Maren Taylor: From Intern to Celebrity Stylist for Paige DeSorbo & Olivia Culpo

The Journey into Fashion

• 💡 Fashion has been a core part of Maren Taylor's identity since childhood, with a strong early focus on accessories and helping friends with their style.
• 🚀 Her career path solidified after an internship where she discovered the role of a stylist, realizing it was a viable and passionate career choice.
• 🎓 Maren studied Fashion Merchandising at Indiana University, appreciating the program's resources and professors, though she initially explored other majors.

Building a Styling Career

• 📧 The power of a cold email was instrumental in Maren securing her first major opportunity, landing an internship with stylist Danny Michelle.
• 🤝 Her early internships, including at Parsons Paris and Oscar de la Renta, taught her the importance of grace and that it's okay to make mistakes in a high-fashion environment.
• 💼 Maren progressed from intern to studio manager, then second assistant, and finally first assistant to Danny Michelle, becoming her trusted right-hand.
• 📈 The transition to going solo was driven by increasing client demand and the realization that she needed to dedicate her full energy to her own business, a leap of faith supported by her early clients.

The Art of Styling and Client Relationships

• 🤝 Styling is fundamentally about relationships, fostering connections with clients, brands, and other industry professionals.
• 🎯 Maren emphasizes the importance of understanding a client's vibe and target brands to create authentic looks.
• 🧩 Being a stylist involves being a connector, linking people to brands and helping them present the best version of themselves.
• 📸 Social media, particularly Instagram, serves as a crucial portfolio for stylists, helping clients discover and connect with them.

Key Styling Tips and Trends

• 🧣 Monochromatic dressing and matching accessories, especially tights, are a current obsession, adding richness and cohesion to outfits.
• 🌟 Calzedonia tights are highlighted as a go-to for their quality and affordability, offering a seamless look without visible seams.
• 🧥 Tailoring is non-negotiable for achieving a perfect fit and making outfits come to life, regardless of a client's height.
• 👠 Tall women are encouraged to own their height and wear what they love, including heels, without reservation.

Professionalism and Business Acumen

• 💼 Success in styling requires being both creative and a savvy businesswoman, managing logistics, finances, and client reimbursements.
• 🧑‍💼 Outsourcing is key; Maren stresses the importance of having a good accountant and lawyer to handle areas outside one's expertise.
• 🤝 Building and maintaining relationships with brands and clients is crucial, often involving extensive communication and collaboration, like creating mood boards months in advance for events.
• 👗 When styling for on-camera appearances, understanding the activity (sitting, standing) is vital to ensure the outfit looks and feels right in photos and videos.

Personal Style and Industry Insights

• 🌟 Jenna Ortega and her stylist Enrique Melendez are praised for their dynamic and tailored red carpet looks.
• 🚫 The trend of prominent logos is something Maren wishes would disappear, preferring understated or 'if you know, you know' brands.
• 🧥 Blazers are a timeless wardrobe staple that Maren will never stop wearing due to the confidence they provide.
• 🛍️ Her most recent splurge was a pair of Chanel flats, sourced by The Coveted, reflecting her appreciation for quality and classic pieces.