shopping in NYC or Chicago and coming soon, Columbus, OH, I am there to guide you:) Hell, I also travel to your great parts of the universe. As one of my fabulous clients told me yesterday while shopping at Top Shop, "I don't shop without you, why would I when you buy all of the "right" things and I actually wear it all?" A good ego booster never hurt, but I really do hear that all of the time.

Truthfully, the best part about it all (aside from playing with pretty clothes) is that people leave feeling differently about themselves. I actually feel like I have done some good in this world by slowly boosting people's self-esteem and letting them see how fabulously beautiful they really can look!!!!